Waiting for Enbrel to kick in

[Ninaseven]

Hi I have been on 13 weeks of enbrel after being on methotrexate for 3 years. Just couldn’t deal with side effects. My question is how long does Enbrel take to start working. I’m not feeling a lot of relief and energy level is still lousy. What would be my next biological step up drug. I had absolutely no side effects from the Enbrel and I am taking 50 mg per week. Thanks

[wishbone]

I think enbrel tends to start working pretty quick. It certainly did with me - I began to feel the benefit the day after I started taking it. I think you need to get in touch with your rheumy.

[Ninaseven in reply to wishbone]

Thank you. I think you are correct. I’m getting bloods done today so then I’ll make appointment. By looks of it it’s a process of elimination.

[wishbone in reply to Ninaseven]

I'm no longer on enbrel but when I started taking it a few years ago there were a number of posters on this forum saying how quickly it worked for them, so I was not the only one by any means. No harm in having a chat with your rheumy.

Good luck

[Anitasmith]

I was in enbrel 6 months, not too much changed. Still pain , stiffness only goid result was fatigue is little bit easier. Change to humira now, don’t get too much effect after 2 weeks, let’s see

[Ninaseven in reply to Anitasmith]

Thank you. I’ve been really feeling really bad since last Oct. so it’s time for another change. The process of elimination goes on.

[kristapb99]

For me, it worked really quickly - a few days and I felt better than I had in months. I'm sorry it has not worked that way for you - maybe time to talk with rheumy, as wishbone suggests.

[Ninaseven in reply to kristapb99]

Thanks that seems to be the concenses. I’m getting bloods done today so I’ll call and make appointment.

[wishbone in reply to kristapb99]

Within a week or two I was in remission. Unfortunately it only lasted a couple of months and I had to come off it due to a side effect.

[Believer814 in reply to wishbone]

What kind of side effect?

[wishbone in reply to Believer814]

Recurring infections. One of which turned serious and was told to stop taking it after that.

[MagsLough]

It took 13 plus weeks for me to feel the benefits but I got there in the end.

[Ninaseven in reply to MagsLough]

Thanks hopefully it will kick in I like the fact I have absolutely no side effects only a little tired day after.

[Darkrose58]

Enbrel never worked for me, after 3months with absolutely no change, it was stopped. I’ve not had much luck with biologics, just about to try number 5 ?

[Ninaseven]

Poor you. Yes I think it’s time to change. Thx

[helixhelix]

It took three months to work for me, but then it did and it's been great. I was about to give up, but so glad I didn't now!

[Ninaseven]

There maybe hope. I like it as no side effects only wight gain but I had that from Methotrexate to when waiting to go on Enbrel lost 6 lbs in two weeks. But have to take good with bad. Put a call into RA doctor yesterday so hopefully I’ll get some response.

[Kracker55]

I’m on my second go with Enbrel first time worked great now it does not work as good. I have cut down on my pain meds first time in a long time but fear my conn diction has gotten worse I’m. Only 51 and fear I will never wake up again pain free. Ask to try something else. 2 months is all i’d Good be Enbrel before looking at another biological or another medication