- that what I am providing is NOT meant in any way to replace the conversation between you, your doctor, or your pharmacist
- please do not self-diagnose or make medical decisions about this drug without talking with qualified professionals
- the information provided here is the reference sheet you would find at WebMD. During my journey I found this site to be helpful in providing support. All credit for this information belongs to them. I copied it right from their website and I have removed the hyper-links. Please visit their site if you would like to read further.
For this installment, I have chosen Enbrel Subcutaneous
GENERIC NAME(S): ETANERCEPT
Uses: This medication is used alone or in combination with an immunosuppressant (such as methotrexate) to treat certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile idiopathic, and ankylosing spondylitis), as well as a skin condition called psoriasis. These conditions are caused by an overactive immune system (autoimmune disease). The immune system attacks the body's own healthy cells, causing inflammation in the joints and skin.
**Please read this information carefully**
If you have any questions about what is provided here....talk with your doctor or pharmacist please.
GENERIC NAME(S): ETANERCEPT
Uses
This medication is used alone or in combination with an immunosuppressant (such as methotrexate) to treat certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile idiopathic, and ankylosing spondylitis), as well as a skin condition called psoriasis. These conditions are caused by an overactive immune system (autoimmune disease). The immune system attacks the body's own healthy cells, causing inflammation in the joints and skin.
Etanercept controls your body's defensive response by blocking the action of a certain natural substance (TNF) that is used by the immune system. Treatment decreases redness, itching and scaly patches in psoriasis as well as the pain, swelling and stiffness of joints in arthritis. This medication can stop the progression of disease and joint damage, resulting in improved daily functioning and quality of life.
This medication treats but does not cure autoimmune diseases. Symptoms usually return within 1 month of stopping the medication.
How to use Enbrel subcutaneous
Read the Medication Guide and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this drug and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Etanercept is injected under the skin of the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm, usually once or twice weekly exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not change your dose without first consulting your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. You should start to see an improvement in 1 to 2 weeks. It may take up to 3 months to receive the full benefit of this medication.
If you will be giving yourself the injection, your doctor may want you to have the first injection in the medical office. Make sure you learn the proper way to inject this medication from your health care professional, as described in the Patient Information Leaflet from the manufacturer.
If you are removing the medication from the refrigerator, allow it to warm to room temperature before injecting. This takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Do not shake the product. The prefilled syringe or pen injector may have small white particles in the liquid which is normal. Before using, check this product visually for other particles, cloudiness, or discoloration. If you see any of these things, do not use the liquid.
Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site each time you use this drug to prevent problems under the skin. New injections should be given at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from an old injection site. Do not inject into areas of the skin that are sore, bruised, red, or hard.
Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist. Never reuse needles or syringes.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.which is normal. Before using, check this product visually for other particles, cloudiness, or discoloration. If you see any of these things, do not use the liquid.
Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. It is important to change the location of the injection site each time you use this drug to prevent problems under the skin. New injections should be given at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from an old injection site. Do not inject into areas of the skin that are sore, bruised, red, or hard.
Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist. Never reuse needles or syringes.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
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 may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist 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 right away 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 right away if you have any serious side effects, including: a rash on nose and cheeks (butterfly rash), dizziness, extreme fatigue, looking pale, hair loss, swelling of the arms/legs, unusual bruising/bleeding, severe headache, mental/mood changes, seizures, unexplained muscle weakness, numbness/tingling of the hands/feet, unsteadiness, vision changes, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, dark urine, yellowing eyes/skin.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: 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 SUBCUTANEOUS Side Effects by likelihood and severity.
