Enbrel Side Effects

[Guest guest]

Kim...I have seen several other posts about the same carb craving you

mentioned. The Enbrel site may not have revised it's side-effect list, but

if you read the little pamphlet that comes in the Enbrel box you will see

many possible side effects mentioned including the potential for serious

infection malignancy. We all need to be as informed as possible and then

weigh the benefits of Enbrel with the possible risks.

I might also mention that the parent company of Immunex and it's marketer

Wyeth Ayerst is AHP...American Home Products. Within the last 2 years they

have marketed and then been forced to take off the market the pain med Duract

and the diet drug Redux...and those are just two I know of.

Knowledge is power...and this forum is part of that information system. Good

Luck, Annette

[Guest guest]

Dear Kim,

You may not have been on line yet to have seen what I went through with the

Enbrel. My main trouble was the constant

carbo craving. Yes, it is a newly known side effect about the drug. There

have been several reports to the company about it. In fact, a few doctors in

NY I know have suggested them doing a trial for anorexia with Enbrel.

You will have to weigh (no pun intended) the side effect of the weight gain

against the benefits and decide for yourself.

Also, about injection site reactions -- these can be minimized if you shoot

the Enbrel in perpendicular (90* angle). The

tape and booklet said 45*, but the company now realizes that this is too

shallow. It needs to be IM -- not Sub Cutaneous.

I hope this helps,

[Guest guest]

wrote:

<< You may not have been on line yet to have seen what I went through with

the

Enbrel. My main trouble was the constant carbo craving. >>

I remember you mentioning that....I just can't believe it.

<< You will have to weigh (no pun intended) the side effect of the weight

gain

against the benefits and decide for yourself. >>

Great....due to lack of exercise for 4 years, depression, and (now) monster

cravings, I already weigh 275....what's a hundred more?

<< Also, about injection site reactions -- these can be minimized if you

shoot

the Enbrel in perpendicular (90* angle). The tape and booklet said 45*, but

the company now realizes that this is too shallow. It needs to be IM -- not

Sub Cutaneous. >>

The cool thing about this is I have been doing 90* all along; it's what I'm

used to from when I had gestational diabetes 8 years ago and was giving

myself insulin shots. Maybe a little cortisone cream will reduce itching.

Thanks again for fantastic info, !

Kim

[Guest guest]

Frog1945@... writes:

<< Kim...I have seen several other posts about the same carb craving you

mentioned. The Enbrel site may not have revised it's side-effect list, but

if you read the little pamphlet that comes in the Enbrel box you will see

many possible side effects mentioned including the potential for serious

infection malignancy. We all need to be as informed as possible and then

weigh the benefits of Enbrel with the possible risks. (snip) >>

Thanks for the info--I'll be checking some other resources I found, too.

Kim

[Guest guest]

Several of you that are not on Enbrel wrote to me personally asking what

serious side effects it might have...so here is something I scanned right off

the latest pamphlet they put inside the Enbrel box. Like I said

earlier...learn all you can then make an informed decision. DMARDS like

Enbrel, MTX and others are powerful drugs that can offer great relief , but

the risks are real.

Annette

[Guest guest]

Annette,

Thanks for the info on the side effects of Enbrel. I was going to

discuss changing my meds from Mtx. to Enbrel with my Rheumy at my next

visit. The reason being everytime we try and increase the Mtx (can't

get past 7.5) the mouth sores pop out a day or two later (taking folic

acid) and I come down with some type of respiratory infection.

What really interested me about Enbrel was the Cardiac side effects. I

had a heart attack 5 years ago and really do not want to go through that

again. The same thing happened to me when my Rheumy wanted me to try

Celebrex. Just happened to find an article on it on the web, and the

same thing, cardiac problems. So I did not start the Celebrex for

obvious reasons.

I love my Rheumy, but she really upset me by not letting me know about

this important side effect that pertained to my other medical problem.

I told her how I felt and she told me she apologized, but made me more

aware of researching on my own.

Thanks again for the info.

Angera

[Guest guest]

On Tue, 27 Jul 1999 22:49:23 EDT, Frog1945@... wrote:

>serious side effects it might have...so here is something I scanned right off

>the latest pamphlet they put inside the Enbrel box. Like I said

Heh, I was wondering why my email was taking forever to download! <G>

Steve

http://www.zoomnet.net/~steve

[Guest guest]

I saw an Immunology and Rheumatology specialist at Stanford University, CA.

I currently take Celebrex, Mtx, Plaquenil . My MD here referred me to the

specialist and said he would put me on Enbrel if the specialist concurred.

During the course of history, I have a strong positive TB test ( my Dad had

it when I was 5, and that long ago you were not treated unless you had the

active disease, not just a positive test). Any way, the specialist said that

I could not ever take this medication because it could release the TB germs,

and with weakened immune system, it would be difficult at best to treat. He

wanted to begin treating me for TB; my MD said that the combination of MTX &

TB meds would create havoc on my liver. sooooooooooooo, they put me on

prednisone daily. It really has helped alot. The more you know the better

off you are. I really appreciate being able to read " listen " to what others

have to say.

