I used embrel for about a year and it worked great. Then it seemed to have stopped working. I tried Humira and had severe skin rash after every injection. Decided against trying another biologic and was put on Hydroxychoroquine. Without much success, we added sulfasalazine. Almost 10 weeks later not having any relief. Has anyone stopped embrel for a period of time and started it again with any success? I'm exhausted and losing my positive attitude. Swelling in feet, ankles, knees, wrists and… read more
I had to stop my Enbrel because it did nothing for me. I also fired my rheumy at the time. I have since been with a new rheumy and she is so good. Very willing to listen to me and makes me a part of my treatment. I have been put back on injectable Methotrexate and taking Xeljanz. Pain is down to a manageable level. Still have nodes, and some stiffness in the am, but I would rate this as the best treatment for me. I also tried Hydroxychloroquine and Sulfasalazine with the Enbrel even steroids at the same time. Did not work at all.
I have low energy, but I can live with that! Hope things change for you soon.
First week I had enbrel I noticed reduced pain and swelling in my cervical spine, neck, shoulders, head and elbows. Before the week was up I crashed back down and as that had been my first relief since diagnosis I found it very hard to cope with falling back into that pit of dark, pure pain in every part of my body. It didn't touch my hands or lower body but just being able to move my upper body without so much stiffness was glorious and so exciting. Then had 7 weekly injections which seemed to make no further difference than I mentioned before. Then I came down with a chest infection and even after I thought I'd got rid of it my bloods were still way off so I haven't been allowed it for several weeks now. Just had more bloods drawn and holing I can try again...but kinda scared too as I'm worried that all these drugs keep making me more ill! Hope restarting it helps you, I've heard some people have success by stopping a while then restarting. Or trying one of the other biologics. Good luck with it x