treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Is there anyone who is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, and being treated with Embrol Injections?

Are you having Embrol for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis? I am very interested in hearing from anyone on this treatment, and how it affects them.
I have been on the treatment for 4 weeks now, and feel that itis not working for me.
I look forword to hearing from others on this treatment.

Hi, so sorry to hear you have RA, I don’t have this illness, but have read about Enbrel (think that’s the right name) when researching treatments for my own condition (I have Fibromyalgia).

This treatment is known as a TNF blocker, and works by blocking the cytocines responsible for the inflammation in RA. They are said to help with pain, swollen joints and morning stiffness.

The injection given subcutaneously (directly into the body fat), which is not too painful, and is usually given once or twice a week. These treatment usually take a few weeks before you start to notice any difference, but if you are not noticably improving after 12 weeks, then your doctor will probably discontinue the treatment.

You might notice a small reaction at the injection site, although this usually disappears within a few weeks. Other side effects include increased susceptability to infections and certain blood disorders.

For more information see the following links:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/DS00020/DSECTION=8

http://www.rheumatoid.org.uk/article.php?article_id=113

http://arthritis.about.com/od/enbrel/Enbrel_Etanercept_Dosage_Side_Effects_Interactions_Warnings.htm

I would also like to say that as a fellow chronic pain sufferer I know it can be very frustrating and isolating. It can also be scary when trying new medications with no real idea other than what the drug leaflet tells. But I found a great online forum for sufferers of my condition, and have found the support invaluable. It might be worth you doing the same.

Good luck, Mel.

RA Treatment: Types of Therapy