ENBREL Reviews (ETANERCEPT)

Average Rating: 3.7 (533 Ratings)

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 TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA INHIBITORS

 Type: Rx Drug

  

ENBREL  (ETANERCEPT):  This medication is used alone or in combination with an immunosuppressant (such as methotrexate) to treat certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile idiopathic, and ankylosing spondylitis). Some brands of this medication are also used to treat a skin condition called psoriasis. These conditions are caused by an overactive immune system (autoimmune disease). The immune system attacks the body's own healthy cells, causing inflammation in the joints and skin. Etanercept controls your body's defensive response by blocking the action of a certain natural substance (TNF) that is used by the immune system. Treatment decreases redness, itching and scaly patches in psoriasis as well as the pain, swelling and stiffness of joints in arthritis. This medication can stop the progression of disease and joint damage, resulting in improved daily functioning and quality of life. This medication treats but does not cure autoimmune diseases. Symptoms usually return within 1 month of stopping the medication.    (Sources: U.S. Centers for Medicare Services, FDA)

  

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Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.)
5=HIGH (this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal.)

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RATING  REASONSIDE EFFECTS FOR ENBRELCOMMENTSSEXAGEDURATION/
DOSAGE
DATE ADDED
 
 4  RA and Psoriasis - 16 years mild headache...no pain when injecting...let auto-injecting syringe warm up to room temp (30 minutes) and used ice pack to numb injection site (10 minutes) So far so good...have only taken 1 dose, but after only 2 days my joints feel remarkably better. So far only noticeable side effect is a mild headache. Was previously on humira injections, but had worsening side effects over time. I have found that using ice pack to numb injection site and letting syringe warm up to room temp eliminates any pain on injection. F 53 2 days
11/11/2008
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 4  AS Red rash on side of face that resembles acne rosacia (spelling?) and occassional exhaustion. Also some tingling sensation in my extremities - cuts and bruises don't heal so well. I was in a dark place last winter when I started taking this drug. I have severe AS and it was crippling - could barely walk. Now I feel like I could run a marathon - life is somewhat normal again but I am freaked out about my lowered immune system and other side effects. Got dizzy last night for no reason and so fatigued I could barely function. I wonder if feeling "normal" is worth the risk of taking this stuff? Any suggestions??? M 35 10 months
11/11/2008
 4  RA Itchy rash at the injection site after injection. But, more concerning, I noticed that the day after my first injection, my breathing capability went downhill and has stayed that way more than a year later. While Enbrel helped reduce pain and swelling, I'm concerned about possible lung damage. My doctor hears nothing wrong, but I'm easily winded. Also tired, lethargic, and weight gain. Instead of weekly injections, I went to monthly injections as a sort of maintenance program and this seemed to help increase energy. Currently off the drug, but thinking of starting up again. F 56 1 years
11/6/2008
 4  ankylosing spondylitis injection site reactions, started one month into my treatment and have continued without fail, much worse if I inject my thigh. So far this is the only side effect. I suffered for several years without a diagnosis before finally finding the cause for my pain and stiffness. I currently use the Enbrel with Celebrex and it has made a big difference in my life. F 37 4 months
11/6/2008
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 2  Psoriasis feeling tired, sweating and feeling very hot, not sleeping very well At first I thought Enbrel was very good, it seemed to clear my Psoriasis very quickly, but then it just stopped working for me, my P has come back and it has caused me quite a few problems, so I am hoping to try one of the other drugs now. F 57 19 weeks
11/4/2008
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 5  Psoriasis I have not experienced any side effects from Enbrel. I would say it effectively treated about 90%-95% of my psoriasis. I am very pleased with the drug. I have been taking Ebrel for about 3 years. I feel very fortunate that Enbrel is available. I could not see myself go through another treatment with Soriatane. M 47 3 years
11/3/2008
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 5  Rheumatoid Arthritis RA Can't really contribute any side effects to Enbrel. I do have increased sinus infections and urinary tract infections as well as weight gain, but this may or may not be from Enbrel. Could just be my compromised screwy immune system or few other factors. Luckily, i have never had injection site reactions, or any other immediate noticable issues. Enbrel was my lifesaver. I have been taking it for over 8 years. I have extremely high levels of RA, Felty's Syndrome (hyper spleen-low platletts) and also have several nodules that appear and disappear over time. Sometimes, the nodules (usually appearing on elbows-feet-toes, and upper chest muscle area) are injected by DR with cortizone shot to help ease pain and decrease the size. Had tried Methotrexate in past-did NOT work for me. Now on CellCept with Enbrel (50mg 1x week, and Celebrex and Hydroxychloroquine. This "cocktail" really seems to work for me. I also take Prednisone as needed for really extreme flare-ups. I almost always stick to stomach (around navel) for my injections...arms and legs bruise and hurt too much for my liking. Will notice a slight "burning sensation" every once in a while from medicine when injected, but find..if i inject slowly, it helps process. Never had injection site rash, or itching. I have had to periodically stop taking Enbrel for F 40 8 years
10/27/2008
 5  psoriatic arthritis none effect treatment for my arthritis and also improved my relatively minor psoriasis problems. M 6 years
10/25/2008
