RA & TNF Drugs - Need Help

[Guest guest]

I would greatly appreciate anyones experience with the TNF drugs. If you have

been on them long term also.

Had RA for 6+ years now. On Plaquenil, Minocin, Sulfasalazine. Stopped Mtx 4

years ago because of continued liver enzyme elevations. These meds aren't

working well - Use to but I am flaring. My liver enzymes were normal after I

went off MTX. I added sulfasalazine in Mid 2008 and now I cannot take any Aleve

or ibuprofen - not even 1 per week because my liver enzymes will go up. I don't

know what to do. I am thinking of trying a TNF. Any suggestions.

Thanks

Janie

[Guest guest]

Janie, I have been on Enbrel for over five years. I can't even tell I

have RA, it works so well. And I'm lucky enough not to get any adverse

side effects. I highly recommend it.

Sue

On Nov 24, 2009, at 4:57 PM, mjwfriend wrote:

> I would greatly appreciate anyones experience with the TNF drugs. If

> you have been on them long term also.

>

> Had RA for 6+ years now. On Plaquenil, Minocin, Sulfasalazine.

> Stopped Mtx 4 years ago because of continued liver enzyme

> elevations. These meds aren't working well - Use to but I am

> flaring. My liver enzymes were normal after I went off MTX. I added

> sulfasalazine in Mid 2008 and now I cannot take any Aleve or

> ibuprofen - not even 1 per week because my liver enzymes will go up.

> I don't know what to do. I am thinking of trying a TNF. Any

> suggestions.

[Guest guest]

Any other medications combined with Enbrel.

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

Re: [ ] RA & TNF Drugs - Need Help

Janie, I have been on Enbrel for over five years. I can't even tell I

have RA, it works so well. And I'm lucky enough not to get any adverse

side effects. I highly recommend it.

Sue

[Guest guest]

Many people also take methotrexate along with the Enbrel, but my body

could not tolerate mtx. It caused my white blood cell count to get too

low. The Enbrel works very well for me without mtx. I also take

arthritis-strength Tylenol, since I'm afraid to take NSAID's because

of a past bleeding ulcer.

Sue

On Nov 24, 2009, at 7:33 PM, keru885@... wrote:

> Any other medications combined with

> Enbrel.

> Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info regarding the Enbrel--just found out today I will be going

on it. Also am new to group--have had RA for 31 years (I am 45). Mtx,

Plaquenil, and an NSAID have worked well for the last 15 years up until this

past 2 years--but higher MTX sent the liver tests haywire. Have joint damage,

wrist fusion last year, fused thumb, right elbow severely damaged, you all know

the deal. I developed another immune system disorder 5 years ago--as a result

of RA?--I don't make antibodies. I have to say, I really am disheartened about

the Enbrel, feel like I am in last tier of drugs---I have been on ALL the

NSAIDS, plus some other drugs.Gradually though, I keep getting bumped " up " .

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

Hi ! I was put on Enbrel one month after diagnosis, so please don't feel

it's a drug of last resort. I think Enbrel and Humira are considered first line

biologics. I adore Enbrel, it gave me back my life and I hope you too have great

results. Kate F

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 30, 2009, at 7:04 PM, " LLL64 " <lll64@...> wrote:

Thanks for the info regarding the Enbrel--just found out today I will be going

on it. Also am new to group--have had RA for 31 years (I am 45). Mtx, Plaquenil,

and an NSAID have worked well for the last 15 years up until this past 2

years--but higher MTX sent the liver tests haywire. Have joint damage, wrist

fusion last year, fused thumb, right elbow severely damaged, you all know the

deal. I developed another immune system disorder 5 years ago--as a result of

RA?--I don't make antibodies. I have to say, I really am disheartened about the

Enbrel, feel like I am in last tier of drugs---I have been on ALL the NSAIDS,

plus some other drugs.Gradually though, I keep getting bumped " up " .

Thanks,