Bowen's disease

[Mabon12]

Good morning everybody. I have been on Embrel for approx 8 years and my RA is reasonably well controlled. However I have developed a skin condition called Bowen's disease on my lower left leg. It's pre- cancerous and treatable. It can be caused by a suppressed immune system - i.e by Embrel. Has anyone else experienced this or something similar?

[andy9131]

Hi Ive been on enbrel now for about 7 months now and it has certainly made a difference, can you expand on your condition as over the last week my arms have become very itchy as well as other parts so now wondering after seeing this if there is a link

[Mabon12 in reply to andy9131]

Hi, I don't think there is a link. Bowen's disease causes patches of scaly skin but they don't itch. So you probably have not got Bowen's fortunately. I think Embrel can cause itchiness but I think it usually improves as your body adjusts to it.

[Mandalou in reply to andy9131]

Hi andy,

Just to say I'm on Enbrel and Hydroxychloroquine but I also have to take 50 mg of Cetirizine Hydrochloride ( Benadryl) a day to combat my itchiness.

This is five times the normal over the counter dose but my GP says she often prescribes in this dose to deal with drug allergies.

I take this in up to five doses daily, and it keeps everything under control. My itchy skin, specifically on my arms was absolute pure torture but the benefits of the Biologic and DMARD are worth putting up with the antihistamines.

Just an idea in case you continue to suffer this itch.

All the best

M

[andy9131 in reply to Mandalou]

Hi mandalou thanks for that I was on hydroxy and leflumide as well as enbrel they stopped hydroxy about 10 weeks ago and now they want me off leflumide as well because I have two abnormal liver results which has been the same for last 8 years but they want to see if it makes a difference, this itching has only come on in the last week driving me mad but will try your advice thanks

[Mandalou]

Also, I'm so sorry Mabon that you have developed this other condition. I'm afraid I don't know anything about Bowens disease but it would be interesting if others here know anything about it.

Good luck to you.

Mx

[MaryTH]

Hi, I also have Bowens and was told it can be caused by too much sun. I am not on Embrel but I am on MTX. plus other meds for different conditions. Take care x