Enbrel

etanercept

Enberel is used for relieving and reducing the symptoms of moderate to chronic rheumatoid arthritis. Enberel is used for relieving the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Enberel can also be added to methotrexate therapy and it acts when the efficacy of methotrexate reduces. Enberel is also prescribed alone for the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

This class of drug blocks the action of tumor necrosis factor, which is a naturally occurring substance in the body that is responsible for joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Enberel is useful for relieving:

• Ankylosing spondylitis, which is an inflammatory condition that results in stiffness and immobility and can sometimes cause joints and bones to fuse together.
• Treat chronic, moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, which is a condition of skin reddening and is covered with silvery scales and inflammation which is spotted as patches of round or oval red plaques that itch or burn.

As tumor necrosis factor plays an important role in immune system, blocking the release of the same can help to reduce the effect of infection.

Enberel is known to affect people whose immune systems have already been weakened due to age, and other conditions like heart failure or diabetes, or drugs like azathioprine, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and tacrolimus.

Enberel is given in the form of injection under the skin, of thigh, abdomen, upper arm, etc. Enberel has to be administered exactly as the way instructed by the physician and if you plan to inject by yourself, it is advisable that you take training from a professional.

The injection site should be rotated and should not be injected at the same place continuously. Injection should not be done over sensitive, bruised, or irritated skin.

The injection bottle should not be shaken and avoid handling needle cover, if you suffer from latex allergy. The used syringe should not be reused.

In case if you happen to miss a dose, do not have both the doses together. If the dosage clashes, it is better to avoid the previous dose and continue with the current dose. It is also better to consult your physician in case of any doubts regarding the dosage amount.

Enberel powder should be stored in a refrigerator, but it should not be frozen. After mixing powder with sterile water, it can be stored in the fridge for 14 days.

Some of the side effects of Enberel include:

• Abdominal pain
• Cough
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Infections
• Injection site reaction
• Nausea
• Rash
• Respiratory problems
• Respiratory tract infection
• Serious infections like Cellulitis and pneumonia
• Sinus and nasal inflammation
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Weakness

The drug should not be used:

• If you are allergic to one or more ingredients of the drug.
• If you are prone to repeated infections or have a condition that encourages infections, such as diabetes.
• If you have a disease of the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis or a seizure disorder.
• If you are prone to blood disorders.
• The drug usage should be done cautiously.
• If you develop an infection the stop taking Enbrel and call your doctor immediately.
• Children exposed to chickenpox during therapy may have to temporarily discontinue the use of drug and get preventive treatments.
• The drug may worsen congestive heart failure. If you have this condition, make sure the doctor knows about it.
• The drug is known to trigger a condition like lupus. If you develop warning signs like raised patches of red skin then contact doctor immediately. The drug therapy has to be stopped.

Also immediately contact doctor, if you develop warning signs of a blood disorder, like:

• Persistent fever
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Paleness

Drug Interactions

• Rheumatoid arthritis drugs like anakinra can lower your resistance even more, possibly leading to a severe infection.
• Vaccinations that contain active live viruses, however, other types of vaccines that contain inactive viruses also interact with the drug.

The effect of Enberel during pregnancy is yet to be studied; however, it is wise to consult doctor if you are pregnant. The presence of the drug in breast milk is yet to be determined, however consult doctor if you are breast feeding.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis:

• 50mg of the drug is given in the form of injection at different sites for a week. The injection is given either daily or 3 to 4 days apart.

Plaque Psoriasis:

• 50mg of the drug is given in the form of injection at different sites. The injection is given either daily or 3 to 4 days apart for 3 months. The medication can be reduced to 50 mgs one time gradually once in a week.

Children from 4 to 17 years:

• 0,8mg of the drug per 2.2 pounds of body weight and the maximum allowed dose id 50mg per day. The drug is injected twice every week and the drug efficacy is not studied below 4 years.

High dose is not known to produce toxic results. However, if you suspect overdose, contact doctor.