 3  Zero Negative RA I have been taking 50mg injection for 4 weeks now and I noticed prior to my last injection that I have a rash on the sides of my face and neck. I am also very tired a day or two after the injection. I take methotrexate also along with steroids...my Dr. said to come off the steroids once I have completed the 4th Enbrel injection. After reading about all the rashes and having to stop the Enbrel I am frustrated because I wanted to take something that would work and keep me from having to take the steroids. I am interested in getting others feed back on their experiences with this medication and any other for that matter. F 34 4 weeks
10/22/2008
 2  Behcet's Disease This is my first day on Humira. I switched from Enbrel because within a span of 7 months, I had 3 major infections and every cut scrape or bruise would take 4 times as long to heal as what is normal and often leave scars. Have several nice ones on my face thanks to Enbrel. It reduced my ulcers by about 80%, but wasn't worth it. So my initial response to Humira, owwwww. The injection was worse than Enbrel and the site is still sore to the touch and tender all over the area. All of a sudden I have circulatory issues in my fingers, tingles and pins and needles, something I never experience on Enbrel. F 33 7 months
10/16/2008
 3  RA Since I have started taking Enbrel injections once a week 50mg doses. I have had severe headaches that last for days today is my 5th day with a severe headache also experience nausea and severe fatigue. No injection site problems. Not sure if Enbrel is helping me at this point, but I don't think I can go on with the side effects without taking another medication. F 38 4 weeks
10/14/2008
 4  RA Slight stinging while injecting...I do my injections in my stomach and haven't had any rashes etc... In the last year, though, I've experienced severe fatigue, depression and no energy. Wondering if lengthening out the time between injections would help that??? It's been great for my RA. I have occasional aches in my hands and SI joint during storms/weather changes but other than that I feel tons better....when I'm not sleeping from being so tired F 39 3 years
9/25/2008
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 4  psoriasis and pa I have had fatigue, headaches, and some weight gain. The first few weeks there was a sight reaction but it was basically mild. Recently, my asthma has come back but could be the weather. Overall, I was covered with psoriasis. It was controlling my life. It has cleared up about 85% in 7 weeks. I am not embarrassed to wear dark colors again. The headaches have been the worst but control with tylenol. Also have had some weight gain. A bit concerned about that since I have been on weight watchers for almost two years and have lost 40lbs. Other concern is my asthma. The last few days have been really bad and will have to check with my doctor. I didn't see much feed back on asthma attacks. F 49 7 weeks
9/23/2008
 4  RA Two days after my first dose, I had right side facial numbness, tounge numbness and tingling. Now 4 days after first dose my right side of my face is still tinglie and my right arm and hand feel like they are asleep. Headache on the left side of my head. My wrist and ankles feel much better and it has only been 4 days since my first dose. F 26 4 days
9/22/2008
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 5  RHEUMATOID + OSTEO ARTHRITIS I have been taking Enbrel for about 15 months. My hands and fingers are crippled and bent. Since taking this drug, my hands are much improved, my back pain is much better, I have more energy and I feel better all around! This drug has made a big improvement for me. Realize though, it will not stop the disease but it will definately slow down its progress. People who have injection site problems should hold the syringe in your hands for a minute or two until it becomes room temperature. Be sure to let the alcohol dry before giving your injection. Also, I have found that giving the injection in my stomach area about 1 or 1 1/2 inches to the side or below my belly button is much less painful as you do not have as many nerve endings in this area as you do in your thighs or upper arms. Keep the syringe at a 45 degree angle while injecting the medicine. Also remember, if you get any kind of infection anywhere in your body, DO NOT TAKE THE ENBREL until the infection is gone. I hope this Even though it has possible side effects, for me, the benefits far outweigh them. F 60 15 months
9/21/2008
 4  RA persistent sinus problems been using for nearly 3 years.took about 2 weeks to work and was amazing.before enbrel i was in constant pain and felt horrendous fatigue.i feel the effects sre beginning to wear off although my doctor doesnt agree.i am now starting to get pain again. I fear the day it stops working altogether. F 43 3 years
9/21/2008
 5  RA To the person who mentioned the very painful injection I also tried the 50mg injection....had already been using the 25mn 2x a week and my doctor thought the 50mg would be more convenient. I couldn't believe how painful the 50mg injection was....absolutely dreaded the shot....called my doctor and went back to the 25mg 2x week in the abdomen.....ALMOST NO PAIN!!!! F 45 5 years
9/15/2008
 4  RA fatigue, dizziness, tightness or pressure in chest I've been on Enbrel for 2 1/2 weeks now and love the effect it has on my RA pain, however, I get very fatigued and experience pressure, almost a pain in my chest and my heart raises and slow for the first day I take the shot. I've started taking them before I go to bed at night in hopes that the side effects will diminish before I have to function for the next day. Wondering if anyone else has this issue and if it lessens with time. F 42 3 weeks
9/1/2008
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 3  ankylosing spondylitis kind of tired for a day or so after injection I know the pain is better because I have cut back on muscle relaxer and pain meds. I have had a couple of bad flare ups but didn't last long. F 57 2 months
8/28/2008
 4  Psoriasis Slight burning when the medication is injected, Finding it hard to wake up in the morning no matter how much caffeine I drink. Only been on the medications for 3 weeks. There have been no changes in my nails. Elbow’s, ears, scalp has cleared up. I can wear black again!! :) I find it helps to take a deep breath then blow out quickly has you do the injection, for anyone who gets nervous every time you have to do it...like me. M 23 3 weeks
8/27/2008

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