Enbrel
Also see more information on Enbrel SubQ from the
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drug library.
Brand name:
Enbrel
Pronounced: EN-brell
Generic name: Etanercept
Why is Enbrel prescribed?
Enbrel is used to relieve the symptoms and slow the progress of
moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It's also prescribed to
relieve the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. It can be added to
methotrexate (Rheumatrex) therapy when methotrexate fails to
provide adequate relief. Prescribed alone, it is also used for
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when other drugs have failed.
Enbrel is the first in a class of drugs designed to block the
action of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a naturally occurring
protein responsible for much of the joint inflammation that plagues
the victims of rheumatoid arthritis. In clinical trials, Enbrel
provided the majority of patients with significant relief.
Enbrel is also used to reduce the symptoms of active ankylosing
spondylitis, an inflammatory condition that results in stiffness
and immobility and can sometimes cause joints and bones to fuse
together.
In addition, Enbrel is used to treat chronic, moderate-to-severe
plaque psoriasis, a condition where the skin is red and covered
with silvery scales and inflammation (patches of round or oval red
plaques that itch or burn).
Most important fact about Enbrel
TNF plays a significant role in the immune system, so blocking
its action can lower your resistance to infection. Serious--and
even fatal--infections have been known to occur, especially in
people whose immune systems have already been weakened by advancing
age, conditions such as heart failure or diabetes, or drugs such as
Imuran, Prograf, Cellcept, Neoral, and Sandimmune. Due to the
possibility of lowered resistance, children with juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis should be brought up to date with all
immunizations before starting Enbrel therapy.
How should you take Enbrel?
Enbrel is given by injection under the skin of the thigh,
abdomen, or upper arm. Your doctor will instruct you in the proper
drug preparation and injection technique and supervise your first
injection in the office. You should rotate injection sites and make
each new injection at least 1 inch from an older one. Never inject
into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard.
Do not shake Enbrel solution. Avoid handling the needle cover if
you have a latex allergy. Never reuse a syringe. Throw it away in a
puncture-proof container immediately after using it.
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