Enbrel | Arthritis Information

 

Hi Everyone...I am not so much of an active writer as  I have been an active reader of your boards . Every answer I get it always so helpful. Just a bit about me . I first went to the RHumey in Dec after no luck with my primary at a visit for hand and foot pain in October. I did come back with a positive ANA but thats about it.  I was started on naproxen ..no help. In January I started  prednisone, I have been on 10 mg ever since. She tried me on MTX, Made me so sick and really no help. I have been on Sulfasalazine 500mg 1 pill twice a day( I couldn't hack two twice daily due to GI upset again).  I just was authorized for Enbrel so I started that last night. I was feeling pretty good but this afternoon is almost feeling like a  start to a flare up. Can anyone give me some hope? I know everyone here goes through a lot and I give you my best.... I was diagnosed in a round about way with Sero-neg RA.  I read alot obout it on here and I asked the Rhumey to explain and she said " Oh thats what you have"  OMG I almost cried! I'll look forward to hearing from you all about Enbrel!  thanks in advance.. Chris

Sulfasalazine 500 1 twice daily, Enbrel once weekely, Fosomax, Pred 10 daily, cymbalta 30, vicodin 5 Prn

 

Chris,


I've used Enbrel since shortly after it came out. It has been a wonder drug for me. While I am not in remission, it does allow me to live a very normal life. I do take MTX with Enbrel and that combination works well for me. Hang in there. I hope you have the same kind of results that I did.

SarahChris,
It could take 6 weeks for enbrel to kick in. So , you may see some flares. Some people on this board take MTX shots because of upset stomach and that seems to work well for some.

I have been on Enbrel shot and MTX pills 10Mgs for 10 months now. And I finally got off the pred. All seems to be working.
Enbrel can take up to 6 weeks and sometimes longer to begin to work and the protocol is to give MXT with Enbrel.  Talk to your doctor about injectible MXT.  You might be able to start on a low dose and increase the dose as needed.  How long were you on the MXT and how did it cause you to be sick?  Most of us were either sick, fatigued, or had some kind of reaction to MXT. Most of the time the reactions either go away or lessen so that you can continue and benefit from the MXT.  Talk again to your RD.  The one thing you have to have is patience.  It can take years to find the perfect combination of drugs.  Believe me, I know....it's taken 3 years.  Lindy
Copyright ArthritisInsight.com