Enbrel | Arthritis Information

There is talk that they would be putting my girlfriend on Enbrel for her R.A. The Remicade is working so-so. I was curious if anyone knew advantages/disadvantages of this, as well as any side effects to be aware of. Please let me know of any important information regarding Enbrel. ThanksI have been on enbrel for 11 months and have had no side effects. That said here is a link to the side effects. I was really unhappy about going on this medication. Right now I see I had little choice if I wanted to live a normal life.
There are precautions that one must take and that is stay away from people who are sick. Wash hands often so you dont pick up any germs.

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/etanercept_ad.htm

I have been on embrel for 5 weeks with no side effects, my energy level is better with the help of my vitamins. I did bruise on my last injection.

I've been on Enbrel for 5 months now, and the only side effect that I've noticed is increased fatigue the day I take the injection (I take it once a week). I fixed that by simply taking it right before I go to sleep at night...and boy, do I sleep good that night! lol It really has worked wonders for me. Yes, its a good idea to avoid anyone who's really sick, but I've been around folks with colds and bugs and the like and havent caught anything yet. But that might just be me. Washing hands is important.

On another note, I'm sure your support means the world to her. I know my guy helping me out and being there for me has made this so much easier to deal with and accept. Good luck!

Ask the Doctor

Can I fix my rheumatoid arthritis with vitamins?

Tina Chadha Bunch, M.D.

June 25, 2007

Question:

I have severe RA and in the doctor’s explanation of this he told me that my immune system is hurting my body instead of helping it. My question is, should I take things like vitamin C that help the immune system, or am I just giving it more power to damage me? I've asked my doctor this, but he just laughs and walks away.

Answer:

Vitamins like vitamin C will not help in severe RA. The immune system is indeed awry in RA, in that the body’s defense system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Excessive inflammation appears to be caused by signal-carrying molecules called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-1, as well as many other molecules.

The current biologic medications – Remicade (infliximab), Humira (adalimumab), Enbrel (etanercept), Kineret (anakinra) – attempt to target these inflammatory molecules and block them, thereby decreasing inflammation. The immune system is so complex that simple remedies like vitamins are not going to be helpful.

Related Links:
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
What Causes Pain, Stiffness and Other Symptoms of RA?
DMARDs and Biologics: Drugs That Slow the Progression of RA

Important: We hope you find this medical and health information helpful, but it is no substitute for professional medical advice. For all personal medical concerns, including decisions about medications and other treatment options, you should always consult your doctor.

crispy39265.6643865741

Absolutely right on vitamins NOT helping, HOWEVER, I AM A BIG ADVOCATE OF DAILY VITAMINS, B, C, MULTI, SELENIUM, CALCIUM, ETC. I have read about them for over 4 decades. I cannot remember the last time I had even the sniffles. However, I did ask about taking all my vitamins now that I am embarking on taking HUMIRA this week, MTX and sulphasalizane not working. It is a big step. I am making too many T cells and this will contain them. HOwever, as I said previously, DO NOT TAKE ECHINACEA if you feel sickly. Echinacea appears to increase the bad cells we have in our "overactive immune system". I wish the new tnf DRUGS COULD SIMPLY bring the ra people to a normal immune system level.

However, vitamins will keep me healthier, plus staying away from sickly people and washing hands a lot. Believe me, in an effort NOT TO TAKE methotrexate, I tried every alternative medicine on the market, even hyralunonics, fish oils, etc. NOTHING WORKED. Nothing! Money flew out the window. But vitamins are an every day part of life. We cannot eat all the RDA they prescribe. Impossible. I was on plaquinel, did not help either. After one replaced shoulder, I realized as I got older, the RA got worse. This isidious disease is different for every RA victim. I see where even Kathleen Turner, movie actress is advocate for enbrel. She has it very bad. Her toes were all deformed.

Joanne

Hey all -

Hi to the Newbies!