Guest guest Posted January 27, 2004 Report Share Posted January 27, 2004 Once again, to all of you Enbrel users – (if you're not an Enbrel user, or even if you are, feel no need to continue) I've now taken my first six doses, and have started having some other very weird side effects happen, and am wondering if anyone else has experienced some of the following things: 1) I've been getting a 'tight' feeling in my chest moving around from spot to spot. Pressing on this spot, or sometimes the base of my sternum, seems to somewhat alleviate the feeling. There's no real shortage of breath or anything, although it sometimes feels like I'm on the verge of being short of breath, kind of like a really mild asthma attack. 2) I've had numbness and tingling come and go on a spot basically over my right shoulder blade. 3) There's been some occasional twitching of mainly my right eyelid. It will happen for 30 seconds or so, then stop. I've also had this happen once or twice with my left eyelid. 4) I've also gotten a few sudden headaches, which then disappear a minute or two later just as quickly as they appeared. In spite of all this, I have been able to exert myself with continued visits to the gym, as well as refereeing soccer games, with absolutely no problems. I'm also sleeping fine (although my anxiety is starting to grow a bit). I went to the rheumatologist, who checked my breathing and heart vitals, and everything seemed fine. I go back to see him this Friday though just to follow up. I suppose it could be just my body continuing to adjust to the Enbrel, or perhaps it's an allergic reaction to something in the Enbrel. Or worse? That's what concerns me. I'm seriously concerned enough to give it up and try MTX (the doctor was actually able to get me right on Enbrel, so I have not yet done the MTX route). Anyway, apologies for the length of this, but hopefully you can appreciate my concerns. Many thinks in advance for any feedback anyone can provide. Harry P.S. To make things worse, my PA has started feeling much better since starting on Enbrel. Arrgh!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 In a message dated 1/28/2004 3:25:24 AM Eastern Standard Time, whereswjl@... writes: <<I've been getting a 'tight' feeling in my chest moving around from spot to spot. Pressing on this spot, or sometimes the base of my sternum, seems to somewhat alleviate the feeling. There's no real shortage of breath or anything, although it sometimes feels like I'm on the verge of being short of breath, kind of like a really mild asthma attack.>> Hi Harry, I am not on Enbrel any longer since it not help me but I did take it for 6 months. I also became short of breath at first and a tightness feeling like you mentioned. I had everything checked and also negative.. I did take a antihistamine the next injection (clarinex) and the tightness ceased. I believe it was my body reacting to some type of allergic reaction. After about 2 months the symptoms subsided and I did not need the clarinex. Maybe my body got used to the Enbrel. I also know that headaches can also be a side effect of Enbrel. Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 Hi Harry, I have some input as a former Enbrel user. I stopped it after 10 months as I was getting severe, migraine- like headaches that would last for hours. I also developed constant muscle spasms in my legs, abdomen, arms and buttocks. Sometimes it felt as if something was crawling under my skin. Also had frequent " nerve jolts " that felt like a bolt of lightning hit my foot. These all stopped within four weeks of stopping Enbrel. It's also interesting to note that when I stopped, the day after I would have taken a shot I was very sick with nausea and headache. Withdrawal perhaps? By the time I stopped Enbrel it was no longer working for me anyway. Just some thoughts about it to pass on. Warm blessings, Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 28, 2004 Report Share Posted January 28, 2004 Please gather all of the facts about MTX before you switch. I had such a severe reaction that I only took it for about a month. My Rheumy put me on Remicade, which worked well for about six months. I get my first Enbrel injection this afternoon. I will let you know if I suffer any of the same side effects. Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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