Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Enbrel & Weight Gain

Hi all.

For those that this might matter to (me being one of them!), I just called the RN's at Enbrel (Enliven Services) to find out if weight gain is a side effect of Enbrel as I'm gaining weight.

Well folks -- yes, weight gain is a bona fide side effect of Enbrel. Now, like all side effects, you may or may not be affected by it. I unfortunately, am one who is.

I did lose weight when I went back to smoking (no lectures please), but I notice that I go up after my shots and then I level off. However, I'm still way over from when I first started my shots at the beginning of March.

I have no answers on if this will come off eventually or even how, but I thought if any of you were wondering why you might be gaining weight and are on Enbrel, you might want to consider this.

Enjoy your day no matter what you're doing.

Sherree

Hi Sheree,
I spent the last year working to lose over fourty lbs. My rheumy may be placing me on Enbrel shortly, or another DMARD. I was not excited to read your post. Do you mind I ask how much you have gained? If I do get this side effect, will I gain five punds or fifty? That sucks! Sorry I have nothing popsitive to add but when you haven't been overeating and you are exercising in ways that oyu can there is so little you can do if a drug adds on weight ya know?
Take care! I'll think positive thoughts that that effect goes away soon! Hopefully too, the weight gain will stabilize over time. And if it is only a few pounds, if you are being helped by the drug then try not to worry about it as it may be worth a few lbs.

Rene a.k.a Julie

Hi Rene:

I haven't gained 50 pounds! Actually, I'm about 10 over right now. I'm not sure if I've leveled off or what, but I lost over 45 pounds 10 years ago and have kept it off until now. Remember, I did quit smoking, so that was a gain as well. However, I lost 6 pounds almost immediately when I started again- that was 3 weeks ago. I'm on a low carb diet and I work out regularly, so this kind of weight gain would not be normal for me -- even at TOM.

Now, is the extra weight gain worth it -- YOU BETCHA. For the first time in I couldn't tell you how long, I'm relatively pain-free (I have both RA & AS) and am able to do most of the things I could do just a few years ago. That alone is worth 10 pounds to me. If I continue to "bloom" well, that's another story and I'll deal with it as it happens (if does).

I just wanted to put the information out there more to let people know that it COULD happen, not that it would happen.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Sherree

i've been on enbrel since nov. and went to my rheumy today and i lost 3lbs.

I wish my doctors would try enbrel on me. I cant get my doctors to decide on anything other then surgery. and right now that is not an option I am willing to consider yet. but if thats a side affect of use well then I would gladly put on more weight to get mobility and flexablity back.

"If you succeed through violence at the expense of other's rights and welfare, you have not solved the problem, but only created the seeds for another." - William Wheaton

I've been on Enbrel for one month and have lost 8 pounds. But, I'm also on LSD so maybe that's what's doing it.

Stacey

Hi Stacey - good for you in losing weight.

Like I said, it could happen, not necessarily that it would. Everyone reacts differently to medicines. I haven't done the LSD - it just seems way more restrictive than I'd like. Ah well!

Regards,

Sherree

Sherree
Guess as in most thing I am the abnomaly. I have lost wieght since Enbrel. Currently about 15 lbs below my weight at HS graduation. Was actually getting concerned until it stabilized and have held at this weight for about 6 months. Was not dieting in any special way but was working and doing things I hadn't been able to for quite a few years.
Mike

Guess Eric is abnormal also. He did not lose weight....just didnt gain much.

Hugs
Lori