Adalimumab or Etanercept?

Hi,

I would like to ask for some advice/personal experience of the above medications. I have been on Adalimumab (Amgevita) for about nine months. It works brilliantly for my RA but since November I have had non-stop viruses and chest infections which meant I had to come off it. I have seen my specialist and been given the option of transferring to Etanercept but that it is my decision. I wondered if anyone has experience of Etanercept having less of a side effect regarding susceptibility to chest infections?

[medway-lady]

I've been using it was stopped but it proved as the issue continued to not be the culprit. My Rheumy then argued for me to go back on it as I wanted too because of the no going back rule. She did get it back for me. For me it works well a bit of sickness for first week but then all good.

[KittyJ]

We are all different in how we react to meds but I have been on it for 5+ years and apart from Covid have had no other colds, flu or infections.

[helenlw7]

I was on Etanercept for about 10 years, without any side effects. It probably helped that I was on an antibiotics, Atorvastatin, as a prophylactic because I also I also have a serious lung condition. When the Etanercept stopped working I was tried with Adalimumab but it made no difference. That was my last biologic. I’m now on Hydroxychloquine and it’s brilliant.

[wilbertjellyfish in reply to helenlw7]

Is Atorvastatin not a statin? I don't think it's an antibiotic? My husband has just been started on it, is the only reason I'm asking.

[helenlw7 in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

Sorry, my mistake. The antibiotic is Azithromycin

[wilbertjellyfish]

I've been on both without infection issues that I can say were due to it. If the adiludimam was working I'd maybe try it again once you've really cleared the infection and see, you could then change if you get another one. That way you are keeping your options open, especially as they don't tend to let you try things that you previously had to stop.

Last winter was awful for chest infections and viruses but hopefully the spring is nearly here and we'll all be healthier.

[Bethany02]

I was on etanercept for years no side effects apparent but it stopped working I have went onto tociluzumab but am having worsening flares I don't think it's working for me

[ATBr]

I have been on entanercept now for 3 years which has proved very effective after previously on humira which stopped working. I have had no problem with having any chest infections/ viral infections so far. Hope it works for you if you make that choice!

[Hidden]

thank you very much for your comments- it has helped me make my decision to stay on adalimumab for the moment

[Tired-fed-up in reply to Hidden]

Good luck! I’m also on Amgevita I was ill nov - dec (was better for a couple of weeks for Xmas! 🎄) then ill all of jan 😣. I actually thought all these meds increase risk of infection, but I think it’s been a particularly bad winter for bugs 😣. Roll on Spring!!! 🌸

[Hidden in reply to Tired-fed-up]

Yes, I think you’re right - I have had a very similar experience. Fingers crossed for no more bugs!

[Doodlereggie]

hi

I was on etanercept for a year 18 months ago,and did not have any chest infections,in fact no infections at all,but it did not work for my RA,so stopped it and went on JAK filgotinib then,one tablet a day,which have been brilliant and given me my life back.Also have had no infections on this med so far,fingers crossed.Good luck with whatever you decide ,we are all different,so some things work for us and some don’t until we find the one that does!I am still convinced that there is a med combination that works for us all poor folk with RA.Keep us posted x

[Hidden in reply to Doodlereggie]

Thanks

[Doodlereggie in reply to Hidden]

I forgot to add that I have latent t.b.which was a surprise but etanercept did not activate it!you do not need to reply,just an afterthought!

[Runrig01]

I’ve been on Etanercept for 7yrs, with less infections than pre biologics. It’s still working, as currently been off it 5 weeks due to surgery, and pains have intensified. Can’t wait to get back on it 🤪👍