Any thoughts on taking Enbrel AND Methotrexate?

Ankyspond

Hi all,

Anyone got any thoughts on taking Enbrel (anti TNF) and a low dose of Methotrexate together?

Have been on Methotrexate in the past and didn't work, Enbrel brilliant on my back with my AS but not touching my perifial joints and they want to try a low dose of Methotreate with it as this is know to work well. Worried about possible side effects damage with the two together, especially after the recent problem with NSAID damaging my eyes which is to be discussed at hospital on Thursday.

Any comments welcome. xxx

tillytop

Hello Ankyspond

My understanding is that it is the norm for anti-tnfs such as Enbrel to be prescribed alongside methotrexate. I didn't take meth when I was on either Infliximab or Humira and the consultant's view, recently, was that I may not have become allergic to those drugs if I had been taking meth alongside. I think you will find that most who take anti-tnfs do take them with meth.

I am so sorry that you have had problems with the NSAIDs and your eyes. Really hope you get on well at the hospital.

Love Tilly xxx

Ankyspond

Thank you Tilly thats great to hear and thanks for the best wishes. xx

Poppyg1rl

Hi Ankyspond,
I'm on 20ml injected methotrexate and 50ml enbrel pen once a week. I've just starting week 5 and tentatively....I'm seeing a reduction in the severity of flares my knee is cold and only slightly puffy, (it was aspirated in May) my toe which has recently been very sore is returning to normal size and is only slightly tender. My ribs are still sore and my fingers/wrists are stiff and sore in the morning but! This is only week 5 and I'm already seeing results
I tried Humira but got as far as 2 injections before reacting badly and ending up in hospital! It didn't put me off trying a different anti TNF the way I look at it is, the hospital keep a close eye on you for that very reason and most importantly I couldn't stand the further damage my PA was doing as it's very active and in the words of my Rheumy very agressive :???: I had to try something.
So far NO side effects either, so good luck Anky I hope it works as well for you as it is for me.
All the best X

dreamdaisy

Meth is used to support enbrel and the other anti TNFs, it may well make the difference. I wasn't on meth for the first two attempts at anti TNF treatments, I have been whilst on the humira: OK, I didn't get my life back as promised, but I suppose the two (amd the rest) are doing something. If the enbrel has helped then the meth could well provide the icing on the cake. I wish you well. DD

Ankyspond

Oooohh Poppy and DD I feel so much better after reading your posts thank you. I need to try whatever cos got to get this under control and get sorted, thanks again. X

gickygawky

Hi Ankspond,

Just wanted to drop a line and mention that I have had a positive experience with the combination of Enbrel and Mtx for my AS.
The Enbrel was helpful for my back, neck, hips etc but the Mtx really helped with the pain and stiffness in my hands, feet and ankles.
I found the side effects of the Mtx difficult to deal with at first but I did become more tolerant of it and I would certainly recommend giving it a go if you have got to the stage where trying anything is better than continuing on as you are.
I am not currently on either drug as I have been TTC and am now 16 weeks pregnant and am counting the days until I can take the next dose of my wonder drugs!

Good luck with your decision and I wish you well!

Arna x

Ankyspond

Anna,

Thank you so much, can't believe what you said i could have been explaining myself with Enbrel working on hips, back etc but not on other joints. I was beginning to wonder if it was all in my mind nit my bones! I am lucky and not had any side eggects of Enbrel apart from swelling, sore injection site but that eased now, been on it since November. I am going to hospital in morning to go back on methotrexate and all your comments have made that decision easier so thanks again!

More importantly what lovely news that you are having a baby, how exciting I hope everything goes well for you with that, is it your first?

Our children are 15, 17 and 20 but still love being around babies and that unique 'baby smell', don't mean that weird.

Take care of yourself and get plenty of rest. X x

janie68

Just wanted to say goodluck for your hosp appt today

I dont need to add anything else as the others have given as always great advice, it maybe a good idea to ask whoeveryou see abojt the folic acid. I upped mine to 2 days a week as I found the side effects hard and increasing the foloc acid has helped me.

Janie

Ankyspond

Thanks Janie again great advice and helped me feel so much better. X