backing off meds

[Guest guest]

Just looking for your input. I have been on Enbrel for 6 years. I haven't had

a flair for a long time. The only other thing I take is a moderate dose of

Aleve. Due to circumstances, I didn't use Enbrel for a few weeks without any

problems. Is it possible to discontinue use for a while? I am concerned about

side effects of Enbrel and also may need to change health insurance which will

also pose a problem. Has anyone stopped taking Enbrel for prolonged periods?

Thanks for any information.

" nolemmingi " <nolemmingi@...>

[Guest guest]

I was on it for nearly two years after I was diagnosed. My symptoms went away

during the first 3 months and never returned - and it was very expensive since

I'm on Medicare. So, I told my rheumy I wanted to stop and see what would

happen. She wasn't happy about it but said OK. Symptoms did not return but to

appease her after six months, I went on MTX. Can't tell any difference. I

should add that my internist - who has treated me for about 15 years now and

knows me well - always was skeptical of the diagnosis. Says she knows I had

something but that Enbrel can cure lots of things and only time will tell . . .

.. . . .

Joanna Hoelscher

[Guest guest]

Sometimes if you stop and then start up again, the Enbrel may no longer help.

Anita Maindiratta <nitam10@...>

[Guest guest]

I have been on and off Enbrel for the last 10 years almost, every time I get

better I stop it for months until the PA flares again. It is against my rheumy

advice that I do that, but my fear of possible side effects are bigger than my

fear of joint damage, at least for now.

" dylantlang " <dylantlang@...>

[Guest guest]

I have an infection and haven't been able to give myself my Humira. I'm 5 days

past being due and am in agony. I don't understand how people can go off and on

meds. I know every time I have to take a break from a biologic, when I restart

the med it is not as effective. Drug induced remission is not real remission in

my experience.

-Eileen

[Guest guest]

I completely understand what you are describing. I had a similar experience on

the Humira. I could not stay on it very long before I got a sinus infection,

bronchitis..whatever and had to miss a dose or two. Then I got back on, and it

was not as effective.  I eventually broke out in hives from Humira.. and had to

switch to Enbrel. I was 5 days late on my last dose  (another sinus infection),

but it seems to be working OK so far. I hope this continues. I have heard a lot

of people complain that biologics don't work as when when you have to stop and

start them. But I can't seem to stay healthy enough to take more than a few on

time.  I hope your humira steps back up and helps you.  Becca

[Guest guest]

You should try taking a probiotic supplement to help your body fight infection.

Trust me. They really do help. cathy from ma

[Guest guest]

I take 50 mg 2x week in the winter [which is usually when I have a flare ] and

only 1 shot during the times when I am not in a flare so then I am not letting

my body rage with a flare during the interim when I think I am okay . This way

your meds work with you all the time. Even if you only take a shot every 2 weeks

then you are still fighting the flare and your body doesn't get so weak that it

flares up uncontrolled so the pain gets intolerable.

cathy from ma