swelling in lymph node

Hi fellow creakies,

So I realize I should probably call my doctor and ask about this (I'm calling after I write this), but while I wait to hear back from him I figured I'd ask here...Has anybody ever experienced swelling in the groin area when taking Enbrel?  A week or two ago I noticed a lump on the right side.  It doesn't hurt or anything and I can't be sure that it wasn't there before I started Enbrel (about 7 weeks ago).  

I'm also on methotrexate, folic acid and sometimes naproxin.  Since I inject in my thighs and I tend to get itchy welts after I do the injection (usually worse on the right side...interestingly) I'm really hoping the swelling is not a big deal.

Thanks!

I just started Enbrel on Sunday so I haven't had really any experience.  I don't recall it being a specific side effect in the literature I got.  I just went to get it.  What it does talk about are infections and that would concern me.  If you are trying to fight something then the lymph nodes would get involved.

On a side note my RA occasionally inflames my lymph nodes in my arm pits and that has happened off and on for years and is definitly not related to Enbrel.  You have done the right thing to call the doc.  In Canada, Enbrel provides access to nurses 24/7, I am assuming you are in the US - I actually looked it up and found  a contact number to nurses through Enbrel in the US:

To speak with a registered nurse, call toll-free at 1-888-4-ENBREL (1-888-436-2735) 8 am to 11 pm Eakstern time, 7 days a week.

I hope this helps,

bigted

Thanks bigted, I'll try that number tomorrow!  I don't have any infections or fever and the only thing I can think of is the injections themselves typically leave me with a 2 inch diameter inflammed itchy spot for about 5 days.  I've actually been experiencing some lumps in my armpits too and it makes me feel better to know RA can do that.  Some of those have gone away and the one in the groin has stayed about the same.  I read the lymph node side effect on the web somewhere and it said to contact the doctor if it happened.  I then quit reading things on the web since I was finding scary things about lymphoma after 8 weeks of Enbrel use.  Who knows if that's true or not I just need to wait and see.

I hope Enbrel starts working for you! 

Jeanette

My lymph nodes swell up in my neck area right under my chin. Sometimes its painfull sometimes just swollen. I ask my rheumy about it a few years ago and he told me its usually a sign of a flare up coming, but nothing to worry about.They are a just little swollen all the time ( a sign of RA) but swell up more when I'm having a flare up. But you should def check with your doc to make sure. Good Luck and let us know if everything is ok!

Emily

Yes indeed, the lymph node swelling wasn't worth all of the worry.  The swelling was most likely due to a reaction from my enbrel injection site inflammation.  I had a really bad one a few weeks ago and I guess it was enough to keep the lymph node swelling around for a while.

I'm just not used to having something wrong with me and it is a bit of an adjustment.  Luckily my doctor is super nice and was more worried about me being worried than me reacting a little strongly to something that is sort of minor.  That's what I get for reading about Enbrel and lymphoma on the web!

Lymph node swelling is a symptom of RA have had them for years. Though keep in mind and keep monitoring them, because Lymph node cancer is a side effect of MTX. It is a very very Rare side effect but one nonetheless. 

I have had them Swell under my chin, behind my neck, under arms and in the groin area and this was before me taking any injections I have noticed it is usually prior to a flare. Rheumies (several) have confirmed it is a symptom of RA. 

Another symptom of RA that is not common is the swelling of Sinuses and inner ear..this they have now confirmed for me and the only way to get the swelling to go down is to take a Zpack...we are not sure why but it happens when I have a flare that lasts longer than 2 days.  Gee one more drug to the mix!!! 

Good Luck Jeanette.