Enbrel/methotrexate

[ladybug]

Anyone been using Enbrel for over 2 years and finding it isn't working as good as it did at first? My doctor wants to put me on Methotrexate along with Enbrel, but am afraid of the Methotrexate side effects. Anyone else in this situation?

[kageyd]

Ladybug, try googling Enbrel WebMD it will take you to a WebMD page where there is a place to click "180 reviews" from people who have used or are using Enbrel, many of them with meth. You'll find the usual mixed bag; it's very informative and, I thought, despite some bad responses, overall fairly positive.

Paula, new to this site, is just about to start Enbrel, so she will be interested in your experiences.

In my reading I think the combo of meth and Enbrel is common. I'm newly diagnosed, still just on sulfasalazine, so can't comment on personal experience with meth or Enbrel - yet anyway. All my best. Kageyd

[star73]

ladybug...I've been on methotrexate for a year now and have had no side effects other than a little lightheadedness when I first started taking it. Everybody responds differently though. Some have nausea and others have thinning of their hair. I take folic acid every day except on the day I take the mtx maybe that it what helps. My rheumy said that our immune system is in worse shape from the RA before startingt the meds and that the literature out there on mtx is about the high doses for cancer patients not the low doses for RA. Hope this helps!

[Paula]

ladybug, as kageyd stated, I am starting Enbrel in a week or so (pending blood tests for hep, liver, etc.). Can you tell me about your experience with it? I am sorry you are being prescribed yet another drug, but hopefully you will have star73's luck and experience minimal side effects!

[ladybug]

Paula, I have RA in every joint in my body with nodules on my elbows, feet and now starting on my fingers. I've been on numerous medication that worked for awhile, but nothing has worked like Enbrel. I have had no major side effect just irritation at the injection site that only last for a short time. For the last month my hands have become extremely stiff and swollen in the morning and lasting way past noon. This is why the doctor has put me on Methotrexate along with the Enbrel. There are days that I can't even wear my ring, but other days where my ring is falling off my finger. I don't know what is going on, but hoping this added medication will help. Don't be afraid to take the Enbrel and follow doctors orders. Good luck!!

[Paula]

Thanks, ladybug! I injected my first shot of Enbrel about seven hours ago, and for the past two hours have felt so drowsy! It certainly is an easy medication to take. I will keep y'all posted!

[kageyd]

Ladybug, I saw that someone elsewhere recommended letting the Enbrel warm up to room temp before injecting, and also rubbing some ice on the skin over the injection spot just before you inject to "dull" the surface tissues. Whoever posted this (saw it elsewhere) said it really helps the injection pain. Might be a help for you. Best, Kageyd

[star73]

I have heard many, many good things about Enbrel on several different boards! I sure hope it continues to help you ladybug and it STARTS helping you Paula!

[ladybug]

kageyd. Thanks for the tip. I'll try it.

[billcostello140258]

Hi Ladybug, I've been on ebrel for well over 2 years, I did have Methotrexate with it but the Mxt always knocks my white cell to almost nothing, so I'm now on Plaqeunil in combination. The enbrel is a life saver, no side effects to speak of.

hope all goes well, some tolerate mxt well, but not me

regards

Bill

[beckx]

hi ive been on methotrexate for a year now dont feel well on the day i have my injection still get pain in my wrists shoulders and ankles but took loads pain away my crp was 225 now its down to under 5

[Skottisch1]

I have been on enbrel for 7 years, was a miracle drug for me. Just in the past 6 months having foot and hand pain so I have been given Meth to see if it helps. After 7 years on enbrel I had NO side effects, no pain nothing. It is a brilliant treatment.

[MollyDogsMom]

I was taking Methotrexate for just five weeks. I sweated 24/7. My hair was soaked every day. My Rhemy took that as a "side effect" and put me on Enbrel just 5 weeks ago. I took my first shot on a Friday and by that very next Sunday I was feeling great. Cleaning the house and going up the stairs two at a time. I have RA in all my large joints, spine and neck and also in a thumb and foot. The only thing that still hurts is my thumb, but much less. It is working wonders for me. I don't take it with any other meds at this time. I don't seem to have any side effect thus far. I get a little tired and fatigued, but I'm pretty sure it's just he RA itself.

Also, I do let the meds sit out for about 45 minutes before I inject. The first time I let it sit only 30 minutes and it burned going in. At 45-50 minutes I don't feel a thing.

I hope you all get relief and everyone finds what works for them. I can't believe I've been virtually pain free for 5 weeks after two full years of pain every day.