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Medication side effects

Hi everyone! I was recently diagnosed with psa in Nov 2024. My rheumatologist started me on methotrexate. I had pretty bad side effects such as nausea, dizziness and flu like symptoms.I couldn't function very well. The doctor cut my dosage in half in hopes that I can tolerate. Yes, it did help , not 100% , but better. Now, in addition to methotrexate, which he boosted my dosage slightly this last week. The doctor wants me on enbrel injections. Honestly, I'm super anxious about this new med. I think I spooked myself into thinking the side effects could be the same or worse. Does anyone have any suggestions on dealing with the uncertainty? This is all new to me, and I have to say I'm slightly overwhelmed.

  1. Adverse events with Enbrel aren't real common, and it's really well tolerated by most who take it. Some rheumatologists use low dose Methotrexate in combination with biologics like Enbrel to inhibit immonogenicity. Many people do fine on Enbrel alone, but since there is always a chance of the patient's immune system developing antibodies against Enbrel, it being a biologic, and rendering it ineffective. However, your doctor may simply be continuing you on the Methotrexate until it is felt that Enbrel has had sufficient time to work, or it may be a long term combination therapy. It is important to be vocal in asking your doctors about your treatment, and the decisions they are making for you. Having them help you better understand the treatment modalities will help alleviate a lot of that uncertainty. Try not to do too much reading up on the internet about side effects of various medications. It's important to be informed, but the information needs to be contextualized. It's easy to write an online article listing X as an adverse side effect of a drug, but then not mention that the published study being referenced showed X only occurred in 13 out of 1,000 patients within a single trial.

    1. Thank you so much Eric! I truly appreciate your reply. I try not to look at what is posted on the internet. ( I have to say its tempting though) I will be asking my rheumatologist more questions regarding treatment. Your comments have helped tremendously! Thank you

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