Etanercept (Enbrel)Etanercept is given by an injection under your skin. Follow carefully the directions you havebeen given for using the injections, and ask your doctor if you are unsure about anything.

Carry your Patient Alert Card with you and show it to anyone who is treating you to make surethey know you are receiving etanercept.

If you develop signs of an infection such as a fever or a sore throat, or if you have anyunexplained bruising or bleeding, let your doctor know straightaway.

About etanerceptType of

medicineA cytokine modulator biological medicine

Used for Rheumatoid arthritis; ankylosing spondylitis; psoriatic arthritis; juvenile idiopathic arthritis (a type of arthritis inchildren); plaque psoriasis

Also called Enbrel

Available as Subcutaneous injection

Etanercept is a biological medicine used to ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and some other forms ofarthritis such as psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idopathic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. It is also used to treatplaque psoriasis, which is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. A biological medicine is a medicine which ismade by living organisms. The medicines mimic substances produced by your body. Biological medicines likeetanercept are sometimes called cytokine modulators, or monoclonal antibodies.

Arthritis simply means inflammation of joints. Biological medicines work in arthritis by blocking chemicals in yourbody that are involved in inflammation. Etanercept blocks a protein called tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). This protein plays an important role in causing inflammation. By blocking it, etanercept reduces damageto your joints.

Etanercept is usually prescribed when other treatments have not worked sufficiently, or if other treatments are notsuitable for you. If you are being treated for rheumatoid arthritis, it may be used alongside another treatment suchas methotrexate. It will be prescribed for you by a specialist doctor in a hospital. Etanercept cannot be taken as atablet, as it does not work when swallowed. Instead, it is given by an injection under your skin. You can eitherlearn to inject yourself, or a nurse in the hospital will do it for you.

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Before having etanerceptSome medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be usedif extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you (or your child if appropriate) start having etanercept, it isimportant that your doctor or nurse knows:

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding.If you have an infection, or if you think that you may be at risk of an infection. It is particularly importantthat you tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB).If you have a heart condition.If you have diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes).If you have ever had a blood disorder or cancer.If you have multiple sclerosis, an eye condition called optic neuritis, or a spinal condition calledtransverse myelitis.If you have been told you have inflammation of your liver due to drinking alcohol.If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are availableto buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How etanercept is givenBefore you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside yourpack. The leaflet will give you more information about etanercept and a full list of side-effects whichyou may experience from having it.Etanercept is given as an injection under your skin. It is usually given once or twice a week. You maybe given the injections by a nurse in your hospital clinic, or you may be taught how to give theinjections to yourself. Your doctor or nurse will discuss these options with you.If you are given the injections to store at home, keep them in a fridge. You can take your dose out ofthe fridge about 15-30 minutes before your injection is due to allow it to reach room temperature beforeit is given.If you are giving your own injections, always check that the solution is clear and that it does not containany bits or particles before you administer it. You should try to remember to use etanercept on thesame day(s) each week. Make a note in your diary of which days your dose is due so that you do notforget.If you do forget a dose, have the injection as soon as you remember and then continue on your usualdays. If you do not remember until your next dose is nearly due (for example, if it is due the followingday), you should skip the missed dose but remember your next dose when it is due. Do not give twodoses on the same day to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatmentYou will be given a Patient Alert Card when you start this treatment. This contains some importantsafety information for you to read and keep. Carry the card with you, and if ever you need any medicaltreatment, it is important you show it to anyone who is treating you.Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on yourprogress. Your doctor may want you to have some tests or X-rays from time to time to make sure thetreatment is working for you.While you are on etanercept, tell your doctor if you come into contact with anyone who has chickenpoxor shingles. This is because you may need to have treatment to protect you from these infections.If you need to have any vaccinations speak with your clinic first, as some vaccines are not suitable foryou while you are being treated with etanercept.If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood glucose levels more regularly, as thispreparation can affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will advise you about this.Initially, etanercept is usually prescribed for about 3-6 months. If the treatment helps you, your doctormay then decide to continue it for longer. The decision to continue or stop your treatment will dependupon your symptoms and what the specialist feels is best for you.If you need to buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to takealongside etanercept.

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Can etanercept cause problems?Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyoneexperiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctoror pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common etanercept side-effects What can I do if I experience this?

Increased risk of infection Let your doctor know if you develop a high temperature or a sorethroat, or any other sign of an infection

A reaction at the site of the injection (such as bleeding,bruising, redness, itching, pain, and swelling)

These can be common during the first few weeks of treatmentbut occur less frequently after the first month

Allergic-type reactions, such as an itchy skin rash Let your doctor know about this

Important: your doctor will discuss with you the possibility of rare but serious side-effects, such as a blooddisorder. Contact your doctor straightaway if you develop a fever, sore throat, or any unexplained bruising orbleeding.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor orpharmacist.

How to store etanerceptKeep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Important information about all medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you might have had an overdose of this medicine, go to theaccident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Further reading & referencesBritish National Formulary; 65th Edition (Mar 2013) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of GreatBritain, London

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medicalconditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to itsaccuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.For details see our conditions.

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Original Author:Helen Allen

Current Version:Helen Allen

Peer Reviewer:Dr Adrian Bonsall

Document ID:13207 (v2)

Last Checked:01/08/2013

Next Review:31/07/2016

View this article online at patient.info/medicine/etanercept-enbrel.Discuss Etanercept (Enbrel) and find more trusted resources at Patient. E M I S. E M I S is a trading name of Egton Medical Information Systems Limited.

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