Wednesday, September 22, 2010 LeighAnn asks

Q: Enbrel and eye sight changes

 I've been on Enbrel for the past year and my eye sight seems to be getting worse. Is it just me, or have others had this experience too?

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Answers (3)
Lene Andersen, Health Guide
9/23/10 7:01pm

I've never heard of this particular side effect related to Enbrel, but that doesn't mean that it isn't happening. I'd recommend that you talk to your rheumatologist about it, as well is make an appointment to see an ophthalmologist. Of course, it could be a coincidence, but it's probably good idea to get checked out just the same.

 

keep us posted, please?

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9/23/10 12:55pm

Hi LeighAnn,

 

 I, too, was on Enbrel (for about 7 months). I experienced a big change in my vision, too.  But I was also on Prednisone off and on, and someone from this site told me that Prednisone can cause vision changes, too. So I don't know if the change is due to the Enbrel or due to Prednisone or due to a combination of both.

 

I have been off Enbrel now for about four weeks, and I'm not seeing any change in my vision. In fact, I was thinking I needed to get to the eye doctor and see what kind of a change I'm experiencing.

 

 

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9/25/10 11:09am

Absolutely. I was on Enbrel for about 2 years, and I went to the ER with eye pain, and one of the nurses almost panicked when she saw the list of medications I was taking, because she had a friend who had a bad reaction to Enbrel which left her temporarily blind. It's apparently rare, but if it can happen, I'm sure your day-to-day eyesight would probably be affected as well. The nurse's friend had an honest allergic reaction, so I don't think there's any reason to panic for you, but I would mention it to your rheumatologist and your eye doctor. I'm on Humira now, and that was my first complaint, the shots are drying my eyes out badly and often it looks like there's a fog preventing me from seeing clearly. I've been told this is directly linked to the Humira and we're talking about what can be done and the cost since OTC eye drops don't help. Your eye doctor should be able to help you, if you speak with your rheumatologist and they tell you the common side effects linked to your eyesight. Arm yourself with that knowledge before visiting the eye doctor. You wouldn't believe how much it helps to go in with partial answers for them to bounce off of.

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By LeighAnn— Last Modified: 12/27/10, First Published: 09/22/10