Enbrel (etanercept)

Etanercept (Enbrel) is an engineered biologic medication approved for the treatment of RA.¹

Enbrel is a combination (fusion) protein made of two different components that block the action of tumor necrosis factors α and β (TNF-α and TNF-β) in the body.²

All biologic medicines approved for use against RA improve the symptoms of arthritis, reduce joint damage, improve functional ability, and increase the quality of life patients with RA.²

Enbrel is not available in generic forms.

What are the ingredients in Enbrel?

The active ingredient in Enbrel is etanercept.¹

How does Enbrel work?

Enbrel is an engineered protein consisting of two components that bind to TNF-α and TNF-β, both important immune system signaling factors (called cytokines) that play a key role in swelling and inflammation. Blocking these factors prevents them from interacting with their receptors, which helps tamp down the damage caused by the dysfunction of the immune system that is characteristic of RA.^1,2

What are the possible side effects of Enbrel?

Common side effects with Enbrel include^3,4:

• Redness, itching, pain, or swelling at the site of injection
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Stomach pain
• Weakness
• Cough
• Upper respiratory infection

In some patients, Enbrel can cause more harmful side effects. Patients who take Enbrel are at increased risk for serious infections, including tuberculosis, invasive fungal infections, viral infections, bacterial infections, and other opportunistic infections (infection caused by a microorganism that does not normally cause infection in humans, typically due to an abnormally functioning immune system).³

Children and adolescents taking Enbrel are also at slightly higher risk for lymphoma and other cancers. Other rare but serious side effects include heart failure, Hepatitis B reactivation, nerve diseases like multiple sclerosis, certain blood disorders, and lupus-type symptoms.⁴

This is not an exhaustive list of all potential side effects of Enbrel. For more information, consult your doctor or healthcare provider. For more information on adverse effects, see the FDA black box warning for Enbrel.

Things to note about Enbrel

Before taking Enbrel, tell your doctor if you¹:

• Have a current infection or are prone to recurring infections, including open cuts
• Have a latex allergy
• Have HIV, diabetes, or a weakened immune system
• Have tested positive for TB or have been in close contact with someone who has TB
• Live in areas of the US where known for fungal infections, including the Ohio and Mississippi Valley and the southwest
• Have any nervous system problems like multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Have or have had congestive heart failure
• Are scheduled to have surgery
• Are scheduled to receive a vaccine
• Have or have had Hepatitis B
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding

Enbrel should not be taken if you have sepsis (a condition in which harmful bacteria or other toxins are present in tissues, usually due to an infected wound).⁴

With Enbrel, there is an increased risk for serious infections. This is because Enbrel can decrease the ability of the immune system to fight infections. If an infection develops while you are taking Enbrel, or if you have a severe allergic reaction, contact your doctor immediately.⁴

Patients taking this medication should not receive live vaccines. Tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking while on Enbrel because certain medicines don’t mix well with this medication. It is important for doctors to test you for TB before you take Enbrel and to monitor for heart problems, infection, and nerve damage while you are on the medication.⁴