Re: Question about Enbrel

[Guest guest]

Another board I follow has many people on Enbrel and they are happy to share their experiences. http://www.arthritisinsight.com/cgi-bin/wsmbb/wsmbb.cgi?SB+KYWRJLLXVS/AKFCLKZQUN+config Good luck and God bless.

----- Original Message -----

From: and Lee Kurtz

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2003 8:52 AM

Subject: Question about Enbrel

I have been lurking around here for a few months. Last May I wasdiagnosed with RA when my son was 8 weeks old. Since then I have beenon methotrexate, prednisone (down to 3 mg/day), and now Vioxx (whichdoesn't do a thing). The last few months the drugs don't seem to beworking as well as in the beginning and my Dr. is talking about tryingEnbrel.I have read some about this drug and the possible side effects scareme quite a bit. I am looking for comments from people who have takenit and what their experiences have been.Lee

[Guest guest]

Hi Lee,

This is in VA. I understand your hesitation to take some of the meds. Personally, I'd rather risk the side effects than have extreme pain & fatigue. Unfortunately, it is a choice every person with a chronic illness has to make.

Take care,

in VA~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have been lurking around here for a few months. Last May I was >diagnosed with RA when my son was 8 weeks old. Since then I have been >on methotrexate, prednisone (down to 3 mg/day), and now Vioxx (which >doesn't do a thing). The last few months the drugs don't seem to be >working as well as in the beginning and my Dr. is talking about trying >Enbrel. > >I have read some about this drug and the possible side effects scare >me quite a bit. I am looking for comments from people who have taken >it and what their experiences have been. > >Lee

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[Guest guest]

Hi Lee, I have been on Enbrel since last December. I do see some

improvement. Especially in my fingers. When I first started taking

Enbrel, I started to have a flare up again. Then my Dr. suggested

taking Plaquinel with Enbrel and that seems to have made a big

difference. As for my side effects, I am dizzy for most of the day

(but it is manageable) and I have lost my appetite (now if I could

just lose weight as well, it may be worth it). My fingers and wrists

are currently pain free.

I have to sympatize about your feeling around taking RX drugs. Right

after my diagnoses I wanted to keep drug free and some of the natural

remedies. AFter 3 months of that, I really wanted to get back to

work and walk on my own again. Hence, I take drugs. I do not like

it, but I have some of my life back and for now that seems to be

enough for me.

Good luck on your quest. Hope my experience helps.

JennH

> I have been lurking around here for a few months. Last May I was

> diagnosed with RA when my son was 8 weeks old. Since then I have

been

> on methotrexate, prednisone (down to 3 mg/day), and now Vioxx (which

> doesn't do a thing). The last few months the drugs don't seem to be

> working as well as in the beginning and my Dr. is talking about

trying

> Enbrel.

>

> I have read some about this drug and the possible side effects scare

> me quite a bit. I am looking for comments from people who have

taken

> it and what their experiences have been.

>

> Lee

[Guest guest]

I've been on Enbrel since it became available with a two year break

so I could have a baby. I think the stuff is great. It has allowed

me to back off on my other medications (I am now off of

methotrexate,plaquenil, vicodin and am also down to every other day

on my prednisone). It enabled me to get my RA under control enough

to have a child which was not even a consideration before. I have

some injection site reactions with it, but they get better over

time. I occassionally have to stop taking it if I get sick, but

that hasn't been too problematic - mostly sinus infections that I

get easily from having lots of allergies and a suppressed immune

system. Not any worse than when I was on methotrexate though.

Good luck and keep us posted on how you are doing.

Kathy

> > I have been lurking around here for a few months. Last May I was

> > diagnosed with RA when my son was 8 weeks old. Since then I

have

> been

> > on methotrexate, prednisone (down to 3 mg/day), and now Vioxx

(which

> > doesn't do a thing). The last few months the drugs don't seem

to be

> > working as well as in the beginning and my Dr. is talking about

> trying

> > Enbrel.

> >

> > I have read some about this drug and the possible side effects

scare

> > me quite a bit. I am looking for comments from people who have

> taken

> > it and what their experiences have been.

> >

> > Lee

[Guest guest]

Your rheumatology office should supervise your first injection. Usually, they demonstrate, have you give the shot, and then have you wait around 20 minutes to make sure that you don't have a reaction. I'm a registered nurse, so giving myself an injection was not a big deal, but I do know that the doctor's offices can instruct you to make you more comfortable with the process. If they haven't offered teaching, make sure you ask for it.

, 46

On Wed, 04 Apr 2007 22:00:15 -0000 "mylajkitten" <MylaJKitten@...> writes:

Just starting on Enbrel. Any advice how to give myself injections??? What should I expect or not expect? I'm not to sure about all this butI have to do it if I want to regain my life back.

