Has anyone tried Enbrel?

A client's son is using Dr Google to 'heal' his parent's chronic pain, and his research leads him to a drug he says you can't get in Australia. (Actually I think you can, but I don't think he knows enough to know how to find out) He believes Enbrel will be the best thing he can get for his parent, and he wants to bring it in from the USA.

I've read some scary stuff about this medication. I'm concerned about its use under less than a specialist's care.

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of this medication? Particularly as an older adult? Thank you!

My father actually tested Enbrel for a study with his rheumatologist way back when. I remember my father telling me it helped him greatly. He always had painful joints, especially his hands and after taking the injections he said he felt so much better and was not in the pain he had before and was able to use his hands without restrictions of pain. I don't remember him saying anything about side effects. In no way do I think it "heals". It just takes away the symptoms and makes a person more "flexible" to move around. But if you are allergic to eggs you can't take it.

Excellent information, thank you! What happens when your father discontinues; does he return to his previous state, or is the pain worse? milder?

Am also eager to hear from anyone else. Am concerned because we're talking about a parent in their 80s, and this medication apparently impairs your immune system and also increases fatty cysts/tumour growth.

TIA

Definitely increases cancer risk. I know two people who were on it, or Humira (similar drug) and both got cancer. One is now fine but can no longer take anything in this class of drugs. The other has since died from other causes, though his cancer started a downward spiral for him.

It is only good for rheumatoid arthritis, not osteo. It is an immune suppressant. Itprevents flareups and is kind of a wonder drug in that respect. I do not believe it acts on pain directly, it just prevents flares.

One downside is that it is extremely expensive. Definitely requires a prescription and it would be very ill-advised to take without a doctor's supervision.

My father is on it for Rheumatoid Arthritis. I can't imagine taking it without having a Dr's supervision. Additionally, I am fairly certain this is the drug my father takes by giving himself an injection. If I remember correctly, it must be refrigerated at all times except for the 30 minutes prior to injection. Maybe there is another form or that is another med my dad is on, but I really think it is Enbrel.

Further to CLK's comments... The biologics in the class that includes Enbrel are used to treat auto-immune diseases - mainly various types of arthritis, but also related inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and crohn's.

For those with these conditions, the drugs are indeed a godsend. Rather than just treating the symptoms, they work on the disease processes and in best case scenarios, can result in (temporary) remission.

In addition to the cancer risk though, they can come with side effects from elevated liver enzymes to tnf-induced psoriasis. The list is lengthy, and the occurrence rates are not low. Additionally, it is quite common to experience significant flares when discontinuing a tnf-blocker.

Cost - as CLK mentioned - is very high. Without an insurance subsidy, the retail cost can be in the range of $10,000 per month depending on the specific drug.

Thank you. I'll pass on the info!

It does need to be refrigerated and it is injected

Noted.

Xeljanz is an oral form for both RA and Psoriasis and is likely getting other indications. Remicade, Orencia, Enbrel and Humira are all indicated for RA treatment. All drugs carry a benefit/risk trade off. If the RA is crippling or serious pain, taking these drugs can be seen as a huge benefit. It does have to be RA vs OA as an earlier poster mentioned. It should also be understood that this condition gets progressively worse, so the earlier you treat, there is a benefit, but again not without risks. It is not for everyone, so yes there is clear guidance in the prescribing information easily found online who it is not for, and those that might have the highest risk of side effects. It is clear on contraindications, and the risks and the rate of occurrence.There are several new classes of drugs currently in the pipeline that will advance treatment and choices for those with this condition within the next few years. And yes, typically older adults over 85 are excluded from drug trials. So the data on older adults is limited and likely to be noted unless there is Phase 4 (post drug on market) data. IMHO Given the age of the patient, I tend to think anything that makes daily life right now meaningfully more bearable is a benefit since long-terms risks become less of a consideration.

Anyone can go to patients like me online, where patients with various conditions share there experiences with both the condition and the treatments. It might be worthwhile if want to get actual experience from other patients to go online and see their posts and comments (RA patients). Often they will also be able to comment on their experience with several different medicines. Do not know how many post that are the age of this patient, however, can also post questions.