Re: On Enbrel- Getting FAT !

[Guest guest]

YES! I'm so glad you pointed this out. I am hungry most of the time since

beginning Enbrel. Now that I know what is the likely culprit I will try

harder to resist food. I started out fat so I can't afford to gain. Cheri

:-))

[Guest guest]

I contacted Enliven Services (support for Enbrel). I spoke with a

registered nurse, and she said that when the drug was being studied,

there were no reports of weight gain associated with the use of

Enbrel. She did state that post market, some patients have reported

weight gain. She asked me several questions, and my responses would

be reported to the manufacturer (Wyeth, I believe). Anyway, she

stated that I should discuss with my physician. I would encourage

you to contact Enliven Services, and discuss with your

rheumatologist.

As for your difficulty with exercise, I was having the same

problem. Now that I have been using Enbrel for almost four months,

I am virtually pain free. I do take 800mg of ibuprofen once,

sometimes twice a day. Since starting Enbrel, I usually only have

to take it once a day. I am weight training with a trainer twice a

week and running on the treadmill 3 to 4 times a week. Good luck to

you.

[Guest guest]

> Re. Enbrel and weight gain. I experienced that also

> but didn't realize it. I stopped Enbrel in Nov 03 and

> in the next couple of weeks lost almost 15 pounds. We

> had bought my engagement ring when I was on Enbrel,

> now it rolls around my finger. This doesn't seem to be

> happening with Humira. Jane

Yes, this is the type of message I was looking for... How long did

you stop the Enbrel before switching? I was on Humira before Enbrel

But it was SO painful to inject- Do you experience the same relief?

Or any other side effects- I had alot of weird stuff going on with

Humira , But maybe it's worth it to not have the weight. My Doctor

does not believe me about it. peace-Mica

[Guest guest]

How long did

> you stop the Enbrel before switching? I was on

> Humira before Enbrel

> But it was SO painful to inject- Do you experience

> the same relief?

Hi Mica,

I was on Enbrel for 9 months before I experienced some

frustrating and painful effects from it, then survived

two months free from meds. I've been doing Humira for

about 5 months, and haven't found a way to avoid it's

burning sensation. I'm getting the nasty headaches

listed as a side effect.

I see my rheumy today. I can see some progress with

Humira, the distal joint on my right hand can now move

- very slightly and with a grinding sound and feeling

- and it hasn't moved since this nightmare began.

Despite this, I have new pain, swelling and increasing

stiffness in the small finger on my left hand, in my

right thumb and both wrists. I've gone beyond the

plantar fascitis in my feet to the point where it

feels like I'm walking on broken feet, the pain is so

terrible. And here's one I haven't seen here before -

inflammation in the root of one of my molars.

So, what is Humira supposed to do? These drugs may

slow the progression of the disease, but if there's

new inflammation is it working? Isn't there anything

that can take away the pain that is with me even as it

disturbs sleep? I'm so sick and tired of feeling sick

and tired I wouldn't wish this on my worst

enemy...well maybe

Blessings to all, Jane

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 5/5/2004 9:36:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

janekarsten@... writes:

So, what is Humira supposed to do? These drugs may

slow the progression of the disease, but if there's

new inflammation is it working? Isn't there anything

that can take away the pain that is with me even as it

disturbs sleep? I'm so sick and tired of feeling sick

and tired I wouldn't wish this on my worst

enemy...well maybe

Blessings to all, Jane

Jane,

I really feel for you because I am in the same boat. This Friday will be my

4th Humira injection and 6 weeks. I can' really feel much help. Enbrel for 6

months did not take away any pain either. I don't know what we are supposed

to do. It is sad that we have to live our lives in this much pain. I just

wanted to tell you that my last injection was almost pain free and minimal

stinging. I let the Humira sit out of the refrigerator for a while until it

came

to room temperature. The a took a package of frozen vegetables and help it

on the site on my thigh where I was going to inject and left it to numb the

area. The trick is to inject very slowly. As slow as you have patience for.

It was much better this way. Hope it helps and if you need to talk, please do.

JANET