enbrel

Hi I am diagnosed with AS, and have been treating for the past year. First we tried sulphasizine (sp?) but I had to get off that because it made my WBC count so low I had to get an injection of Neupogen. I've been on Enbrel for about 8 or 9 months, the 50 mg click pen, and it has helped a lot. I mean I take vicoden and flexeril, too, but my flexibility, pain, and range of movement have definetely improved. Lately I've noticed the Enbrel is "puttering out" on me before it's time for the next injection. I take it on Saturday morning, and by Thursday afternoon, I'm hurting pretty bad... counting down the hours to Saturday morning. I discussed this with my Rheumy, and he suggested I try to split the dosage. Enbrel apparently comes in a 25 mg dose, and he suggested taking it 2x per week. Have any of you tried this? Also he said it doesn't come in the sure click pen... you actually have to draw it up in a syringe and inject it. Yuk. I was just looking for feedback and thoughts... he said he really didn't want to change me to Humira or Remicade because I have been doing so well on the Enbrel. So hopefully it may work better this way.

Thanks, hopefully it will work fir me too.

I currently take enbrel, and I've experienced a similar effect as you.  My enbrel injection wears off a couple of days before my next injection.  My doctor gave me the option to up the dose to twice a week (50 mg, not 25 2x), but warned that it does pack a double whammy for the immune system and leaves you at a much higher risk for infection.  It's not worth the risk to me.  Some weeks are better than others and my injection lasts up to a day before the next injection.  On the bad weeks, I just take some tramadol and use lots of hot baths and heating pads.  Overall, though, I think enbrel is a great drug.

Elcamino