Does Enbrel ever just stop working after taking for a long time?
I have been taking it for 17 years and have felt great since starting Enbrel but in the last month it is as if I have never taken it.
Answers from our Doctors
Due to the chronic and evolving nature of rheumatoid arthritis (I'm assuming that's what you're being treated for), it's rare for a patient to find a treatment that works well forever. Sometimes a flare arises and while the treatment may keep it milder than it would have been, it would still appear as not working at that period. In some of the biologics, people have developed auto-antibodies that reduce the effectiveness of the medication. In the National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases (NDB), we find that half of the patients stay on effective treatments for RA less than 5.5 years, and the rest stay on longer.
The short answer is: yes. The longer answer is, it may still be working but your arthritis may be changing and you may need additional treatment or want to switch to something else. This requires working with your physician on what's best for you. The fact that Enbrel worked for you for so long may lead you to want to try another anti-TNF biologic or you could try an increased dose - no matter what, best to make this decision with your physician.
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I was on Enbrel for 9 years and it all of a sudden stopped working for me. I have now been on Humira for 4 years and it is still working well for me.
Enbrel worked for me for a short time. Still on it but added mtx. Still in almost constant pain. I'm ready for a cure, please and thanks!
I am so pleased to find this site. I have been on Enbrel since it first came out, that first week. I have noticed , about the past 6 months, that my condition is getting worse every week. Not just a flair-up I have had those. It is like I was never on Enbrel. I have had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis for 56 years(since age 6). I am unable to take NSAIDS nor methatrexate, celebrex, nothing but Enbrel and pain med when I need it. I am getting worse everyday. I have been on many meds and had many sensitivities to meds. Enbrel has been good for me, no side affects and worked the first injection. I have not increased my dosage and still take 25mg 2 times week. I am afraid that it is time to change to a new med. Seems the TNF drugs have been very affective for me. I do have some kidney damage from NSAIDS, chronic interstitial nephritis. I want to try Humira, but I would like a drug that is kinder to my kidneys and liver. Celebrex destroyed my pyloric valve so I have GI issues too. Methatrexate put me into liver and kidney failure, even at a small dose(IM). Any input would be very appreciated and I will speak to my rheumatologist Monday. I am not doing well, horrid swelling and unmanagable pain and very limited mobility(takes me two hours rather than 2 minutes to walk with aids in the morning now. If I sit too long I can't walk either. My main concern is that I am self-destructing and the Enbrel had slowed the destruction. I self destruct quickly I have had 10 joint replacements(some multiple times, rt hip 4 times) and a cervical fusion C2-T2. Thank you for any help.
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I have been unable to take MTX due to it causing severe migraines. My doctor wants me to take Humira. Will the effectiveness of it be less without taking MTX and or could it stop working sooner without MTX?
What are the best biolgics to take if you can't tolerate MTX added to them?
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