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Etanercept

Pronounced

"ee-TAN-er-cept"

Common brand names:

Enbrel

Uses

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.

How to Use This Medication

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.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

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Information expires December 2024.