Methotrexate and Enbrel Together?

[bozyczko]

Hi All. I have been on methotrexate for over 3 years now taking 20mg/ week. Before starting on this medicine, I have had P for about 18 years ( covered 80 % ) but was always afraid of the side effects. Thankfully, through regular blood tests and liver biopsys, no effects have occuried :) .

This medication has changed my life dramatically. After the first few months, most of the P started to disappear quickly :D . The only spot that never cleared was on my lower back and a few spots on my stomach.

When visiting my derm last week, he suggested that I try Enbrel in addition to the methotrexate that I am currently taking.

Has anyone tried using these two meds together? Thanks!

[grannyfranny]

That combo put me in the hospital with a staph infection.

[bozyczko]

Wow. Thanks granny. That does not sound like much fun!! :eek: Maybe I should just stick with the methotrexate.

Mike B

[chaimFL]

It's a very popular combination. Usually once you add enbrel you can lower the dose of the methotrexate. If you're just trying to clear up a smaller area I would think it would be easier to slightly raise the dose of the methotrexate before adding a whole additional medication. For me personally, I would not do a combo like that unless neither worked individually. I don't think I could rationalize to myself that I need two powerful drugs to get perfect results if I'm already mostly clear.

[raydon14yp]

I have been on mtx (15mg) per week for over 18 years. About 6 years ago, I started on Enbrel 50mg per week. I have gone from about 80 percent coverage to less than 5 percent on the body. The only real problem area I have is the scalp. Nothing has ever done much for it. I get liver enzyme checks every 3 months. So far, no problems. Hope you have positive results.

[raydon14yp]

As you can tell from Grannyfranny's post, nearly everyone has different results to their meds.

[bozyczko]

Thank you all for your responses. :D

[ally]

Hi!
I have just started Enbrel along with 15mgs of MTX this week. I will let you know how it goes.

-Ally

[bozyczko]

Thanks Ally! Good luck!

[cordiod]

bozyczko~

It is my understanding that a bilogic (Enbrel) can be introduced so that you can lower the dose of your systemic (MTX) meds. The thing is, with biologics, they are created in a way to target a specific part of your immune system. With systemics, they attack the entire immune system.

If your Dr. recommended Enbrel, there may be a chance he/she may be interested in lowering your weekly dose of MTX. I have heard that people can build up antibodies that lessen the effectiveness of Enbrel if they are on it alone. However, if it's paired with a low dose of MTX it may maintain/increase the effectiveness of it.

Good luck with whatever you choose!