The following side effects are associated with Enbrel subcutaneous:
Common side effects of Enbrel subcutaneous:
- Acute Infection of the Nose, Throat or Sinus Severe
- Chickenpox Severe
- Infection Severe
- Feel Like Throwing Up Less Severe
- Head Pain Less Severe
- Inflammation of the Nose Less Severe
- Signs and Symptoms at Injection Site Less Severe
- Sinus Irritation and Congestion Less Severe
- Stomach Cramps Less Severe
- Throat Irritation Less Severe
- Throwing Up Less Severe
Infrequent side effects of Enbrel subcutaneous:
- Abnormally Low Blood Pressure Severe
- Abscess Severe
- Abscess Within the Abdomen Severe
- Bacteria causing an Infection in the Joints Severe
- Bacterial Infection of Blood or Tissues affecting the Whole Body Severe
- Bacterial Infection of the Kidney and Renal Pelvis Severe
- Bronchitis Severe
- Fluid Retention in the Legs, Feet, Arms or Hands Severe
- High Blood Pressure Severe
- Inflammation of the Gallbladder Severe
- Pneumonia Severe
- Dizzy Less Severe
Rare side effects of Enbrel subcutaneous:
- A Fungal Infection - Aspergillosis Severe
- Acquired Decrease of All Cells in the Blood Severe
- Active Tuberculosis Severe
- Acute Inflammation of the Pancreas Severe
- Anemia Severe
- Bleeding of the Stomach or Intestines Severe
- Chronic Heart Failure Severe
- Decreased Blood Platelets Severe
- Decreased White Blood Cells Severe
- Drug Therapy that Worsens or Flares Psoriasis Severe
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome Severe
- Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma Severe
- HivesSevere
- Infection caused by a Fungus Severe
- Infection caused by Blastomyces Dermatitidis Fungus Severe
- Infection caused by Coccidioides Fungus Severe
- Infection caused by the Bacteria Listeria Monocytogenes Severe
- Infection due to the Candida Fungus Severe
- Inflamed Spinal CordSevere
- Inflammation of the Lining of the Stomach and Intestines Severe
- Legionnaire's Disease Severe
- Leukemia Severe
- Life Threatening Allergic Reaction Severe
- Liver Inflammation caused by Body's Own Immune Response Severe
- Low Blood Counts due to Bone Marrow Failure Severe
- Lupus-Like Syndrome Severe
- Malignant Lymphoma Severe
- Malignant Tumor or Cancer Severe
- Multiple Sclerosis Severe
- Overactive Macrophage Immune Cells Severe
- Reactivated Tuberculosis Severe
- Relapse of Hepatitis B Infection Symptoms Severe
- Sarcoidosis Severe
- Seizures Severe
- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Severe
- Sudden Blindness and Pain Upon Moving the Eye Severe
- Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Severe
- Type of Infection caused by Histoplasmosis Fungus Severe
- Vasculitis Severe
- Worsening of Chronic Heart Failure Severe
- Abscess of the Foot Less Severe
- Canker Sore Less Severe
- Cough Less Severe
- Diarrhea Less Severe
- Dry Eye Less Severe
- Dry Mouth Less Severe
- Feeling Weak Less Severe
- Indigestion Less Severe
- Inflammation of Blood Vessels in the Skin Less Severe
- Inflammation of the Eye Less Severe
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Less Severe
- Itching Less Severe
- Joint Pain Less Severe
- Knots Beneath the Surface of the Skin Less Severe
- Leg Ulcer Less Severe
- Loss of Appetite Less Severe
- Low Energy Less Severe
- Pain Less Severe
- Rash Less Severe
Precautions
Before using etanercept, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to latex or natural dry rubber (found in the prefilled syringes or pen injectors); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain 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 (such as hepatitis B, HIV, tuberculosis), blood disorders (such as leukemia, anemia), weakened bone marrow, history of cancer (such as lymphoma), diabetes, heart failure, seizures, nervous system problems (such as multiple sclerosis), a certain liver problem (alcoholic hepatitis), blood vessel disorders (such as vasculitis).
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.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
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.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: abatacept, interleukin-1 blockers (such as anakinra, canakinumab, rilonacept), live vaccines (such as measles, mumps, polio, rubella, typhoid, varicella, yellow fever), other medications for autoimmune disease (such as azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, tofacitinib).
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, liver function, TB test) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure to tell the lab personnel that you are on this medication.
Missed Dose
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store unopened vials, pen injectors, and prefilled syringes in a refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light. Do not freeze. The unopened vials, pen injectors, and prefilled syringes may also be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture, but only for a certain amount of time. Consult your pharmacist or read the product package to see how long you can store this product at room temperature. Once the medication has been stored at room temperature, it should not be placed back in the refrigerator. Once a vial is mixed, the drug must be used right away or can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised March 2015. Copyright(c) 2015 First Databank, Inc.