[Guest guest]

I have been on enbrel for two years now. The only problem I have is

with the huge black and blue mark at the injection site. But it is not

a problem, because no one sees these marks, as I inject the upper front

of the legs and my belly. The other issue I have is numerous sinus

infections and nose bleeds. Otherwise, the enbrel works great = it

gave me back my hands. gentle hugs! Marcia

--- mylajkitten <MylaJKitten@...> wrote:

>

> Just starting on Enbrel. Any advice how to give myself injections???

>

> What should I expect or not expect? I'm not to sure about all this

> but

> I have to do it if I want to regain my life back.

>

>

>

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love

(and love to hate): TV's Guilty Pleasures list.

http://tv./collections/265

[Guest guest]

It all started with what I thought was bilateral carpal tunnel......... My hands used to be my BEST friends. I miss them. To get them back would be a pleasure! I have an appointment with my RD' assistant on Friday. She's supposed to teach me how to give the injections. I'm nervous about using a needle. Thanks for you reply!

-------Original Message-------

From: Marcia Stoyle

Date: 4/4/2007 8:14:50 PM

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Subject: Re: Question about Enbrel

I have been on enbrel for two years now. The only problem I have iswith the huge black and blue mark at the injection site. But it is nota problem, because no one sees these marks, as I inject the upper frontof the legs and my belly. The other issue I have is numerous sinusinfections and nose bleeds. Otherwise, the enbrel works great = itgave me back my hands. gentle hugs! Marcia--- mylajkitten <MylaJKittengmail> wrote:> > Just starting on Enbrel. Any advice how to give myself injections???> > What should I expect or not expect? I'm not to sure about all this> but> I have to do it if I want to regain my life back.> > > __________________________________________________________We won't tell. Get more on shows you hate to love (and love to hate): TV's Guilty Pleasures list.http://tv./collections/265

[Guest guest]

I have been on Enbrel for over a year now. I have seen

improvement physically since taking it. The improvement wasn’t immediate

but more gradual over the first few months. Don’t get discouraged if you

don’t see an immediate difference. I used to get large lumps where I

injected. Now I take the Enbrel out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before

injecting. The medication doesn’t sting and I don’t get the

reaction at the injection site. I still don’t find it easy to inject

myself, but, it is worth it. It does get easier! Good Luck

F. s

epete367@...

[Guest guest]

--- In Rheumatoid Arthritis , <MylaJKitten@...>

wrote:

>

> It all started with what I thought was bilateral carpal

tunnel......... My

> hands used to be my BEST friends. I miss them. To get them back

would be

> a pleasure! I have an appointment with my RD' assistant on Friday.

She's

> supposed to teach me how to give the injections. I'm nervous about

using a

> needle. Thanks for you reply!

>

--I don't like needles either. I've been on Enbrel since

September, and I use the SureClick injector. It's really easy to use,

and you never even see the needle--I really like that part. I inject

in the my thighs, and the injection does sting going in. But that

only lasts 10-15 seconds. Well worth it I figure. Enbrel does work

well for me, but it did take awhile before I really noticed any results.

Good luck--I hope Enbrel is your magic potion!

dordale

[Guest guest]

How can I get that type??? It's not like my hands are capable of holding a needle. That's what scares me more. I don't have any strength left.

-------Original Message-------

From: dordale8

Date: 4/5/2007 7:11:57 PM

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Subject: Re: Question about Enbrel

--- In Rheumatoid Arthritis , <MylaJKitten@...>wrote:>> It all started with what I thought was bilateral carpaltunnel......... My> hands used to be my BEST friends. I miss them. To get them backwould be> a pleasure! I have an appointment with my RD' assistant on Friday.She's> supposed to teach me how to give the injections. I'm nervous aboutusing a> needle. Thanks for you reply! > --I don't like needles either. I've been on Enbrel sinceSeptember, and I use the SureClick injector. It's really easy to use,and you never even see the needle--I really like that part. I injectin the my thighs, and the injection does sting going in. But thatonly lasts 10-15 seconds. Well worth it I figure. Enbrel does workwell for me, but it did take awhile before I really noticed any results. Good luck--I hope Enbrel is your magic potion!dordale

[Guest guest]

--I just had my doctor write the prescription for the SureClick

and that's my mail order pharmacy sent me. One thing though...it does

take a little bit of thumb strength to push in the " clicker " . You

might want to ask your doc about it.

Good luck-

dordale

> >

> > It all started with what I thought was bilateral carpal

> tunnel......... My

> > hands used to be my BEST friends. I miss them. To get them back

> would be

> > a pleasure! I have an appointment with my RD' assistant on Friday.

