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Side effects of Enbrel

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Posted 10/3/2013 1:14 AM (GMT 0)
I don't know if I am using this forum correctly.. Hopefully someone can reply with advice. I am newly diagnosed with PSA, I am 37 years old. I tried methotrexate first but had a severe allergic reaction to it.. I got my first shot of Enbrel today and about two hours I feel very weird.. I feel dizzy, light headed and very weak.. Is this even possible as I just got the shot a few hours ago?!? Any response or advice would really help
Posted 10/3/2013 2:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Hurtingirl,

I've been on Enbrel for about fifteen years, and to my knowledge, it wouldn't cause what you describe. However, I would definitely check in with your doctor, or at least call the 24-hour nurse hotline to ask. Best of luck to you!
Posted 10/3/2013 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,

I took enbrel for several years and it never caused any side effects that were concerning to me.  In fact, my energy levels came back very shortly (within 2 weeks of first injection) after starting enbrel.  I would echo the recommendationt that you speak to your doctor about what you're experiencing.  Everyone experiences these drugs differently, and there could be something else going on.

Elcamino

Posted 10/3/2013 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your replies!! I've left a message with my dr. I'm glad I found this forum.. I am feeling very lonely with this disease. I quit my job in February of this year after 20 years and with this disease I'm not able to do much so I feel like I've lost alot of my friends.. They don't understand the disease or what I'm going through and they get annoyed that I can't go out and do a lot of things I used to be able to do... The only support I have is from my husband and I feel bad that I have to rely on him for everything, taking me to appts, holding down the house when I am hospitalized.. I have a 13 year old son with Autism, so it's a lot to put on my husband. I don't have any family that is willing to help. Please tell me this gets better?! Any advice, support, or suggestions greatly appreciated.
Posted 10/4/2013 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hurtingirl,

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time lately with the RA.  I can tell you that, although everyone is different, when my meds are straightened out (biologic + methotrexate) I can do just about anything I want to do.  It's only when I'm in transition between drugs that major flares arise.  Once the enbrel kicks in, I hope you start feeling better.  I did start with just enbrel, but it wasn't until I added the methotrexate that things got better.  For reasons unknown, the biologics work better when paired with methotrexate.  Are you taking that?

Elcamino

Posted 10/4/2013 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
I was on enbrel for 12 years for RA and it was like night and day the difference in the way I felt. I was able to kick the constant flare ups and live again. That is saying alot because when I was diagnosed with RA I had to find a new job as I was not able to work any longer in the field that I was in I was so crippled up. I went back to school to find something that would challenge me and with the help of my wife and family I was able to get back to work. I was thrilled just to be able to work at all.

As I am sure you realize this disease can be a real bugger. Enbrel after a long run didn't work anymore and this year I had to find another medication after having a really bad flare. So don't take anything for granted. Live and enjoy each day you have. We are not normal and that is perfectly fine but I know that I have to give thanks each day I am able to do the things the rest of the world sees as "normal" and even the days when Im not.

I hope that you get many many years of relief. Don't be down on yourself for having to rely on others. Do things to show them how much you appreciate them. Even if it is small it will make you feel better and its so important to show our love especially to our families. They suffer right along with us and they are a Godsend to us.

I found alot of support at my church as well as at work with another co-worker who has RA. Talk about one tough lady! We chat in the mornings and it is really nice to have someone around that knows what you are going through and is encouraging. Im glad you found this forum, its a good place to have especially when you are hurting. It helps me alot. May God keep you and bless you! -Don
Posted 10/4/2013 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for your encouragement and advice!! I really appreciate it!! It is nice to talk to people who actually know what I'm going through. Until I was diagnosed with PSA I didn't even know what it was. I am not taking methotrexate. I actually took that first because my insurance would not pay for the Enbrel unless I started methotrexate first. Unfortunately I had a severe allergic reaction so I'm not able to take it.

It has been two days since my Enbrel injection and my hands and feet are so swollen and hurt worse than they did before.. Has anyone else experienced this? I have been so nauseous since I got the injection that I have hardly been able to eat.

Thank you for the encouragement Don!! I do try really hard to let my husband know how much I appreciate him, it's just hard because I feel like such a burden at times. You are so right that they are going through this disease with us!!

Through this process so far I have only had just a handful of days that I feel really productive and I cherish each and everyone of those days!!

Thank you all for your advice and encouragement!! Enjoy your weekend and I hope to hear from you guys soon!!
Posted 10/8/2013 2:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hurtingirl,

When I initially started just the enbrel, it did take a few weeks to actually kick in.  I did, however, experience an immediate energy surge--enbrel did wonders for the RA fatigue.

Hang in there, I'm praying that you experience some benefits soon.

Elcamino

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