Why it is Prescribed
Etanercept is used alone or in combination with other medications to reduce the pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Etanercept is in a class of medications called tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. It works by blocking the activity of TNF, a substance in the body that causes swelling and joint damage in arthritis.
How it Works
Etanercept comes as a solution to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected twice a week. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use etanercept exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it ...
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Why it is Prescribed
Etanercept is used alone or in combination with other medications to reduce the pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Etanercept is in a class of medications called tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. It works by blocking the activity of TNF, a substance in the body that causes swelling and joint damage in arthritis.
How it Works
Etanercept comes as a solution to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected twice a week. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use etanercept exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You can inject etanercept in the thigh, stomach, or upper arm. To reduce the chances of soreness or redness, use a different site for each injection.The new injection should be given at least 1 inch away from the previous injection. Do not inject into an area where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard.
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Other Uses
Etanercept is also used sometimes to treat psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Precautions
Before taking etanercept,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to etanercept, latex, or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: medications that suppress the immune system such as azathioprine (Imuran), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), methotrexate (Rheumatrex), sirolimus (Rapamune), and tacrolimus (Prograf). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
tell your doctor if you have an infection anywhere in the body and if you have or have ever had seizures, multiple sclerosis, inflammation of the optic nerve (optic neuritis), blood abnormalities, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), diabetes, or heart ...
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Possible Side Effects
Etanercept may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
redness, itching, pain, or swelling at the site of injection
bleeding or bruising at the site of injection
runny nose
sneezing
headache
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Special Dietary Concerns
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Storage Conditions
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the tray containing etanercept powder in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Once water is added to the powder, the solution may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
