Enbrel: the good and bad about taking it
I have an appointment next week with my Rheumatologist, and at the last visit, she gave me a bunch of tests and info and said that we will be discussing starting biologics (Enbrel) at next week's appointment. Can I hear both the good and bad experiences regarding Enbrel from those who have been or are taking it? I'm terrified of the very thought of taking it, but I'm so desperate for relief that my crazy self is considering giving in and trying it.
Hi Birdchick, I was faced with that same choice 18 years ago after trying several anti inflammatories and DMARDS. After over 5 years of that, my doctor spoke to me about going to the next level, biologics. It was an emotional decision. I was so discouraged by that point, I thought nothing was going to work for me. The last thing I wanted to do was take injections and they were very new at that time. Like you, I was desperate to get some relief, so I sceptically agreed to start Enbrel. At the time it was dosed two injections each week. The first was administered at the doctors office and then I was to continue at home. It has since changed to a much simpler system at once a week. After my second injection, I felt relief! I wasn’t pain free but I felt good enough to get outside and do some light gardening which I had been unable to do in a long time!
I have taken Enbrel for almost 18 years without any issues of side effects. At my last rheumatology appointment we discussed trying a newer medication, as I have had a couple of flare ups this past year that have left some joint disfiguration in my fingers. I have had two injections of Cosentyx (the dose is one injection per month) and to be totally honest, I don’t feel like it is helping at all. I am going give it a fair chance, but I may end up going back to Enbrel. In short, Enbrel gave me my life back. I encourage you to give it a try. Good luck!
