ETANERCEPT

Etanercept is a tumour necrosis factor inhibitor that received approval for medical use on 2 November 1998.

Etanercept Injection has been developed to treat various inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and plaque psoriasis in patients older than 4 years of age.

Etanercept is available as a single dose prefilled syringe in doses 25mg and 50mg. For adults with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing Spondylitis, the recommended dose is 50mg subcutaneous injection once a week. For patients with plaque psoriasis, the recommended dosage is 50mg twice weekly for 3 months, followed by 50mg once a week. For pediatric patients with plaque psoriasis and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic psoriasis, the recommended dose is 0.8mg/kg once a week with a maximum dose of 50mg weekly.

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Etanercept Injection are sinus infections and injection site reactions like redness, pain, bleeding, and bruising. These effects go away on their own within a few days. If you experience allergies, extreme tiredness, infection, vision trouble, bleeding or bruising during this treatment, report to your doctor immediately.

Do not receive Etanercept Injection if you are having an active infection. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you develop any symptoms of infection while on treatment with Etanercept. Etanercept is not recommended if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, or have a history of tuberculosis, heart problems, hepatitis B, demyelinating disease, nervous system disorders, lupus, or cancer. During this treatment, your physician will monitor your vitals to prevent serious complications. Inform your healthcare provider if you are about to undergo any dental or surgical procedures. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice vision changes, tingling, yellowing of skin, rashes, skin patches, unusual bruising, breathing trouble, hives, or chest pain.

Ask your healthcare provider for advice if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, planning to have a baby, or breastfeeding your baby. Etanercept is probably unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tell your doctor before you breastfeed your baby. Your doctor will decide whether you should receive Etanercept Injection or breastfeed depending on your condition. Discuss effective contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

Avoid driving or operating machinery if you experience any discomfort during treatment. Inform your doctor before receiving any vaccines and disclose all other medications and herbal supplements you are taking.

1. Amgen, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Jun 2022] [Accessed on 28th Sep 2022], https://www.pi.amgen.com/-/media/Project/Amgen/Repository/pi-amgen-com/enbrel/enbrel_pi.pdf 2. Ahmed A. Negm, & Daniel E. Furst, NSAIDs, Antirheumatic Drugs, Nonopioid Analgesics, & Drugs Used in Gout, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 642-666.