Enbrel/Methotrexate questions - - for a three/four year old!

[Guest guest]

Hello,

We are at a point where we are considering stronger medications for our

daughter (Pauci, 3 years old). She has been experiencing fevers and

stiffness. Since this started back up, we have had her on Predisone - -

which has helped tremendously. She also takes Naproxen twice a day.

We are now going to slowly take her off of the Pred. to see what

happens. If she starts back to feeling extra stiff and having fevers,

we are to consider Methotrexate, Enbrel or just a cortisone shot in the

knee (though it seems that the knee that we have been treating since

September is looking and moving better thanks to the Naproxen and lots

of PT).

I'm trying to find out if anyone else has had their young children on

these medications and what their experiences have been. Our daughter

will be four at the end of January. The flyer that comes with Enbrel

says that it is for safe for children over four - - she is not quite

four and weighs about 30 pounds. It also says that it is for children

with Poly JRA, which she doesn't have . . . so I'm wondering . . . are

other young children out there with Pauci taking these medications?

How do they seem to work?

Thanks for your help!

Becky (Abby, pauci, 3)