> She's

> > supposed to teach me how to give the injections. I'm nervous about

> using a

> > needle. Thanks for you reply!

> >

>

> --I don't like needles either. I've been on Enbrel since

> September, and I use the SureClick injector. It's really easy to use,

> and you never even see the needle--I really like that part. I inject

> in the my thighs, and the injection does sting going in. But that

> only lasts 10-15 seconds. Well worth it I figure. Enbrel does work

> well for me, but it did take awhile before I really noticed any

results.

>

> Good luck--I hope Enbrel is your magic potion!

>

> dordale

>

[Guest guest]

Well, that leaves me out, my thumbs are the worst part of my hands. By the way, you all know that I whined about the weather being so cold, well low and behold, I looked out the window last night and it was snowing!!!! That's crazy!! Sooooooo, I'm really whiney today!!

Happy Easter to all,

Hugs, Gloria > > >> > > It all started with what I thought was bilateral carpal> > tunnel......... My> > > hands used to be my BEST friends. I miss them. To get them back> > would be> > > a pleasure! I have an appointment with my RD' assistant on Friday.> > She's> > > supposed to teach me how to give the injections. I'm nervous about> > using a> > > needle. Thanks for you reply! > > > > > > > --I don't like needles either. I've been on Enbrel since> > September, and I use the SureClick injector. It's really easy to use,> > and you never even see the needle--I really like that part. I inject> > in the my thighs, and the injection does sting going in. But that> > only lasts 10-15 seconds. Well worth it I figure. Enbrel does work> > well for me, but it did take awhile before I really noticed any> results. > > > > Good luck--I hope Enbrel is your magic potion!> > > > dordale > >>

[Guest guest]

actually i use the flat of my hand to push the clicker down while i hold the pen with my other better hand. just a thot u dont have to use ur thumb. thanks, renidordale8 <dordale8@...> wrote: --I just had my doctor write the prescription for the SureClickand that's my mail order pharmacy sent me. One thing though...it doestake a little bit of thumb strength to push in the "clicker". Youmight want to ask your doc about it.Good luck-dordale > >> > It all started with what I thought was bilateral carpal> tunnel......... My> > hands used to be my BEST friends. I miss them. To

get them back> would be> > a pleasure! I have an appointment with my RD' assistant on Friday.> She's> > supposed to teach me how to give the injections. I'm nervous about> using a> > needle. Thanks for you reply! > > > > --I don't like needles either. I've been on Enbrel since> September, and I use the SureClick injector. It's really easy to use,> and you never even see the needle--I really like that part. I inject> in the my thighs, and the injection does sting going in. But that> only lasts 10-15 seconds. Well worth it I figure. Enbrel does work> well for me, but it did take awhile before I really noticed anyresults. > > Good luck--I hope Enbrel is your magic potion!> > dordale >Dear God, I thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Lord, I pray that you will make me spiritually beautiful. I thank you that I am a new creation in Christ. Help me to walk in that truth today and wear that heavenly glow that only comes by spending time with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen. It's so much more friendly with two. Piglet, Pooh's Little

Instruction Book, inspired by A.A. Milne

[Guest guest]

I just came back from the doctors office. It was a piece of cake! I was so scared about THAT needle and pain. Never thought I'd say this but I love the fat roll on my belly!!! LOL

I also asked if I can get the auto inject. They can write a script for my next months supply if I want. Now I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that this will be the right drug for me! Happy Easter !!!

-------Original Message-------

From: glokay20022002

Date: 04/06/07 10:08:00

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Subject: Re: Question about Enbrel

Well, that leaves me out, my thumbs are the worst part of my hands. By the way, you all know that I whined about the weather being so cold, well low and behold, I looked out the window last night and it was snowing!!!! That's crazy!! Sooooooo, I'm really whiney today!!

Happy Easter to all,

Hugs, Gloria > > >> > > It all started with what I thought was bilateral carpal> > tunnel......... My> > > hands used to be my BEST friends. I miss them. To get them back> > would be> > > a pleasure! I have an appointment with my RD' assistant on Friday.> > She's> > > supposed to teach me how to give the injections. I'm nervous about> > using a> > > needle. Thanks for you reply! > > > > > > > --I don't like needles either. I've been on Enbrel since> > September, and I use the SureClick injector. It's really easy to use,> > and you never even see the needle--I really like that part. I inject> > in the my thighs, and the injection does sting going in. But that> > only lasts 10-15 seconds. Well worth it I figure. Enbrel does work> > well for me, but it did take awhile before I really noticed any> results. > > > > Good luck--I hope Enbrel is your magic potion!> > > > dordale > >>

[Guest guest]

--- In Rheumatoid Arthritis , <MylaJKitten@...>

wrote:

>

> I just came back from the doctors office. It was a piece of cake!

