Enbrel and Fatigue: What Users Say

• DJ ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "After four years of out-of-control RA, I did some research on here and asked my rheumatologist to put me on Enbrel. I'd been on several other biologics and all the other usual suspects but had little relief and horrendous side effects. The only two things that worked for me were steroid injections and over-the-counter ibuprofen. I'm happy to say the Enbrel worked almost immediately, like within the second day, which has given me a great deal of hope for the future. The side effects so far after two injections are pretty bad acid reflux after the first injection but not the second, and a couple of days of heavy fatigue after both jabs. The overall side effect I'm noticing is a general feeling of gloom and finding everything a bit of an effort. Just wondering if anyone else is feeling this. I intend to stick with Enbrel as it's dramatically halted my all-over pain, and it's given me 90% of my mobility back so far."

• you...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2018

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been on Enbrel 50 mg auto injector for approximately 2 1/2 months. Before this, I was put on Prednisone for 3 bad months, then 5 months of Hydroxychloroquine that was ineffective. The Enbrel is included in my personal list of 'miracle' drugs that work for me! The injections are now producing good results the same day I inject, dealing with crushing fatigue and debilitating body ache/pain. I know that people react differently to meds, and Enbrel might not work for you or give you bad side effects, but I feel that, if you can tolerate the med, try it for 2 months. I just hope that, after my trial run, I can afford it or get assistance, it's a great med for me."

• Bos...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 6, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Diagnosed with RA at 22 years. Started with Plaquenil, then added methotrexate. Took some time to get the dose right due to nausea. That combo helped for 2 years. Then added Enbrel. It helped immediately but still had problems, so added Meloxicam. Prednisone as needed for flare-ups. After serious ulcers, I stopped the Meloxicam and prednisone. Enbrel only worked for 1.5 years. After I'd been on it about a year, it started wearing off. I would inject every week, but the meds would only last about 5 days and then I'd be disabled until it was time to take my next injection. Finally, it stopped working altogether. Just switched to Humira, still taking Plaquenil and methotrexate. Many illnesses due to the compromised immune system and extreme fatigue, but my RA is so severe I am fully disabled without these meds. I hope I can find one that will last longer. With the Enbrel support card, I have not had to pay for this drug. I prefer the syringes to the pens."

• Sha...
• February 11, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Was on Methotrexate and Mobic with no relief for 5 years. Took Enbrel and had a life again. Began golfing and bowling again. That suddenly stopped about 8 months ago, the fatigue is unbearable, and now the swelling and pain are back."

• JAM...
• March 5, 2016

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "I'm 37 and was always healthy and pain-free till 1 year ago. I started having pain in my feet and heels, and my stomach and bowels, it got worse gradually. I started having pain in my left wrist, ankles, knee, shoulders, and neck, even a couple of my toes also had a fever off and on. I had swelling and couldn't even walk. I had no idea what was going on till I went to a rheumatoid doc, and he found out I had ankylosing spondylitis. He started me on Enbrel, and I stayed off my feet for a week, resting my body. I got better and better every week, no pain at all. I just now am noticing my feet hurting, one knee, and my shoulders, and very fatigue. I'm praying that the medicine is still working. It's been exactly a year since I started the Enbrel."

• Anonymous
• September 20, 2009

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Definitely works, but I am very young to have this illness, and the headaches and fatigue are killing me. Not sure if I want to try something new, though. It helped about 90% 'most' of the time, just wondering if there is anything to make me 100% again."

• Me...
• October 28, 2009

For Psoriasis "In 2005, after 20 years with plaque psoriasis, I began to experience severe body aches and pains. My dermatologist recommended Enbrel to treat both psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis. I started it in September 2005. After 6-8 weeks, I had remarkable results, aches and pains ceased, and psoriasis plaques cleared. In May 2009, during a routine follow-up with my dermatologist, I complained of fatigue and other issues. They assumed it was not related to the Enbrel. Instead, intense thyroid testing was recommended. I was diagnosed with various thyroid nodules, a biopsy showed suspicious cells. My entire thyroid was removed in September 2009 - no cancer, hooray! Very scared to resume Enbrel after 8 weeks but feeling desperate. Aside from the cancer scare, the drug has worked for me!"

• Pen...
• February 20, 2016

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "Taking Enbrel once a week now (Started the day before Christmas 12/24/16). I have had Ankylosing Spondylitis for over 17 years but was misdiagnosed until 3/15. The doctors always told me that I had chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. It first started at @ age 37. I could hardly make it through a week without going in and getting IVs full of vitamins and saline. I finally came across a Nurse Practitioner who prescribed me vitamin B injections (twice a week), vitamin D (once a week), and Folic Acid (Deplin - once a week). This really was helpful, but the pain was horrific & I never felt right. And I had bouts with bad pain in my Achilles - left foot. There is more to my story, but this site will not allow me to type it."