I've been taking Enbrel for 14 months. It took a while to get the full effect from it, as do most RA medicines. However, I've had quite a few sinus infections and each time I get an antibiotic, I have to stop taking the Enbrel until I'm finished with it. It's usually a 10 day script so I go anywhere from 10-15 or so days without the Enbrel. It's always hard during those times. So I suppose it could be several reasons why your knees are bothering you. Good luck and hang in there!

I have taken 4 doses of Enbrel. I'm still waiting for something to happen. I don't have an answer to your question, but I hope someone does. The same question has crossed my mind every week when the day before I take Methoexate I feel worse. I thought these drugs would have a build up effect, but is their benefit wearing off every week?

I have been on embrel for 3 years an it does bery littleI am a bed patient at home.My knees are stiff,I now have a large open wpund from RA
and my habds and feet are disfigured and hips are bone to bone I have had it 6 years
It has stolen many things from my life and my families Ger agreat doctor waely
good luck

I've been on Enbrel since Jan. this year. It took a little time for it to work but from what I remember it wasn't very long. I think though it's different for everyone. I just had my shot today and my hands are a little stiff but tomorrow it will be better. I think if you are only on your second dose it may be a little premature to tell if it is working well or not. Hang in there.

Hi. I started enbrel weekly early Febr. and I felt much improvement after the second shot. Stil have mild pain stiffness in fingers, underside of toes, twinges in shoulder. But compared with what I went through when R.A. hit me early Jan., I am dramatically better!! From what I understand is that it can take as early as 2 weeks to start helping but fully starts to help after 3-4 months. It varies with each person. And what I read is that it helps 2 out of 3 people. Yes, it has to build up in your system. Keep the faith and I hope it starts helping you soon. Good luck. Erica

Thank you everyone for your responses! With my 2nd shot I think I see a bit better improvement over my 1st shot.

I have been on enbrel for about 7 years until 5 weeks ago. I go to my dr Wed to discuss Rituxan. Enbrel takes about 6-8 weeks to get in your system. I never felt like it helped me as much as methotrexate but since I had toxic poisoning on it I can never take it again. Enbrel will cause weight gain but it took about a year for that to start. My dr. said it blocks your metabolism. I always was a small person weighing about 105 and have gone to 140. I'm hoping to get some of the weight off now that I'm off of it. Good luck I hope it works well for you.

I also did my second shot of Enbrel. No immediately noticeable improvement other than the fatigue seems to be lifting a bit. Its making me really hungery though. For two days after I seem to have a hollow leg. I better keep an eye on that... more weight is the last thing I need.

I take my 3rd shot tomorrow. I seem to be doing a bit better on the stiffness. The day before my 2nd shot I was stiff again in my knees. Today the stifnees is not there. I have put on about 6 pounds since starting the prednisone....I hope Enbrel does not cause weight gain. This is tough! I am already 25 pounds overweight!! ugh! Anyway, I do know that I am getting some positive results from the Enbrel. Hope your fatigue dwindles soon, LynnRivers!