Hey!

I've been on Enbrel since 12/2002 with pretty good experience. I also take MTX
(17.5mg) weekly and Celebrex (400mg daily).

I say I've had a "pretty" good experience with Enbrel because for the symptoms
of P and PA its worked very well. However, I have had an unusually high number
of upper respiratory infections while on it. I just got over one that was the
most severe I have ever had. Have you had any such similar experiences?

While I state the Enbrel has worked pretty well, I did just increase to 17.5mg
of MTX per week. I had been at 12.5mg for the two years prior to 12/04. My doc
and I felt that I wasn't being controlled enough at the former dose.

Also, I had neck surgery in 2002 at the same time I started Enbrel. I had
another MRI in 12/04 and in the two year period I have 4 additional hernations
in my neck that were not present at the time I began Enbrel therapy two years
ago. So, while Enbrel may in fact slow the destructive process of the disease I
have evidence that it does not stop it in it's tracks. Not that I expected it
to, but I was a little surprised to see the significant deterioration in just
two years.

Thanks for the info.

David

jm <jm1996a@...> wrote:

Folks, wondering people's thoughts on this topic of ENBREL vs HUMIRA.

I was fortunate enough to get on ENBREL about two years ago, changed
my life, my P and A disappeared (actually Methotrexate did the
initial trick, ramped up from 5 mg/wk to 25 mg/wk over a few months,
held it at 25, the symptoms disappeared, then started with ENBREL
while I ramped down the MTX to 5 mg/wk long term).

BUT - when HUMIRA became available, i switched, since it requires
injections twice a month, rather than twice a week. BIG difference
in logistics, etc, going from 8 shots a month to only 2.

So far, so good.

Wondering about other people's impressions ??

Happy new years to all, and good luck in 05.

jm





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