Enbrel (etanercept)

Supplied: 50 mg pre-filled syringes & 25 mg vials of powder for reconstitution

What types of arthritis is etanercept used for?

Etanercept is a biologic used to treat inflammatory types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

What is the typical dose and when do I take it?

Etanercept is given by an injection under the skin once or twice a week. The dose given is 50 mg per week or 25 mg twice a week. In some circumstances etanercept may be given as 50 mg twice a week.

How long will it take to work?

Most people begin to feel the effects of etanercept within a few weeks; however, it may take months to feel the full effect. Some people respond a little slower taking up to 6 months until the maximum benefit is felt.

When should I not take my etanercept and call my doctor?

Concern	Action
Fever	Stop etanercept and see your doctor.
Think you have an infection	Stop etanercept and see your doctor.
Prescribed an antibiotic	Stop etanercept and see your doctor.
Become pregnant	Stop etanercept and see your doctor.
Scheduled for surgery	Notify your doctor of the surgery date.

Is there anybody who should not take etanercept?

Etanercept is known to increase the risk of infection. People with active infections should not take etanercept. People who have had frequent infections in the past or a history of an infection called tuberculosis should discuss the use of etanercept with their doctor.

Any woman who is pregnant should not take etanercept, as it has not been studied in pregnant women. Women taking adalimumab should use birth control like the oral contraceptive pill. Any woman who is breastfeeding should also avoid etanercept.

Anyone with a history of cancer, congestive heart failure, or nervous system problems (like multiple sclerosis) should discuss the use of etanercept with their doctor.

You should discuss all vaccinations with your doctor and notify your doctor of any scheduled surgeries.

You should discuss all vaccinations with your doctor and notify your doctor of any
scheduled surgeries.

What are the side effects of etanercept?

Concern	Frequency	Call Doctor
Mild skin reaction at injection site	Common	If severe
Nausea, abdominal pain	Rare	If severe
Headaches	Rare	If severe
Infection (fever/chills etc)	Rare	Yes - always
Congestive Heart Failure: New shortness of breath upon exertion or while lying flat (i.e. in bed) that is improved by propping yourself up on pillows, sitting up, or sleeping in a chair, and increased swelling in the legs	Very rare	Monitored by your doctor
Nervous System Problems: Persistent, unexplained vision problems (double or blurred), balance problems or numbness or tingling in the arms or legs	Very rare	Monitored by your doctor
Cancer: Etanercept may be associated with a small increased risk of developing certain types of cancer	Very rare	Monitored by your doctor
Drop in Blood Counts: Etanercept can very rarely cause a drop in blood counts	Very rare	Monitored by your doctor

Do I need any monitoring while taking etanercept?

Blood tests are not routinely required while you are taking etanercept. However, your doctor will likely order periodic blood tests to check your blood counts and follow the activity of your arthritis.

This page was last reviewed/updated on : 06/14/2010

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Enbrel (etanercept)