Enbrel
Enbrel Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Enbrel is a brand name. Its generic name is Etanercept.
Enbrel Introduction
Enbrel is a biologic medication used to treat arthritis, plaque psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is a recombinant human TNF receptor protein in the form of an injectable solution. Enbrel is sold under the brand names Enbrel, Enbrel Sureclick, and Enbrel Mini. It is mainly a treatment that works by blocking tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which is a protein involved in inflammation. The drug allows a decrease in inflammation due to the inhibition of cytokines and immune cells.
Uses For Enbrel
Enbrel is prescribed for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory conditions including:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Plaque Psoriasis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
Mechanism of Action
Enbrel is a soluble fusion protein that works by inhibiting TNF, a cytokine involved in inflammation. TNF is responsible for the death of cells and the release of inflammatory cytokines that promote cell death. By blocking these cytokines, Enbrel reduces inflammation and pain associated with the condition being treated. It also helps regulate the body’s immune system.
How Long Does It Take to Work
It usually takes up to four weeks for etanercept to start working. However, some people may experience symptom relief earlier than others. It is important to take the medication as directed by your doctor and to continue taking it even if you don't see improvement immediately.
Absorption
The absorption rate of etanercept is approximately 85%. The drug is rapidly and completely absorbed from the subcutaneous injection site.
Route of Elimination
Enbrel is eliminated from the body primarily by the kidneys. It is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system.
Dosage
The dosage of etanercept varies depending on the condition being treated. People with plaque psoriasis typically receive 25 mg via subcutaneous injection twice per week for three months. People with rheumatoid arthritis who are over 18 years of age are usually prescribed 25 mg twice per week. For people with ankylosing spondylitis, the recommended dosage is 50 mg twice per week. The dose may be increased to 1 mg/kg/week based on the person’s response to treatment. It is important to take the medication as directed by your doctor and to continue taking it even if you don't see improvement immediately.
Administration
Enbrel is administered via subcutaneous injection. It is usually injected in the abdomen or thigh. The drug injection should be given at least 2 inches away from any infection sites. The drug should be taken as prescribed by the doctor and it is important to ensure that the patient follows the correct dosage and administration instructions.
Side Effects
Common side effects of etanercept include pain, redness, swelling, and infection at the injection site. Other side effects may include headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. These side effects usually fade away after a few days or weeks of use. In rare instances, more serious side effects can occur that require medical attention.
Toxicity
Enbrel is generally well tolerated. There have been no reports of serious toxicity associated with etanercept overdose. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and take the drug exactly as prescribed.
Precaution
Before taking etanercept, it is important to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have such as a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or other immune system disorders. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Enbrel should not be used in people with an active infection or in those who have recently had a vaccine.
Interaction
Enbrel may interact with certain drugs or supplements. It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the drugs and supplements you are taking so that any potential interactions can be avoided.
Disease Interaction
Enbrel may interact with certain diseases. It is important to tell your doctor about any pre-existing diseases you have. It may not be safe to take etanercept if you have active infections, leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple sclerosis.
Drug Interaction
Enbrel may interact with certain drugs such as methotrexate and warfarin. It is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the drugs and supplements you are taking so that any potential interactions can be avoided.
Food Interactions
Enbrel does not interact with food. However, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the medication.
Pregnancy Use
It is not recommended to use etanercept during pregnancy. The drug may pass through the placenta and can cause harm to a developing baby. If an expecting mother is using etanercept, she should contact her doctor and discuss the possible risks and benefits of using the medication.
Lactation Use
It is not known whether etanercept is excreted in human breast milk. Therefore, it is not recommended to use etanercept during breastfeeding.
Acute Overdose
There have been no reports of serious toxicity associated with etanercept overdose. In the event of an overdose, the patient should be closely monitored for symptoms and treated symptomatically.
Contraindication
It is important to inform your doctor if you have a history of anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction to etanercept or any of its components. It is also important to tell your doctor if you have an active infection or if you have recently had a vaccine.
Use Direction
Enbrel should be used exactly as prescribed by the doctor. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions for taking the medication. It is also important to monitor for any side effects or adverse reactions.
Storage Condition
Enbrel should be stored at room temperature in a dry place and away from heat and light. It should be kept out of reach of children and pets. Do not freeze the solution and never use if the solution is discolored or cloudy.
Volume of Distribution
The distribution volume of etanercept is approximately 0.155 L/kg.
Half Life
The half-life of etanercept is approximately 15 hours.
Clearance
Enbrel is cleared from the body primarily by the kidneys. It is also metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system.
Here you find in details version of Enbrel
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Enbrel
What is Enbrel?
Enbrel is a biologic drug which is used to reduce inflammation due to certain conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It is a type of TNF-alpha inhibitor, which is a class of medications that block tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which is a protein that plays a role in inflammation.
How does Enbrel work?
Enbrel works by blocking tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a naturally occurring protein that is involved in inflammation. By blocking TNF-alpha, Enbrel helps to reduce inflammation and symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
What are the side effects of Enbrel?
The most common side effects of etanercept include: nausea, headache, diarrhea, infection, fever, chills, and injection site reactions. Other possible side effects can include low white blood cell counts, high cholesterol, and an increased risk of getting an infection.
How is Enbrel administered?
Enbrel is administered as an injection under the skin. It can be given daily or weekly, depending on the condition being treated. It is also available as a pre-filled syringe or autoinjector for easy self-administration.
Who should not take Enbrel?
Enbrel should not be used in people who have an active infection, environmental allergies or hypersensitivity, or a history of serious allergy to the drug or any of its components. People who have tuberculosis or other chronic infections should be carefully monitored while taking etanercept.
How long does it take for Enbrel to take effect?
