Enbrel

Generic name: etanercept [ ee-TAN-er-sept ]

Drug Class: Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) blocker

Dosage Form:

• Pre-filled Syringe
• Auto-injector
• Lyophilized Powder for Reconstitution

Route of Administration: Subcutaneous Injection

Dose:

• 50 mg Pre-filled Syringe or Auto-injector
• 25 mg Pre-filled Syringe
• Multiple-dose Vial (Lyophilized Powder)

Mechanism of Action: Etanercept is a biologic TNF inhibitor that works by binding to tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a substance in the body that causes inflammation and is involved in autoimmune diseases. By inhibiting TNF, etanercept reduces the inflammatory response, which is part of the underlying cause of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis.

Drug Usage Cases: Enbrel is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis in adults. It is also approved for use in children aged 2 years and older with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Drug Contraindications: Contraindicated in patients with sepsis or at risk for sepsis, and in patients with hypersensitivity to etanercept or any of its components. Caution is advised in patients with a history of chronic infections or conditions that predispose them to infections.

Side Effects: Common side effects include injection site reactions, upper respiratory infections, headache, and dizziness. Serious side effects can include serious infections, heart failure, new or worsening psoriasis, central nervous system effects like seizures, and blood disorders.

Warnings: There is an increased risk of serious infections leading to hospitalization or death, including tuberculosis (TB), bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal infections, and infections due to opportunistic pathogens. Patients should be tested for TB before starting etanercept and monitored for signs of TB during treatment.

Use During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: Enbrel is classified under FDA Pregnancy Category B. Animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is not known whether etanercept is excreted in human milk; caution should be exercised when Enbrel is administered to a nursing mother.