Well, congratulations! As you have surely read in the posts on here, as well as your posts, the best treatment is a DMARD and biologic. And if you have still been having problems since you started MTX, it is best to add in the Enbrel. I have not taken Enbrel - I am on MTX and Humira (restarted them both about 2 weeks ago).

Don't be nervous. You will get the hang of the injections very quickly, and hopefully see some results soon. But keep in mind that also one of the most important aspects of treatment is to prevent damage. So you are on the right track.

Hurray!!!!

I've been on MTX for 25 years and Humira for 6 of those years.

Working great for me.

What dose of MTX? I'm on 7.5 weekly ( down from 25 mg weekly before adding Humira).

Did you get instructions on how to inject? How to prep? I'm here if you need help.

So happy for you.

I'm on 15mg Methotrexate yes instructions how to inject. How do I prep?

kudos

that's the combo I'm on, again. enbrel is the antique of the biologics. there's a book called " take me home from the oscars" that I read back when diagnosed where the author (whines a lot) but talks about being the first to trial enbrel in the united states and I think this was about 20 years ago. 20 years of data to reactions is good :)

congratulations!

depot

"How do I prep?"
I generally over-do everything (including thinking about preparing for everything....anticipate and prepare) so here's how I prep for doing the injections: wash my hands and mid-section with soap and hot water, then repeat the washing of both with Hibiclense; after all is dry (clean towel obviously) then put alcohol on the intended area of the injection and let it air dry without blowing or fanning or wiping; do the deed (Some are at 45 degree angle, some at 90 degree, depends on instructions) and put a band aid on it. Read the instruction though!

don't (laughing, seriously :)

ask for a prescription for a pre filled syringe - rather than the auto injector - i like the pre filled syringe better - hurts less ( wait a minute does not hurt at ALL)

ebrel filling specialty pharmacy - will give you a free sharps container. woo hoo. free useful presents! ha ha

don't watch you tube videos (histrionics)

above instructions were good - if you get stuck with the auto injector - try icing first - use them up but know that you have the right to have a script specifically for a pre filled syringe which you specifically have to ask the rheumatologist to call in, as such, to your specialty pharmacy (the default is the auto injector)

I live alone - I did these shots at work on my lunch hour behind a locked office with a college fridge - they are that easy. you'll be pleased at the ease. :)

depotblue

I use an autoinject Humira pen and love it. No pain at all. The trick is in numbing the injection site.

~ Wash hands.
~ Remove drug from fridge and let it warm up on its own.
~ [I use the abdomen as my injection site.] Put ice pack over site to be injected and keep it there for 10-15 minutes.
~ Swab site with alcohol. BE SURE TO DRY OFF THE AREA.
~ Grab a fold of skin and inject.

Done!!!!

I will have the sureclick? 50mg. I guess it is a pen? Will find out

We'll help!

yeah the sureclick is an auto injector - aka "the pen"

give them the college try. use em up.

BUT say on a refill, you can ask at anytime to have the same identical strength prescription scriped by your rheumatologist for a pre-filled syringe rather than the sureclick or auto pen :). the rheumie has to fax in the same strength, but in a different needle type on a new prescription. so maybe for the future, if you want. option only.

but try them - I do not think that my experience will be your experience - maybe you'll love em :) - but know that you have an option in the needle type (auto injector is on a spring versus a pre filled syringe that you manually push in with your hand) should you wish to exercise the option.

as a consumer I did not know this at first. i kind of wish I had known. buy my rheumie did not explain that option back in the day.

happy that you are on your way :)

depotblue

I was on MTX & Humira and it worked great. Felt normal most of the time.

Currently I am on Plaquanil & humira. Does not work as well but still works.

Try not to fear the injections. I leave my shot out for 40 min before taking it. Does not hurt as much when the Meds are room temperature..

Elvis: Why not consider MTX and Humira?

Elvis, why did you change from MTX to Plaquenil? Did you have some kind of reaction?

I was diagnosed 4 years ago. I started with Plaquenil about 6 months prior to that for MCTD. It was when my shoulders and wrists started to swell and create a lot of pain that I was advised to begin a biologic as well. I tried everything else first, Chiro, Acupuncture, Diet etc etc etc. They helped but did not contain all symptoms. I then went to the "last resort" which was Enbrel. I was afraid of potential side effects (I was uncomfortable enough). I will say that I have been taking it for a little over 3 years and it has changed my life. I have the auto injector and have no issues. I inject in the thighs as that is the recommended first location. The belly is a secondary option if the legs are uncomfortable. I found that letting the medication come to room temperature first helps with any pain during administration.