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.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Enbrel.
- More common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, cough, dizziness, headache, indigestion, infections, injection site reaction, nausea, rash, respiratory problems, respiratory tract infection, serious infections such as cellulitis and pneumonia, sinus and nasal inflammation, sore throat, vomiting, weakness
Why should Enbrel not be prescribed?
If Enbrel gives you an allergic reaction, you will not be able to continue using it. Do not start taking it during any kind of infection.
Think carefully about using Enbrel if you are prone to repeated infections or have a condition that encourages infections, such as diabetes. Be cautious, too, if you have a disease of the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis or a seizure disorder; such problems have been known to develop or get worse during Enbrel therapy. Enbrel should also be used with caution if you are prone to blood disorders, since they have occasionally appeared during treatment with Enbrel.
Special warnings about Enbrel
If you develop an infection, stop taking Enbrel and call your doctor immediately. Children exposed to chickenpox during Enbrel therapy may have to temporarily discontinue the drug and get preventive treatments.
Enbrel may worsen congestive heart failure. If you have this condition, make sure the doctor knows about it; Enbrel should be used with caution.
Enbrel has been known to trigger a condition similar to lupus. If you develop warning signs such as raised patches of red skin, see the doctor immediately. Enbrel therapy may have to be stopped.
Also check with your doctor immediately if you develop warning signs of a blood disorder, including such symptoms as persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, or paleness. You may have to stop taking Enbrel.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Enbrel
The immune system blocking action of Enbrel can lower your resistance to infection. Combining Enbrel with other rheumatoid arthritis drugs, such as Kineret, can lower your resistance even more, possibly leading to a severe infection. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drugs you are taking.
You should also avoid getting vaccinations that contain active, live viruses while taking Enbrel. However, other types of vaccines (such as those with inactive viruses) may be given during treatment with Enbrel.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Enbrel during pregnancy have not been studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not known whether Enbrel appears in breast milk, but because there is a possible risk to the infant, you should either give up nursing while taking Enbrel or discontinue the drug. Discuss the problem with your doctor.
