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Enbrel User Reviews & Ratings

Enbrel has an average rating of 7.8 out of 10 from a total of 268 reviews on Drugs.com. 72% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 14% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Enbrel

  • Proud...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • September 28, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I feel everyone should know this information if they are considering using Enbrel. I am an RN. My Mother was diagnosed about 20 years ago with Rheumatoid Arthritis. She was around 70-71 years young. She quilts and stays busy. She is now 91 and STILL quilting and gardening, staying busy! I think the combination of someone that stays busy along with the wonder drug, Enbrel, is why she is still able to quilt and do all that she does! Her Rheumatologist shows everyone her xRays because if you saw them you wouldn’t think she could do anything! She’s a beautiful woman inside and out and a great inspiration to others. Her story would be great for an advertisement!! Thank you!"

10 / 10
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153 Report
  • Kcab
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 29, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with RA but refused all meds for 2 years because I researched all the potential side effects. I tried diets, yoga, supplements, even psychotherapy (because some drs claim RA has emotional roots). While strict diets did offer pain relief, joint damage persisted. I reluctantly started on Enbrel October 2018. I insisted my doc start me on the lowest dose ( a pediatric dose of 25 mg per week. Advocate for yourself! She would have put me on double the amount I actually needed). 25 mg worked. Within 1-2 weeks, my pain was gone. I've been on it for over a year with zero side effects. I know it's a scary drug so I understand people's fear. I had to work through debilitating panic attacks the first few months ( that's how scared I was of it--I did need some anxiety meds to get me through it), but I have my life back. It's been a miracle drug for me. Both RA and biologics stink, we each have to decide which is worse. I wish everyone the best."

10 / 10
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145 Report
  • SQSun...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • March 29, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have had RA for 50 years (since 16 years old), and have been on gold injections, plaquenil, methotrexate, and now Enbrel with methotrexate. I have had multiple joint deformities, nodules and joint replacements. Each med helped at first, but then failed, except for Enbrel. Thank God for Enbrel! I have been on it for 10 years and it has allowed me to work full time, something I had previously never been able to do. I also work out at the gym every day, and am enjoying life!"

10 / 10
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247 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Color...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 11, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I started using Enbrel about 9 months ago. I was in terrible shape, barely able to get out of bed and get myself dressed. I take Enbrel and 10 mg leflunomide, and I now feel great. I ski, hike, lift weights. Most days I forget I even have RA. It has been a complete game changer for me."

9 / 10
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98 Report
  • Nicole...
  • June 20, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I realize my review may be very premature, but I wanted to offer some insight from someone who just started taking Enbrel. My first shot was 3 days ago and I already feel like a new woman. In fact, there was a remarkable difference the next morning - less than 12 hours after my first shot! I have had RA for over 15 years; diagnosed at age 16. I have been on methotrexate, leflunomide, and even vioxx back when that was still on the market. Nothing provided the relief I needed, but I was terrified to go on a biologic drug because of all the possible side effects. I finally bit the bullet and started Enbrel because the pain was unbearable and caused terrible depression and even thoughts of suicide. At least for now, Enbrel is a God-send!"

10 / 10
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151 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • Candy
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • May 12, 2021

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Do not start this drug if you are not wealthy or if you are near retirement. It did help me while I was working and had commercial insurance. Enbrel gave me copay assistance. However when I retired I was on Medicare and used tufts insurance for prescriptions. Enbrel is a specialty tier drug and the insurance pays 70% However that still leaves you with a $1700 copay which is crazy. Enbrel does not assist you if you're on medicare. Don't start this because then you have to be suddenly cut off and feeling in worse condition than before."

7 / 10
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52 Report
  • Bistro
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • June 1, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I've suffered from severe RA for 9 years and have been on Enbrel for 7 years. Enbrel has been a miracle drug for me. I have not had any side effects for now. I am careful about being around sick people but not paranoid and wash my hands frequently during flu season. I have stopped twice due to change in rheumatologists and the last time was a disaster with a full flareup. I am very happy today that I finally injected myself using the Enbrel mini. Who would be excited about an injection - ME."

