Skip to Accessibility Menu Skip to Login Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Enbrel (etanercept)

Editorial Team's avatar image

By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: May 2023

Enbrel® (etanercept) is a biologic drug used to treat people with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. It can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate.1

Enbrel is also used to treat other rheumatic conditions, including:1

What are the ingredients in Enbrel?

The active ingredient in Enbrel is etanercept.1

How does Enbrel work?

Enbrel is a type of biologic drug known as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor. TNF is a protein made by your immune system. In people with certain autoimmune diseases like as RA, the immune system makes too much TNF. This leads to RA symptoms like joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.1

By providing your email address, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Enbrel works by targeting and sticking to the extra TNF in your body. This helps reduce RA symptoms and prevent further joint damage.1

What are the possible side effects?

The most common side effects of Enbrel include:1

  • Redness, itching, pain, or swelling at the site of injection
  • Sinus infections

Enbrel has a boxed warning, the strictest warning from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has this warning because it may cause serious side effects, including:1

  • Serious infections, such as tuberculosis (TB) and sepsis, that can lead to hospitalization or death
  • Increased risk of certain cancers, especially in children and teens

Your doctor will test you for TB before you start Enbrel. Your doctor will also closely monitor you for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with Enbrel.1

Do not start taking Enbrel if you have any type of infection unless your doctor tells you to. Contact your doctor right away if you have any signs of an infection, such as:1

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Feeling very tired

These are not all the possible side effects of Enbrel. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Enbrel. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Enbrel.

Things to note about Enbrel

Before taking Enbrel, tell your doctor if you:1

  • Have a current infection or are prone to recurring infections, including open cuts
  • Are allergic to latex or rubber
  • 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 heart problems
  • Are scheduled to have surgery
  • Have or have had hepatitis B
  • Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

People taking Simponi should not receive certain vaccines. Talk to your doctor before getting any vaccines.1

Certain drugs can interact with Enbrel. Before beginning treatment for RA, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. This includes over-the-counter drugs.

For more information, read the full prescribing information of Enbrel.