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In this Article

• What is etanercept (Enbrel)?
• What are the possible side effects of etanercept (Enbrel)?
• What is the most important information I should know about etanercept (Enbrel)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using etanercept (Enbrel)?
• How should I use etanercept (Enbrel)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Enbrel)?
• What happens if I overdose (Enbrel)?
• What should I avoid while using etanercept (Enbrel)?
• What other drugs will affect etanercept (Enbrel)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using etanercept (Enbrel)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to etanercept, or if you have a severe infection such as sepsis (infection of the blood).

Before using etanercept, tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculosis, if anyone in your household has tuberculosis, or if you have recently traveled to an area where tuberculosis is common.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

• a weak immune system;
• any type of infection including a skin infection or open sores;
• diabetes;
• congestive heart failure;
• a nerve disorder such as multiple sclerosis, myelitis, or optic neuritis;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• asthma or other breathing disorder;
• if you have ever had hepatitis B;
• if you are allergic to latex rubber;
• if you have recently been vaccinated with BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin); or
• if you are scheduled to receive any vaccines.

FDA pregnancy category B. Etanercept is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether etanercept passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Children using this medication should be current on all childhood immunizations before starting treatment with etanercept.

Using etanercept may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer such as lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes). This risk may be greater in children and young adults. Talk to your doctor about your specific risk.

How should I use etanercept (Enbrel)?

Before you start treatment with etanercept, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections.

Some infections are more likely to occur in certain areas of the world. Tell your doctor where you live and where you have recently traveled or plan to travel to during treatment.

Etanercept is given as an injection under the skin. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to inject your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

You may need to mix etanercept with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication.

A single-use prefilled syringe or Sureclick autoinjector is for one injection only. Throw the used syringe or autoinjector away after one use, even if there is still medicine left in it.

A child must weigh at least 138 pounds to use the Sureclick autoinjector. Children who weigh less than 138 pounds should use a different form of etanercept.

Your care provider will show you the places on your body where you can safely inject the medication. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row. Avoid injecting into skin that is bruised, tender, red, or hard.

You may have pain, redness, swelling, or warmth where the medicine was injected. Call your doctor if these symptoms continue for longer than 5 days.

Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof container (ask your pharmacist where you can get one and how to dispose of it). Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets.

Etanercept can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. While you are using etanercept, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using etanercept.

If you have chronic hepatitis B you may develop liver symptoms while using etanercept and even months after you stop using it. Your doctor may want to check your liver function at regular visits for up to several months after you stop using etanercept. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store this medication in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Etanercept that has been mixed with a diluent should be kept in a refrigerator and used within 14 days. Do not use etanercept if the expiration date on the medicine label has passed.

You may take the prefilled syringe or autoinjector out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature before injecting the medication.

Do not shake the prefilled syringe. Vigorous shaking can ruin the medicine. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or appears cloudy. Call your doctor for a new prescription.