Benepali side effects

[Harry_20]

Been on Benepali (Ethanerecet) for about six months. For past three, I’ve been getting a burning, nerve-numbness in my calves, ankles, and feet. I’ve seen my GP and various tests are underway, but I wondered if anyone else has had similar? I’ve also gained weight and am experiencing breathlessness when walking.

[Runrig01]

Have you spoken with your rheumatologist, if not I would. Biologics can cause MS symptoms. I’ve been on benepali 7.5yrs with no issues. However I have a friend, as well as a friend on a forum, who both had to stop benepali due to MS symptoms. Thankfully in both cases the symptoms resolved on stopping it.

I would also speak to your rheumatologist re the breathlessness, which could be related to your RA, there are several interstitial lung disease’s associated with inflammatory arthritis. I was found to have pulmonary fibrosis, in 2021. Thankfully mine is quite stable, but I’m under a respiratory specialist. I would definitely be speaking to my rheumatologist as opposed to my GP, as they are not very familiar with side effects of benepali, or lung issues connected to inflammatory arthritis.

The weight gain is usually the result of less inflammation. Before biologics your body was burning calories fighting the inflammation, now it doesn’t have to do that. If your eating pattern is the same as when inflammation was high, you will slowly gain weight.

[welsh12]

Have had this would add that mine was more vibration like I am not on biologics it has improved I was unwell at the time

[J1707-]

yes I had to stop it immediately it was a side effect. I ended up with peripheral neuropathy. Please contact your rheumatologist.

I believe it’s rare but I got it on my first injection and it was dismissed but got so much worse. I wish I had pushed harder sooner .

You know your body there are other drugs bout there . Good luck

[Harry_20 in reply to J1707-]

Thanks. I had a strong feeling about it. As you say, we know our own bodies. I will contact Rheum. and say I no longer wish to take it.

[crazylady57]

I would speak to your rheumatologist about this. My neutrophils dropped badly on this to 0.6. I had to come off it. After 2 other biologics I'm now on one that suits me. Good luck. Plenty more to try.

[Harry_20 in reply to crazylady57]

Thanks. I will.