Guest guest Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 Hi, I am wondering if there are physical side effects from Enbrel like nausea or appetite loss/gain. I know the possible severe side effects, but wondered about the less dangerous symptoms. I take MTX and it adds to my already high fatigue level. The first couple days, I lose my appetite, and then it returs with a vengence. Any input is appreciated. Thanks, Les Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 23, 2007 Report Share Posted October 23, 2007 Hi Les, I can't speak for everyone but I've been on Enbrel for just shy of 10 years and I have not suffered from any nausea or changes in appetite. The only thing I typically find is that the injection site gets a little red and warm for a few hours after I inject. I know it is not much, but I hope this helps! > > Hi, > > I am wondering if there are physical side effects from Enbrel like > nausea or appetite loss/gain. I know the possible severe side > effects, but wondered about the less dangerous symptoms. I take MTX > and it adds to my already high fatigue level. The first couple days, > I lose my appetite, and then it returs with a vengence. > > Any input is appreciated. > > Thanks, > Les > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 7, 2009 Report Share Posted May 7, 2009 Diane, When I started Enbrel, I bruised badly after every shot.... If you bruise, my advice is to place a cold pack on the injection site for 5-10 minutes after your shot.... This helped me to no longer bruise and also helped to relieve the discomfort. I don't use Enbrel any longer, as I didn't get alot of relief... but its not a bad option if it works. Wishing you luck and success! Bonnie > > hello group. > > a little awhile ago I posted that I wasnt feeling much better..some of you written back..I am just updating..I went to my rheumy today..I told him that I was still getting side effects from injectable mtx and that my shoulder and neck was bothering me,,He said it was time to start the biologics..that was really surprising,,he even said he has been known to be conservative..but now a days with so many options it was time to get agrressive..he is now saying my ra is being stubborn and unmanagable..He also said I wasnt living normal life...everything he said is what I was thinking... > > any advice would help on what to expect when starting enbrel.esp the side effects.. > > diane in ohio > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 7, 2009 Report Share Posted May 7, 2009 Diane, I've been on Enbrel for over five years, and it works wonders for me. I can hardly tell that I even have RA. I'm also lucky that I have no adverse side effects, no frequent infections, etc. Occasionally I have a mild injection site reaction, about like a mosquito bite, which is gone by the next day. Good luck! I hope you have the same good results that I have. Keep us posted. Sue On May 7, 2009, at 5:49 PM, diane crawford wrote: > > any advice would help on what to expect when starting enbrel.esp the > side effects.. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 Diane, It also might help if when you push the medication in after inserting the needle, do it very slow, like over 30 seconds. Sometimes that helps. Heidibug On Thu, May 7, 2009 at 8:33 PM, Bonnie <tiredtaz@...> wrote: > > > Diane, > When I started Enbrel, I bruised badly after every shot.... If you bruise, > my advice is to place a cold pack on the injection site for 5-10 minutes > after your shot.... This helped me to no longer bruise and also helped to > relieve the discomfort. > I don't use Enbrel any longer, as I didn't get alot of relief... but its > not a bad option if it works. > Wishing you luck and success! > Bonnie > > > > > > hello group. > > > > a little awhile ago I posted that I wasnt feeling much better..some of > you written back..I am just updating..I went to my rheumy today..I told him > that I was still getting side effects from injectable mtx and that my > shoulder and neck was bothering me,,He said it was time to start the > biologics..that was really surprising,,he even said he has been known to be > conservative..but now a days with so many options it was time to get > agrressive..he is now saying my ra is being stubborn and unmanagable..He > also said I wasnt living normal life...everything he said is what I was > thinking... > > > > any advice would help on what to expect when starting enbrel.esp the side > effects.. > > > > diane in ohio > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 Hi Diane, Enbrel has been a wonder drug for me. I know I've said this many times on the list. As with any new drug, give it time to work and as you know, things work differently for everyone. For me, I take the sureclick once a week on a Monday. Love it. My first dose was horrid. I had a headache, nerve pain, broke out in sweats, was at work at the time, took 2 tylenol and dealt with it. 2nd dose, I had a headache. 3rd dose, nothing. By the 4th or 5th dose I started feeling better. Now when I take it, I know that Tuesdays and Wednesdays should be great days for me in terms of energy levels as long as the flare monster or fibro monster or fatigue monster stays away! It will even extend into Thursday, and thursday for me is MTX day. This carries me through the weekend and I start all over again on Monday. I've finally found a routine that works for me. Wishing you the best of luck. Hugs! Heidi in Mass. On Thu, May 7, 2009 at 5:49 PM, diane crawford <nuttynurse25@...