Hi everyone, I started Enbrel 6 weeks ago and my pain is getting steadily worse. I have damage in just about every joint in my body and my psoriasis is breaking out also. I had been on prednisone for several months because the PsA had attacked my lungs. My rheumatologist took me off of it when I started the Enbrel because my lungs were clear. I can’t take Methotrexate because that’s what he felt caused the severe attack (it almost killed me). Has anyone else had the Enbrel not work? This medication costs me almost $600 per month and if I’m not going to see any results then why waste the money. My pain and fatigue are so bad.
Hi
Ive been at the same stage as you are now and thoroughly recommend that you give Enbrel at least 12 weeks. I started to feel its benefit after that time and then steadily got better and better in the following weeks. My rheum. left me on 20mg of prednisone during those first weeks. I still take a small 6mg co-dose of prednisone . Its hard, but I'd say be patient.
It takes most of the biologics at least three months to begin working In a way that you see and feel results. I know it’s hard when you hurt, but you gotta hang in there and let the drug do its thing. It really is too soon to tell whether it will work or not.
Yes, I am on Enbrel... since December... Just last month is when I really noticed a significant difference.. especially the unrelenting pain I had in my SI joints... I really don't know what I would do without it.... and if there weren't programs out there to help with the cost.. I do not know what I would do... I checked to see how much it cost - to pay without insurance or signed up in any program.... it was over $6,000.00 a month... no one could afford that!! Call Enbrel themselves and see if you qualify for their assistance program.. right now.. even though I have insurance.. at work.. I do not have to pay anything for the first 6 mos... after that possibly $10 per month.... and if I have to go thru my insurance company at work.. the most I will ever have to pay each month is $85...
It has been a godsend for me... I know now .. if it weren't for Enbrel.. I would not be able to work a full time job.
Good luck to u... be patient.... hugsssss
Karen
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Ok, thank you all so much. When I posted last night, I was near tears. Actually, the fatigue is worse for me to deal with even though the pain is sometimes through the roof. Fatigue is really what stops me from living a normal life.
I will be more patient and give it another couple of months to kick in. Thanks again! You have eased my concerns. I’ve had PsA for about 25 years…was misdiagnosed until last year.
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You should call enbrel support, they help you with the medication costs. Its free for 6 months, then no more than 15 dollars for 6 months, then you renew it. i know i couldn't afford it without it!
also, ive been on it going on 6 weeks and it takes time. i feel like im getting worse too, but it may be the season.
Hang in there! It took 10 long weeks for Enbrel to work for me personally. I'm now 90% back to normal (I'll take that!).
Youngunn, thanks for the info! I signed up for the help on Enbrel and was approved. This is AWESOME!
youngunn said:
You should call enbrel support, they help you with the medication costs. Its free for 6 months, then no more than 15 dollars for 6 months, then you renew it. i know i couldn’t afford it without it!
also, ive been on it going on 6 weeks and it takes time. i feel like im getting worse too, but it may be the season.