Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives Anti TNF and other biological medications Enbrel Study "new thread"

Thanks Cindy. As far as all the problems with the liver and the lupus symptoms, the Dr. never said that it was the Embrel, He just took me off in a flash. I know the weight gain was a side affect. Yes the problems are still going on. My liver is getting worse and now I am not clotting very well. I am not getting any answers from any of the Dr's I have seen. I am on alot of anti depressives because I am having a hard time dealing with the debilitating pain and the change of life quality. Oh well. I had a whole 2 years on Embrel and it was wonderful. I am grateful for that. Oh yeah if you get the flu you should tell the Dr. because we are dealing with an autoimmune disorder and if you go off for a few days it won't hurt, you will not notice any difference. Good Luck to all. Rose

I was on E for two years before any problems showed up. I had blood work done every other month. I asked my PCP to check me out because I gained alot of weight. That is when she found the liver elevation. I hope it was not the Embrel but they don't have any answers yet. Rose

Hi Betty,

When Eric was on Enbrel, and got a cold, ear infection, anything like that, he was taken off his meds. It did not affect him at all. They dont like you to have an infection while taking the enbrel. If it is just a little cold, not to worry, but if you get a fever, then let them know right away.

Lori

A dog will come when called, a cat will take a message and get back to you later.

Sassy,

Thanks for the info. Other than the cough, I feel perfectly fine. No fever, tons of energy ..... in fact, I have kept up my regular exercise routine, work, etc. It has not slowed me down. My daughter was the same way. She is over hers but did have it for 3 weeks. We took her to the doc. and he said that she was fine. He did not give her any meds....said it would pass. I will call the study doc on Monday and will go in on Thursday.

Betty

Rose,

That is too bad. Maybe someday if the liver recovers, you can try again. Maybe it is not related to the Enbrel since it showed up 2 years after.

Betty

Rose,

Two years is a long time to finally get a side effect. Probably something else caused the liver problems. But maybe once your liver settles down, you could start back on the Enbrel and your liver could be monitored a bit more closely. The idea of gaining weight has me worried. I've put on 70 lbs as side effects from other drugs. It's to the point that my idiotic doctor (who believes that AS is mild and only affects the spine) thinks all my back problems are caused by the extra weight.

Thank you so much for your comments. This is all uncharted territory for us. We need all the imput we can get.

Hugs,

Cindy

Weight gain? I do not want to talk. Between my first shot and the next visit (2 weeks), Igained 3 pounds. On Thursday, I will not be surprised if it has gone up some more. :-(

Betty

Just an FYI reference link. I'm watching your progress closely, now that you are posting on the main forum, and I hope that you each continue having good results or can get back on the drug if the law allows.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PsoriaticArthritis/message/18697.

John

Thank you for that link. Wow, is all I can say. I've been told for years that everything is all in my head, or caused by my weight, so I don't have a lot of confidence in the system. I was not told anything about what to look for. I noticed the "brain fog" after about 2 weeks. Other people are noticing now. But I do hate to go off the Enbrel. I will mention it for sure, in fact, I wrote it down so I would not forget it.

Hugs,

Cindy

That is what the endocrin Dr. is saying to me now. I am FAT and that is why my bones hurt. I was not fat before, the meds made me fat! All the steroids and stuff. I was getting steroid injections in my hand and shoulder.( that had nothing to do with weight gain) Ha Ha. plus the E side effect is weight gain. I put on 60 pounds BLAH!!!!! Now I am in a constant flare and am dragging my right leg because my hip hurts so bad, This endocrin tells me to walk through the pain. I think he should tie a buick to his back and take a stroll. I asked the Rhumey the same question that if I have been on E for two years why now with the liver, he just said it may not have caused it but it may contribute to it.quote" If I loose weight the liver will settle down" unquote. Weight loss is the miracle cure!!!! But why did I gain weight in the first place? Ah there's the rub. Sorry for being so long winded today, I am in a frustrated mood today. I do have some good news not medical though. My little silkie terrier Myra had 3 little boys thrusday. All healthy and cute as buttons. I want you all to have the best luck with the Embrel. Rose