Enbrel for Rheumatoid Arthritis User Reviews (Page 4)

• Rid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2016

"I have severe RA and was started on MTX about 6 months ago, already maxed out, and pain and inflammation was doing major damage. Two years ago, I was running a mile several times a week, and when the RA hit, I could not even open my bedroom door. Recently, I was started on Enbrel. After the first shot, I noticed a 25% improvement with pain and stiffness. I did not find the shot painful as some describe, but I had already been self-injecting the MTX. No other side effects thus far. Looking forward to my second injection this week and continued improvement."

• sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 14, 2014

"Have had rheumatoid arthritis for 5 years. Taking methotrexate the whole time. It quit working as well. Just went on Enbrel 12 weeks ago, now have right arm swelling, pitting edema, trying to figure out what it is. I am 47 and shouldn't have any extremity swelling. Have never had any swelling of arms or legs. It is not DVT, had an ultrasound to rule that out. Common sense would say Enbrel triggered something. Hope it resolves and isn't anything serious."

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2011

"I have had rheumatoid arthritis-like symptoms for over 2 years with no regular treatment, only occasional prednisone when the symptoms were too severe to bear. After my symptoms seemed like they never went away and I switched doctors, I have just received my 4th dose of Enbrel and immediately felt a difference after the first shot. My coverage does seem to wear off around day 5, but I still feel better than I have felt in 2.5 years. I would recommend this medicine to anyone considering a treatment that won't alter your life's hectic schedule."

• Asi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 3, 2014

"I am so lucky I live in Denmark, where it is free to get all kinds of medicines. Enbrel has been working quite well, actually, for the past 2.5 years, but recently my doctor recommended me to get out of it, and I started by pushing it with 3 days, and the 3 days made my knees swell up. Now I am back with the 7-day interval, but it won't really help as much as before. So, I guess it was too soon to get out of using it."

• RA-...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2017

"Enbrel has done a fantastic job of relieving the inflammation and pain associated with my severe RA. I began Enbrel three weeks after surgery unrelated to RA. Almost overnight, the inflammation in my hands and the painful joints disappeared after the first injection. Have not experienced any bad side effects to date, other than some minor sinus issues. I eat raw local honey each day, two tablespoons morning and evening to help keep me healthy. Am on Methotrexate 10 mg injection once a week, as well as Enbrel 50 mg injection once a week. Tried going off Methotrexate, but was back on it after ten days as apparently Enbrel alone is not quite enough to treat my RA."

• Sha...
• February 11, 2014

"Was on Methotrexate and Mobic with no relief for 5 years. Took Enbrel and had a life again. Began golfing and bowling again. That suddenly stopped about 8 months ago, the fatigue is unbearable, and now the swelling and pain are back."

• Age...
• March 29, 2015

"I've been on Enbrel with other meds, then finally with methotrexate since I was about 19 years old. The other meds I took were strong (harsh). So before I start, the absolute first credit in recovery goes to God. Now about the med, Enbrel, it really has helped me out in living a normal life (just add exercise)... Big difference from not being able to get up to being able to run again. Yet lately, each time an injection has been made on my upper left arm, it feels odd. I feel as if the fluid is running into my veins, going towards my rib cage. One time, it felt as if it was going directly to my heart. Later, it would feel warm in those areas, but giving it a few minutes later, it would feel cool, oddly fresh. I would like to know if others have had similar symptoms."

• jun...
• October 30, 2010

"I have been taking Enbrel for 11 years. It worked great for me until the last year when it gradually stopped working. I did the self-injection 2x a week. Over the last year, the relief subsided 2 days after the shots, and then when I took the next one 3-4 days from the last, it would take 24 hours for the relief to kick in, sometimes no relief. My doctor said he wants me to take Humira, but for some reason (irrational or not), I am terrified of changing medicines. I had no side effects from Enbrel except some minor sinus irritation - not infections. I am worried I won't be so lucky with another medicine."