Carol

[

[Guest guest]

One well known POSSIBLE side-effect of Enbrel is some neurological

changes/degradation. It really only means a small number of people

will experience this effect. But it is still something to know about

and keep an eye on.

http://www.enbrel-side-effects.com

Best wishes,

-Meghan

> Meghan, you mentioned side effects to some of these drugs. I'm

curious what

> type of side effects people have experienced while taking Enbrel.

So far my

> husband has not experienced anything (that I know of) during the

last almost

> 2 years of being on Enbrel.

>

> in NJ

>

> Moderator note: On my Enbrel boxes they added the words " might cause

dizziness " . Strange to have it right on the label. I have experienced

bouts of dizziness but very minor. PatB

>

> RE: [ ] Another member

> >

> > [

[Guest guest]

I was one of the lucky one's to have neurological problems. Some of them were

stuttering, trembling and numbness in my limbs, muscle weakness, severe brain

fog. Make sure that if you notice any of these symptoms that you mention it

to your doctor. The bad news is that I can never use Enbrel again. The good

news is that most of the symptoms have gone away since I stopped Enbrel.

[Guest guest]

I have posted before about Enbrel side effects since I

have been on Enbrel for a year. The two most

significant effects I can report in my case are (1)

the drug is stimulating like, drinking to much coffee,

in my case. I have to take Klonopin to offset this

effect. And, (2) Enbrel really dries out my skin and

makes it very sensitive to mild acid burns like fruit

juices. I suppose the stimulating effect could be

called a neurological effect and it is highly

reported. My RD says it is common in fact. R.E.

--- missy69h@... wrote:

> I was one of the lucky one's to have neurological

> problems. Some of them were

> stuttering, trembling and numbness in my limbs,

> muscle weakness, severe brain

> fog. Make sure that if you notice any of these

> symptoms that you mention it

> to your doctor. The bad news is that I can never use

> Enbrel again. The good

> news is that most of the symptoms have gone away

> since I stopped Enbrel.

>

>

>

>

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I may be starting enbrel soon...so, I am wondering what the side effects are

that may not be listed on their website?

What kind of headaches? I am prone to sinus ones... and OCCASSIONALLY a

migraine (very rare).

LeAnn Cayer & Furbrats Blossom & Meriko

Heart Bandits American Eskimo Dog Rescue

Railroad Coordinator www.heartbandits.com

[Guest guest]

LeAnn,

I was always prone to migraines as well. Since I have started Enbrel

(3/28/2002), I have had fewer of them. Thank God! Not to say I haven't

experienced major fatigue, but I think that goes with the territory. These

auto-immune diseases are something else. I figure I can handle the fatigue,

knowing what is causing it, better than I can the migraines. I have been so

lucky. No flu, no colds, no injection site flare ups. What more can you ask for?

My P has gone away entirely and I shudder to think what my PA might be like

without the Enbrel. I consider myself one lucky duck. Hope all goes well with

you.

Terri B.

[Guest guest]

I take a low dose of Klonopin every night before I go to bed. I shoot my

Enbrel immediately before I do that on my Enbrel days. It seems to take the

edge off.

[ ] enbrel side effects

I just started enbrel last week after failed attempts with arava and

methotrexate. Both last week and this week the next two days after my

shot I got a headache. I have bad migrains but have found the right med

to take to stop them if I take it right away. What I am wondering is to

people who have experienced headaches as a side effect of enbrel is it

something that goes away after a time?

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/27/2005 4:50:51 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

quirkygirl98815@... writes:

What I am wondering is to

people who have experienced headaches as a side effect of enbrel is it

something that goes away after a time?

Hi there,

I had terrible nausea and headaches for the first 2 weeks after I took it,

then they all went away and I have felt great ever since. Hope the same is

true for you...

[Guest guest]

I got headache with Enbrel the first few injections then it went away.

LeAnn in OK

P since 1985, PsA since 1999, dx'ed with FMS (Fibro) in 2005.

[Guest guest]

> I just started enbrel last week after failed attempts with arava

and

> methotrexate. Both last week and this week the next two days after

my

> shot I got a headache. I have bad migrains but have found the right

med

> to take to stop them if I take it right away. What I am wondering

is

to

> people who have experienced headaches as a side effect of enbrel is

it

> something that goes away after a time?

Hi ,

My name is Debbie, I got my shot of enbrel yesterday 5/27/05. I

woke up this morning with a headache, so I don't know if it is a side

effect or not. If you find out anything please let me know. Thnak You.

Debbie

[Guest guest]

What is Klonopin and what do you use it for?

