Starting etanercept.

[ian2347]

Hello all

I was first diagnosed with RD in February and, being 31, it was a bit of a shock. It's been a real struggle since then with the pain / stiffness, side effects of the drugs, trying to maintain my full time job and being a single parent.

Over the last 10 months, I have tried sulfasalazine, methotrexate and leflunomide. Each of these have been moderately successful in controlling my condition but each have come with some serious side effects which meant each had to be discontinued. Anyway, having seen my specialist yesterday, she has agreed that the next step would be to try etanercept.

From all I've read about this drug it seems that I am, in a way, fortunate to be started on it so soon and I really 'could' see a big improvement in my condition.

For the first time since I was diagnosed I genuinely feel positive regarding the future.....fingers crossed

[cathie]

Yes its good to start on biologics as soon as you can. I've taken etanercept, but it didn't do brilliant things for me because I'd had all my meds withdrawn for about six months and was flaring. You may have seen that you can get an injection site reaction. Dont worry about this, but my experience may help - I took over the counter antihistamine a couple of days before my weekly injection and if I got a reaction I'd use antihistamine cream.

I hope it works very well for you and that it can get you back on your feet!

[magglen]

I have been on Etanercept for about seven years and it has worked wonderfully for me with no, noticeable, side effects. I am back on my feet and walking [weather permitting] several miles a day. I do hope it works as well for you. All the best xx