• Lov...
• July 10, 2009

"I have been using Enbrel for almost 2 years with great success. Only recently, it stopped working for me. The morning stiffness, hand swelling, and all the pain that goes with it were back. My doctor just started me on Remicade, and it started working almost immediately. So don't fret if it stops working for you. I did like doing my own injections with Enbrel, with Remicade, it's a 2-hour infusion by your doctor every 2 months."

• gra...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2013

"When I started Enbrel, I had great results. All the staff at Enbrel was and still is a great support team. They have even enrolled me in the sharps container recovery program. The medication itself is amazing. I have had to try other medications as my insurance company did not want to pay for it at first, but since they were told that I have tried other medications, they do pay for it."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2015

"Had RA for 4 years after the birth of my baby. I spent 2 years on various meds, which did nothing for the pain. Then put on Humira, which worked wonders for nearly 2 years. Then started getting flare-ups again, so they put me on Enbrel. 1st injection fine, 2nd got small injection site reaction, 3rd injection got massive reaction at injection site & laryngitis. Dr. diagnosed cellulitis, but after reading that laryngitis can be a symptom of an allergic reaction, I'm leaning towards an allergic reaction and am currently waiting for a reply from my rheumatology team!"

• Dis...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 18, 2023

"I have been using Enbrel for five years, and it has done wonders for my RA. When I turned 65 and went on Medicare, I lost the Enbrel assistance program and, therefore, have to pay an outrageous amount of money to keep using this drug. Lower income users can get financial assistance for this drug, but middle income are screwed. I have been using it every two weeks instead of weekly to save money, and my knees are 'blowing up.' Thinking of starting a class action lawsuit for age discrimination. Very discouraged."

• Anonymous
• September 7, 2016

"I am starting my first shot of Enbrel next week. I am scared to death of the side effects. I have been on prednisone and leflunomide for about 6 months, and it has helped, but I am not getting the full relief I had hoped for, so my doctor decided to try weekly Enbrel shots. Feedback? Good or bad experience on Enbrel?"

• Chr...
• January 29, 2018

"I was diagnosed with polymyalgia in 2016 at the age of 38. This disease has taken a toll on me, especially at night when I sleep. Well, one day I could not move my arms and legs, had pain in my wrist. Then, by the next couple of days, my shoulders and hips started to hurt. I could not comb my hair or open doors. My rheumatologist, Dr., placed me on 20 mg prednisone. After a few days, I was able to function again. Prednisone doesn't last all day. My Dr. prescribed Enbrel last week. From the second day, I was able to move comfortably in bed. I knew it was working. I felt it overnight. I'm so grateful. My CED rate was always high, at least in the hundreds. Can't wait to see next month's labs. Because I'm feeling better, I'm sure the number has gone down. What do you have to lose but the pain? I tried methotrexate and many other pills, nothing worked but the steroids. Still feeling the Enbrel working, the next shot is tomorrow. So it hasn't worn off. Haven't felt side effects either. That's a plus."

• mom...
• October 7, 2013

"I am 57 years old. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis about 3 years ago. During the past 3 years, I have taken a variety of medications. I was unable to tolerate Methotrexate. Presently, I take 400 mg of Plaquenil daily, Protonix once daily, and 800-1600 mg of ibuprofen daily. My rheumatologist also prescribes Prednisone tapers for flares. I've been using the Enbrel Autoinjector 50 mg once per week for about 8 weeks. Sadly, I have not experienced any relief of arthritis symptoms. Thankfully, no serious side effects either, so I plan to continue with Enbrel for a few more weeks. I'm wondering how long I should wait before giving up."

• Mr ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2016

"After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the very painful, debilitating type less than one year ago, I called a rheumatologist. She told me I had every indication of rheumatoid arthritis, but I had to tell her one more thing: I was HIV-positive. Now, most of these medications immediately stated not to take it if you have an infection. Well, what is a person to do? I have HIV, and that's an infection. She gave me time to hash it out, and I thought, OK, I'm going to try it. Of course, it's premeasured syringes refrigerated, this is how mine was prepared for me. I injected around the navel area of my abdomen. No real pain and no sensitivity occurred. After being on it for six weeks, I went for my laboratory results, and my doctor called me early on a Saturday morning and stopped the medication that has caused neutropenia. Look it up, very serious, had to stop it. Now she wants me on it every other week since my blood work has come back normal again, but I'm very conflicted as to whether I should or not. Is there anyone else out there with the same condition I have? I would love to hear from you. Thank you, hope this helps."

