What is Enbrel?

Common Brand(s): Enbrel

This medication is used alone or in combination with an immunosuppressant (such as methotrexate) to treat certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile idiopathic, and ankylosing spondylitis). Some brands of this medication are also used to treat a skin condition called psoriasis. These conditions are caused by an overactive immune system (autoimmune disease). The immune system attacks the body's own healthy cells, causing inflammation in the joints and skin.

Etanercept controls your body's defensive response by blocking the action of a certain natural substance (TNF) that is used by the immune system. Treatment decreases redness, itching and scaly patches in psoriasis as well as the pain, swelling and stiffness of joints in arthritis. This medication can stop the progression of disease and joint damage, resulting in improved daily functioning and quality of life.

This medication treats but does not cure autoimmune diseases. Symptoms usually return within 1 month of stopping the medication.

Uses

psoriatic arthritis
rheumatoid arthritis
ankylosing spondylitis
moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis

Usage Instructions

Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using this drug and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin of the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice a week.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight. Do not change your dose without consulting your doctor.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it on the same day(s) each week.

If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Your doctor may give your first injection in the medical office.

If your medication has been refrigerated, leave it at room temperature for at least 15 to 30 minutes before injecting. Do not warm up this medication any other way. For example, do not heat it in the microwave or place it in hot water. Do not shake this medication. Before using, check this product visually for particles, cloudiness, or discoloration. The prefilled syringe, cartridge, or pen injector may have small white particles in the liquid. This is normal. If you see other particles, cloudiness, or discoloration, do not use the liquid.

Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into areas that are sore, bruised, red, or hard.

Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

You may notice improvement in your condition after 1 to 2 weeks, but it may take a few months to get the full benefit of this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Storage

Store unopened medication in the refrigerator away from light. Do not freeze. Some dosage forms may also be stored at room temperature for a certain time (such as up to 14 days). Consult your pharmacist or the manufacturer's package for details. If stored at room temperature, do not place this medication back in the refrigerator. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.