anti TNF drug start !!!! ADVICE PLEASE

tamnwill

I am due to start taking one of the anti TNF drugs Humira (sp? or Enebral (sp?) and they want me to take it either with methotrexate or Lufludomine (sp?) Was just wandering if anyone has tried any of these combos and had any good results? It sounds like I can pick the combo I want, so any advice would be very welcome please. I did try Methotrexate up to 20mgs with no success and hair loss to boot! I know it sounds vain to care about such a thing when sometimes I feel like I'm falling apart, but somehow I feel it's a sign of my femininity, and I care about this as I am only a young 40 year old. Thanks for reading xxxx

dorcas

I started on Embrel but had to stop due to allergic reaction (rash) and have been on Humira (40mgs frtnightly inj) for four years now. I was taking it in combo with Azathioprine but this was withdrawn due to drastic drop in white blood cell count.
My rheumy then introduced new combo of Humira with Methotrexate (15mgs weekly inj) a year ago as my PA was not under control with Humira alone.
I am taking folic acid (5mgs three days per week) as I was also losing hair at an alarming rate! this reversed the hair loss issue, thankfully. So you are not being vain wanting to keep your hair!

I am still on this combo and had good results over all; however have continued to have damage to joints but rheumy tells me it would have been much worse without the combo!
Hope this helps. let me know how you get on. Dorcas x

ifeelninety

Sorry I have posted and just seen your post on same subject - I too am 40 but obviously feel a lot older than that - will be interested to hear how you get on - Have you started the screening process yet ? I am not sure how long it will all take to actually start the meds.

lesleygraham

Hi folks
2 years ago I started enbrel for RA, I was already taking leflunomide and pred (steroids). It worked the very next day and it gave me my life back, got back to work and enjoyed my life once again. However, it stopped working after a year and for the last year I have been off work and suffering badly.
I started methotrexate injections 2 months ago, no effect. On Monday I also started humira and the very next day I felt great. No stiffness or pain and even went shopping at the Metrocentre.
I now take humira, methotrexate (25mg), leflunomide, prednisolone (10mg), alot but I do feel well.
Anyway good luck and take care
Les

tkachev

I take MTX and Humira.This combination has really worked for me and been on fortnightly Humira injections for 1 year.I was on 22.5mg MTX but it wasnt working enough which is why I got given Humira and now MXT is 15mg.
Just in last few weeks have a slight increase in pain(knees and feet and a weeny bit of my wrist)but I am keeping an eye out for any increase anyway because I have my 6 monthly check with Rheumatologist next week.
I prefer 2 week injection rather than 1 a week
Elizabeth

gickygawky

Hi there I have been on Enbrel since January and it has helped immensely however I am now taking an Enbrel/Methotrexate combo and this seems to be working well.
It didn't take long for me to get onto anti tnf treatment but that may be down to my Dr being a saint.
I now take Enbrel twice a week and 10mg Methotrexate weekly in addition to tablets for pain.
Although it hasn't been a cure, these two meds(particularly Enbrel) have improved my quality of life significantly and I have been lucky not to suffer too many side effects.

By the way you are not being vain about your hair - I check every day in the mirror!

Good luck!!

A x