ENBREL (etanercept)

nanasue
nanasue Member Posts: 465
edited 6. Apr 2011, 09:36 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi all,
is anyone on Enbrel? if so I would like to hear from you with your experiences, good or bad, as my rheumy is talking about starting me on it and it would be good to know what to expect. Thanks.

Sue x

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Try not to expect anything. It will do what it will do for you, good or bad. One of the biggest problems we all face is that what works for one does nothing (or very little) for another. I did answer about enbrel on your other thread - I wish you well on it. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi nanasue
    Not on that med but I hope it works for you.
    Anything is worth a try.
    Take care
    Juliepf x
  • chrissycl
    chrissycl Member Posts: 27
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    been on this now for 4 weeks,for me its been great,pain in hands eased more or less from the outset, able to walk better as well so I think its a great drug but as said before it may not work for all, heres hoping it works for you
  • towyview
    towyview Member Posts: 25
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,

    I`ve been on Enbrel for 6 years and I know for a fact it has turned my life around. I do believe if it wasn`t for Enbrel I would be in a wheelchair. The only scary bit is the fear of TB. Any hint of coughs or sore throats have to be checked out. Also, if you get any colds or infections you have to come off the Enbrel for the duration in order to be able to shift the infection due to low immune system. I`m neurotic during the winter months and try not to pick up anything so as not to come off the injections. Also, if you need any kind of surgery you must come off it for 2 weeks before and at least 2 weeks after. That is when you can tell that it is helping. Good luck with it

    Dorothy
  • sullivt56
    sullivt56 Member Posts: 33
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I started Enbrel two weeks ago and it has already had positive effect on the arthritis. It has had a big visual improvement on my Psoriasis which has calmed from week 1.

    I take it as it comes as been let down too often in the past by miracle medications. However I have to admit that this stuff seems to work well.
  • rafikgaffar
    rafikgaffar Member Posts: 23
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    My Enbrel had arrived at last and in the refrigerator ! Happy for everyone who have had success. Will post my feedback on this forum. One has to have a positive outlook. For whats its worth, grateful to NHS for approving treatment. Optimistic for some quality of life. Its terrible at the moment ! I am absolutely useless to everyone and feel bad for my family (very grateful) for their support.

    I look fwd to the nurse visiting in two days..
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue,

    I am not on that but like Julie just popped in to wish you luck and so hope it will work for you.

    Its good for some but not always for others and really do hope you will find it a good one. Cris x

    rafikgaffar fingers crossed for you and if the injections are like the mtx ones you will be fine. Cris x
  • jillydog61
    jillydog61 Member Posts: 33
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello, i have been on Enrel for a year now and cannot tell you how good it is. I felt a difference after the first injection

    I am sure,
    if i was not on it, i would be in bed now! i still have the odd flare up but nothing to how it used to be

    Good luck and hope it works for you.

    Gill
  • rafikgaffar
    rafikgaffar Member Posts: 23
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Had my first Enbrel jab today ! Opted for thigh. No redness/sore/itch on site. Felt dozy after nurse left possibly due to anxiety ! Will keep you posted. Good luck with yours. Fingers tightly crossed for you.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi rafikgaffar, I posted earlier today on your other thread re humira. I am pleased to hear that it all went well. I know that you have to alter sites (I presume you are on two injections per week) and for the thigh it is better to do it sitting on a bed, legs outstretched, as your thigh muscles are more relaxed that way. I hated doing the thighs, I much prefer the stomach as one has fewer nerve endings there! I never had any trouble with site reactions when on enbrel and I hope it works well for you. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Donna Mc
    Donna Mc Member Posts: 30
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi there, a few months ago i was in the same position as you. I was on here lookin for any advise from anyone who was on enbrel and i was kinda scared about starting it.. I am now on enbrel for two months and my family and i can't believe the difference it has made. After the very first injection i noticed a massive difference. I have rhumatoid arthritis affecting every joint but especially my knees. Before using enbrel you couldn't see my kneecap at all as my knees were so badly swollen with fluid but now my knees are so boney. I haven't had knees like these for about 20 years. It's great and i feel a lot better too, more energy to cope with my three wee princessess who are aged 11, 8 and 4 years old. I would recommend enbrel for you to try and i know it will effect everyone differently but it is worth a go. I can even inject with no bother at all even though before now i was terrified of needles. The wee pen is great.You don't see the needle and with one click it is all over very quickly.Honestly if i can do it anyone can.
    I wish you all the best with enbrel and would love to hear from you and your experience with it.
    Chat soon x
  • Achyknees
    Achyknees Member Posts: 5
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I loved Enbrel! Until I had to come it to get pregnant, now I am back on Sulphasalazine and god I miss it. It did make me a bit tired and I had a little circle around where I injected, but other than that mo soreness in my joints at all - not like now! Can't wait to have a baby and get back on it!! Didn't get colds really, flu jabs took care of that. Good luck!! Xx

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