My rheumy has suggested I consider starting injections ? which I am apt to start. Its getting to the point I know I have to do something about my aching joints. I would like feedback from anyone taking injections and their experience on them. My Rheumy has not recommended a particular one yet which Im sure we will talk about more. Im curious to know what others thing about these meds. Are there any out there that will not cause weight gain? Thanks! 
I've been using Enbrel for almost 3 months (I use the sureclick pen - all you have to do is push the button and it automatically injects) and I haven't had any problems/side effects whatsoever. I was a little scared at first so I took the sureclick pen with me to the local doctors office and had them oversee my first injection. I take one 50mg injection weekly and there's nothing to it. I was taking around 300 pills per month prior to starting Enbrel. I no longer take Methotrexate or Sulfasalazine (the DMARDS), daily Naproxyn (and Prilosec) are all I'm taking now (other than the weekly Enbrel). I feel so much like my old self now and I'm sooooo thankful. Don't get me wrong, I still have a bad day every now and then but I'm not exhausted like I was. I guess if I had to pick a word that best describes the pain level I have now it would be "tingly", kind of like when your arm or hand goes to sleep. I can live with this. I have very good insurance so my cost for the Enbrel is only a $50 monthly co-pay. I sure hope this helps you.....good luck and give a try. This drug may be the miracle you're looking for.
God Bless!!
I started on orencia back in October 2007. I took that until about 3 months ago and really can't recall any side effects I suffered. The only reason I stopped was because it stopped working for me. My Rheumy then started me on Rituxan. I could not complete the infusion because I had an adverse reaction to the drug and they had to unhook me. But for two weeks, I felt really good. I wish I could have taken the entire drug because the little I got sure did make me feel well! For the past 6 weeks, I've been on Enbrel. I put a couple pair of pants in the cleaners and two weeks after putting them in, I picked them up and tried to wear them...NOT! They were too tight. I went to the doctor today and have gained 15 lbs. in 6 weeks. I went out on the internet this evening to see if anyone else had that problem and low and behold, most people had a 20 lb. weight gain after starting this med. My Rheumy didn't seem to think it was the drug. He said I need to change my eating habits and exercise more. The funny thing is that I've gone to him for over 3-1/2 yrs and my weight fluctuated maybe 2-3 lbs. I'm working out regularly and eating better for the past 3 weeks and now I've gained weight. I would have thought he would have perhaps agreed that maybe the medicine was doing it, but he seemed to think it was me. Oh well, it wasn't working anyway so I'm going off. He's now trying to get me on Remicade. If it makes me gain, I'm not going to take it.
Hi - thought I'd put my 2 cents in here. I lost weight when I got the RA (inflammation, lack of appetite) and I gain a few pounds back when I'm feeling better. Nothing extreme, however. I do go for the sugar more than I should, and not exercise as much as I should but mostly I can stay within a few pounds of where I am now (could still stand to lose what I gained when first married, however! My husband's a great cook and loves to eat ...)
I'm on Enbrel and it didn't do anything to my weight, again, except to make me feel better and have a better appetite.
I was diagnosed with RA 3 years ago... I am 54. I have been on so many different meds- methotrexate, plaquinil, sulfasalazine, prednisone, enbrel, humira, and have either had liver enzymes go crazy, or was allergic (enbrel and humira). For the past year, I have been on Arava and just 3 months ago, my rheumy added a brand new injectable called Simponi. I was nervous as I broke out in rashes with the others, but gave it a try. It is amazing! And, a bonus is that when you inject it, there is no terrible burning as it goes in. It is only once a month and after my third one, I am starting to feel a bit of relief in the energy department. I still have the daily aches and pains and the wobbling in the mornings, but there seems to be steady improvement every month. I highly recommend asking your dr. about Simponi. And, the company that makes it will cover your copays for several months! I wish you the very best. This is a crazy unpredictable disease and can be depressing if we do not stay on top of things. Good Luck.
donna
I have been taking Enbrel for three years now and have found it to be helpful. There are occassions when I have a "flare" and have to take MethyPrediSolone (steroid) which relieves swollen knee or leg. I tried some of the other biologics but Enbrel seems to be the one that I tolerate best.
Best of luck.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hi Angel. I started Enbrel in January. The drug itself didn't bother me, it was actually giving myself a shot that freaked me out! I finally decided to just do it (after being instructed in the proper method of 'shooting up') and have been fine ever since.
In May we decided on an experiment, stopping the Enbrel for a month to see if it is really effective or not. After three weeks I put myself back on my weekly dose and my doc will play hell getting me to try THAT again!
Be aware of the side affects. They can be scary but the ability to live my life managing my RA is worth the risk, to me.
Good luck!
Thanks so much for your input. Can you tell me what kind of side effects you had...and are you still having them?
I don't have any side effects, really. I'm pretty lucky that way, I tolerate all of my meds ok (now that I'm on injectable mtx and off those pills!).
The biologics suppress your immune system (as does mtx and prednisone) and carry an increased risk of serious infections. They specifically call out tuberculosis and your doc will have to test you for that before you can take any injectable.
There is also an increased occurence of lymphome in people who use biologics.
Kinda scary, I know, but as I said earlier I am so glad to have my life back and to be able to pick up my grand babies and play golf (and even go to work!) that I'll roll those dice.
Biologics are a great tool in our fight to manage a crappy disease. Hopefully they work well for you!