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This medication is used alone or in combination with an immunosuppressant (e.g., methotrexate) to treat certain types of arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid, psoriatic, and ankylosing spondylitis), as well as a skin condition called psoriasis. These conditions are caused by an overactive immune system (autoimmune disease). The immune system attacks the body's own healthy cells, causing inflammation in the joints and skin.Etanercept controls your body's defensive response by blocking the action of a certain natural substance (TNF) that is used by the immune system. Treatment decreases redness, itching and scaly patches in psoriasis as well as the pain, swelling and stiffness of joints in arthritis. This medication can stop the progression of disease and joint damage, resulting in improved daily functioning and quality of life.This medication treats but does not cure autoimmune diseases. Symptoms usually return within 1 month of stopping the medication.This drug has also been used to treat another autoimmune disorder called Wegener's granulomatosis. It should not be used with other immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclophosphamide) for this use.
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| Overview |
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How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Etanercept SubQ
Uses
This medication is used alone or in combination with an immunosuppressant (e.g., methotrexate) to treat certain types of arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid, psoriatic, and ankylosing spondylitis), as well as a skin condition called psoriasis. These conditions are caused by an overactive immune system (autoimmune disease). The immune system attacks the body's own healthy cells, causing inflammation in the joints and skin.Etanercept controls your body's defensive response by blocking the action of a certain natural substance (TNF) that is used by the immune system. Treatment decreases redness, itching and scaly patches in psoriasis as well as the pain, swelling and stiffness of joints in arthritis. This medication can stop the progression of disease and joint damage, resulting in improved daily functioning and quality of life.This medication treats but does not cure autoimmune diseases. Symptoms usually return within 1 month of stopping the medication.This drug has also been used to treat another autoimmune disorder called Wegener's granulomatosis. It should not be used with other immunosuppressants (e.g., cyclophosphamide) for this use.
Notes
- Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., complete blood count, liver function) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.This medication may interfere with certain lab tests.
- Be sure to tell the lab personnel that you are on this medication.Do not share this medication with others.
Storage
- Store unopened vials and prefilled syringes in a refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not freeze.
- Once mixed, this drug must be used within 14 days and should be stored in the original vial in the refrigerator at 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C).
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How To Use
- Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before using this medication and each time you get a refill.
- If you have questions about the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Etanercept is injected under the skin of the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm, usually once or twice weekly exactly as prescribed by your doctor.Make sure you learn the proper way to inject this medication from your health care professional, as described in the Patient Information Leaflet from the manufacturer.
- If you will be giving yourself the injection, your doctor may want you to have the first injection in the medical office.Allow the medication to warm to room temperature before injecting.
- Do not shake the product.
- Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol.
- It is important to change the location of the injection site each time you use this drug to prevent problems under the skin.
- New injections should be given at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from an old injection site.
- Do not inject into areas of the skin that are sore, bruised, red, or hard.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
- Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Do not change your dose without first consulting your doctor.
- Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it.
- You should start to see an improvement in 1 to 2 weeks.
- It may take up to 3 months to receive the full benefit of this medication.Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
- Redness, itching, pain, or swelling at the injection site may occur.
- This usually starts 1-2 days after the injection and clears up in 3-5 days.
- Injection site reactions usually lessen after the first month.
- Headache, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain may occur.
- If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: a rash on nose and cheeks (butterfly rash), dizziness, extreme fatigue, hair loss, severe stomach/abdominal pain, swelling of the arms/legs.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: unusual bruising or bleeding, chest pain, severe headache, mental/mood changes, unexplained muscle weakness, seizures, tingling of the hands/feet, unsteadiness, vision changes, dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin.Because etanercept works by blocking the immune system, it may lower your ability to fight infections.
- This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you have any signs of infection (e.g., cough, cold, sore throat, fever).The immune system is also important in preventing and controlling cancer.
- Though very unlikely, you may have a slightly increased risk of developing cancer (e.g., lymphoma) with this medication.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as: unusual lumps/growths, swollen glands, night sweats, unexplained weight loss.An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before taking etanercept, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to latex; or if you have any other allergies.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: active or recurrent infection (e.g., hepatitis B, tuberculosis), blood disorders (e.g., leukemia, anemia), decreased bone marrow function, history of cancer (e.g., lymphoma), cut or open sore, diabetes, heart disease (e.g., heart failure), seizures, certain brain/spinal cord disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis).Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.
- Consult your doctor about risks of exposure to chickenpox and other infections.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more prone to infections.It is recommended that children be up to date on all their childhood vaccinations before starting etanercept.This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.
Drug Interactions
- Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it.
- Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: abatacept, anakinra, live vaccines (e.g., measles, mumps, polio, rubella, typhoid, varicella, yellow fever).If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting etanercept.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: other medications for autoimmune disease (e.g., azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, prednisone).
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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