Enbrel v. Remicade

Hi.

I don't know that enbrel or humira would be a step up to remicade.  Many others might consider remicade a step up from enbrel.  My rheumy considers all of them rather equal, and very individual.  what works for one person may not work for another, tra-la-la. 

I was on enbrel injections for close to a year, and I can tell you I would much rather give myself an injection (it's not that bad) than have to take a whole day getting an infusion.  Plus, I believe with enbrel you have the sure click option, which makes the injection that much easier.  I've never used sure click, but I believe others on this board have.

The advantage of remicade, though, is that you only have it done every 6-8 weeks (depending on the patient).  Keep in mind that for a lot of people, myself included, it took a long time for the enbrel to kick in (don't know about remicade).  It me almost 7 months before I felt any significant effects from the enbrel; however, it can take as little time as 2 weeks.

Best of luck with the remicade.

El

Hi,

No.  The insurance company is in the process of "approving" the infusion for Remicade.  I'm excited to finally start on something that may help.  I was just curious if there was an advantage to the remicade over the enbrel/humira.  I'm not thirlled about the prospect of the infusion therapy, but anything to get back to normal!

 

I started on Enbrel, it worked quite well until I had a severe infection in my gums (under a tooth). When we got the infection/tooth issue solved, I went back on it and it wasn't as effective. My doctor then added MTX to the mix, which helped immensely. Last year I was diagnosed with Crohns and I was switched to Remicade (since it works for all of my issues AS, RA & CD). It has been my magic drug! I'm still on the MTX, but personally I feel it's working way better than the Enbrel pre-infection. Self injections are really nothing to worry about - you get used to them.

I was on the 2x week Enbrel shots, now I'm on the 6 week Remicade schedule - the infusions take about 2 hours at the infusion center. Seems to be working just right along with my weekly MTX shots. If one doesn't work well for you, you do have the option of the others. I hear there is another biologic coming out as well, so that will be one more "just in case." Keep in mind, most people do not experience relief right away. For me, it took 3 months with Enbrel and about 1-1/2 months with the Remicade. Of course, you could experience relief right away - some people do. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best.

~S.