Most people will begin to see the effects of Enbrel within a few days to a few weeks. Improvement may be seen within the first few days of beginning treatment, but full effects may not be noticed until several weeks or months later. Individual results may vary depending on the condition being treated.
What is the dosage for Enbrel?
The dosage of Enbrel will depend on the condition being treated and the patient’s medical history. The usual starting dose is 25 mg administered as a subcutaneous injection twice weekly or 50 mg once weekly. Your healthcare provider may adjust the dose based on your response to the medication.
How often should I take Enbrel?
Enbrel is typically taken twice weekly, or once weekly, depending on your condition and response to treatment. Talk to your doctor for specific instructions for your particular condition.
Is there anything I need to avoid while taking Enbrel?
Yes, you should avoid alcohol while taking etanercept. Alcohol can increase the side effects of the medication. Additionally, you should also avoid taking other medicines that can weaken the immune system, such as vaccines. You should also avoid contact with people who have infections, including the common cold, flu, and chickenpox.
Can I take other medicines while taking etanercept?
You should always speak with your healthcare provider before taking any other medicines while taking etanercept, as certain medications can interfere with its effectiveness. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure that any medications you take are safe to use with etanercept. Do not start or stop any medications without your doctor's approval.
Is Enbrel safe for pregnant women?
Enbrel should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best option for treating your condition if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Enbrel?
If you forget to take a dose of etanercept, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not double up on doses to make up for the missed dose.
Can I donate blood while taking etanercept?
No, you should not donate blood while taking etanercept. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about donating blood.
Are there any laboratory tests that should be done while taking etanercept?
Your healthcare provider may recommend periodic laboratory tests to monitor your response to etanercept, such as blood tests, urine tests, or x-rays. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Is there a risk of developing cancer from taking etanercept?
The risk of developing cancer is very small with etanercept. However, if you have a history of cancer or are taking other medications that can increase your risk of cancer, talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of taking etanercept.
What if my condition does not improve while taking etanercept?
If your condition does not improve with etanercept, talk to your healthcare provider about other treatment options. Your provider may recommend lifestyle changes, additional medications, or alternative treatments such as surgery or physical therapy.
Can I take etanercept if I have high blood pressure or heart disease?
If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, talk to your healthcare provider before taking etanercept. Your provider can discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking the medication and recommend the best treatment plan for your condition.
Does etanercept interact with any other medications?
Yes, etanercept can interact with certain medications. Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose or recommend an alternative medication if you are taking medication that may interact with etanercept.
What other conditions can etanercept treat?
In addition to treating rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, etanercept can also be used to treat other conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis.
What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction while taking etanercept?
If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction such as rash, hives, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing while taking etanercept, stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention.
Can I take etanercept if I have diabetes?
If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before taking etanercept. Your doctor can discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking the medication and recommend the best treatment plan for your condition.
Can I drink alcohol while taking etanercept?
No, it is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking etanercept, as it can increase the side effects of the medication. If you do consume alcohol, do so in moderation.
Will taking etanercept affect my immune system?
Enbrel can temporarily weaken your immune system, which can increase your risk of certain infections. It is important to tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, sore throat, or a cough. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to reduce your risk of getting infected.
Should I take etanercept with food or on an empty stomach?
Enbrel can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Make sure to follow your healthcare provider's instructions when taking this medication.
What can I do to reduce the risk of side effects?
Make sure to take the medication as prescribed by your doctor and let your doctor know if you experience any side effects. Also, make sure to get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet to help reduce the side effects of the medication. Additionally, you should avoid contact with people who have infections, including colds, flu, or chickenpox.
Can I take ibuprofen while taking etanercept?
You should not take ibuprofen while taking etanercept unless your healthcare provider recommends it. Other medicines such as aspirin, naproxen, and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can also interact with etanercept, so talk to your doctor before taking any other medications.
Can I take vitamin supplements while taking etanercept?
Yes, you can take vitamin supplements while taking etanercept. However, you should always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new medications, including vitamins, herbal supplements, or over-the-counter remedies.
What should I do if I forget to take the injection?
If you forget to take an injection of etanercept, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not double up on doses to make up for the missed dose.
Can etanercept be used with other biologic drugs?
Yes, etanercept can be used with other biologic drugs. Talk to your healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of taking two biologic drugs together.
Does etanercept have any long-term side effects?
If taken as prescribed, the long-term side effects of etanercept are rare. With long-term use, there is a risk of developing an infection and of developing certain types of cancer. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about the long-term side effects of etanercept.
Is there a generic version of etanercept available?
No, there is no generic version of etanercept available. The biologic drug can only be obtained as the brand-name product.
Is etanercept available as a cream or an oral medication?
No, etanercept is only available as an injection. It is not available as a cream or an oral medication.
Can I get a flu shot while taking etanercept?
No, you should not get a flu shot while taking etanercept. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about getting a flu shot while taking etanercept.
Can I stop taking etanercept without consulting my doctor?
No, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before changing or stopping your etanercept treatment. Do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor.
Can I take ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve joint pain while taking etanercept?
No, you should not take ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve joint pain while taking etanercept. Talk to your doctor about taking acetaminophen or other medications to reduce pain and inflammation without increasing your risk of side effects.
Will taking etanercept cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of taking etanercept, but it can occur in some individuals. If you experience unexplained weight gain while taking etanercept, talk to your healthcare provider.
Can I take etanercept if I have liver disease?
If you have liver disease, talk to your healthcare provider before taking etanercept. Your doctor can discuss the potential risks and benefits of taking the medication and recommend the best treatment plan for your condition.
Are there any lifestyle changes I should make while taking etanercept?
Yes, there are some lifestyle changes that you can make that may help to reduce the side effects of etanercept. Be sure to get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly if possible. Additionally, avoiding contact with people who have infections can help to reduce your risk of getting an infection.