Etanercept for Rheumatoid Arthritis User Reviews

• Pro...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 28, 2020

Enbrel (etanercept) "I feel everyone should know this information if they are considering using Enbrel. I am an RN. My mother was diagnosed about 20 years ago with rheumatoid arthritis. She was around 70-71 years young. She quilts and stays busy. She is now 91 and still quilting and gardening, staying busy! I think the combination of someone that stays busy along with the wonder drug, Enbrel, is why she is still able to quilt and do all that she does! Her rheumatologist shows everyone her X-rays because if you saw them you wouldn’t think she could do anything! She’s a beautiful woman inside and out and a great inspiration to others. Her story would be great for an advertisement!! Thank you!"

• Kca...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 29, 2019

Enbrel (etanercept) "I was diagnosed with RA but refused all meds for 2 years because I researched all the potential side effects. I tried diets, yoga, supplements, even psychotherapy (because some doctors claim RA has emotional roots). While strict diets did offer pain relief, joint damage persisted. I reluctantly started on Enbrel in October 2018. I insisted my doctor start me on the lowest dose (a pediatric dose of 25 mg per week). Advocate for yourself! She would have put me on double the amount I actually needed. 25 mg worked. Within 1-2 weeks, my pain was gone. I've been on it for over a year with zero side effects. I know it's a scary drug, so I understand people's fear. I had to work through debilitating panic attacks the first few months (that's how scared I was of it—I did need some anxiety meds to get me through it), but I have my life back. It's been a miracle drug for me. Both RA and biologics stink, we each have to decide which is worse. I wish everyone the best."

• SQS...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 29, 2014

Enbrel (etanercept) "I have had RA for 50 years (since 16 years old), and have been on gold injections, plaquenil, methotrexate, and now Enbrel with methotrexate. I have had multiple joint deformities, nodules and joint replacements. Each med helped at first, but then failed, except for Enbrel. Thank God for Enbrel! I have been on it for 10 years and it has allowed me to work full time, something I had previously never been able to do. I also work out at the gym every day, and am enjoying life!"

• Nic...
• June 20, 2015

Enbrel (etanercept) "I realize my review may be very premature, but I wanted to offer some insight from someone who just started taking Enbrel. My first shot was 3 days ago, and I already feel like a new woman. In fact, there was a remarkable difference the next morning - less than 12 hours after my first shot! I have had RA for over 15 years; diagnosed at age 16. I have been on methotrexate, leflunomide, and even Vioxx back when that was still on the market. Nothing provided the relief I needed, but I was terrified to go on a biologic drug because of all the possible side effects. I finally bit the bullet and started Enbrel because the pain was unbearable and caused terrible depression and even thoughts of suicide. At least for now, Enbrel is a God-send!"

• Col...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 11, 2019

Enbrel (etanercept) "I started using Enbrel about 9 months ago. I was in terrible shape, barely able to get out of bed and get myself dressed. I take Enbrel and 10 mg leflunomide, and I now feel great. I ski, hike, lift weights. Most days I forget I even have RA. It has been a complete game changer for me."

• Can...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 12, 2021

Enbrel (etanercept) "Do not start this drug if you are not wealthy or if you are near retirement. It did help me while I was working and had commercial insurance. Enbrel gave me copay assistance. However, when I retired, I was on Medicare and used Tufts insurance for prescriptions. Enbrel is a specialty tier drug, and the insurance pays 70%. However, that still leaves you with a $1,700 copay, which is crazy. Enbrel does not assist you if you're on Medicare. Don't start this because then you have to be suddenly cut off and feeling in worse condition than before."

• Bis...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 1, 2019

Enbrel (etanercept) "I've suffered from severe RA for 9 years and have been on Enbrel for 7 years. Enbrel has been a miracle drug for me. I have not had any side effects for now. I am careful about being around sick people but not paranoid and wash my hands frequently during flu season. I have stopped twice due to a change in rheumatologists and the last time was a disaster with a full flare-up. I am very happy today that I finally injected myself using the Enbrel mini. Who would be excited about an injection - ME."

• cow...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 29, 2016

Enbrel (etanercept) "I took Enbrel for AS for about 3 years. I noticed a huge improvement in joint swelling after the first dose. Enbrel really helped my joints feel great. I was even able to attend aerobic classes! Unfortunately, on year three of treatment, I developed a life-threatening infection in my spine. I also suffered heart valve damage. Both of these were declared to be due to the Enbrel. I knew the risks when I began taking this drug. It gave me almost three years of feeling great and leading a normal life. It also almost killed me..."