10 / 10
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74 Report

More FAQ

  • Anonymous
  • April 18, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I was on it for 15 years. It changed my life. I have psoriasis really bad. Thanks to Enbrel, no more psoriasis on my head, in my ears, legs, toe nails, finger nails, etc. I also switched to Cetiphil to wash myself and Tide Free to wash my clothes. Completely symptom free! Years later, I developed psoriatic arthritis as that’s very common once you have the psoriasis marker. Enbrel helped that as well. Now I have a new job and new insurance. They made me try Humira. It’s been extremely difficult for me and I’m having my worst ever flare up. I’m so sick right now. The pain in horrible! My doc is having me take steroids until I’m hopefully approved for Enbrel. I also have burning as a symptom. I feel like I’m on fire. The insurance companies care about money, not our health unfortunately."

10 / 10
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70 Report
  • cowgirl
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • October 29, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I took Enbrel for AS for about 3 years. I noticed a huge improvement in joint swelling after the first dose. Enbrel really helped my joints feel great. I was even able to attend aerobic classes! Unfortunately, on year three of treatment, I developed a life threatening infection in my spine. I also suffered heart valve damage. Both of these were declared to be due to the Enbrel. I knew the risks when I began taking this drug. It gave me almost three years of feeling great and leading a normal life. It also almost killed me...."

5 / 10
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89 Report
  • Camar...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • December 12, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have tried a few medications for my Rheumatoid arthritis. Nothing seemed to work. I couldn’t use my hands much nor walk very far. My expectations at this point in life were very low for any kind of relief. Then my rheumatologist changed my medicine to Enbrel. They gave me the Enbrel auto injector w/ mini Enbrel cartridges. It gives you the injection and you never see the needle, it’s virtually painless. The day of my very 1st injection all the pain started to subside. I was in shock but now optimistic for the first time in years. The third day I had no severe pain left nor tenderness in my hands and fingers. I was beside myself with hope this was actually going to work and more importantly last...and it has. I’m pain free for almost a year now. I now have my life back."

10 / 10
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69 Report
  • Future...
  • May 18, 2019

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I had my first shot of Enbrel yesterday for psoriatic arthritis. I feel amazing this morning. I was able to get out of bed with no knee pain and hold my cup of coffee with no pain. The side effects I have read scare me, but I have to try. I am 51 years old and could not continue with that pain still too young to deal with that. Oh and let me tell you how I actually ran down the stairs this morning. I just pray this continues to help."

10 / 10
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62 Report
  • Jim
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • October 2, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "My wife has found great relief using Enbrel for the last 5 years after she was diagnosed with aggressive psoriatic arthritis. My main complaint is the cost of a drug that was introduced 20 years ago. We were co-paying $10 every 90 days until my wife turned 65, when the debit card provided by Enbrel was cancelled. She has to sign up for a Medicare Part D plan now and her co-pay is over $4,800 a year for just that medicine, not including the monthly premiums for the Part D plan. With dual Medicare Part B and Medicare supplemental, our out of pocket cost for 2019 is $10,601, not including other deductibles, and we are healthy. Question: Why do the makers of Enbrel (Amgen) get to charge these exorbitant rates after 20 years on the market. I guess that's why they invented lobbyists."

8 / 10
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67 Report
  • moonz...
  • April 11, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I just wanted to share this in case there are any apprehensive people worried about having to get an injection. This is only my first week on Enbrel, but I feel like I have had some loosening of my joints and a reduction in pain. What I really wanted to share was that the injection is not nearly as scary as it sounds and does not cause a lot of pain. I was so scared to get a shot because of the comments online but my boyfriend finally injected my thigh with the sure click auto injector. IT'S NOT THAT BAD! I did it on my upper thigh and I barely felt any pain at all, I really built it up in my head! The side effects (nausea, diarrhea) are worse than the injection but not so severe. If you are new don't waste your time worrying and good luck!"

9 / 10
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87 Report
  • Ben...
  • April 10, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Was terrified to take this drug, or any drug that they were going to put me on for the arthritis. I took methotrexate, prednisone and plaquenil which just about did nothing. Went to another Rheumatologist who suggested I try enbrel. Put all the fear aside if you're afraid to inject it because it does not hurt at all and you don't even see the needle (I hate needles). I've only been on it for 3 weeks but my pain has just about gone away and this is coming from someone who could barely get out of bed last April. Haven't had any side effects so we will see how it plays out from here."