• Bab...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2019

"DX with RA December 2018. Now taking MTX, Plaquenil, sulfasalazine, and last 3 months added Humira. Not OK yet. Will start Enbrel in 1 week. Very anxious, reading all of your experiences and life-changing diagnosis. Please wish me lots of luck. I have faith that I too will become more optimistic regarding my disease. Thank you all."

• Tex...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 7, 2014

"Severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) flare presented in 2006 after a traumatic wrist injury/surgery. Enbrel did not work for 6 months and then mostly worked. Until the end of 3 years. Developed polymyositis in addition to RA. Creates total weakness in the large muscle groups, balance problems, and, of course, depression. Taking about 20 different medicines, including steroids afterwards. No significant relief except when on steroids greater than 20 mg per day. High dose of steroids for the past 2 years. Just tried Rituxan infusion therapy. First drip went fine. Second infusion caused an allergic reaction. Back to square 1."

• Cur...
• April 25, 2017

"I have been on Enbrel for about 5-6 years roughly. I used to take methotrexate and Enbrel, then I stuck to Enbrel, and it has stabilized my arthritis. I am doing it now every 3 weeks, and I find my joints hurt after taking it. The best place to do it, in my opinion, is the upper leg. Sometimes the area I did my injection would itch, but it would disappear after a couple of days. Overall, I haven't had many complaints using this medicine. I used the SureClick, which makes things easier than the automatic one."

• pol...
• September 20, 2016

"I've been on Enbrel for 2 months. I have not had any changes. I have diabetes and have pins and needles sticking in my feet, legs, and hands. My pins and needles have gotten worse. My joints hurt a lot worse. I'm trying to keep hope that it will kick in soon, but I'm getting weary."

• bab...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 4, 2018

"I have been taking Enbrel for a little over 2 years. Tried MTX, Humira, and some other biologic before insurance would pay for Enbrel, which my RA doc says is the 'gold' standard treatment. I feel that it helped the first 2 years, but after the last few months, I've been having more intense side effects - achy legs, lethargy, headaches, injection site reactions, and my joints are actually more swollen - especially in the a.m. I went off it last year for 3 months just to see what would happen, and I felt better (side effect wise), and my RA seemed stable, but my labs were abnormal after the 3 months, so my doctor encouraged me to go back on the Enbrel. I've been back on for 3 weeks and feeling very discouraged. Helps with the RA, but now living with the side effects."

• Pha...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 21, 2017

"I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in January of 2016. Was on methotrexate until March of 2017 with decent improvements. Went on Enbrel in March of 2017. Unbelievable results. Feel great. Thanks Amgen!!!"

• Anonymous
• June 23, 2008

"Have taken 3 shots so far with almost no change yet, but they have said that it could take up to 3 months. Am hoping that this medicine will give me some semblance of a life back, for I am going to be a grandma in 2 months."

• Sha...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 4, 2016

"The new color injectors suck. Harder to push the button and unpredictable on time of injection now. Tonight, the damn thing, after 35 seconds, didn't retract. When I pulled it away, it continued to spray my medicine across the room. Bring back the white SureClick."

• lou...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 15, 2017

"ENBREL is a life changer. I tried oral therapy (methotrexate, plaquenil, prednisone, etc.), and had severe side effects. With ENBREL, the stabbing sensations of a hot knife twisting in my joints stopped. I inject myself weekly in the abdomen with the SureClick pen. 2 out of 104x the injection site bruised. 2 out of 104x using ENBREL, 2 SureClicks failed to inject. AMGEN replaced for free. Surgeries helped me regain hand and arm strength. My 2-yr follow-up X-ray for my total knee replacement was spot on, despite the permanent RA damage to the femur. Double rhizotomy in cervical spine every 6 mos helps. Will replace damaged forefinger and thumb joints this year. Mountain biking again! Thank God for ENBREL!"