Etanercept and Allergic Reaction: What Users Say

• PPR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 15, 2014

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I'm diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Have only scalp issues and joint swellings and pain in legs, knees, ankles, hands, and fingers. Got approved for Enbrel and did, 2 weeks ago, the first shot. All went well, other than I got a cough, night sweats, and high blood pressure, which it controlled. The second shot gave me a small red stain after 3 days, of the size of a quarter, which grew to the size of my hand palm within a day. My cough is crazy and my throat is itchy. Blood pressure is high... I went to the doctor who told me I have to get off, I'm allergic to it, and a next shot could be life-threatening. Benadryl did not help, I got 20 mg Prednisone, and it's slightly got better with the redness and pain. I will be changed to Humira."

• tin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 19, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was given Enbrel in January, and after 3 injections, I noticed a rash. The rash, after a month, put me in the hospital. The rash turned into sores on my legs, and after 1 month of stopping injections, the rash is worsening. I would use this medication with caution. Take notes of side effects daily. For me, the rash is an allergic reaction, but it still has me in bed and not working. It feels like knives stabbing in my legs, unable to walk. Numbness and swelling in my ankles. Something still isn't right, and it's been over a month since the last injection."

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

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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."

• Anonymous
• January 20, 2010

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "Even though I take the Enbrel in addition to diclofenac and sulfasalazine, adding it to my drug regimen has been a small miracle. The day following my first dose was as if I had lost 25 pounds, moved to sea level, and it was summer all year long. My energy level has increased, I have no morning stiffness at all, and I can hike, carry a 25-pound backpack, and knit. I have been using it for 4 years, and it has not changed its positive effect on my disease. I feel very badly for those who are allergic to it or have built a tolerance to it. Humira did nothing like this for me, and I cannot afford Rheumacaid."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2023

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Be careful with this medicine. At first, I thought it may be helping me, but after the second or third months, I felt so lousy and tired that I couldn’t get up. I had side effects such as a dry mouth and allergies, and my foot swelled up. I would much rather take Humira with fewer side effects, so be careful with Enbrel. Also, they are very prejudiced against medical insurance, they only want to help people with their program that have commercial insurance. They have what they call a nonprofit, but they do not help you if you have Medi-Cal, so beware of that before you start your samples."

• Anonymous
• September 1, 2009

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "34 yr old female, tried Enbrel for 5 weeks, it gave me a severe allergic reaction, hives, facial swelling, etc. Everything went back to normal after stopping the drug, but now I am wary of all biologics. This disease is a nightmare."

• Anonymous
• July 18, 2010

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "I was diagnosed with AS about 8 years ago. I have been on Enbrel for approximately 7 years, except when pregnant or breastfeeding. Enbrel worked wonders for me. I felt great! Unfortunately, it looks like I have become allergic to something (probably preservatives) in the injection. I had a several allergic reactions about a month ago, and my doctor switched me to Humira. I just took my first injection this past week, and so far so good. Hopefully, I won't have a reaction like I recently experienced with Enbrel - keeping my fingers crossed!"

• Hav...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 21, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Amazing. First one I used lasted for the longest time frame. Only thing was the shots were annoying. After the Enbrel, each one I used or tried, I had an allergic reaction to. About 6 different ones I finally gave in to the prospect of having a premed to help accept the medication. Currently on Actemra with premed of Solumedrol. Helped for about 10 months, the medicine was increased to maximum dose. 1st down and praying for continuing relief. I hope this helps. As each medication change, the sulfasalazine and methotrexate have always remained as a stable medicine treatment in my plan, with only one exception."