Humira vs Enbrel - what should I do?

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this group, but not new to RA. I've had RA for about 12

years now. My most recent medication has been Arava and Plaquenil,

but when I visited my rheumatologist last Monday, he suggested I start

using either Humira or Enbrel (my choice). This is due to some recent

xray results and more than normal pain that I have been having. He

sent me home with the pamphlets and told me to think about it. Then

to call the office and let him know which one so he can write out the

prescription.

The first thing I did when I got home was go on the internet and

research the side effects for both. It sounds like they are both the

same. Does anyone know of any differences between the two for side

effects? Also, has anyone experienced any serious infections as a

result. The infection part makes me nervous, especially because I

just overcame a sinus infection that lasted 6 months and was only

cured with endoscopic surgery. I'd hate to go through that again.

Giving myself a shot also makes me nervous. I'm not sure that I can

do it. When I go for my routine blood tests, I close my eyes as soon

as they pull out the needle. Anyone have any suggestions on how to

overcome that? Do you ever overcome it?

I've been putting this decision off but I know that I have to

eventually face it and decide what to do. The pain is still here and

is not going away.

I'd appreciate any suggestions or answers to my questions any of you

have. All along I've done fine with my RA after I accepted that I had

it, and now I'm faced with this...

Thanks for your help!