• Cam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 12, 2018

Enbrel (etanercept) "I have tried a few medications for my Rheumatoid arthritis. Nothing seemed to work. I couldn’t use my hands much nor walk very far. My expectations at this point in life were very low for any kind of relief. Then my rheumatologist changed my medicine to Enbrel. They gave me the Enbrel auto-injector with mini Enbrel cartridges. It gives you the injection and you never see the needle, it’s virtually painless. The day of my very 1st injection all the pain started to subside. I was in shock but now optimistic for the first time in years. By the third day, I had no severe pain left nor tenderness in my hands and fingers. I was beside myself with hope this was actually going to work and, more importantly, last... and it has. I’ve been pain-free for almost a year now. I now have my life back."

• moo...
• April 11, 2016

Enbrel (etanercept) "I just wanted to share this in case there are any apprehensive people worried about having to get an injection. This is only my first week on Enbrel, but I feel like I have had some loosening of my joints and a reduction in pain. What I really wanted to share was that the injection is not nearly as scary as it sounds and does not cause a lot of pain. I was so scared to get a shot because of the comments online but my boyfriend finally injected my thigh with the SureClick auto-injector. It's not that bad! I did it on my upper thigh and I barely felt any pain at all, I really built it up in my head! The side effects (nausea, diarrhea) are worse than the injection but not so severe. If you are new, don't waste your time worrying and good luck!"

• Ben...
• April 10, 2017

Enbrel (etanercept) "Was terrified to take this drug, or any drug that they were going to put me on for the arthritis. I took methotrexate, prednisone, and plaquenil which just about did nothing. Went to another Rheumatologist who suggested I try Enbrel. Put all the fear aside if you're afraid to inject it because it does not hurt at all, and you don't even see the needle (I hate needles). I've only been on it for 3 weeks, but my pain has just about gone away, and this is coming from someone who could barely get out of bed last April. Haven't had any side effects so we will see how it plays out from here."

• kri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 10, 2013

Enbrel (etanercept) "What can I say? Enbrel put me in remission. What can be better than that? 8 years of rheumatoid arthritis treatments, some caused inflammation of my kidneys and liver. At the time I started on Enbrel, I was taking 5 different medications. One by one they were eliminated. In the fall of 2012, I caught a bad respiratory infection so I stopped the Enbrel per doctor's instructions and my rheumatoid arthritis did not come back! I hope they do research to determine how often this occurs because I didn't expect remission!"

• Klo...
• September 16, 2017

Enbrel (etanercept) "I live in Western Australia and am disturbed by some comments on here. The cost of Enbrel is the cost of an ordinary prescription: $36 for me. The government pays the remainder of the cost to the chemist. I also go to the medical centre every Saturday morning, a doctor looks over my prescription and then advises the nurse to administer the injection, which is also at no cost to myself and this is part of the nurse's duties. I am unsure of the country where people who have made comments referring to cost and that nobody is there to administer the injection for them. I am very lucky to live in Australia as we have the best health system worldwide and everybody is given the opportunity to receive proper medical help, whether you are rich or poor, there is no discrimination."

• sus...
• June 5, 2019

Enbrel (etanercept) "I love this medication Enbrel! While I'm not a fan of needles, I happily do this one. I have gone from periods when I cannot even move a specific body part to almost no pain or inflammation whatsoever. I have the occasional flare in my fingers or toes, usually lasting a day or two. I haven't had a 'major' flare-up for a couple of years. I was diagnosed in 2010 with rheumatoid arthritis. Still working and doing whatever activity I want. Very happy with Enbrel."

• Ken...
• April 21, 2014

Enbrel (etanercept) "Have been on Enbrel for 1 year and 3 methotrexate. Weekly 50mg injections. I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for 15 years now and am 51 now. The Enbrel injections can be painful but I remove the injection from the fridge and wait 30 minutes before injecting. This helps with the pain when injecting the Enbrel. I have had headaches but the benefit is worth the side effects. I have my life back and am able to work and enjoy life. Life before Enbrel, I was not active and missed work often. Hope this continues to work."

• Ell...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 8, 2018

Enbrel (etanercept) "I have been using Enbrel for 20 years. I started it in a trial in 1998. I could barely walk at the time and was in constant pain. Except for occasional knee problems, I live a normal life with little pain."

