I have just been told by my Rheumy that I have Lupus and she feels it's due to my use (2 1/2 yrs) of Enbrel. Has anyone had this happen or heard of it happening? I was taking the Enbrel because of the Psoriatic Arthritis I have. I also have Fibromyalgia and the list seems to be getting longer. Not right!!
Thanks for any insight!
Laurie in NY
From page 22 of the prescribing information for Enbrel:
Autoimmunity
Treatment with ENBREL® may result in the formation of autoantibodies (see ADVERSE REACTIONS: Autoantibodies) and, rarely, in the development of a lupus-like syndrome or autoimmune hepatitis (see ADVERSE REACTIONS: Adverse Reaction Information from Spontaneous Reports), which may resolve following withdrawal of ENBREL®. If a patient develops symptoms and findings suggestive of a lupus-like syndrome or autoimmune hepatitis following treatment with ENBREL®, treatment should be discontinued and the patient should be carefully evaluated.
You can find this information on the Enbrel site, http://www.enbrel.com/pdf/enbrel_pi.pdf.
Sorry,
Teri
Yes, it happens more that Dr's admit. I developed Lupus Syndrome on Remicade, with liver enzymes elevated sky high, chronic kidney infections, unrelenting pain body wide bi-laterally, developed anti bodies, anticardiolipid antibodies. It took eighteen months of miserable pain, night sweats, etc,etc, for the symptoms to subside. My doctor appeared bewildered, and gave no support or validation to my symptoms. There's more if you are wanting more info. Anyway that was 4 years ago. So how quickly we can forget these issues. I went on Enbrel in December 2008, well it finally dawned on me why I am in severe body wide pain again, Here I was thinking we've had a bad winter and no pain relief with enbrel and the other significant pain control drugs that are in my treatment plan. they are the exact symptoms I had with the Remicade. These drugs should be used very judicially. My thinking is I've had this mixed connective tissue disease all along and have inflamatory arthritis and Fibro diagnosis. It seems that you have an honest Dr. that has not blown off the lupus syndrome like my Dr. did. I hope your symptoms subside in a fair amount of time,
I was on and off Enbrel for the last 7 years. I was given it to treat Psoriasis. I never had RA or was diagnosed with RA. About 12 months ago I started to experience extreme pain in my lower joints and in ankles. I am in so severe pain currently I can hardly walk and limp like I am 70 years old (I am 45). I am in so much pain I can’t take it anymore.
I lost my insurance about 10 months when my insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield) went from 600 per month (for just my wife and I) to over 1000 per month. I don’t know where to turn.
I also have been on embrel for about 6 years. In the past year I have started to develope "night sweats" . Its terrible. I figured ( I am 36) that I may be going through peromenapause. Being tested , this isn't the case. I wake up every night soaking wet and its horrible. Once in a blue moon I get a good night sleep. It is very rare. Embrel has also seemed to stop working the way it should. Even though with my severe plaque psoriasis flares up terribly in the summer months. My hair is once again starting to fall out, the flares on my stomach aren't going away, ears oh goodness. As of the past 4 months , headaches are terrible. I have never had headaches. Going to sleep with one, waking up with one, medicine doesn't help. Its just no fun.
As for the person who lost his insurance. I am thinking you can do a little research online and there are certain trials or getting help with your medications that you may be able to apply for.
Good luck to you!!!
Hi Joseph,
You can get help with Enbrel meds if you call Enbrel Enliven services - the Encourage Foundation, tell them that you lost your insurance. Unfortunately, you would still had to pay out of pocket for doctor's visit and lab work, which can be very steep...these Rheumatologist doctor's don't come cheap, my doctor is charging me $360 for a checkup -he says I need a complete check whatever this means because I have not visited him in over 6 months, and this doesn't include the lab test...It is tough!
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I was on and off Enbrel for the last 7 years. I was given it to treat Psoriasis. I never had RA or was diagnosed with RA. About 12 months ago I started to experience extreme pain in my lower joints and in ankles. I am in so severe pain currently I can hardly walk and limp like I am 70 years old (I am 45). I am in so much pain I can’t take it anymore.
I lost my insurance about 10 months when my insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield) went from 600 per month (for just my wife and I) to over 1000 per month. I don’t know where to turn.