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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Anyone use enbrel?

GunaDieAloneInPain
GunaDieAloneInPain
My Psoriasis and PA have gotten alot worse over the last few months. Went to the dermatologist yesterday and instantly looking at me suggested injections cause cream isnt going to help me much anymore.

Im desperate at this point so im fine with injections. Going for my. Tb test today and blood work tomorrow.

Now the biggest barrier is if insurance is going to cover it. The doc assured me they will and never had a problem before but good things dont happen to me so im expecting for it not to be covered.

But im/hopeful since im/a prime candidate and in bad shape right now.

This is the only potential good news ive gotten in a long long long time, so i hope it works out for me.

So people that have used or using enbrel, did it help with your arthritis?

Thanks
RCross
RCross
My husband has had great success with Enbrel for his Psoriasis/PA. In fact it only took about a month to see a huge improvement. Enbrel has a "club" that will pay for co-payments, etc. So be sure to check that out. Your pharmacy and/or doctor should be able to get you set up with it. Hubby uses CVS and they set him up directly.

Good luck with it! Not that you need it...I have faith it will help you.

Is it sunny where you live? I understand that sitting in the sun (even by a window) for 20 minutes a day can help as well. BUT not if you have Lupus!! Something about the Vitamin D and UV rays.

Did you try phototherapy for your Psoriasis?
GunaDieAloneInPain
GunaDieAloneInPain
The doc i went to uses a specific pharmacy and they train you how to use it and send it directly to you each month..


They gave me a card for $0 co pay for 6 months and no more than $10 out of pocket after that.

So hopefuly im able to get it for that little or no cost with the card and insurance

Im used to disappointment so im not guna get me hopes to high yet that ill be able to get it.

I use ointments and go tanning. It worked for a while but i had a really bad break out a few months ago and nothing really helps that much anymore. Its getting worse and its up getting injections if ill be able to have a normal life again
RCross
RCross
Same with my husband....Enbrel (injections) was his last option. Sounds like they've got you signed up for the club! That's awesome!!! We paid co-pays for 3 months before someone signed him up! He receives his via UPS each month.

I'm sure your insurance will approve it...but if they don't, don't fret! Just keep appealing until they approve it. Contact Enbrel if you need to...they can help with covering costs and such until then.

Stay positive! I know it's hard...but do it anyway.
mlgore
mlgore
I have been on enbrel for just over 3 years and it has been a miracle for me. I went from not being able to get out of bed some days, and constant use of pain medications, to running 30 miles per week and even running a half marathon in November. My pain and inflamation was cut by at least 60% by the 2nd week on enbrel. With the enbrel copay assistance me out of pocket in $10.00 per month.
I hope it works as well for you.
GunaDieAloneInPain
GunaDieAloneInPain
The doc said he never had problems with insurance before but he also hasnt dealt with me lol.

This probably is my last option.

I know the injections are expensive but even if the co pay was $100 a month, if it works id pay it. Im really desperate right now. The p and pa are effecting my life dramatically

The problem is insurance never wants to pay for anything so at times it seems like they are useless.
lycesq
lycesq
I tried embrel but it didn't help me. Hopefully, it will help you.

Hugs!
GunaDieAloneInPain
GunaDieAloneInPain
im so anxious for my test results to come back and assuming insurance approves it to start taking it.

ive tried so many other things that i need something that helps already. i cant go on much longer like this. the P and PA effect every aspect of my life.

i feel like a prisoner cause theres so much i cant do anymore
KiddoGal
KiddoGal
Enbrel has worked very well for my Rheumatioid Arthritis. it has been the only medication I have been on for my RA + methotrexate. Been on both for 3 years. Hopefully it keeps on working!! I would hate to have to go to one of those infusion drugs - I hate IV's!!!!
GunaDieAloneInPain
GunaDieAloneInPain
at this point im desperate. ill take anything in any way if it will help my skin and pain.

i dont ever care about side effects right now, i just want my skin to clear up but mostly for my joints to feel better so i can enjoy life again.

im so limited as to what i can do that it sucks
deleted_user
deleted_user
My dr just put me back on the enbrel/mtx regiment. Hopefully it will work as well as it did years ago. I stopped it because they changed the way it was packaged and the premixed solution didnt agree. Dont know how to explain it but it hurt horribly to inject. So my doctor switched meds. Other than that enbrel was wonderful. I did get sinus issues but i havent been on it in years and have the same amount now. Good luck and hope all works well for you.
GunaDieAloneInPain
GunaDieAloneInPain
Hopefuly i get approved for it and insurance covers it, i figuring they wont cause it me and nothing ever goes right nor me.

I need it to help my PA, i cant manage anymore. Im so limited in what i can do and i dont wana do anything cause everything hurts.

Even if i have to go to the bathroom, ill hold it as long as i can cause i know its guna hurt to get up and walk to the bathroom
ILoveHuskies
ILoveHuskies
I have been taking Enbrel for about a year now. It relieve my RA to the point like it's not even there anymore. I still get light aches now and them. Nothing you can't put up with.
GunaDieAloneInPain
GunaDieAloneInPain
aches i can deal with, its the agonizing pain i cant lol
deleted_user
deleted_user
Supposed new study showing mtx and enbrel together have caused remissions in cases of RA. I do remember it working very well when i was in high school.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi! First Good Luck. I have been on Enbrel since Sept. I take 25mg twice weekly, and have had good result with decreasing intensity of RA pain. I only had issues with a few sinus infections, which I needed to stop enbrel while on an antibiotic. I also needed pre-approval from my insurance. My physician filled out the papers in a timely manner, but I called the insurance and kindly asked if approved because "I do not want to cost them more money while waiting for approval if I get a flare. I explained I would need to see my physician, xrays, labs, and other meds would be so costly while waiting for their approval". It was approved the next day.Good Luck.