• Shi...
• April 7, 2015

Enbrel (etanercept) "I was on steroid medication for almost a year, having tapering doses in between. My teeth enamel got disrupted due to side effects of steroids, and my haemoglobin count decreased to 8gm%/dL. After I ceased steroids, I became completely bedridden as all my joints were involved, excluding the spine. I was not even able to move for a side change. My rheumatologist suggested Enbrel, and a single dose of Enbrel changed my entire life. In fact, I got a new birth! Now my four doses are done, and I am as good as I was before this rheumatoid disorder. Very happy to have Enbrel. I would thank the inventor of Enbrel. Thank you!"

• Hus...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 2, 2019

Enbrel (etanercept) "My wife has been on Enbrel for about 9 years now. It has been a true game changer. She has tried to go off a few times, but RA would return, and she would have to resume. Unfortunately, she does seem to catch colds rather easily while on Enbrel."

• ale...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 16, 2018

Enbrel (etanercept) "On behalf of my mother, this medicine has caused her to get MS - a terrible disease that can't be treated. She can barely walk half of the time and can’t work anymore. I would rate this a 0 but that’s not an option."

• Vic...
• October 28, 2013

Enbrel (etanercept) "Started Enbrel 6 weeks ago and after 2 years of constant pain despite taking a variety of drugs - this week I can actually walk for at least a short distance without crippling pain. The remaining discomfort I think is due to lack of strength from years of forced inactivity which is going to take time to build up but oh - the joy of no pain! So far no side effects and hopefully I can regain my life again."

• Elm...
• October 5, 2016

Enbrel (etanercept) "I have been on Enbrel for about 8 years, and it has been the best experience for me. I had to go off of it for a short time due to surgery, and my husband had to help me up out of bed and to even walk because I was in so much pain without it. It is a life-changing experience that I don't know what I would do without it."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2018

Enbrel (etanercept) "I began Enbrel on Tuesday, and by Thursday I could feel the difference. I was excited yet had the thought in the back of my head, “how could this be?” It’s now only Saturday and has been 4 days. So much better that I can’t believe it. I am certainly thankful but wonder how it could work so fast. I have RA, fibro, and thyroid autoimmune diseases, plus degenerative disc in the lower back. Enbrel has even helped with that. It has been more like a twinge than pain. No swelling, redness, or pain anywhere. I was so afraid to take the medication, but now that I have, I wish I hadn’t waited so long. I realize that it could stop working any day or have side effects. But for now, I’m very optimistic."

• Hur...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2020

Enbrel (etanercept) "I started Enbrel SureClick 4 weeks ago. It has helped. I am also on methotrexate and 0.5 prednisone. I am hoping to get off of these but am doubtful. The prednisone took away all the swelling, which was so painful, as you all know. The RA came on so quickly in March 2019. By September, I could barely walk or hold things. I'm in my early 60s, and I felt like 90. Now I'm up and moving. No adverse side effects except exhaustion. Feel like I could sleep all day... although I am also going through intense AM and PM hot flashes. And the injection is a bit painful, but it's over fast. Some site swelling. The drug is extremely expensive, and my insurance won't cover it. $1,325.00 per injection. My doctor has been working on trying to get me a reduced rate. I literally had to give up working, yet I haven't caught a break on any assistance programs. Good luck to you all on finding your path."

• Red...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 29, 2013

Enbrel (etanercept) "I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 22. Enbrel is great, helps a lot. Just like what everyone else says. The real reason for the review is I've seen on here a few people that complain of the cost and the impact it has. No one needs to suffer because of the cost of this medication. There is a program from Pfizer that helps cover the cost of this medication. I don't know how anyone could afford it without the assistance. Look it up at Pfizer. I'm sure most of you know this, but for those who don't, it's more than worth looking into. I pay $10 a month, way better than $2500."

• car...
• October 22, 2013

Enbrel (etanercept) "I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 31 years. During this time, I went through all the medicines given to me. They might work somewhat for a few weeks, but then would fail, or the side effects were too severe. I have been on 'gold' injections (5 years) and Methotrexate, and Prednisone for another 5 or 6 years. Eight years ago, I went on Humira for a few months. It was helpful only for a few days and then the rest of the week was too painful. I then switched to Enbrel, at first 25 mg twice a week, and now 50 mg once a week. It has been wonderful - I still have joint soreness if I overdo, and need to take a muscle relaxer at night, but I am so much better. I worry that it may start to be less effective, but so far, I'm loving it"