Enbrel

Enbrel is a medication used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, in cases where other drugs have been tried with no success, and in certain psoriasis patients. Enbrel is available in generic form, under the name etanercept. Enbrel is only available in injectable form, in pre-filled syringes or as a powder that the patient must mix with water prior to injection. It is extremely important that only sterile water is used to mix with the Enbrel powder to prepare it for injection. Do not use tap water.

Enbrel side effects may include itching or redness at the injection site, headaches, and nausea. More serious side effects may include infection, tuberculosis, and blood disorders. Enbrel may also cause chest pain or heart palpitations. Notify your doctor of any side effects you experience, but seek emergency medical treatment for serious side effects or allergic reactions to Enbrel. Enbrel is a class "B" drug, but there is not enough information available on its use during pregnancy or breastfeeding to call it absolutely safe to take. Therefore, women who are pregnant or nursing should not take Enbrel without first discussing the risks with their doctor. Patients with central nervous system disorders, or disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis should not take Enbrel. Patients taking Enbrel may experience a decrease in the effectiveness of their immune systems, so patients who are already immunosuppressed due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS should also not take Enbrel. Enbrel users should not receive live vaccines due to the side effect of immunosuppression.

There have not been many long-term studies done on Enbrel. Therefore, information is lacking on long-term effects and drug interactions. However, Enbrel has already been the subject of lawsuits, due to deaths that are possibly associated with its use. Only your doctor can advise you as to whether Enbrel is right for you. However, if you are interested in other patients' opinions on Enbrel, there are many online Enbrel forums where you may discuss the drug with people who are currently taking or considering taking Enbrel. The manufacturer of Enbrel, Amgen and Wyeth, also offers a program called Enliven Services through their website. Enliven Services offers such support as access to registered nurses, insurance support, and newsletters. There are also websites that can offer Enbrel for free or reduced prices for patients that meet certain income and other criteria.