Well, I don't have RA, but I do have AS which is a different, but
similiar auto immune arthritis. I am on Enbrel and it has worked very
well for me. One thing about these types of arthritis is that they can
be very, very aggressive and cause damage that once done, cannot be
undone. The various medications (DMARDS) available up until recently
often did not slow down the disease very much. Many have tried one or
more DMARDS (disease modifying agents) but have had to stop them due
to nasty side affects, allergic reactions and/or they just plain
didn't work. Since the advent of the anti-tnf meds many people have
finally found some relief. However, the side effects of these drugs
(biologics) can be very serious or even, in some cases, fatal. Also,
even these drugs sometimes do not work for people. Sometimes they are
combined with one or more DMARDS or NSAIDS (non steroidal anti
inflammatories) with better results. I, myself, am on a 'cocktail' of
Enbrel, with methotrexate and sulfasalazine (both DMARDS) and an NSAID
as well. The biologics have been a miracle for many, giving them their
lives back. There are also many who have had reactions or side effects
and have had to discontinue these therapies.
IT all comes down to the fact that it is a very personal decision to
make. I looked at it this way: Many (not all) side effects of many of
the DMARDS and the biologics will stop once the drug is discontinued.
Joint damage from untreated RA or undertreated RA cannot (in most
cases) be reversed. I would say to learn all you can and then make an
informed decision.
Good luck to you both-
Char

Hi John

I've been taking one anti-tnf treatment (Enbrel) for over 4 years now.  Just
one little injection a week which is quite simple.  It has changed my life
(I know that sounds corny, but its true).  I recently had to endure 4 weeks
without it because of surgery, and by the end of the 4 weeks I was desperate
to get back to it.

Which treatment has your wife been offered?

Jayne

I'm on Enbrel and MTX and it has made a difference.:)
Alison