Have you had headaches after starting Enbrel? Mine are beginning the day after my injection....thanks for any info.
3/ 4/10 10:28am
I have occasionally had a mild headache, and once one that was not mild. Enbrel tends to worsen sinus conditions, so you might try using a decongestant like Nasonex or pseudoephedrine (it's worth it even if you have to sign in at the pharmacy - works better than phenylephrine, the so-called Sudafed PE). I take sinus medicine fairly often anyway, maybe that's why I don't have a major problem with Enbrel headaches -
Hope this helps!
Other less expensive, helpful stuff is Ocean (a sterile saline nasal spray to help keep you clear - about $4) and some people use a neti pot, a more thorough way to clear your passages (I don't use this but know people who do).
2/26/10 8:06pm
I was just switched over from Humira to Enbrel. Last Friday (I like my shots at night) was my 1st injection of Enbrel. I had the worst headache Saturday and Sunday. So, I contacted a nurse that works with my mail pharmacy and they say that is one of the top 3 "complaints" with Enbrel. Today I had to take my shot earlier and my headache already started. I'm miffed!
How long does your headache usually last? This is only my 2nd week and I'm already over it. I'm contacting my rheumatologist this week. If I find out any cures or preventions, I will be happy to pass along the information.
Feel better and take care!
Andrea
2/28/10 7:08pm
No problem. I'm calling first thing tomorrow morning. This headache has been going strong. I don't even suffer from headaches. It seems futile to take a medication that is supposed to assist you feeling better yet gives you headaches (a symptom I never used to have). I'm fighting a losing battle at this point!
We'll share our reports soon. Best of luck Amy!
-Andrea
3/ 3/10 2:15pm
This is the load of I crap I received:
Me: "Hello, I'm experiencing horrible headaches after I receive my enbrel injection....and I never suffered from headaches before. What can I do?"
Them: "Hmmm, I never heard of anyone complain about headaches after Enbrel injections."
Me: "Well, first I don't think it is a complaint of if it is a fact. Second the mail pharmacy nurse said that is a top issue with people who took Enbrel injections in a controlled study."
Them: "Well, do you take your shot out to adjust to room temperature?"
Me: "Yes, I'm not an idiot."
Them: "Well the morning of your injection take a tylenol regiment that lasts through the day, and see if that helps."
Me: "Are you for real? Tylenol? I could and did come up with that quick fix. Thanks doc, glad to know I'm paying you the big bucks."
I hope you received more detailed and pertinent information. I'm a wee bit livid.
-Andrea
4/ 2/10 12:31am
Andrea - I don't want to scare you because yes, headaches are common on Enbrel but what they don't tell you because it is so rare, is that Enbrel can cause demylination of the brain, causing symptoms very much like MS. I had that happen to me and the rep who came to my doctors office didn't even know that was a side effect. But like I said, don't be scared because I have been through all the drugs and lucky me, end up with all the RARE side effects. Good luck. Sad part is, we usually know more than the people we rely on to give us guidance. Did that lady think cold Enbrel was giving you brain freeze??????????? LOL !
4/ 3/10 5:06pm
I know, right? Wasn't that the most ridiculous "helpful hints" you ever heard of? Take my meds out and take tylenol? It has been frustrating since my September diagnosis. I appreciate your humor. It helps to know I'm not the only one laughing at the stupidity.
Well, that did scare me! LOL. My cousin has MS and she goes through hell. I just had another shot last night and suffered (well still suffering) a headache. I really have to go into the office and raise hell about this. I usually suffer the craziest rare side effects and I want to make sure I am okay. I appreciate that you did let me know that information. I usually try and educate myself but I never did come across that information. I hope all is well with you now.
Take care!
3/ 4/10 10:13am
Yes you do get headaches but they will stay to go away after awhile. I've been on enbrel for about 5 months and probably about a month and a half ago they started to disappear. Good luck and take and advil it helps.
3/ 4/10 11:53am
Hi, I started Enbrel about a month ago and have been getting headaches which is something I have never had before unless I was sick with something. I am also getting dizzy spells for a few days after taking my injection. Apparently these are common side-effects.
3/12/10 1:45pm
Hi. I've noticed an increase in headaches/sinus problems since starting Enbrel over two months ago. I've had one bad sinus infection since starting the medication. I was prone to sinus problems prior to starting Enbrel (I take drops weekly for allergies) so I didn't think much about it until I read your question and the reponses to your question.
Hopefully your headaches will settle down some!
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Hey Andrea - thanks for responding to my question because now I know these headaches aren't just "in my head..." bad pun, I know!
I've only had four injections so far so we're both new to Enbrel. I don't remember the headache following my first one (might have just been a little overwhelmed at the thought of starting it) but following the second one my head just killed me (behind my eyes and the back of my head), I believe it lasted about three days. The last two headaches have begun the night of my shots (I've been injecting in the afternoon) and have lasted through the next two days. I think I will follow your lead and put a call into my rheumatologist, too. I didn't know that was a common side effect. I appreciate hearing of your experience and look forward to any information you glean from your doctor. I will also share with you.
Take care!
Amy