KImberly97 - Not sure if this will help, but you know me, just trying to help.

Take a look on the WIKI

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methotrexate

Peace

Bluedogs2

All I have been on thus far my but also take Meloxicam, an for inflammation. I've only been on since Feb. But from what I have heard from cousins is my aunt enjoyed the positive effects for many years. Good luck with your findings; keep us informed. Trish

Kimberly97 - Can only speak from personal experience but my experience is that it's most likely that the Enbrel isn't working as well as it once was. MTX is an adjunct medication to help mediate inflammation. It's the others that really work on our immune systems.

Hope things get better!

Arava is another DMARD, such as MTX. I can't speak for Enbrel as I haven't tried it, but I've read that about 6 months it stops working on many people.

I agree with Marypop.

if you haven't tried orencia, it worked for me after enbrel and humira and kineret failed.

Kim,
My doc has never put me on Methotrexate, he skipped that all together. He does have me on a combination of Arava and Enbrel. I started the Arava first and added the Enbrel about 9 or 10 months later when I finally got insurance again.
He said that the Arava is similar to MTX and the Enbrel should be taken in combination with something else.
I am starting my 7th month, much better than I was, but there is still room for vast improvement.
Mine is more muscular now than joint most of the time. He thinks possibly Fibro, but said he doesn't want to label it....sheesh.
I hope you can find something that works for you.
Kim

Kim,
As RCross says, Arava is used when people cannot tolerate Methotrexate. As far as I'm aware, biologics are supposed to work better with Methotrexate or similar. I've tried Enbrel and Orencia self-injections. Still looking for the magic meds cocktail. Rheumy has suggested Actemra infusions next. I see him tomorrow.
I know how frustrating this roller coaster ride is.
Hugs

I have been on biologics with Arava that held me well for many years and Plaquenil. I am on MTX again now because my Rheumatologist said it works well with Rituxan. I thinks as some of the others have said that the Enbrell might need to be changed. Usually when I start to feel poorly it is the biologic that the doctor changes. I have been on almost all of them including Enbrel.

Could never take MTX so I wondered the same.
I'm on enbrel alone. IMO I believe our bodies "get used to" certain treatments & they are no longer as effective.
Thanks you for posting this. I do hope you find a combo that works for you.
Sammy

My doc skipped MTX altogether, went straight to Arava/Leflunomide - not sure why. I have learned so much here since my dx in Feb - back then I did not know that most people START with MTX. My doc used Prednisone to basically "confirm" my RA dx, then added Arava.

I've heard that Enbrel does tend to lose "punch" after awhile - but have no personal experience with that.

Are you going in for a visit soon to possibly "refresh" your meds?

I have to agree that it is probably that the Enbrel quit working. It quit on me after taking it only 2 1/2 months. It worked great for 1 1/2 months though. I have been taking MTX with each new drug I try.

I couldn't tolerate mtx at all. It made me throw up. I switched to the injections and threw up even more. Then I went on azathioprine. I vomited so violently on that I broke blood vessels in my eyes, face and mouth. Next I went on Arava and remain on it over a year later. So, kimberly97, there are other dmards besides mtx. I hope you find one that works well for you.