Information about Etanercept

Generic Name : Etanercept
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Etanercept are provided here.

Pronunciation : ee-TAN-er-sept

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Etanercept, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

Therapeutic Classification : Immunomodulators

Trade Names/Brand Names of Etanercept

India :

Enbrel (50mg/mL) | Enbrol | Enbrel | Enbrel (25mg/0.5mL) (25mg/0.5mL) | Enbrel (50mg/mL) (50mg/mL)

More info >>>

International :

Enbrel Prefilled Syringes

Why is Etanercept Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) blocker, prescribed for ankylosing spondylitis (type of joint pain that affects your back), juvenile arthritis (arthritis-related condition that develops in children), psoriasis, and rheumatoid (inflammation of the joints) and psoriatic arthritis.

When should Etanercept not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity or widespread infection.

What is the dosage of Etanercept?

Adult- SC- The recommended dose is 50 mg weekly; twice weekly in plaque psoriasis. 0.8 mg/kg/week in children.

How should Etanercept be taken?

It is administered as an injection just under the skin by a healthcare provider.

What are the warnings and precautions for Etanercept?

• Avoid using contaminated solution of this drug or if the appearance of the solution is changed.

• Do not have any vaccinations while taking this medication.

• It may increase the risk of cancer and serious infections including tuberculosis.

• Caution needed in patients with history of decreased bone marrow function, history of cancer (e.g., lymphoma), seizures, active or reoccurring infections, diabetes, certain brain/spinal cord disorders (demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis), blood disorders, heart disease (e.g., heart failure), allergies during pregnancy, in elderly, and children between 2 to 18 yrs.

• It should not be used in children less than 2 years.

• Do not share this medication with others.

What are the side effects of Etanercept?

Serious adverse effects- Increase in serious infections including fungal infections and tuberculosis and cancers like lymphomas.
Heart- Congestive Heart failure, heart attack.
Central Nervous System- Seizures, headache, dizziness, stroke, demyelinating diseases, inflammation of nerves, aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain in the absence of infection), hydrocephalus (abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within brain).
Skin- Rash, hair loss, worsening psoriasis, inflammation of blood vessels in skin, skin cancer, severe allergic reactions.
Eye and ENT- Inflammation of eyes, nose and throat.
Gastrointestinal- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, altered sense of taste, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dry mouth, inflammation of the digestive system, perforation of the intestine.
Genitourinary- Kidney stone, kidney damage, urinary tract infection.
Blood- Decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells and /or platelets, lymph node swelling.
Liver- Liver inflammation.
Local- Injection-site reactions (erythema and/or itching, pain, or swelling).
Metabolic- Increase in blood sugar, weight gain.
Musculoskeletal- Inflammation of bursa, muscles, joint pain, lupus-like syndrome.
Respiratory- Upper respiratory tract infections, cough, difficulty in breathing, lung disease.
♦ Miscellaneous- Autoimmune reaction, inflammation of veins, flu like syndrome, Sarcoidosis.