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What is Enbrel
 Enbrel
reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that are involved
in inflammatory and immune responses.
Enbrel
is used to treat the symptoms of moderate to severe rheumatoid
arthritis, polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
(JRA), and psoriatic arthritis.
Enbrel
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Enbrel
Do not use or handle this medication without first
talking to your doctor if you have an allergy to latex.
The needle cover is made from latex and you may have an
allergic reaction to it.
In rare cases, Enbrel has
caused serious blood problems. Notify your doctor immediately
if you develop persistent fever, unexplained or prolonged
bruising or bleeding, or pale skin. These symptoms may be
signs of blood problems.
What you should find out before taking Enbrel Do not use or handle this medication without first
talking to your doctor if you have an allergy to latex.
The needle cover is made from latex and you may have an
allergic reaction to it.
Before using Enbrel, tell your doctor if you have:
- an allergy to benzyl alcohol;
- suppression of your immune system;
- a bone
marrow disease;
- a demyelinating disorder such as
multiple sclerosis, myelitis, or optic neuritis;
-
seizures;
- any active infection or a history of
recurrent infection;
- recently received a live vaccine;
or
- poorly controlled diabetes.
You may not
be able to use Enbrel, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during your treatment.
Enbrel
is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is
not likely to harm an unborn baby. Do not use Enbrel without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether Enbrel passes into breast milk.
Do not use Enbrel without first talking to your doctor if
you are breast-feeding.
The use of Enbrel by children
younger than 4 years of age has not been studied.
How should you use Enbrel Use Enbrel exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Do not
use or handle this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you have an allergy to latex. The needle cover
is made from latex and you may have an allergic reaction
to it.
Enbrel is used as a subcutaneous (under the
skin) injection only. Your doctor or nurse will give you
detailed instructions on how and where to inject Enbrel.
Do not inject this medication if you are unsure how.
Slowly mix the Enbrel with the supplied bacteriostatic water
for injection. Some foaming may occur, this is normal. Gently
swirl to dissolve, do not shake or vigorously agitate. Generally,
it takes less than 10 minutes for the powder to dissolve
completely.
The contents of one vial of Enbrel solution
should not be mixed with or transferred into the contents
of another vial of Enbrel. Do not add other medications
to the Enbrel solution or mix the powder with any liquid
other than the one provided.
Once the solution is
mixed with the supplied bacteriostatic water for injection,
use it as soon as possible. If you cannot inject it immediately,
store it in the refrigerator at 36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit
(2 to 8 degrees Celsius) for up to 14 days. Do not allow
the solution to freeze.
Injections can be given in
the thigh, abdomen, or the back of the upper arm. It is
important to rotate the site of injection with each dose
to reduce the risk of injection site reactions or damage
to the tissue. Do not inject this medication into any site
that is red, painful, or hard.
Do not inject Enbrel
if it is discolored, cloudy, or if it has particles in it.
Never reuse a needle or syringe. Dispose of all needles
and syringes in an appropriate, puncture-resistant disposal
container.
Store Enbrel in the refrigerator away
from moisture and heat. Do not allow Enbrel to freeze.
If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose and it is less than 48 hours since
that dose was due, make up the missed injection as soon
as you remember. However, if more than 48 hours have passed
since the missed dose was due, do not make up that injection.
Instead, simply wait until your next regularly scheduled
dosing day and use the usual single dose.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention or notify your doctor.
Symptoms of an Enbrel overdose are not known. No
harmful effects due to large doses of Enbrel have been reported.
What should you avoid while using Enbrel Do not receive any vaccination that involves the
use of a live vaccine while using Enbrel, without first
talking to your doctor. Enbrel may affect the immune system
and a live vaccine could possibly result in an infection.
Possible side effects of Enbrel In rare cases, Enbrel has caused serious blood problems.
Notify your doctor immediately if you develop persistent
fever, unexplained or prolonged bruising or bleeding, or
pale skin. These symptoms may be signs of blood problems.
If you experience and of the following serious side
effects, stop using Enbrel, and seek emergency medical attention
or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- new or
worsening neurologic symptoms such as worsening muscle pain,
weakness or numbness; visual disturbances; seizures; or
- depression or other psychological changes.
Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to use Enbrel and notify your doctor if you experience
- a stuffy nose, a cough, a sore throat, a cold,
fever, or other signs of infection;
- poor wound
healing;
- an upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting;
- a headache;
- a rash; or
- redness,
itching, pain, or swelling at the injection site.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Enbrel Do not receive any vaccination that involves the
use of a live vaccine while using Enbrel, without first
talking to your doctor. Enbrel may affect your immune system
and a live vaccine could possibly result in an infection.
It
is not known if other drugs interact with Enbrel. Talk to
your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
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