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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bigiblue 10/15/2009

I know I posted an Enbrel question before, but this time I want ot know if you can stop taking Mtx when on Enbrel and have any of you done so?
I don't see the point of being on all the other Meds once the Enbrel kicks in. I just had my first shot yesterday, and I swear I woke up this morning and had no pain. It's probably just in my head, b/c I know it doesn't work that fast.

Caspiana 10/15/2009

My enbrel starting working right after the first shot. My doctor is going to start to taper me off MTX this month. He told me it needs to be done slowly.

songbirdj 10/15/2009

Bigi, it is wonderful that you are feeling results so quickly.

I just wanted to warn you about stopping meds suddenly. I just had a nightmare experience with stopping pred too suddenly. YUCK.

Take care,
Jess

deleted_user 10/15/2009

BIGI!!!!

woo hoo - so what if it IS in your head - it is a pain-free morning!!!! I think the combo helps it be more effective, but your rheumy will know if you should keep them both going for a bit or not :)

deleted_user 10/15/2009

I have no experience with MTX, have been on Enbrel for 4 months. My Rheum saw no need to take MTX with the Enbrel, which he says carries more risks (MTX/kidney/liver). I don't really know. I would say, the less, the better, but I am no MD. Good luck,

Heather

deleted_user 10/15/2009

I can believe you had a pain free morning right after starting enbrel, good for you girl, I can't wait to see my dr to get back on it.... and I did not use the MTX but a few months for the RA and I hated it...... I found the enbrel alone took care of RA problems and had no real probs with it, I used the one injection per week, 50- self injecting.... best wishes, Viesta

deleted_user 12/17/2009

im on enbrel and mtx, and after trying all kinds of other stuff with mtx, trust me, alot of other stuff! this enbrel and mtx combo is the best thing!

bigiblue 12/18/2009

well they did take me off amonth ago,b/c my Liver would always go too high. I am doing ok, but my Knee is still swollen and the MRI shows RA, damgaged Cartilage, torn Miniscus.etc...
No wonder the darn thing hurts all the time. I have an Orthopedic Appt. the end of Jan. I hope that Enbrel will help with the swelling the rest I can handle. I just want to be able to walk without a limp again.
Anyone had a similar experience, I sure would like your comment.
bigi

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