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Enbrel |
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What is Enbrel and why is it prescribed? Enbrel is used to relieve the symptoms and slow the progress of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It's also prescribed to relieve the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. It can be added to methotrexate (Rheumatrex) therapy when methotrexate fails to provide adequate relief. Prescribed alone, it is also used for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis when other drugs have failed. Enbrel is the first in a class of drugs designed to block the action of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a naturally occurring protein responsible for much of the joint inflammation that plagues the victims of rheumatoid arthritis. In clinical trials, Enbrel provided the majority of patients with significant relief. TNF plays a significant role in the immune system, so blocking its action can lower your resistance to infection. Serious, and even fatal, infections have been known to occur, especially in people whose immune systems have already been weakened by advancing age, conditions such as heart failure or diabetes, or drugs such as Imuran, Prograf, Cellcept, Neoral, and Sandimmune. Due to the possibility of lowered resistance, children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis should be brought up to date with all immunizations before starting Enbrel therapy. How should you take Enbrel? Follow your doctors directions for taking Enbrel. Enbrel is given by injection under the skin of the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Your doctor will instruct you in the proper drug preparation and injection technique and supervise your first injection in the office. You should rotate injection sites and make each new injection at least 1 inch from an older one. Never inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard. Do not shake Enbrel solution. Avoid handling the needle cover if you have a latex allergy. Never reuse a syringe. Throw it away in a puncture-proof container immediately after using it. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Enbrel powder in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Discard after the expiration date stamped on the dose tray. After the powder has been mixed with sterile water, it can be stored under refrigeration for up to 14 days. Are there any Enbrel side effects? Enbrel side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Enbrel side effects may include abdominal pain, cough, dizziness, headache, indigestion, infections, injection site reaction, nausea, rash, respiratory problems, respiratory tract infection, sinus and nasal inflammation, sore throat, vomiting, and weakness. Less common Enbrel side effects may include abscess, altered sense of taste, blood clots, blood disorders and infections, bursitis, chest pain, depression, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, fever, flu-like symptoms, flushing, gallbladder problems, hair loss, heart attack, heart failure, high or low blood pressure, hives, inflammation in the digestive tract, intestinal perforation, itching, joint pain, kidney inflammation, loss of appetite, mouth sores, multiple sclerosis, pain, nerve damage, raised patches of red skin, red eyes, seizures, stomach and intestinal bleeding, stroke, swelling in the arms or legs, swollen face and throat, tingling or burning sensation, urinary tract infection, vision loss, and weight gain. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Enbrel? If Enbrel is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. No drug interactions have been reported. Do not get any live-type vaccinations while taking Enbrel. Are there any special warnings about Enbrel? If you develop an infection, stop taking Enbrel and call your doctor immediately. Children exposed to chickenpox during Enbrel therapy may have to temporarily discontinue the drug and get preventive treatments. Enbrel may worsen congestive heart failure. If you have this condition, make sure the doctor knows about it. Enbrel should be used with caution. Enbrel has been known to trigger a condition similar to lupus. If you develop warning signs such as raised patches of red skin, see the doctor immediately. Enbrel therapy may have to be stopped. Also check with your doctor immediately if you develop warning signs of a blood disorder, including such symptoms as persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, or paleness. You may have to stop taking Enbrel. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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