Hello Nicki (making an assumption in your name, apologies if I'm wrong!!)

Welcome to the forum! I'm Lyn, married with four children and living in Lancashire. I have had RA for 22 years and run the gamut of medication and surgical procedures. I'm currently on Enbrel, Methotrexate, Prednisolne and Naproxen and a cupboard full of additional bits and pieces to keep things working!

Each of the anti-tnfs has its own pros and cons and you will find, on the forum, lots of personal experiences about each of the drugs so worth having a search through. I have had Infliximab infusions and they were like a miracle cure! I have never felt so well. Unfortunately the efficacy didn't last and I was changed to Enbrel. This too has been good in combination with Methotrexate. The injections are easy and nothing to worry about and only a slight soreness as the needle goes in. I can actually do it without feeling anything but its finding the spot!! Benefit can be felt from Enbrel after about 6 weeks but it varies with individuals. Infliximab was immediate! There can be side effects but again everyone is different. The drugs and side effects are carefully monitored by regular blood tests, two weekly to start with until things settle, then monthly. You will also have six monthly DAS checks to ensure the drugs are working and inflammation levels.

Your consultant may have their own preference of drug that they would like you to have. If you can't come to a decision it would be worth asking their advice as they will know from experience which drug will be most suitable for your needs. They each work in a slightly different way.

Any more questions please fire away. Everyone here is very helpful and friendly so you are in the right place for help and support. Looking forward to getting to know you better,

Lyn x

I now inject Enbrel every week, before that I was on humira. It's easy to learn how to inject, usually a nurse will come to your house to show you, and will probably come back to watch you inject yourself. It doesn't hurt putting in the injection but the liquid does sting abit, but only for seconds.

I don't seem to get any side effects, nothing out of the ordinary anyway. It can take a few weeks to feel the full benefit.

Hope all goes well for you.

Lyn

Hi Nina, I just wondered if you had started on the Humira and how you were doing?

I've just been for my 2nd assessment today (not sure if I qualify as nurse couldn't get results from rheumy ward where 1st assessment was done). Have been offered choice of infliximab, cimza, enbrel and humira but think I will ask for humira like you.

I hope it's going well.

Julie