RA Sufferers, question for ya.

[nuisance]

My Rheumatologist is going to start me on one of the biologics, he gave me hand outs on Enbrel and Humira. He said read them, check with my insurance, and let him know which one I'd like to try. Yes, I am a nurse, but no Rheumatology experience, except what I'm learning for myself! We've had patients on both medicines did well, and some who didn't. Seems we've had more that we had to stop the Humira because of side effects. I know everyone reacts differently on the meds. He says both meds are safe, he leans more towards the Enbrel because it's been out longer and longer safely record.
I'm leaning toward the Enbrel just from things I've heard/read about each one.

What has been your experiance(s) with one, the other or both?
Thanks
Jackie

[Sabine]

Re: RA Sufferers, question for ya.

I don't suffer from RA. Bumping this up in the hope someone has answers for Nu.

[nuisance]

Re: RA Sufferers, question for ya.

THANKS SABINE, TALKED WITH DOC'S I WORK WITH, THEY PREFER ENBREL OVER HUMIRA, SO STARTING PRIOR AUTHORIZATION PROCESS FOR THAT. FUN FUN!

[tlj]

Re: RA Sufferers, question for ya.

Hi,

You don't know me, I usually "lurk" and don't post because I've gotten "beat up" on some boards before, so I hesitated to post here...but I just had to respond. But I take Enbrel and have taken it for a year. It's been a life saver for me. I don't have RA, but I do have a type of arthritis called spondylitis which is similar to RA (but it's mainly in my neck and back)...you can get a lot of information of information about Enbrel here: http://forums.spondylitis.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm and here: http://www.enlivenservices.com/. Also, there is a service that you can sign up for through Enbrel that will help you to pay for the medication should you ever need it, but you need to ask for it before you start taking the medication. It's very, very expensive stuff!

They say that it can take up to 6 months to get a response from Enbrel, but many people get relief in as little as 2 weeks. There are 2 types of needles, the injector pens and the pre-filled needles. the Enliven site has little videos that talk about how they both work. I've used both and prefer the pre-filled needles. You can fly with a little kit that Enliven services will give you for free and there is a card that your doctor can sign and give you to carry with you so that the airport doesn't give you any trouble going through security
with needles. Enbrel does have to be refrigerated.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I hope this has helped some!

[nuisance]

Re: RA Sufferers, question for ya.

Thank you very much. My Rheum. office started processing the prior authorization for it today, and they said they have different programs they can give me to help with the cost/copay. Insurance copay probably will be $50 a month. I can do that if it helps the pain. Our phlebotomist is on Enbrel and having great results with it.

Your registered now, so time to come out of the shadows and have fun with us!
Jackie

[tastebud]

Re: RA Sufferers, question for ya.

I have RA. And I just have to say my Chiropractor helps me, without the meds!

[jackibowen]

Re: RA Sufferers, question for ya.

I took Enbrel for years it was wonderful. My doctor says most drugs wear off after a few years i.e. you body stops reacting. I was lucky it started working very quickly. You need to be very careful about infections, colds, etc. I have moderate to severe RA and have had it for 13 years.

[TexAnn]

Re: RA Sufferers, question for ya.

I hope that you are able to find one that suits you and that will help with the pain. Sorry that I can't help, but I love you!