IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Table of Contents
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (ee-TAN-er-cept)
Enbrel SureClick SubQ Warning
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. You should tell your doctor if you have lived or traveled in areas where certain fungal infections (such as coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis) are common or if you have been near someone with tuberculosis. Areas where these types of fungal infections are commonly found include the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the southwestern United States. You should be tested for tuberculosis (TB skin test or chest X-ray) before and during treatment with etanercept. See Side Effects section for symptoms of infections to watch out for, and seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of these symptoms.
The immune system is also important in preventing and controlling cancer. Though it is very unlikely to happen, there is a risk (especially in children and teenagers) of developing cancer (such as lymphoma) due to this medication or due to your medical condition. Discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as unusual lumps/growths, swollen glands, unexplained weight loss.
Enbrel SureClick SubQ 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 he or she has judged that 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 you develop signs of infection while using this drug, such as:
- fever
- chills
- persistent sore throat
- persistent cough
- night sweats
- trouble breathing
- painful/frequent urination
- unusual vaginal discharge
- white patches in the mouth (oral thrush)
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
- 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
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 (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Enbrel SureClick SubQ Precautions
Before using etanercept, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to latex; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain other inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
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.
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment 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.
Copyright 2007 First DataBank, Inc.
