Hi all .hope we're all fine and dandy this morning..

[Tessthomy]

Hi all hope we're all fine and dandy this morning..I have been on Embrel for 3 years now. I don't seem to have any side effects at all. Any side effects seem to be from MTX (12.5 mg) which has now been added by injection (couldn't tolerate orally). Does anyone else have this mixture ..? i suppose my question is: is it absolutely necessary to have both drugs together - my consultant did say the more the merrier as it were, to fight the disease, but i'm not convinced. The injectable MTX can still make me feel rough..(but better than orally by far…and the injection is easy) .. but would much prefer to be just on Embrel. What is everyone's views? TT

[allanah]

I have read papers that say the biologicals with mtx is a very good mix. I had mtx and then by injection and it was stopped due to the side effects.

I sorta regret not keeping going in some ways as it is meant to be a good therapy, but the sickness was too bad. Is it possible to get anti sickness tablets that would help.

It would be such a shame to rock the boat when the treatment appears to work I think but of course only you know how bad you feel on mtx. I would have a chat with the Rheumy nurses in case they can give you advice on the Side effects , good luck x

[Tessthomy in reply to allanah]

allan a did you get nausea even with the injections? Yes i take anti nausea pills..

[allanah in reply to Tessthomy]

I unusually had diarrhoea and nausea, something I am always prone too, it stopped when I came of mtx. But yes the dmard/ biological mix is usually really good. I was swapped to Enbrel and sulphasalasine where I don't feel ill but it was not so good for pain? Choices booooo lol

[Hidden]

Hello

MTX is a DMARD

EMBRIL is a BIOLOGIC (-TNF)

Both medications in this area are generally given on the back of the other, the MTX will be given in a reduced dose.

FOLIC ACID will still need to be taken..

If the medications are working well, keep going they will be keeping an eye on your bloods and contra-indications.

Understand I am not a Doctor and I advise as such.

The protocols above is generally followed it may be that METAJET could be replaced if you have contraindications

Good Luck

BOB

[Tessthomy]

thanks to both..yes i'm determined to keep going, as good days without nausea, i don't appear or feel ill (except for a tell tale wonky hand!) - i had also read that these 2 drugs work well together. i guess we have to weigh up the pros and cons with this disease. At least there is this forum where we can all talk and discuss things! Will keep taking the meds! Thanks again TT x

[allanah in reply to Tessthomy]

Good luck xxxxx

[wiliby]

Hi, I am on enbrel also. Did take mxt up until a year ago. I kept getting infections as my white cell count was too low. My dad was taken into hospital seriously ill and when GP told me I couldn't visit due to me being at risk, followed by another infection she agreed I should withhold for a while.

Anyway, I never did go back on and touch wood so far so good. The consultant did say that studies show they work better/longer together but these studies were normally at beginning of treatment, he told me that as I was on mxt for the first couple of years then who knows! He was honest but said if it did fail then we would start something else.

I feel better not taking it without a doubt but it,s in the back of my mind that I may be putting myself at risk not taking it. The year previous I had 8 infections and since stopping none!

If I was you (and I,m no doctor) I would ask to reduce dose first? I went done to 5mg for months before stopping. Did help side effects but not low cell count.

Big decision for you!

[Tessthomy in reply to wiliby]

thank you..the infections sound nasty, touch wood, my white cell count seem to be ok, i have monthly bloods done to keep an eye on this and obviously the liver function also. Will chat with the consultant and get an update going forward this week. Will let you know! TT x

[denvajade]

Hi there I am on methotrexate injections only and find it keeps pain level very low but I get a sore mouth(burning) I think its thrush, so treating that.