Hi everyone,

As you know I have recently retired and life in general is good. However, I have been taking Enbrel for over a year, and my consultant has decided to try me on Humaira. I have had to cancel the appointment twice because of underlying uti's so am due to go and start on Wednesday. Having followed Rose's attempts with Humaira I dont think that I want to go down that road, although I have only been on Leflunomide for the last three months having been told to stop the Enbrel. I am in so much pain in my feet, which are all red, hot and inflamed. I reckon that I want to go back on Enbrel rather than starting a new drug and putting up with all the side effects of it. What do you think - start Humaira or go back on Enbrel? Any advice will be welcomed!!

Louise

hi Louise,

just to re-assure you although i know what works for one doesn't work for all as i have learned with RA.

i started on Humira at the end of August .. and was just a tad scared to say the least !!

i have had no side affects at all and find i can use the Epi Pen easily.

i have had a good result in the first month but second month hasn't shown any change, my Nurse has re-assured me this is early days,

i take all the advice from my Consultant and Rheumy Nurse both of whom i have total faith in,

hope i have given you some re-assurance.

Suzanne x

P.S. i've also been plaged with UTI's this year.

Hi Louise

I think the option of returning to Enbrel may not be a viable one after a three month break. There is a known tendency for them not to work efficiently second time round. From my own experience this rings very true; having stopped Enbrel for knee surgery and being off the drug for several weeks it certainly no longer worked as well as it had for the previous 7 years! I am now en route to Rituximab

Humira and Enbrel work in a very similar way, blocking the production of tumour necrosis factor. Each has its own mechanisms and do the job in a slightly different way. Responses are equally individual so it seems to be a case of trying and seeing! The current NICE guidelines suggest that if the first anti-tnf fails the only Biologic drug available for NHS patients is Rituximab. However this drug is not generally thought suitable for anyone who is RF and anti-ccp negative. Perhaps this is why your consultant wants to try Humira?

Returning to Enbrel I couldn't recommend from my own experience, it simply no longer does what it says on the box! I think I might be inclined to ask a few more questions as to why Humira would be a good choice for you.

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

Lyn x

Hi everyone

Had my appointment with RA nurse today. I learned we are not living in a democracy where discussion about concerns and pro's and cons are taken into account. Saw a young nurse, never seen her before. She said the consultant said that i should try humaira. I asked to discuss concerns. She said that there are no valid concerns and the consultant knows best. So there you go. I had my first injection so I have started Humaira!! Will keep you posted as to how I get on.

Louise

I didn`t get a choice on which anti-TNF drug to start, but my consultant at the time - who chose humira for me - outlined her reasons for that choice, and took into account my metabolism, so I was quite happy to go along with it. That was over 4 years ago now, and I`m still on humira.

Kathleen x

Hi Louise

I hope the humira goes well for you. I've never heard of the nurse giving it to you straight away either, lucky you! No time to get scared!

It didn't suit me so i'm on Enbel and doing well.

Love Shirley x