Etanercept and Joint Pain: What Users Say

• car...
• October 22, 2013

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 31 years. During this time, I went through all the medicines given to me. They might work somewhat for a few weeks, but then would fail, or the side effects were too severe. I have been on 'gold' injections (5 years) and Methotrexate, and Prednisone for another 5 or 6 years. Eight years ago, I went on Humira for a few months. It was helpful only for a few days and then the rest of the week was too painful. I then switched to Enbrel, at first 25 mg twice a week, and now 50 mg once a week. It has been wonderful - I still have joint soreness if I overdo, and need to take a muscle relaxer at night, but I am so much better. I worry that it may start to be less effective, but so far, I'm loving it"

• Cur...
• April 25, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "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."

• Rla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2023

For Psoriatic Arthritis "This medication caused more joint pain, I developed a red, itchy, hot, burning rash at the injection site. The brain fog was an absolute nightmare, I would forget words when saying something or the rest of my sentence completely. Enbrel and I did not get along."

• Rog...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2021

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "I have suffered with joint pain for over 40 years, finally saw a rheumatologist 4 months ago. After tests, diagnosed with advanced AS and prescribed Enbrel. 10 weeks in, I am feeling less morning stiffness but still struggle with night pain and stiffness and very achy joints all the time. So I guess I feel a slight improvement, hopefully, it gets better in time."

• str...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 17, 2021

For Plaque Psoriasis "I have plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. I have tried all types of creams, pills, and sprays. I have been on Enbrel, the prefilled pens, for almost a year now after two previous biologics quit working. Everything was great for about five months, around month six, my plaques were back, but my joints were still doing good. A hurricane happened, and I was without Enbrel for almost two months. Started again per doctor's request, began working again for a little over a month, but my joint pain and plaques are now back and with a vengeance."

• Anonymous
• May 27, 2011

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Enbrel has worked wonders... although after being on it for a year now, I feel as though I have hit a bit of a plateau. My joint pain has started to re-materialize."