Etanecept Help

debsmartin

Hi All

I have been giving myself etanercept injections for the last 5 weeks and have been feeling quite good, but after this weeks injection I have developed a huge red rash all over my stomach, its really painful to touch and I feel really rough I also keep going hot and dizzy. I have been to see my own GP who has been in touch with rheumatology who thinks its an alergic reaction I have been given some antihistermines to take and I am back at the hospital on Monday for them to have a look. I think having too much time on my hands I'm starting to worry abit has anyone else had similar side effects and does it mean I'll have to stop the injections.

debs

skezier

Hi Debs,

I can't help you but just wanted to say nice to see you Apart from this how have you been?

I do hope they can sort you out and find a treatment that you don't react to. Keep in touch please about this. Cris x

debsmartin

skezier wrote:

Hi Debs,

I can't help you but just wanted to say nice to see you Apart from this how have you been?

I do hope they can sort you out and find a treatment that you don't react to. Keep in touch please about this. Cris x

Hi Cris

Thanks for your kind words, I have been feeling really well since starting the injections but I guess I'm a bit panicky now that I will be back to the usual aches and pains of RA.

debs

skezier

Hui Debs,

The panic I understand and sending you a ((( ))) and a bucket of hopes they can sort it for you.

With luck they will have some way of countering the reaction? Debs will be lurking in the corner and keep us posted. Another ((( ))) and more hopes, Cris x

janie68

Hi Debs
Yes I'm afraid they probably will withdraw the enbrel. But there are others you can go on or the next one would be rituximab. Don't worry, there are lots more treatments now.

Take care
Janie

colinone

Hi Debs, Been away from the site for a long time but just looked in.
Are you on a combination do you take Methotrexate with it.
I think whats happening to you is quite comon. I used to get a reaction round the site and like you the drug did make my arthritis feel better. Its a catch 22 but there are 2 other anti TNF drugs you can try. I'm now on Rituximab thats the stage after trying the anti TNFs but im still on the methotrexate with it. You need to have a good chat with Rheumy on Monday aqnd try to get some reasurance from her, the feeling sick could be many things. Lets know how you get on. Your rheumy may well leave you ob the drug but watch you closley.
Hang in there
Colin

dorcas

Hi debs

I had a similar reaction when on Enbrel injections and like you I hoped I could continue on them as I had had a good result from this drug.

Sorry to say I wasn't allowed to continue. The rheummy had agreed at first to a further Enbrel injection 'trial' under medical supervision in hospital to monitor whether I'd react again. but when they checked my bloods, my WBC count had also dropped so the 'trial' was cancelled and the Enbrel withdrawn.

There are other anti tnfs that might be better for you and not cause you to have an allergic reaction....
I went on to Humira and was fine with that for nearly five years.. it stopped working as my body produced antibodies. I've now just started Infliximab infusions and hoping for a good result from that.

so all is not lost Debs! rheummy might be happy to let you continue the Enbrel...but best be prepared in case it means a change of anti tnfs.
let us know what happens on Monday...
Iris xx