Guest guest Posted June 21, 2009 Report Share Posted June 21, 2009 Janie, Enbrel has given me my life back. I have been on it for almost 2 years. Perhaps I am lucky because I have had no side effects. As for long term effects, I decided that I would rather take the risks of the effects of Enbrel that take the risk of becoming disabled. I see a pulmonologist regularly to monitor any respiratory effects. Has your rheumy given you any info on Enbrel? It might help you decide if you want to try it. Good luck on your decision, Pat > > I have RA for 6 years. I am on minocin/plaquenil/sulfasalazine now. Had to stop mtx 4 years ago becaue of liver enzyme elevations. I have had some liver elevations since 11/2008 - I had to start taking Aleve - but only 3-4 times a week and only 1 each time. I think I have a sensative liver. I was doing great on the drugs until fall of last year when I started flaring and I don't want to get worse - I do have some damage to my hands and feet. My Rheum want me to try Enbrel but I have been resistant because of the serious side affects. How many out there are on Enbrel and have you had any problems - I am concerned about the long term effects. > > Thanks > Janie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 21, 2009 Report Share Posted June 21, 2009 Janie, Enbrel is my wonder drug. I've been on it for over five years and have had very few side effects. I have an occasional mild injection site reaction about like a mosquito bite. I'm lucky enough not to get frequent respiratory infections or any other kind, unless this vaginal yeast infection or strep infection that I presently have was caused by Enbrel. You may not have serious side effects, and if you do, you can stop it. Good luck! Sue On Jun 21, 2009, at 3:45 PM, mjwfriend wrote: > I have RA for 6 years. I am on minocin/plaquenil/sulfasalazine > now. Had to stop mtx 4 years ago becaue of liver enzyme > elevations. I have had some liver elevations since 11/2008 - I had > to start taking Aleve - but only 3-4 times a week and only 1 each > time. I think I have a sensative liver. I was doing great on the > drugs until fall of last year when I started flaring and I don't > want to get worse - I do have some damage to my hands and feet. My > Rheum want me to try Enbrel but I have been resistant because of the > serious side affects. How many out there are on Enbrel and have you > had any problems - I am concerned about the long term effects. > > Thanks > Janie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 22, 2009 Report Share Posted June 22, 2009 Janie, Enbrel is also my wonder drug. I have been on it for a few years now to be honest I can't remember exactly how long. But at least 5 years, No side effects for me either, But I understand where your concern is coming from. So many drugs have terrible side effectss. But you can always stop the Enbrel right away if you have a problem, you don't have to wean yourself off of this medicine. Good Luck, Deb > > I have RA for 6 years. I am on minocin/plaquenil/sulfasalazine now. Had to stop mtx 4 years ago becaue of liver enzyme elevations. I have had some liver elevations since 11/2008 - I had to start taking Aleve - but only 3-4 times a week and only 1 each time. I think I have a sensative liver. I was doing great on the drugs until fall of last year when I started flaring and I don't want to get worse - I do have some damage to my hands and feet. My Rheum want me to try Enbrel but I have been resistant because of the serious side affects. How many out there are on Enbrel and have you had any problems - I am concerned about the long term effects. > > Thanks > Janie > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 22, 2009 Report Share Posted June 22, 2009 Hi Janie - I've been on Enbrel for 4 weeks now and so far, no side effects. Its important to remember that manufacturers are required to list every single side effect - even if only 1 in 1000 people had it. It took a while for me to wrap my head around that because some of the side effects are scary. But, I bit the bullet and started the Enbrel and so far, so good. I pray that as time goes on the benefits will be increasing..... Doreen I have RA for 6 years. I am on minocin/plaquenil/sulfasalazine now. Had to stop mtx 4 years ago becaue of liver enzyme elevations. I have had some liver elevations since 11/2008 - I had to start taking Aleve - but only 3-4 times a week and only 1 each time. I think I have a sensative liver. I was doing great on the drugs until fall of last year when I started flaring and I don't want to get worse - I do have some damage to my hands and feet. My Rheum want me to try Enbrel but I have been resistant because of the serious side affects. How many out there are on Enbrel and have you had any problems - I am concerned about the long term effects. Thanks Janie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 Hi Janie, I have just jointed the RA Support group, and this is the first time, I am responding to an RA e-mail. *(hope I'm responding correctly) I was diagnosed April of 08. And like you, I am concerned about all the side affects of Humaria and Enbrel. I am on also on plaquenil and sulfasalazine for inflammation and Tylenol for pain. The morning are the worst, stiffness and soreness. My right ankle seems to be swollen periodically. I think communicating with others with same , and yet different RA concerns will ease some of my concerns with this disease. I also hear of RA going in to remission - that would be great. Thanks Elena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 HI Elena, I'm on Humira since April. Like you I also was concerned about these biologics drugs. So far it has been going okay. The humira has been helping. it has gotten so I look forward to the dose of Humira and dread the MTX day. The MTX really gives me GI problems. ........ **************Make your summer sizzle with fast and easy recipes for the grill. (http://food.aol.com/grilling?ncid=emlcntusfood00000004) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 I just talked with someone today (at my cable company) who was diagnosed with RA five years ago and now she is in remission with only an occasional flare. It was great to talked to someone who hasn't had to deal with all the stuff many us have to go though. I found it encouraging. I certainly hope it happens for you. Stan Seattle, Sun done, now clouds. Re: [ ] Need Advice - TNF Hi Janie,   I have just jointed the RA Support group, and this is the first time, I am responding  to  an RA e-mail. *(hope I'm responding correctly) I was diagnosed April of 08.  And like you, I am  concerned about all the side affects of Humaria and Enbrel. I am on also on plaquenil and sulfasalazine for inflammation and Tylenol for pain. The morning are the worst, stiffness and soreness. My right ankle seems to be swollen periodically.  