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Reactions to Methotrexate, Enbrel and Humira

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 11/5/2006 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I have Fibromyalsia, Rhuematoid Arthritis. Rhuemetologist put me on Methotrexate, gave me mouth sores, very bad sore throats and made me sick. Then put me on Enbrel. Took it once and got a severe infection in my nose. Got so bad it was in my whole face. Stopped it.took antibiotics for a month because it kept coming back. Then got back on the enbrel, sores came back. Then he put me on Humira. Took it once and had a bad injection site reaction also with a bad rash on my torso. And felt very sick. This happened a week after I took it. And still have the sores in my nose , they are gone for a few days then come back. They started in July 06. Ended up getting Pleurisy for two mos. now, and still have it. And also have a vaginal infection right now. He put me on mobic and doubled my prednisone. Seems to be helping. But what am I to expect with the treatment of the RA if I can't take the meds for it? Help...I can't stand the pain anymore. I just don't want to be crippled. Two of my sisters also have RA and already have had to have joint replacements. One sis had her elbow replaced at age 26 and my other sis had both her knees replaced in her early forties. Any info will help. Im so frustrated.

thanks,

Lori

Posted 11/5/2006 11:19 PM (GMT 0)
Lori, it sounds like you have a tricky situation here. I'm sorry to hear about your problems with meds. Have you tried prednisone before? It's a great anti-inflammatory, and certainly has some negative side effects, but none as bad as what you've described with mtx and the biologics. Many people use NSAIDS for RA, like Mobic. Unfortunately, NSAIDS do not modify the RA process and they can be toxic when used long term. Prednisone may be a short-term option. There are also 3-4 other DMARDS (remicade and a couple of new tnf-inhibitors--I forgot their names) that you can also try. Also Kinaret. My rheumy said everyone reacts to the tnf-inhibitors differently, and you don't know what's going to work for you until you try them all. Humira didn't do much for me; enbrel is a bit better but not completely there without the mtx. If these combos don't work, I will probably try kinaret, and then graduate to the IV drugs like remicade and others. There is certainly something out there for you; don't give up. Let us know what you decide to do.

Elcamino
Posted 11/6/2006 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Elcamino,
I will definatley talk to my Rhuemetologist about this...It is so nice to have some feed back on this. You all are very encouraging. I will post back when they figure out what they decide for me...
Thanks
Lori
Posted 11/7/2006 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Lori,
Certain mouse proteins & other animal proteins can cause such reactions in people. Might be why? But who knows.
Have you ever premedicated before the injections with Benedryl, Tylenol and a steroid?
Well my friend, there are a few NEW RA drugs that HELP the disease & NOT JUST MASK SYMPTOMS! Never give up hope, for one thing...our options are growing! I have been through Enbrel & Humira already as well. They just stopped working after a year or so.
Have you been on Imuran?
Lori, welcome to HealingWell...and don't worry, I know it seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel and no answer....but soon there will be. So many, myself included, have been through the mill with meds & doctors and figuring out what works and sometimes it takes years. I wish yours sooner, & I'm confident it will be! Hang in there. It will work out.
Regards,
Erin
Posted 11/10/2006 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you,
I'm not sure what his plan is next. I don't get to see him till end of Dec. For me I think I got sicker once I started the injections. I probably did take my steroids and pain killers before the injections. I don't have any joint deformities. I was having bad flares and real sick. But my mother and two sisters very rapidly had deformities, to where they had to have replacements in their knees and elbow and at early ages. That's what scares me. So I guess I have to be patient for now. I go see the cardiologist next week for an echo. Since the Pleurisy, he wants me to have that done. Really your input is very much appreciated. Just the few days I have been in here I have learned more then I have other wise....so thank you....What did you mean about the mouse proteins and animal proteins?
Lori
Posted 11/10/2006 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Loea09

Hun it looks like you have recived some great advice here on this subject. I wanted to stop and let you know your in my heart and prayers. Don't give up on this fight.

 

 

Great job everyone...

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