10 / 10
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78 Report
  • Kloppi
  • September 16, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I live in Western Australia and disturbed by some comments on here. The cost of Embrel is cost of an ordinary prescription $36 for me the government pays the remainder of the cost to the chemist. I also go to the the medical centre every Saturday morning a Dr looks over my prescription and then he advises the nurse to administer the injection also no cost to myself and this is part of nurses duties. I am unsure of the country where people who have made comments referring to cost and that nobody is there to administer the injection for them. I am very lucky to live in Australia as we have the best health system worldwide and everybody is given the opportunity to receive proper medical help whether you are rich or poor there is no discrimination."

10 / 10
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73 Report
  • krisp...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • June 10, 2013

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "What can I say?...Enbrel put me in remission. What can be better than that? 8 years of rheumatoid arthritis treatments, some caused inflammation of my kidneys and liver. At the time I started on Enbrel, I was taking 5 different medications. One by one they were eliminated. In the fall of 2012, I caught a bad respiratory infection so I stopped the Enbrel per doctor's instructions and my rheumatoid arthritis did not come back! I hope they do research to determine how often this occurs because I didn't expect remission!"

10 / 10
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106 Report
  • susan
  • June 5, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I love this medication Enbrel! While I'm not a fan of needles I happily do this one. I have gone from periods when I can not even move a specific body part to almost no pain or inflammation what-so-ever. I have the occasional flare in my fingers or toes, usually lasting a day or two. I haven't had a "major" flare-up for a couple years. Was diagnosed in 2010 with rheumtoid arthritis. Still working and doing whatever activity I want. Very happy with Enbrel."

10 / 10
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55 Report
  • Ken...
  • April 21, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Have been on Enbrel for 1 year and 3 methotrexate. Weekly 50mg injections. I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for 15 years now and am 51 now. The Enbrel injections can be painful but I remove injection from fridge and wait 30 minutes before injecting. This helps with the pain when injecting the Enbrel. I have had headaches but the benefit is worth the side effects. I have my life back and am able to work and enjoy life. Life before Enbrel I was not active and missed work often. Hope this continues to work."

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  • Ell
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • May 8, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been using Embrel for 20 years. I started it in a trial in 1998. I could barely walk at the time and was in constant pain. Except for occasional knee problems I live a normal life with little pain"

10 / 10
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62 Report
  • Husband...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • August 2, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "My wife has been on Enbrel for about 9 years now. It has been a true game changer. She has tried to go off a few times but RA would return and she would have to resume. Unfortunately, she does seem to catch colds rather easily while on Enbrel."

10 / 10
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50 Report
  • Shilpa...
  • April 7, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was on steroid medication for almost a year, having tapering doses in between. My teeth enamel got disrupted due to side effects of steroid and my haemoglobin count decreased to 8gm%/dL.. After I ceased steroids, I became completely bed-ridden as all my joints were invloved excluding spine, not even able to move for a side change. My rheumatologist suggested Enbrel, and a single dose of Enbrel changed my entire life.. Infact I got a new birth! Now my four doses are done and I am as good as I was before this rheumatoid disorder. Very happy to have Enbrel. I would thank the inventor of Enbrel. Thank You !"

10 / 10
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79 Report
  • alex
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • December 16, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "oh behalf of my mother, this medicine has caused her to get MS - a terrible disease that CAN'T be treated. She can barely walk half of the time and can’t work anymore. I would rate this a 0 but that’s not an option."

1 / 10
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52 Report
  • Vicki...
  • October 28, 2013

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Started Enbrel 6 weeks ago and after 2 years of constant pain despite taking a variety of drugs - this week I can actually walk for at least a short distance without crippling pain. The remaining discomfort I think is due to lack of strength from years of forced inactivity which is going to take time to build up but oh - the joy of no pain! So far no side effects and hopefully I can regain my life again."

9 / 10
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83 Report
  • Richard...
  • January 11, 2017

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Good but very risky medicine. I am Psoriasis Psoriatic Arthritis patient. After 8 years of using Enbrel I developed Lymphoma. Warning labels are not enough. If you think that you will be among the 90 % of patients that are lucky enough, go ahead. But think more than twice before taking an Enbrel shot."

3 / 10
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62 Report
  • Janet
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 13, 2019

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "I was going to the Doctors for joint pain for along time. Finally my primary recommended me to see a rheumatologist. Visited her for several months before putting me on Enbrel for the ankylosing spondylitis. I feel like a new person. No pain, increased activity and loss 25 pounds well needed loss. I am so happy. I also get the flu shot and so when flying I increase my over the counter probiotics and immune meds (airborne) so I don’t get sick. Been on Enbrel for 6 months."

10 / 10
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46 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.