>I take a low dose of Klonopin every night before I go to bed. I shoot my

>Enbrel immediately before I do that on my Enbrel days. It seems to take the

>edge off.

>

--

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Haleila Nusinow

H.A.N.D. Design

b. 323.655.4156

c. 323.823.4155

www.haleila.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

[Guest guest]

Klonopin is in the benzodiazepine family of drugs. It is similar to valium

or librium but has a longer half life and a lesser euphoric effect. It is

commonly used as an anti-convulsant for epilepsy but in lower doses is

frequently used for anxiety disorders or to establish a better sleep cycle

and promote relaxation in diseases such as fibromyalgia. Enbrel has been a

miracle for me but does have a mild stimulating effect like drinking too

much coffee for a couple of days after the injection. The klonopin

attenuates this effect as well as reduces my general level of anxiety and

also helps me sleep. I take a very low dose. Half of a .5 mg tablet or

less a night. I've been doing this for years. R.E.

RE: [ ] enbrel side effects

What is Klonopin and what do you use it for?

[Guest guest]

Klonopin is an anti-anxiety medication usually used by Psychiatrists for people

with anxiety.

LeAnn in OK

[Guest guest]

I read that Klonopin can be a trigger for autoimmune diseases. I use

it for anxiety and sleep problems occasionally, but I didn't know

about the connection when I first started using it. I wonder if it

had something to do with my PA.

> Klonopin is in the benzodiazepine family of drugs. It is similar

to valium

> or librium but has a longer half life and a lesser euphoric

effect. It is

> commonly used as an anti-convulsant for epilepsy but in lower doses

is

> frequently used for anxiety disorders or to establish a better

sleep cycle

> and promote relaxation in diseases such as fibromyalgia. Enbrel

has been a

> miracle for me but does have a mild stimulating effect like

drinking too

> much coffee for a couple of days after the injection. The klonopin

> attenuates this effect as well as reduces my general level of

anxiety and

> also helps me sleep. I take a very low dose. Half of a .5 mg

tablet or

> less a night. I've been doing this for years. R.E.

>

> RE: [ ] enbrel side effects

>

>

> What is Klonopin and what do you use it for?

[Guest guest]

Where exactly did you read this? I have never heard of this before and have

thoroughly researched the drug several times. I would hate to find out both

the RD and the Pharmacist were negligent my case. I've been taking Klonopin

on and off for over 20 years. There is certainly nothing in the common

literature. I was told that all of the Benzodiazepines are fairly safe if

not abused.

[ ] Re: enbrel side effects

I read that Klonopin can be a trigger for autoimmune diseases. I use

it for anxiety and sleep problems occasionally, but I didn't know

about the connection when I first started using it. I wonder if it

had something to do with my PA.

> Klonopin is in the benzodiazepine family of drugs. It is similar

to valium

> or librium but has a longer half life and a lesser euphoric

effect. It is

> commonly used as an anti-convulsant for epilepsy but in lower doses

is

> frequently used for anxiety disorders or to establish a better

sleep cycle

> and promote relaxation in diseases such as fibromyalgia. Enbrel

has been a

> miracle for me but does have a mild stimulating effect like

drinking too

> much coffee for a couple of days after the injection. The klonopin

> attenuates this effect as well as reduces my general level of

anxiety and

> also helps me sleep. I take a very low dose. Half of a .5 mg

tablet or

> less a night. I've been doing this for years. R.E.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I found this a couple of years ago and I have no record of where I

read it. I know that I found it while doing a search for my wife who

has autoimmune problems much worse than mine. We both started having

them at appox. the same time and about when I first started using

Klonopin. I gave her some of my Klonopin when she was having sleep

problems. My recent Klonopin search turned up only good. I'll let

you know if I find the articles that I am refering to.

> > Klonopin is in the benzodiazepine family of drugs. It is similar

> to valium

> > or librium but has a longer half life and a lesser euphoric

> effect. It is

> > commonly used as an anti-convulsant for epilepsy but in lower

doses

> is

> > frequently used for anxiety disorders or to establish a better

> sleep cycle

> > and promote relaxation in diseases such as fibromyalgia. Enbrel

> has been a

> > miracle for me but does have a mild stimulating effect like

> drinking too

> > much coffee for a couple of days after the injection. The

klonopin

> > attenuates this effect as well as reduces my general level of

> anxiety and

> > also helps me sleep. I take a very low dose. Half of a .5 mg

> tablet or

> > less a night. I've been doing this for years. R.E.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I have been taking Enbrel for approximately seven years. After my

last injection, the last week in June, I have been sick with a sinus

infection/asthma/, etc. ever since. My rheumatologist is out of town

until next week. I have an appointment next Tuesday. Have any of

you had this happen? I have always been warned about infection, but

this is the first time I have ever been sick for such a long time. I

would appreciate any information one might have.

Thanks!