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I have recently been diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis and I am new to this website. I started with Humira which helped with my general joint pains but unfortunately I started getting terrible swelling and pains in various places on my body. My doctor stopped the Humira and I started Enbrel after a while but I am experiencing the same reaction. The swelling is terrible in my fingers, wrists, elbows and other areas. Incredibly painful and frustrating. Has anyone had a similar experience and if so, what did you do? Thank you in advance.

  1. Auldyn Matthews-McGee

    Auldyn Matthews-McGee Moderator

    My husband has had a similar experience. He has to use other treatments in addition to a biologic. For example, he’s found that medical marijuana, CBD balm, and Aleve help with that peripheral pain. He describes it as different from his back pain. He also finds stress and the weather hugely impact that inflammation too. I hope you find some relief soon!!

    1. Kim Broughal

      Kim Broughal

      Thanks for sharing! I’m sorry you are having that reaction. I had such success with Humira but because it raised my liver enzymes so high I had to get off of it. Good Luck on finding something that will help you!

      1. Ali Long

        Ali Long Moderator

        I'm sorry that your dealing with swelling. Sometimes it takes a lot of trial and error with biologics. Does your doctor know that the same thing is happening with Enbrel? There are many different types of biologics so maybe you could try one more? Or suggest to your a doctor to be on an NSAID aswell as biologics? Of course thats a conversation for you and your rheumatologist to have and decide together. I hope you get some relief soon. Ali (Community Member)

        1. James Hollens

          James Hollens Moderator

          Hi ,


          Welcome to the website, I'm glad you found us!


          Sorry to hear about your reactions to your medication so far. It probably is best to go back and let your doctor know that the Enbrel is having a similar reaction to before. I don't think what you are experiencing if particularly uncommon. Sometimes it takes a bit of experimenting to find the treatment that is right for you!


          I hope you are able to find something that helps and agrees with your body soon!


          All the best,
          James (Community Member)

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