> wrote: > > > hello group. > > a little awhile ago I posted that I wasnt feeling much better..some of you > written back..I am just updating..I went to my rheumy today..I told him that > I was still getting side effects from injectable mtx and that my shoulder > and neck was bothering me,,He said it was time to start the biologics..that > was really surprising,,he even said he has been known to be > conservative..but now a days with so many options it was time to get > agrressive..he is now saying my ra is being stubborn and unmanagable..He > also said I wasnt living normal life...everything he said is what I was > thinking... > > any advice would help on what to expect when starting enbrel.esp the side > effects.. > > diane in ohio > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 i would advise getting the 2 25 mg shots that you mix yourself. i have not had any injection site reactions on these and people tell me they are much less painful than the 50 mg or 25 mg premixed shots. i got more pain initially from enbrel but am getting about 30% relief after 5 w on it now. i get migraines occasionally which i only get on certain meds. i still get a little more pain after the inj but then after a day or two feel better. hope it goes well monique Diane, When I started Enbrel, I bruised badly after every shot.... If you bruise, my advice is to place a cold pack on the injection site for 5-10 minutes after your shot.... This helped me to no longer bruise and also helped to relieve the discomfort. I don't use Enbrel any longer, as I didn't get alot of relief... but its not a bad option if it works. Wishing you luck and success! Bonnie > > hello group. > > a little awhile ago I posted that I wasnt feeling much better..some of you written back..I am just updating..I went to my rheumy today..I told him that I was still getting side effects from injectable mtx and that my shoulder and neck was bothering me,,He said it was time to start the biologics..that was really surprising,,he even said he has been known to be conservative..but now a days with so many options it was time to get agrressive..he is now saying my ra is being stubborn and unmanagable..He also said I wasnt living normal life...everything he said is what I was thinking... > > any advice would help on what to expect when starting enbrel.esp the side effects.. > > diane in ohio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 i forgot to add: i got sore throat and clogged ears 1st 2 weeks. now i occasionally get clogged ears but not as bad. monique Diane, When I started Enbrel, I bruised badly after every shot.... If you bruise, my advice is to place a cold pack on the injection site for 5-10 minutes after your shot.... This helped me to no longer bruise and also helped to relieve the discomfort. I don't use Enbrel any longer, as I didn't get alot of relief... but its not a bad option if it works. Wishing you luck and success! Bonnie > > hello group. > > a little awhile ago I posted that I wasnt feeling much better..some of you written back..I am just updating..I went to my rheumy today..I told him that I was still getting side effects from injectable mtx and that my shoulder and neck was bothering me,,He said it was time to start the biologics..that was really surprising,,he even said he has been known to be conservative..but now a days with so many options it was time to get agrressive..he is now saying my ra is being stubborn and unmanagable..He also said I wasnt living normal life...everything he said is what I was thinking... > > any advice would help on what to expect when starting enbrel.esp the side effects.. > > diane in ohio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 Hi , Was so so glad to hear you have a 30% improvement. Excellent news. I'm starting to climb up again myself. I still have to go to bed after my injection as I have no energy and feel ill. But 6 days out of 7 is not bad at all.  I haven't had the " high " I had a few weeks ago, but I'll settle for minimal pain and slightly better mobility. I haven't been able to walk outside again,(now that was fun), but I live in hope.  Don't expect to be running a marathon any day soon, but couldn't before the RA lol. I'm just thankful for what Enbrel has done and anything else is a bonus.  I think my expectations were maybe too high, considering the state I was in and the damage already done. But one really good benefit was being able to wear my wedding rings again and get into clothes a size smaller. I always knew I wasn't REALLY that big, is was only wind lol. Also no more steroids, yeh. So just another 3 stones to go, I can but dream!  So good to hear you are responding , and who knows it's still early days.  Love and hugs From: Sauve <moniquesauve@...> Subject: [ ] Re: starting enbrel Date: Friday, 8 May, 2009, 7:33 PM i would advise getting the 2 25 mg shots that you mix yourself. i have not had any injection site reactions on these and people tell me they are much less painful than the 50 mg or 25 mg premixed shots. i got more pain initially from enbrel but am getting about 30% relief after 5 w on it now. i get migraines occasionally which i only get on certain meds. i still get a little more pain after the inj but then after a day or two feel better. hope it goes well monique Diane, When I started Enbrel, I bruised badly after every shot.... If you bruise, my advice is to place a cold pack on the injection site for 5-10 minutes after your shot.... This helped me to no longer bruise and also helped to relieve the discomfort. I don't use Enbrel any longer, as I didn't get alot of relief... but its not a bad option if it works. Wishing you luck and success! Bonnie > > hello group. > > a little awhile ago I posted that I wasnt feeling much better..some of you written back..I am just updating..I went to my rheumy today..I told him that I was still getting side effects from injectable mtx and that my shoulder and neck was bothering me,,He said it was time to