Bad batch??

[shareasmile]

Do you suppose that there could be bad batches of Enbrel? I ask because I had a flare that came on slowly and became progressively worse over 4 weeks time. This corresponds to the # of pens in a box. Once I started a new box, my flare gradually went away over the next couple of weeks. I feel in great shape again with most all my pain has vanished!

[earthwitch]

Might be worth reporting that to the company that supplies it. Could be totally coincidental, but maybe not. It might also have been a batch that got stored badly before you got it.

[shareasmile in reply to earthwitch]

I thought of the storage thing too, earthwitch! I am just glad I feel better again! I was beginning to think I would have to change meds yet again!

[Birthdaygirl]

I had a similar experience last year. I always check the expiry dates on each batch and individual syringes as instructed by biologics nurse. On one delivery only the syringes that were delivered were all before the expiry date but only by about 6 months. It didn't worry me, it was in date, and I didn't give it another thought.

Over a period of about 4 weeks the Enbrel was struggling to keep me moving. In fact I thought it was failing and was very worried. I was blaming all sorts of things rather than the Enbrel. However the next batch had a much longer expiry date, about 18 months, and quite quickly I noticed a positive difference with better mobility and pain under control. In fact I was so much better that as the weeks went on it kind of reinforced my feelings/fears about that older batch.

I spoke to Biologics nurse, who took it all very seriously, and she said if a batch came through like that again to contact Pharmacy. Healthcare at Home is my delivery company.

I don't know if this helps you but it helped me to read your post.

My current batch expire in 2017!

[shareasmile in reply to Birthdaygirl]

Thank you for sharing that experience! I will definitely be more diligent about checking that date! I feel so much better now and I am glad you do too. It is a relief that I won't have to change meds again!

The biggest issue with this whole scenario is that my doctor thought I failed yet another drug and now thinks I have fibromyalgia. In which case I would wean off my RA meds. The thought of all my prior pain coming back terrifies me! And I had no chance to explain!

[Birthdaygirl]

Glad the info was of help and encouraged you. It might be a coincidence but then again it might be not be.

I certainly would be uneasy about a delivery of a syringe that had a short 'sell by' date and would contact HaH to ask why it hadn't been used sooner or, as earthwitch has said, ask where it has been as there could be storage problem with the provider.

Hope you go from strength to strength and that fibromyalgia is taken off the radar.

[Hay44]

When was this? As I also had severe flare ups over a period of time and now on new box seem to finally have it under control.

[Hay44 in reply to Hay44]

Yes new batch exp 2017

[shareasmile in reply to Hay44]

I started noticing a flare about 6 or 7 weeks ago. It became progressively worse over 4 weeks and then I began to improve and now feel much better! I wish I had the lot number from the box.

When did you notice a problem?

[Hay44 in reply to shareasmile]

To be honest I have been on everything met steroids Eric etc then Humira which again gave me a terrible allergic reaction (seems everything that has worked for me I was allergic to) I started enbrel approx 5 months ago but also weaned off steroids. Combination of both my flare ups got worse as did my psoriasis. However it was so bad the last batch I just thought I was not benefitting from enbrel. Since I started new batch I have noticed (now u have made me aware of it) that my flare ups have really calmed. I would never have thought it could have been the batch. I also seem to have take. Nearly 6 months for it to finally get my AS under control.

[shareasmile]

Just got home and checked the expiration dates on my last 2 boxes--01/2018. Sure wish I had the previous box that is under suspicion! Maybe the pharmacy knows?? I might have to ask!

[Birthdaygirl]

If you have still got the paperwork that comes with the delivery it might help to put your mind at rest and rule it out of what happened. Mine gives the batch number and details.

The good thing is we are ok and we may never know why there was a dip in the efficacy of Enbrel - it may have been fine as it could be so many things and easily be something else causing the problem - but it may be a good reminder to check dates and perhaps diarise if things start to deteriorate again and whether there was a new delivery or not.

January 2018 gives a very good idea of the pharmaceutical shelf life! I would be happy to inject that nice fresh batch! But not all at once!

[Lola9275]

I take pics of the lot# and date panel on every box I get with cell phone. Done that since a nurse asked if I had the lot# for that week I felt affected.

[Birthdaygirl in reply to Lola9275]

Brilliant idea. Thanks.