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Erelzi

Erelzi

(etanercept)

Erelzi (Etanercept) belongs to the class of medications called biological response modifiers ("biologics") or tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNF blockers). It is used to treat adults with active ankylosing spondylitis and moderate-to-severe Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Available form

Dosage

Injectable Syringe

50MG/1ML

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Erelzi information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The recommended dose of Erelzi (Etanercept) for adults to treat ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis is 50 mg injected subcutaneously (under the skin), once a week. It is usually injected in the front of the thigh or abdomen.

The recommended starting dose of Erelzi (Etanercept) for adults to treat plaque psoriasis is 50 mg injected subcutaneously twice a week for 3 months. After 3 months, the frequency is reduced to once a week.

The dose for children who weigh less than 63 kg is calculated by the doctor and based on body weight. The maximum dose is 50 mg weekly.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Erelzi (Etanercept) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose of Erelzi (Etanercept), contact your doctor to find out when to take the next dose. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Erelzi (Etanercept) is used with the guidance and supervision of a doctor. Your doctor or nurse will help you prepare and inject your first dose (or first few doses). Do not attempt to prepare or inject Erelzi (Etanercept) on your own until you completely understand how to mix and inject a dose. If you are having difficulty giving yourself injections, talk to your health care provider.

Single-use pre-filled syringes and autoinjectors should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C, protected from light, and kept out of the reach of children. Alternatively, this medication may be stored at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C for a maximum single period of 28 days. Do not freeze or shake. If storing in the refrigerator, remove the medication from the refrigerator 30 minutes before administering the injection. This will allow it to warm to room temperature before injecting. Before injecting the dose, carefully examine the solution in the syringe or pen, to ensure that it is clear and colourless or slightly yellowish. If the liquid is cloudy, discoloured, or has large particles, discard the syringe and use another.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Erelzi (Etanercept). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Erelzi (Etanercept) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Erelzi (Etanercept). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

headache
nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain (more likely to occur for children)
pain, itching, redness, or swelling at the site of injection

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

nerve problems (e.g., vision changes, tingling and numbness, pains, muscle spasms, balance problems, difficulty thinking)
symptoms of Tuberculosis (e.g., persistent coughing, chest pain, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, chills and Fever, loss of appetite)
upper respiratory infections (such as colds, sore throats, or sinus infections)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

signs of an allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, Hives, swelling of the face or throat)
symptoms of a severe infection (such as fever, shaking or chills, fast heartbeat, quick breathing, confusion, or skin rash)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Erelzi (Etanercept).

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 Erelzi (Etanercept).

Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction to Erelzi (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.

Anemia: Erelzi (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: Erelzi (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, 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 Erelzi (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 Erelzi (Etanercept). Avoid using Erelzi (Etanercept) in combination with Cyclophosphamide. This combination may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

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 Erelzi (Etanercept). Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Diabetes: Erelzi (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 this medication.

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Erelzi (Etanercept) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Erelzi (Etanercept), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart failure: Erelzi (Etanercept) may worsen Congestive Heart Failure. If you have heart failure, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Erelzi (Etanercept). Symptoms to watch 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 Erelzi (Etanercept). If you are at risk for hepatitis B, your doctor may test you for this infection before starting treatment with Erelzi (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: Erelzi (Etanercept) can increase the risk of developing an infection, including serious infections such as sepsis, Chickenpox, fungal infections, and tuberculosis. Before starting Erelzi (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. Erelzi (Etanercept) should also not be started while you have an active infection. Erelzi (Etanercept) 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 Erelzi (Etanercept), your doctor will monitor you for signs of infection.

Nervous system: Erelzi (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 Erelzi (Etanercept) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Erelzi (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 Erelzi (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 Erelzi (Etanercept). Children should complete the recommended vaccination schedule before receiving their first dose of Erelzi (Etanercept).

Pregnancy: There have been no studies on the use of Erelzi (Etanercept) by pregnant women. Erelzi (Etanercept) crosses the placenta and may affect the developing baby if it is used by the mother during pregnancy. For this reason, Erelzi (Etanercept) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Erelzi (Etanercept), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Erelzi (Etanercept) passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking Erelzi (Etanercept), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established for children less than 4 years of age. It can be used to treat children aged 4 to 17 years who have moderate-to-severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis or chronic severe plaque psoriasis.

Seniors: It is likely that seniors will experience more side effects of Erelzi (Etanercept), particularly infections. Report any unusual effects or more frequent infections to your doctor as soon as possible.

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All material © 1996-2024 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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