Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Allergic to Enbrel!!

RAmom1423
RAmom1423
Hello all! So I had posted a week or so ago that I had irritation at the injection sites (both) after my second dose of Enbrel. Well by the end of the day I was covered in hives. My rheumy is out of the country and my pcp and allergist said not to take it. Has anyone else had the allergy to Enbrel?

The problem is I stopped the methotrexate upon starting Enbrel. Now I am in so much pain from head to toe! Nothing works. I have several reports for work this week and my left wrist is so sore I can barely move it. I am typing with one hand! Any suggestions on pain relief?

Thanks for listening.
Angelpuss
Angelpuss
Did your Rheumatologist tell you to stop Methotrexate? Usually the Biologics work better in combination with Methotrexate.
I have just had 3 months off a biologic and methotrexate because of surgery and recovery. The pain has been almost more than I can bear. My Rheumy has t6old me to take 15mg Prednisone for 10 days, drop back to 10 mg and then slowly wean off. As well, I have started a new biologic, Rituxin, and Methotrexate at 15mg. I was on 25mg before I was stopped. My GP had given me slow release pain tablets and Endone if needed. My Rheumy agreed with this. This has worked for me and I am getting some sleep.
However, please check with your medical professionals.
bcatz
bcatz
You need a prescription of prednisone or similar to fix your pain.

Were you supposed to quit methotrexate? It takes a couple weeks to wear off. That might tell you it was working and you didn't realize it. Or going off the Enbrel may have triggered a flare.

I hope you get the prednisone. It will help the hives big time too!
RAmom1423
RAmom1423
Thanks. My doctor took me off the methotrexate bc of the reaction I was having. I was nauseas, weak, fatigued, losing my eyelashes and eyebrows, losing tons of hair from my head, etc. she said it wasn't worth it. I got up with my left hand frozen and I didn't sleep last night. I am on 5 mg of prednisone and 200 mg Celebrex. I took those at 1:30 a.m hoping for relief but it didn't help one bit!!! I stalked my rheumatologist office this morning and got tordal and kenalog shots. These helped maybe 25%. Now my right hand has joined the left. If both are frozen tomorrow I cannot work and I cannot take my kids to school. The NP for my rheumy wants to put me on another med that seems to be like methotrexate. I don't know what to do at this point.
Angelpuss
Angelpuss
Arava is often used instead when you can't tolerate Methotrexate. Perhaps this is the med your NP is talking about. It is a good medication for most people.
bcatz
bcatz
kenalog will take a little time to work. I'm surprised your doctor didn't opt to increase your prednisone first.

If the methotrexate worked but with side effects, maybe it would work again without side effects with the injectable version.

I wish all the best for you. I know you are miserable!