Etanercept



EnbrelŪ







Etanercept

(et a NER cept)

U.S. Brand Names
EnbrelŪ
Canadian Brand Names
EnbrelŪ
Pharmacologic Category
Antirheumatic, Disease Modifying; Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Blocking Agent
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to etanercept or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have an infection.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat arthritis. The arthritis is usually considered moderately to severely active and may not have responded to other treatments.
  • It may take 3 months to see the full effect.
How does it work?
  • Etanercept is an arthritis-changing medicine. It reduces inflammation and helps reduce symptoms and protect joints from further harm.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
  • Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Throw syringe away after single use. Do not reuse.
  • Follow instructions closely if you or a family member are giving the shot at home.
  • Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible. There should be 3-4 days between each shot.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Hepatitis B testing may be suggested. Unrecognized hepatitis B infection may worsen during treatment.
  • Serious infections have been reported with use of this medicine. If you have any infection, have many infections, or are taking antibiotics, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have an allergy to latex, talk with healthcare provider. Some products are contained in latex.
  • If you have diabetes, talk with healthcare provider. You may be more likely to develop infections.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Irritation where the shot is given.
  • Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
  • Feeling dizzy. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing.
  • Headache.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • If you are diabetic, you will need to monitor blood sugars closely.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Severe dizziness.
  • Severe headache.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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