Etanercept

Uses

Etanercept is a medication injected to treat psoriasis.

Etanercept (Trade name: Embrel) is used to relieve the symptoms of certain autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and chronic plaque psoriasis. It belongs to a class of medications called tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors; it blocks a substance in the body that causes inflammation.

Dosing

Etanercept is injected subcutaneously, typically by the patient at home after the initial injection, which should take place at the doctor's office. It is injected once, sometimes twice, weekly. Injections are usually into the thigh, abdomen or upper arm, and a different site should be used each time to avoid tenderness or swelling. You may be started on a high dose of medication and have it decreased after 3 months once the condition is controlled.

Side Effects

The most common side effects are redness, tenderness, and swelling at the injection site (hydrocortisone ointment can be used to alleviate discomfort). Other side effects may include coughing, wheezing, breathlessness or chest pain; nausea and/or vomiting and/or abdominal pain; fever, headache, chills or other signs of infection; hot, red, swollen area on the skin; bleeding or bruising; or sore eyes. If any of these side effects persist, notify your doctor. Moreover, if you experience any of the following side effects, notify your doctor as soon as possible: seizures, bruising, bleeding, pale skin, blistering skin, rash, hives, itching.

Notes of Precaution

Notify your doctor if you are allergic to Etanercept or any other medications, particularly anakinra, cyclophosphamide, and sulfasalazine.

Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

If you are using Etanercept, notify your doctor before having a vaccination.

Caution should be used if you are prone to infection.

Do not take Etanercept if you have an active infection or sepsis.

* Patients treated with Etanercept may have a higher risk for lymphoma.