I think  communicating with others with same , and yet different  RA concerns  will ease some of my concerns with this disease.  I also hear of RA going in to remission - that would be great.  Thanks   Elena Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 Hi Elena: Welcome to our wonderful group. I am sure you will be glad you joined us. I was sorry to read you have R.A. There are so many here that can answer your questions, and hopefully, put your fears away. I don't know much about Biological drugs, but many here can help you get some answers to your questions. I do hope you start to feel better, and I do know what it feels like to wake up so stiff and sore. I hope you find some relief soon. Again welcome, and wishing you pain free days ahead. Hugs, Barbara --- In , elena manfredi <elenamanfredi1@...> wrote: > > Hi Janie, > I have just jointed the RA Support group, and this is the first time, > I am responding to an RA e-mail. *(hope I'm responding correctly) I was diagnosed April of 08. And like > you, I am concerned about all the side affects of Humaria and Enbrel. > I am on also on plaquenil and sulfasalazine for inflammation and Tylenol for pain. The morning are the worst, stiffness and soreness. My right ankle seems to be swollen periodically. > I think communicating with others with same , and yet different RA concerns will ease some of my concerns with this disease. I also hear of RA going in to remission - that would be great. > Thanks > Elena > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 > > I have RA for 6 years. I am on minocin/plaquenil/sulfasalazine now. Had to stop mtx 4 years ago becaue of liver enzyme elevations. I have had some liver elevations since 11/2008 - I had to start taking Aleve - but only 3-4 times a week and only 1 each time. I think I have a sensative liver. I was doing great on the drugs until fall of last year when I started flaring and I don't want to get worse - I do have some damage to my hands and feet. My Rheum want me to try Enbrel but I have been resistant because of the serious side affects. How many out there are on Enbrel and have you had any problems - I am concerned about the long term effects. > > Thanks > Janie >Hi Janie, I have been on Enbril for over a year with nothing but great things to say about it . No side effects I also take Methotrexate. I was able to go off prednisone completly. I had previously tried Remicde(Allergy to it) Orencia and Humeria with little to no benefit. As you are well aware every RA case is diffeent and every treatment program need to be different. I wish you the best in your treatment choices. I would be one to recommend trying it but only if advised to do so by your rhuemetologist. Unlike pharmaceutical companies I dont believe we can choose the medications best for us . That is why we pay the Doctors. God Bless ie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2009 Report Share Posted June 24, 2009 That's wonderful, Stan! I pray we all can get to the point of remission. I can see how you would feel so encouraged by that. I am encouraged just reading about it. Did she happen to mention what combo of meds helped to get her to this point of remission?.....Doreen I just talked with someone today (at my cable company) who was diagnosed with RA five years ago and now she is in remission with only an occasional flare. It was great to talked to someone who hasn't had to deal with all the stuff many us have to go though. I found it encouraging. I certainly hope it happens for you. Stan Seattle, Sun done, now clouds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2009 Report Share Posted June 24, 2009 Janie, I am a huge Enbrel fan and have been on it since late 2006 when I was diagnosed. I took it thru my second pregnancy and baby and I did great. It started working for me within a week and now it's my only drug (this is rather rare, most people need a 2nd agent to control their RA, my rheum says not to get cocky b/c she might need to add something later on). I'm antiCCP positive, symptomatic since 1998. I work full time, chase 2 small kids, and even run (but not very well!). It's truly my miracle drug. As a previous poster said, try not to fear the side effects, you can deal with those when/if they come up. The cancer risk seems to mainly be associated with the disease, rather than the antiTNFs. One thing I like about Enbrel is if you get a cold, or if someone in the house has a fever, you can simply wait a day or two longer to take your dose. Cheers, Kate F ________________________________ From: Francisca Nocella <jfjnocella@...> Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 9:33:15 PM Subject: [ ] Re: Need Advice - TNF > > I have RA for 6 years. I am on minocin/plaquenil/ sulfasalazine now. Had to stop mtx 4 years ago becaue of liver enzyme elevations. I have had some liver elevations since 11/2008 - I had to start taking Aleve - but only 3-4 times a week and only 1 each time. I think I have a sensative liver. I was doing great on the drugs until fall of last year when I started flaring and I don't want to get worse - I do have some damage to my hands and feet. My Rheum want me to try Enbrel but I have been resistant because of the serious side affects. How many out there are on Enbrel and have you had any problems - I am concerned about the long term effects. > > Thanks > Janie > Recent Activity * 12 New Members * 7 New PhotosVisit Your Group Need traffic? Drive customers With search ads on Find helpful tips for Moderators on the Groups team blog. Stay healthy and discover other people who can help. .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 24, 2009 Report Share Posted June 24, 2009 She said she was taking MTX and steroids but she's not taking anything lately, does the follow up with he doctor if she does get a flare. She is younger too, so I suppose she had that on her side. At first I thought she was confused about RA but has we discussed it I realized she really did know RA. For me it's always a heartbreaker when I see young people diagnosed with RA. Stan, Seattle, Partly Sunny? Partly Cloudy? Whish is which? [ ] Re: Need Advice - TNF That's wonderful, Stan!  I pray we all can get to the point of remission. I can see how you would feel so encouraged by that.  I am encouraged just reading about it. Did she happen to mention what combo of meds helped to get her to this point of remission?.....Doreen   I just talked with someone today (at my cable company) who was diagnosed with RA five years ago and now she is in remission with only an occasional flare. It was great to talked to someone who hasn't had to deal with all the stuff many us have to go though. I found it encouraging. I certainly hope it happens for you.    Stan   Seattle, Sun done, now clouds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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