Treats symptoms of rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis in adults and children, and slows joint damage in adults
Brand Names:
Enbrel
Contraindications:
You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to etanercept or if you have sepsis (an infection in the blood)
Uses:
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin.
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
This powder medicine must be mixed with the liquid provided in your dose kit. Mix the medicine only when you are ready to use it. Do not shake the medicine after it has been mixed Do not use if it is cloudy or has specks floating in it.
Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
Never share your medicine with anyone.
If a dose is missed:
If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Storage:
If you are using one vial (bottle) for more than one dose of this medicine, use the "Mixing Date" stickers provided to write the date you mixed the medicine and attach the sticker to the vial. Put the unused mixture in the refrigerator right away. You must use this mixture within 14 days or throw it away.
Store both the powder and liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
Special precautions:
Before taking, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart failure or liver disease. tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking, call your doctor
Make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicines that weaken the immune system (such as steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation).
Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are using etanercept. It is best for a child to be up-to-date on all vaccinations before receiving etanercept.
Warnings:
Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have diabetes, an infection of any kind, or a history of recurrent infections, multiple sclerosis, blood disorders, cancer, congestive heart failure, or allergy to latex rubber.
If you develop an infection while taking this medicine, call your doctor right away. Your doctor may want to watch you closely and may want you to stop using the medicine until the infection goes away. If you have been exposed to chickenpox or any other virus, call your doctor.
If you are receiving the injection at home, do not handle the syringe if you are allergic to latex. The needle cover of the syringe contains latex.
Side Effects:
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
Fever, chills, cough, hoarseness, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat
Loss of muscle strength or feeling, problems with walking or coordination
Problems with vision or pain in your eyes
Unexplained cough, coughing up blood, night sweats
Unusual bleeding, bruising, pale skin, or weakness
Mild pain, redness, swelling, itching, bleeding, or bruising at the place where your shot was given