Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Enbrel (Etanercept).
Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction to Enbrel (Etanercept). Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, hives, swollen face or throat, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, contact your doctor immediately. The needle cover on the prefilled syringe contains dry natural rubber. Before you start injections, tell your doctor if you have an allergy to rubber or latex.
Anemia: Enbrel (Etanercept) may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired, or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Bleeding: Enbrel (Etanercept) can cause a reduced number of platelets in the blood, which can make it difficult to stop cuts from bleeding. If you notice any signs of bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, or black and tarry stools, or blood or material that looks like coffee grounds in vomit, notify your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will order routine blood tests to make sure potential problems are caught early.
Cancer: Very rarely, people taking Enbrel (Etanercept) and similar medications have developed Leukemia or lymphoma, types of blood cancer. In general, people with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis who take medications that suppress the immune system over long periods of time may also have a higher risk of developing lymphoma, even if they don't take Enbrel (Etanercept). Discuss any concerns you have with your doctor.
There may be a slightly increased risk of developing Melanoma (a type of Skin Cancer). Report any unusual growths on your skin to your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will monitor you for skin cancer while you are taking Enbrel (Etanercept). Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Diabetes: Enbrel (Etanercept) may cause a decrease in blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Enbrel (Etanercept).
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Enbrel (Etanercept) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Enbrel (Etanercept), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart failure: Enbrel (Etanercept) may worsen Congestive Heart Failure. If you have heart failure, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Enbrel (Etanercept). Symptoms to watch out for include swelling of the feet and ankles and shortness of breath. If you notice these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Hepatitis B: People infected with hepatitis B virus (an infection that can damage the liver) may have a relapse of their condition while taking Enbrel (Etanercept). If you are at risk for hepatitis B, your doctor may test you for this infection before starting treatment with Enbrel (Etanercept) and will follow your condition closely while you are taking the medication. If you notice symptoms of liver problems, such as abdominal pain, yellow eyes or skin, loss of appetite, fatigue, or dark urine, contact your doctor immediately.
Infections: Enbrel (Etanercept) can increase the risk of developing an infection, including serious infections such as sepsis, chicken pox, fungal infections, and Tuberculosis. Before starting Enbrel (Etanercept) treatment, your doctor may test to see if you have tuberculosis. If you notice signs of an infection such as fever, chills, pain, swelling, coughing, or pus, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Enbrel (Etanercept) should also not be started while you have an active infection. This medication should not be used in combination with Anakinra or Abatacept, as these medications can increase the risk of severe infection.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of infections that keep coming back, or other conditions that might increase your risk of infections (e.g., diabetes) or have visited or lived in areas where there is a greater risk of certain kinds of fungal infection (e.g. blastomycosis). While you are taking Enbrel (Etanercept), your doctor will monitor you for signs of infection.
Nervous system: Enbrel (Etanercept) may cause or worsen nervous system disorders. If you have a history of nervous system disorders, such as Multiple Sclerosis, discuss with your doctor how Enbrel (Etanercept) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Enbrel (Etanercept), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience numbness or tingling, weakness in your arms or legs, dizziness, or vision changes while taking Enbrel (Etanercept), contact your doctor immediately.
Vaccines: Vaccines (e.g., yellow fever, BCG, Cholera, typhoid, varicella, meningococcal, diphtheria) should not be given while you are taking Enbrel (Etanercept). Children with JIA should complete the recommended vaccination schedule before receiving their first dose of Enbrel (Etanercept).
Pregnancy: There have been no studies on the use of Enbrel (Etanercept) by pregnant women. Enbrel (Etanercept) crosses the placenta and may affect the developing baby if it is used by the mother during pregnancy. For this reason, Enbrel (Etanercept) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Enbrel (Etanercept), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Enbrel (Etanercept) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Enbrel (Etanercept), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Enbrel (Etanercept) has not been established for children younger than 4 years old. It can be used to treat children aged 4 to 17 years who have moderate-to-severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis or chronic severe psoriatic arthritis.
Seniors: People over the age of 65 may be more at risk of side effects from Enbrel (Etanercept).