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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/26/2010 Posts: 71 Location: London
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Hi everyone, Sorry I've been a bit quiet lately. I've been on Hydroxi for just over 3 months now with no noticeable difference so they've decided to put me on Enbrel as well. I was really surprised that I fulfilled the criteria, but there you go. I'm just wondering what you've all got to say about Enbrel - GOOD AND BAD! It sounds like serious stuff and in order for them to decide I'm ok to take it I had to give 8 bottles of blood last week and today I've had a TB screening test. I'm going back to work - in 2 schools - so am a bit worried about all the germs I'll come into contact with (aside from worrying whether I'll cope with 3 days a week  ). The schools are one senior and one primary so I'm exposed to the full range of infection and it's about to be cold and 'flu season. This is something I'm going to talk to the Anti-TNF clinic about but I haven't seen them yet, just the human pincushion departments. Anyway, that's enough waffle, please tell me your Enbrel stories... Thank you! Vicky xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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Hi Vicky,
I have no experience of Enbrel but I am on humira which is also an anti-tnf.
I can say I have had no more infections in the three years I have been on it than I had before. Obviously as you work in a school you will have more exposure to germs but you should be ok as long as you follow the normal hygeine rules of handwashing etc.
Hope your rheumy nurse can reassure you about this, and good luck with the enbrel, I hope it works really well for you.
Love Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/18/2010 Posts: 351 Location: Herne Bay Kent
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Hi Vicky
I have been on Enbrel since Januray, along with Methotrexate and it has transformed my life. I have had so stop taking it once when I had an infection, but do not seem to have had any more illnesses than before I was taking it. It all seems very scary when you first start but I don't really think about it now.
All the best, hope it is successful for you
Best Wishes
Sue
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Rank: Newbie  Groups: Registered
Joined: 7/25/2011 Posts: 3
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HI Vicky, I've also just been given the "o.k" to start Enbrel..although I won't be starting it for another 6 weeks or so.. Having TB test etc in the next couple of weeks, so provided thats fine, will start just after you. Personally...Currently at least..Im kinda looking forward to starting it, because if it means I can have some sort of a "normal" life back, then i'm willing to deal with the possible side effects.. hope it works for you..good luck MoB 
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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Hi Vicky
Although I have no experience of Enbrel, I just want to say good luck with it and I really hope it will make a big difference to your quality of life.
Love Jeanxx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/28/2011 Posts: 956 Location: North Preston
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Hi Vicky
I have no experience of Enbrel either but I am sure there are lots of people who will give you advice and share their experiences. Good luck with it.
Sheila x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Hello Vicky, Just to let you know I have no experience on Enbrel. I see my RA nurse on Friday and I understand it will to be council on Rituxamab. I failed on Humira so like you I am anxious. We need all the info available don't we. I have received literature from the Hospital and I have read up on the NRAS website about it. Good luck Vicky Rose
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Vicky I have been on Enbrel for about 7 years alongside methotrexate and prednisolone. Prior to Enbrel I was on Infliximab but that gave up the ghost after 12 months or so (quite common I understand)! Enbrel has has been an exceptionally good drug for me and I can't rate it highly enough. I have no problems with twice weekly syringe injections (I didn't change to pen as I prefer the control given by syringe and needle) and I wouldn't say I have had any more infections than anyone else. Despite having four children and an endless string of their friends traipsing through the house constantly and staying over regularly I don't seem to have been affected by the germ aspect! It is worth ensuring you have the annual flu injection in October and the pneumonia vaccine too. I have severe long term disease and Enbrel has to be the drug that has given me the best control of the disease. All RA drugs have a limited life span, as the disease changes over time, and they become less effective. My experiences have all been good (except when I was kept off it too long after surgery, but that's another story!) and I hope it works well for you. Lyn x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/14/2011 Posts: 301 Location: South Hampshire
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Hi Vicky
I've been on Humira a different anti tnf, and I've had no infections at all since being on it!! I do volunteer work in a mother and toddler group.. so lots of ill kids, chicken pox etc - but I've been fine. I also mix with a lot of people.
So hopefully you'll find you are no more prone to infections that you were.
All the best
Anne
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 51
Location: Blackburn, Lancashire
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I have been on Enbrel for 8 years now and it gave me my life back. I take methotrexate and folic acid as well as some other drugs for brittle bones. I have the flu jab every year.
Before Enbrel I had been on four different drugs, none of which worked for me. With Enbrel I was able to gradually come off steroids. Obvously I still have bad days but overall my everyday life has improved considerably.
I know it can be scary when you start on any new medication and I sincerely hope that it works as well for you as it has for me.
Best wishes
Lisa
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 11/26/2010 Posts: 71 Location: London
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Hi everyone,
Thanks for the helpful comments. I've been off the forum lately as the system wouldn't let me log in - a database software issue apparently. Then I was feeling awful, run down, tired and fluey.
Anyway it's great to get back on and read people's replies. I finally have an appointment with the Anti-TNF clinic at the end of November - it's not quick is it? - so hopefully the Enbrel will kick in for the Christmas holidays. I've also had a flu jab so fingers crossed for a virus free half-term.
I'll keep you posted on the Enbrel progress as it (eventually) happens!
Vicky xx
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