start the biologics..that was really surprising,, he even said he has been known to be conservative. .but now a days with so many options it was time to get agrressive.. he is now saying my ra is being stubborn and unmanagable. .He also said I wasnt living normal life...everything he said is what I was thinking... > > any advice would help on what to expect when starting enbrel.esp the side effects.. > > diane in ohio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 Hi Diane, I started Enbrel the same week as , although I have the 50mg pre mixed. I haven't had any site reactions, but had the clogged ears and sore throat and more or less flu like symptoms for the first month, and a chest infection. Now I have to go to bed on my injection day as it seems to drain me of energy and feel " ill " . But for the next 6 days I'm fine. I'm never going to be 100% as I have the severe type and a lot of damage. I still can't walk outside, but I am able to walk better in the house. Enbrel gave me a few days when I was able to walk outside and feel like I'd won the lottery. Something I thought I'd never do again. Then I had the chest infection which knocked me for 6.  So I would say, what have you got to lose. Don't have any pre conceived ideas and see how it goes. The one thing I would advise, is when you do the injection, do it as slowly as possible and warm it in your hands first. Good luck Diane.  Love and hugs From: diane crawford <nuttynurse25@...> Subject: [ ] starting enbrel Date: Thursday, 7 May, 2009, 10:49 PM hello group. a little awhile ago I posted that I wasnt feeling much better..some of you written back..I am just updating..I went to my rheumy today..I told him that I was still getting side effects from injectable mtx and that my shoulder and neck was bothering me,,He said it was time to start the biologics..that was really surprising,, he even said he has been known to be conservative. .but now a days with so many options it was time to get agrressive.. he is now saying my ra is being stubborn and unmanagable. .He also said I wasnt living normal life...everything he said is what I was thinking... any advice would help on what to expect when starting enbrel.esp the side effects.. diane in ohio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 I agree with . I use the twice-weekly, also. I tried the weekly, and it didn't seem to last as well for me. Sue On May 8, 2009, at 2:33 PM, Sauve wrote: > i would advise getting the 2 25 mg shots that you mix yourself. i have > not had any injection site reactions on these and people tell me they > are much less painful than the 50 mg or 25 mg premixed shots. > i got more pain initially from enbrel but am getting about 30% relief > after 5 w on it now. i get migraines occasionally which i only get on > certain meds. i still get a little more pain after the inj but then > after a day or two feel better. > hope it goes well > monique Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 thanks so much for all your advice..my biggest fear is the side effects.I have failed arava and mtx because of that and not working that well. I am still keeping positive..I know this group is a wonderful source of information..I will keep all your suggestions in mind. I love your hugs! and the same to all.. diane in ohio Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 Please describe what you mean by clogged ears. It seems to me that there has been a change in my ears ever since I was first diagnosed with RA. They do seem to be kind of clogged up. When I lie on my right side at night, it seems that a vacuum is formed in my right ear. It's very aggravating. Are yours anything like that? Sue On May 8, 2009, at 2:34 PM, Sauve wrote: > i forgot to add: > i got sore throat and clogged ears 1st 2 weeks. now i occasionally get > clogged ears but not as bad. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2009 Report Share Posted May 9, 2009 it feels like they are stuffed with something and sometimes they pop - and when they do that i feel better. i've talked to a few others who says it can happen on enbrel due to your body's reduced ability to fight infections. i had very bad ear infections as a child and nothing since yr 7 of my life until now. i just hope it doesn't get worse. my doc said some ppl have to stop it as it gets quite bad. monique Please describe what you mean by clogged ears. It seems to me that there has been a change in my ears ever since I was first diagnosed with RA. They do seem to be kind of clogged up. When I lie on my right side at night, it seems that a vacuum is formed in my right ear. It's very aggravating. Are yours anything like that? Sue On May 8, 2009, at 2:34 PM, Sauve wrote: > i forgot to add: > i got sore throat and clogged ears 1st 2 weeks. now i occasionally get > clogged ears but not as bad. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 9, 2009 Report Share Posted May 9, 2009 Actually, I think the changes in my ears happened before I started Enbrel. I have never mentioned it to my rheumy because it sounds weird to think that it could be caused by RA. My ears have never popped, though, unless I'm up in the mountains or in a plane. Sue On May 9, 2009, at 3:05 PM, Sauve wrote: > it feels like they are stuffed with something and sometimes they pop - > and when they do that i feel better. i've talked to a few others who > says it can happen on enbrel due to your body's reduced ability to > fight > infections. i had very bad ear infections as a child and nothing since > yr 7 of my life until now. i just hope it doesn't get worse. my doc > said > some ppl have to stop it as it gets quite bad. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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