Choices: Enbrel or Humira

[Guest guest]

Hello Everyone!

As most of you know, I don't post often but I *do* frequently

study/research thru the archives.

I know I've been generously blessed that my " condition " is not as

serious as many in this group; that's a given. Now I'd like to impose

on your wisdom, advice and experiences.

I was forced to return to my rheumatologis because the PA was

attacking my hands and feet. It had been 2 years since I'd sought her

advice but my PCP wasn't comfortable prescribing DMARDS. During that

time, I've been taking Mobic, Elavil, Norco, Soma, Evoxac, Oramorph,

etc. while trying other pain meds as well during that time.

Rheumy was very concerned about the obvious swelling at the base of

the pinky and thumb on the left hand while acknowledging similar but

lesser involvement on the right hand. She wanted to inject cortisone

into those joints on the left hand to which I replied, " Alright, you

get ONE chance. " (I've had other, limited experience with a cortisone

injection during Desert Storm with carpal tunnel syndrome in the left

hand/wrist which didn't seem to help. Most recently, my PCP gave me an

injection of depo medrol which didn't help much other than the

generalized swelling, especially in my legs and feet.) Rheumy

prescribed methotraxte 2.5 (taking 5 tablets once/week) and folic acid

1 mg taken every day --- and then handed me brochures on Enbrel and

Humira to read and decide which one I wanted to try.

1. How do I compare these 2 powerful biologics against each other?

2. Shouldn't I give the methotrexate some time by itself before adding

another new drug and how long is enough -- 1-2 months?

3. What can I expect from these medications besides the unpleasant

side effects described in all the literature?

4. When I'm eligible for Medicare in Sept., what can I count on from

them with such drugs?

This list is truly appreciated for its treasure of information, advice

and wisdom; it has been a huge help to me over the last 10 years and I

know I can count on your help this time, too.

Many thanks from Patty in a sweltering Pineywoods of East Texas

(Editor's Note: I think it's impossible to compare the two since Humira works

for some and not others and the same is true for Enbrel. Enbrel has been around

longer but that doesn't mean better. Humira is injected less frequently than

Enbrel. I don't think it matters which one you try because if it doesn't work,

you'll probably try the other one. Studies have shown that Enbrel and Humira

work better with MTX than any of the 3 works by itself. You may not experience

ANY of the side effects shown in the literature - many of us don't and you might

be shocked by how much better you could end up feeling. Kathy F)

[Guest guest]

Thanks, Kathy F for your comments. It helps to know that others have

reached the similar conclusion that my rheumy did when she said MTX

works better with one of the other two. I'm leaning toward Enbrel

simply because it has been around longer.

Patty in the HOT Pineywoods of East Texas

> (Editor's Note: I think it's impossible to compare the two since

Humira works for some and not others and the same is true for Enbrel.

Enbrel has been around longer but that doesn't mean better. Humira is

injected less frequently than Enbrel. I don't think it matters which

one you try because if it doesn't work, you'll probably try the other

one. Studies have shown that Enbrel and Humira work better with MTX

than any of the 3 works by itself. You may not experience ANY of the

side effects shown in the literature - many of us don't and you might

be shocked by how much better you could end up feeling. Kathy F)

>