Enbrel User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)
Enbrel has an average rating of 7.7 out of 10 from a total of 306 reviews on Drugs.com. 71% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 14% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Enbrel
- Bob...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- December 20, 2016
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Took Enbrel with methotrexate for four years, and it worked great. Developed optic neuritis in the right eye and discontinued it. Optic neuritis is inflammation of the optic nerve and is one of the neurological disorder side effects of the drug. Changed diet to eliminate red meat, poultry, and sugar, and take natural supplements."
- Pao...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- February 4, 2019
For Psoriatic Arthritis "I was diagnosed with PA, and I have no psoriatic symptoms except on the heels of my feet. I suffer from arthritic pain in my right hand (thumb mostly) and both big toes. I was prescribed Enbrel, and after taking the first injection (which caused extreme nausea), I was perplexed that my symptoms worsened. Now, I was experiencing pain in my left hand and other places I hadn’t noticed pain before. I thought maybe I have to have a few doses before I see any relief from symptoms, so I administered a second injection, and although I didn’t experience the nausea of my previous experience, I noticed no relief and a worsening of pain again, continuing to affect areas that were never painful previously. I have decided not to continue treatment."
Frequently asked questions
- Does perispinal etanercept work for stroke recovery?
- What are the new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
- What are biosimilar drugs and how do they compare to biologics?
- Which foods should be avoided while taking Enbrel?
- Gui...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 27, 2019
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I started it with the Enbrel SureClick 50 mg. I've taken Enbrel for 2 months. My finger pain seems to be going away. My doctor recently changed it to the mini SureClick. I find the injection to be painful. I didn't have this issue with the regular SureClick. I do like the lights and the sounds that let you know it's complete. I will continue taking it."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- July 10, 2012
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been taking Enbrel for 5 years, which is how long I have had rheumatoid arthritis. My original symptoms, which were affecting my mobility in the mornings, went away in a few weeks. I now go through periods where I do not have any symptoms for months. I have mild stiffness in my feet in the mornings a few days after I experience a period of stress (like working through the night). This medication has changed the course of my life."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.- Ivf...
- July 18, 2018
For Ankylosing Spondylitis "Last 3 months of use, I developed neuro problems, tremors, urine issues, skin issues, and seizures 2 to 48 hours after injection, began walking with a list (tilted, off balance), became confused, locked myself in a closet for 2 days. Would turn on burners then go back and forth forgetting to get food out of the fridge. Family demanded I stop. After Enbrel, I had 4 weeks of elevated blood pressure 160 over 95 and a pulse of 90. My BP for 15 years has been 120 to 130 over 70s and a pulse in the upper 60s. Urine turned dark brown and had a smell so horrid I would retch. My liver, prior to stopping Enbrel, enlarged further, as did my spleen. Enzyme levels skyrocketed and bilirubin levels went from .5 prior to out of range 1.7. Platelet levels dropped from low 120 ml per to less than 80 ml per. Have regained memory but still have tremors, have lost 45 lbs in a month with no end in sight. Still have neurological issues and walk funny. Enbrel wrecked my body, and Amgen is not interested in what happened."
- Nor...
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- October 6, 2013
For Plaque Psoriasis "Enbrel worked fantastically with near total clearing of all psoriasis for about the first 3 years, then acceptable but less complete clearing for the next 3, and finally stopped working altogether in year 7. Self-injecting with the pre-filled syringes was easy, and overall I was pleased with the medicine and no side effects."
More FAQ
- How long does it take for Enbrel (etanercept) to work?
- How long can Enbrel (etanercept) be left unrefrigerated?
- Can Enbrel (etanercept) be taken with antibiotics?
- Can you take Enbrel (etanercept) with a cold?
- Rid...
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 28, 2016
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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."
- Jen...
- January 17, 2015
For Plaque Psoriasis "I had psoriasis start around the age of 20 and was not living a healthy lifestyle. After less than two years, getting healthy and topical treatments, it went away (clobetasol was the best and tanning). About a year ago, it came back with a vengeance (26 years old). It was all over - scalp (a lot), chest, stomach, back, legs, arms. I was so depressed, scared to date anyone, and went back to topical treatment, which did not work at all. I tried oral methotrexate, steroid shots to my scalp, prednisone (worked briefly), but nothing would take me back to the days of just having a tiny bit on my elbows and scalp. Enbrel worked! My skin is completely clear outside of a little on my scalp, but it's the best my scalp has ever been. Thank you, Enbrel."
- Jay...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- July 18, 2012
For Ankylosing Spondylitis "I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis about 2 years ago after experiencing severe stiffness in the neck and shoulders. I could barely turn my neck at all. Within a couple of weeks of taking Enbrel, I was fully flexible and back to my rightful age of 27. 2 years on, and I even sometimes forget I have this illness. I recently stopped taking it for 2 weeks, and I soon found out what wonders it was working! It is incredible."
- sha...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 14, 2014
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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."
- Pla...
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- December 24, 2016
For Psoriatic Arthritis "Works extremely well. The day after I give myself the injection, I feel like I have a cold (common side effects). Two days after, I'm fine. I get sick easily when inconsiderate people ride public transportation sick and don't take care about coughing. Grocery shopping is another hazard as sick people run into the store 'for just a second' and head home to be sick. Buying masks for the hazard areas is a good idea. I always ask at Dr.'s offices for a few and have never been refused. Even with the one-day colds and the hazard of getting sick frequently, it's more than worth taking due to benefits. (I wouldn't even regret taking it if I got the most severe rare side effect alone or in combination with methotrexate)"
- Sha...
- February 11, 2014
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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."
- inp...
- September 27, 2011
For Psoriatic Arthritis "My first injection of Enbrel caused me more pain and stiffness than I had before I used the medicine. The right side of my body and my hands hurt so much... happens to be the side I injected. No way is this for me, it made my skin red and so painful, my joints are stiff, and I have so much more pain. My scalp is much more itchy. Also gave me chills and made me feel like I had the flu. I wish I could find something to stop the pain and my joints from getting deformed."
- Anonymous
- September 7, 2016
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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?"
- Pey...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- August 26, 2019
For Ankylosing Spondylitis "I have been on Enbrel for about 4 years for ankylosing spondylitis. At first, it worked well with no adverse reactions. About 1 1/2 years ago, I began developing stomach issues. Eight months ago, those issues were diagnosed as Crohn’s disease. I have researched whether or not Enbrel can cause Crohn’s or colitis, and some studies indicate it can. Wish I would have known that going in. My doctor wants me to switch to Cimzia, but I honestly feel that long-term all of these medications are poison."
Are you taking this medicine?
Your review helps others make informed decisions.More about Enbrel (etanercept)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: antirheumatics
- Breastfeeding
For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Enbrel saved my life. I've had rheumatoid arthritis for 3 1/2 years. I had severe swelling and pain in almost every joint of my body, which, coupled with the exhaustion, left me with little life. The Enbrel with the weekly methotrexate makes me feel basically normal and able to work and live like a normal person. I found the weekly pens to be very easy to use. I moved to a country that doesn't have the pens, so now I'm on a twice weekly normal injection. I'm terrified of needles and cry like a 2-year-old if I see one, so my husband gives me the shots and I can barely feel them. I thank the Lord every day that I am able to have this medicine!"