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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Re-calculating my RA Drug Regimen

KiddoGal
KiddoGal
About 4-5 weeks ago, I forgot to take my Thursday Enbrel shot. The next Thursday rolled around and I was still feeling pretty good, so I called my RA doctor, who said, yes, some of her patients only take their Enbrel every other week. So I decided to give it a try. So far, so good! This will be the third time I have taken my Enbrel shot every other week. Doctor said that even some of her patients taper down and get off Enbrel completely. Going to make this my goal - hopefully it works! I will go another month on my Enbrel every other week and then space it out to three weeks, as long as I am still feeling good. I have been on two MTX pills per week for the last 3 years or so. Hoping I can taper that down to just one pill per week. Any one else take their Enbrel shot every other week?
altoclef
altoclef
There seems to be evidence that people treated early and aggressively may have some luck discontinuing meds. All you can do is try it and see. Let us know how it goes.
depotblue
depotblue
have infections sometimes every other week in an infection season sinus or lung wise so I'll compare for you.

the methotrexate must have a little shelf life cause I dont' crash on that for a few weeks, the orencia - oh no, I felt it movement wise (on the injections at work) as soon as I hit week 2. but every single person's symptoms and functionality are different.

if you are doing what you need to do: work, home, social, life, and you are not impeded in your joints, then why not I guess.

I think of Lynne D's comment on another thread, she literally can not move if she is not on her biologics and her dmards and she needs to run her business. so she doesn't question the medication regime. I have to work the medication regime around infections. you are considering a change because you feel so good. ask the rheumatologist about your taper goals.

i am thrilled for you that as alto said that treating early and aggressively helped you.

depot
51percent
51percent
It is well known that the biologic drugs can put a person in RA remission.....perhaps you are starting that? If so.....hallelujah! I was in remission on Orencia for about 3 years but eventually I came out of it but it was wonderful.

I'll say a prayer that you are going into remission but remember....it isn't forever so enjoy what you have while you have it. Maybe you can start another biolgic after Enbrel and reach it again. The goal is permanent remission but we aren't quite there yet. Let's hope!

hugs............Jen
MarleneJ
MarleneJ
So glad for you that you are able to cut down on your biologic. I am almost at 6 months with Orencia, and it is still not working fully. After both Simponi and Xeljanz failing, and Actemra before that not working well, I am afraid I am at the other end of the RA spectrum.

Drugs no longer work well for me, and without them, I am completely bedridden and in agony.

Keep us posted on how it is going for you with the cutting back.
KiddoGal
KiddoGal
Marlene, wow, so sorry to hear this. I feel extremely fortunate that I am able to function at nearly 100%. The first year or so was a bit tough, but not even close to what so many of you experience with the pain and fatigue of RA. I am so lucky that the Enbrel and MTX have been the only drugs I've been on for the RA - going on 7 years now. Hope somehow things get better for you Marlene and everyone else who suffer so greatly with this darn disease!!!
Trooper45yrs
Trooper45yrs
I would not advise getting off of Enbrel. I have a friend who did that and suffered greatly. When she tried to go back on it, it wouldn't work for her any more. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. If this is working for you, stay on it. This disease is a mean, sadistic, enemy who will trick you into thinking that all is well. I know. I have been there. Done that. I tell you this because I am compassionate and don't want others to go through what I have been through. Stay on it.
jteach
jteach
Wow! Super happy for you. I'm on Enbrel every week (metho too). In my humble opinion, and if your Dr. Is ok w/ it, I would try to get off. You are at 100%, that's amazing. I wish you the best of luck.

Juls