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Benapali2025
Benapali2025 Member Posts: 4
edited 5. Jun 2025, 11:11 in Living with arthritis

Hi,

First post, first time on site.

After taking one injection of Adulimumab and experiencing a drug reaction to it it has been stopped.

5 weeks in I am starting Benapali, have not taken it yet.

And I am feeling very anxious about it.

I have Ankylosing Spondylitis.

I have been absent from work for a few weeks due to the reaction, fatigue, stiffness and being very sore and stiff over arms neck shoulders and back.

My question is after reading forums and people's experiences of Benapali would I be better to remain away from work until the first couple of injections are in my system and I have possibly had any feelings of headaches further fatigue etc

Or take the Benapali and hope for the best.

I am in a quandary about it, I want to give my best to work, but equally don't want to go back to be absent again.

I work within the NHS where it can help heavy.

If I put my sensible head on, I would say give myself another few weeks but I have no experience if Benapali.

Previous to the reaction from Adulimumab I had taken Sekunimab with no issues for about 6 years.

Any advice please....and Thank You

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Comments

  • helenJ
    helenJ Member Posts: 3

    I had a 35yr career as an RGN until arthritis ended my career & from my experience I can say that I wish I had taken more time to adjust to meds & not just tried to power through.
    I was fortunate & responded well to biologics but eventually took ill health retirement.
    My advice would be take some extra time off & see how your body responds rather than struggle back then end up needing more time off.
    I hope you get better luck with benapali 🤞

  • Benapali2025
    Benapali2025 Member Posts: 4

    Awe Thank You so much for answering my post.

    That is how I am thinking as it gets closer to taking this medication.

    I have been reading advice, comments and the information leaflet all over the internet.

    You will appreciate being a fellow NHS member that you want to be there giving your best to your patients

    I have a GP appointment in Monday so I think I will take heed of your advice and ask for some extra time before heading back

    Thank you for reaching out I have been in a quandary about this for weeks and as it gets closer to my injections being delivered and then administered my head is dizzy with what to do.

    Fingers crossed everything goes well, and I feel better than I do at minute in a few weeks

    Best Wishes

  • PJoanne
    PJoanne Moderator Posts: 309

    Hello @Benapali2025

    Welcome to the forum, it is great to have you here with us. It's good to see you've already had a response that answers your question.

    In case you haven't seen it, here is the link to the VA page about Etanercept (generic name for Benapali)

    Etanercept| Side-effects, uses, time to work

    All the best Joanne

    Need more help - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm

  • Benapali2025
    Benapali2025 Member Posts: 4

    Good Morning,

    Thank you Joanne.

    I have been absorbing as much information as I can.

    I have anxiety building about taking Benapali after the last reaction.

    But I know I must.

    Grateful for your help

    Thank you

  • Benapali2025
    Benapali2025 Member Posts: 4

    Really struggling with fatigue....and cold sores at the moment.

    Anyone else get lots of cold sores

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