Guest guest Posted November 16, 2002 Report Share Posted November 16, 2002 Hi Kathe, I took Enbrel for a very long time. (over a year) I found it very helpful with very little sides. Actually, I didn't have any sides with it. I did have regular labs, but it was for the mtx. I found it easier to inject into the stomach around the belly button. It didn't hurt much. Just let it warm up a little after taking it out of the fridge. It can feel pretty cold if you don't. It was not hard for me to learn the shots. But I have worked in medical offices and giving shots was part of my job. I noticed improvement after only a couple of weeks. I had to stop taking it because my goofy RA decided it had taken it long enough and I started flaring pretty bad. But I was told that this is unusual and doesn't happen to many people. I still think that it is a wonderful treatment and made a big difference with me. I hope that it works as well and keeps working for you. Love and Hugs Stacey in PA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2002 Report Share Posted November 16, 2002 Hi Kathy...I was on Enbrel for quite a while. For me it gave some moderate relief for about a year. As far as the injections go, just be patient and gentle with yourself. For me, my abdomen was a more comfortable place. And don't force or quickly poke the needle in...just hold it nex to your skin and with firm, even pressure push the needle in. I didn't find it painful in my abdomen. I hope it really helps, kiddo. Some folks have had great success with Enbrel. Love.... Tess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2002 Report Share Posted November 16, 2002 Kathe, I just read your letter and I will try to tell you about my experience with Enbrel. I have been on Enbrel two years come this January. I called the head of the scientists on the east coast who works for Immunex and he told me that Enbrel is NOT metabolized by your liver. That is a BIG plus. You don't need labs like you do with methotrexate or arava. Sure it is still early but so far Enbrel looks pretty good. I trust it much more than methotrexate or arava both of which have very dangerous side effects. Injections are good too because it is not digested. Injection site reactions are a very small price to pay for something this good. Enbrel has never lost its effectiveness for me since I started taking it two years ago. It is still too early to realize some potential serious side effects as the drug hasn't been around too long but so far, things look good. As far as the best injection site, when I first started I used my thigh. The skin was tougher there and I found it harder to get through the skin than the stomach. I had a friend who is a nurse who told me to grab a piece of fat on my stomach and try that and boy was it so much easier. I almost always use my stomach now. The back of my arm I really don't use because I don't want anyone having to give me a shot. I would rather do it myself. You must be careful while taking Enbrel if you get a serious infection as it does suppress the immune system. You also need to let someone know if you are having an operation as it can thin your blood. As far as rheumatoid goes, you have to pick your poison and I believe Enbrel is a safer choice than most. Methotrexate has terrible side effects and so does Arava from what I have read....You may email me anytime with questions if you wish. I have to say just one more thing....I don't know what I would do with Enbrel. It has made the biggest difference in my life........ Beverly/PA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 16, 2002 Report Share Posted November 16, 2002 I take Embrel and have for a little over a year. My only problem with it is that since I started taking it I have to be very careful about not taking a shot if my allergies are acting up (like when the Oak trees bloom) If I do, I get the nastiest, most painful swelling near the shot. Otherwise, I like how it helps ronnee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2002 Report Share Posted November 17, 2002 Hi Kathe...I was on Mtx as well. I sure hope the Enbrel helps you. I'll be so happy for you if it does. Love & Hugs... Tess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2002 Report Share Posted November 19, 2002 Kathe, For some it is a wonder drug and for others it is water. I hope you're one of the lucky ones that it is effective for. I often tell my husband as he gets ready to poke me, that he could get some paybacks with that needle LOL! I hope yours is willing to help you. a > Hi a: > > Thanks for the advice. It sure sounds like this > Enbrel is a wonder drug - I am looking forward to > starting it. I don't know if I would trust my husband > with a needle - just kidding, maybe he would be > willing to help me with this. Actually, he might > enjoy giving me the needle. > > Kathe in CA > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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