I was so

> scared about THAT needle and pain. Never thought I'd say this but I

love

> the fat roll on my belly!!! LOL

> I also asked if I can get the auto inject. They can write a script

for my

> next months supply if I want. Now I'm crossing my fingers and

hoping that

> this will be the right drug for me! Happy Easter !!!

That's great !! I really hope Enbrel works for you!

dordale

[Guest guest]

I had really really good luck with Enbrel. My sysmptoms of RA

practically disappeared after about 3 months of Enbrel use. So I

wish you well with Enbrel. Unfortunatley my Crohn's disease

worsened and now I'm on Remicade which isn't working as well for me

as Enbrel but since the Crohn's is so bad, the Remicade will work

for both conditions.

I personally hated the 50 mg injection (prefilled syringes). They

stung like crazy. So I opted for the 25 mg injections 2 x a week

which worked great for me. Self injecting in the abdomen worked

best but I actually elicited the help of family to jab my arm

instead. If you can do that I would, the arm was easier for me.

Abdomen caused a bit of a reaction for me - I blew up like a

balloon. But it wasn't bad. The injeciton itself is not painful at

all - the hard part is getting over the self-injection. You can do

it, it's not bad at all but it takes practice/courage.

I had no trouble self injecting - my hands didn't hurt that bad, esp

after 3 months of use. But if you can get a family member to help

you by giving you injections, that would certainly be easier on your

hands. But if you're anything like me, after 3 months, you'll be as

good as new. :-)

Good luck. I really loved Enbrel. It changed my life.

-

>

>

> Just starting on Enbrel. Any advice how to give myself

injections???

> What should I expect or not expect? I'm not to sure about all

this but

> I have to do it if I want to regain my life back.

>

[Guest guest]

I'm thrilled for you. I just sent you an email about Enbrel...

Guess I'm a little behind.

-

> > > >

> > > > It all started with what I thought was bilateral carpal

> > > tunnel......... My

> > > > hands used to be my BEST friends. I miss them. To get them

back

> > > would be

> > > > a pleasure! I have an appointment with my RD' assistant on

Friday.

> > > She's

> > > > supposed to teach me how to give the injections. I'm nervous

about

> > > using a

> > > > needle. Thanks for you reply!

> > > >

> > >

> > > --I don't like needles either. I've been on Enbrel since

> > > September, and I use the SureClick injector. It's really easy

to use,

> > > and you never even see the needle--I really like that part. I

inject

> > > in the my thighs, and the injection does sting going in. But

that

> > > only lasts 10-15 seconds. Well worth it I figure. Enbrel does

work

> > > well for me, but it did take awhile before I really noticed any

> > results.

> > >

> > > Good luck--I hope Enbrel is your magic potion!

> > >

> > > dordale

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

i use the autoinjections on my legs rotating back and forth from leg to leg and it works really well for me plus with the auto inject i can take charge of my own injections i like to do what i can for me as there is so little i can do glad to hear things r woring well for u now! <dhuntress@...> wrote: I had really really good luck with Enbrel. My sysmptoms of RA practically disappeared after about 3 months of Enbrel use. So I wish you well with Enbrel. Unfortunatley my

Crohn's disease worsened and now I'm on Remicade which isn't working as well for me as Enbrel but since the Crohn's is so bad, the Remicade will work for both conditions.I personally hated the 50 mg injection (prefilled syringes). They stung like crazy. So I opted for the 25 mg injections 2 x a week which worked great for me. Self injecting in the abdomen worked best but I actually elicited the help of family to jab my arm instead. If you can do that I would, the arm was easier for me. Abdomen caused a bit of a reaction for me - I blew up like a balloon. But it wasn't bad. The injeciton itself is not painful at all - the hard part is getting over the self-injection. You can do it, it's not bad at all but it takes practice/courage. I had no trouble self injecting - my hands didn't hurt that bad, esp after 3 months of use. But if you can get a family member to help you by giving you injections, that would

certainly be easier on your hands. But if you're anything like me, after 3 months, you'll be as good as new. :-)Good luck. I really loved Enbrel. It changed my life. ->> > Just starting on Enbrel. Any advice how to give myself injections??? > What should I expect or not expect? I'm not to sure about all this but> I have to do it if I want to regain my life back.>Dear God, I thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Lord, I pray that you will make me spiritually beautiful. I thank you that I am a new creation in Christ. Help me to walk in that truth today and wear that heavenly glow that only comes by spending time with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen. It's so much more friendly with two. Piglet, Pooh's Little

Instruction Book, inspired by A.A. Milne