Posted , 4 users are following.
My liver enzymes have been rising since I've been on Enbrel (Enterecept) for Rheumatoid Arthritis. The doctor suspects autoimmune hepatitis because I also have a positive ANA, but thinks it may reverse when I discontinue the Enbrel. Has anyone else experienced this and how did it turn out?
0 likes, 13 replies
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oliver92 LeanaBeana77
Posted
I suspect that the doc is correct. There is some dispute about liver side effects online but see http://www.drugsdb.com/rx/enbrel/enbrel-side-effects/
Dort1234 LeanaBeana77
Posted
I'm interested in replies to this post. You should go on cirrhosis Facebook page it's active all through the day and night. Great support there..
LeanaBeana77
Posted
GP and Rheumatologist agree that I should go off of Enbrel and monitor my ALT and AST over the next 8 weeks. It's unclear whether I have hepatitis or not, but it sounds like they want me to hold off on seeing the liver doctor for now. Not sure how hard I should push on that.
oliver92 LeanaBeana77
Posted
The key thing is not to worry. In the worst scenario that you have drug induced auto immune hepatitis, I believe the recovery rate is very high. So try to relax and enjoy the festive period. All the best.
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LeanaBeana77
Posted
Thanks oliver. I see my GP today so hopefully I can get more answers even though her knowledge is limited in regards to the liver. I sure hope this reverses soon! I can't believe how harsh these drugs are. I'm going to have to address my RA through diet and lifestyle instead of toxic drugs.
LeanaBeana77
Posted
My test from yesterday was AST 103 and ALT 118. I'm getting the runaround with the liver specialist so not sure when I can actually get in to see them. They are "processing my referral info" whatever that means.
I'm really worried.
oliver92 LeanaBeana77
Posted
You really shouldn't worry. Whilst I understand your anxiety, my view is that it is a side effect of the RA drug and so should be resolved soonish. You are right to consider natural solutions to RA so good luck with that.
I won't send weblinks as they'll be moderated out but rest assured there are some which I believe confirm the above confidence.
Report back when things improve.
LeanaBeana77
Posted
LeanaBeana77
Posted
I'm happy to report that I feel much better but I still need to see if the labs reflect an improvement. As my RA pain is coming back, I feel better overall (less abdominal pain, nausea, headaches and fatigue) so I think there is definitely a connection with the Enbrel (My last dose was 11/27). Bummer that I can't take a med that works so well for the RA, but I obviously can't tolerate it. Weird that it's taken this long to get out of my system. It's a weekly injectable that builds in your system over time, so I guess it makes sense.
oliver92 LeanaBeana77
Posted
Glad you're feeling better. You are certainly not alone in suffering side effects even such a long time afterwards. I still have problems 20 months after stopping a prescription medication (unrelated to yours) along with many others. In my view, never believe biased pharma suppliers, doctors etc who say symptoms will end by stopping the medication.
Your new year now holds promise so all the very best.
PS hope you got my links by PM.
LeanaBeana77 oliver92
Posted
Thanks oliver. Yes, I got your links, thanks! You helped put my mind at ease when I was so sick with worry, so thanks for that.
Fingers crossed that my labs are better. I'm going for a test today.
It's crazy that these drugs can be so toxic, but one look at the side effect profile of Enbrel will make your head spin. Glenn Frey from the Eagles died from RA med complications. They didn't say which one he was on, but it was most likely Humira or Enbrel. Now the question is how I will treat the RA but I suppose that's a different forum. I've been reading up on the anti-inflammatory diet but it's extremely strict.
oliver92 LeanaBeana77
Posted
Good luck.
LeanaBeana77 oliver92
Posted