Etanercept, Injection

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: etanercept, injection; Enbrel

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis when other medicines have not been effective. It is given as a shot just under the skin. This medicine may be given with methotrexate when methotrexate alone is not effective.

How do I use it?

Follow your health care provider's directions exactly.

Sometimes you can give yourself these shots or have someone at home give them to you. Be sure you know how and when to have them and how much medicine to use. Use sterile, disposable syringes and needles. Use them only once and dispose of them safely, following your health care provider's instructions.

Carefully read and follow the directions that come in the package of medicine for the shots.

Wash your hands before using this medicine. Follow these steps to give yourself the shots:

1. Choose a site on your abdomen (thigh, upper arm, or other sites) around the belly button but not in the belly button. Each day, choose a different spot for the shot to lessen irritation.
2. Use an alcohol swab to clean the skin where you will give yourself the shot.
3. Gently pinch up the skin and insert the needle into the skin at a 45-degree angle. After you insert the needle completely, release your grasp of the skin.
4. After you have given yourself the shot, withdraw the needle and syringe and press the alcohol swab at the spot where the shot was given.
5. Discard the syringe, needle, and drug vial. Use the syringes and needles ONLY ONCE. Throw them away after use. Put used needles in rigid puncture-resistant containers with lids or caps, such as heavy plastic bleach bottles with screw caps. DO NOT throw needles directly into garbage cans or dumpsters.

When you repeat the procedure, use a new pack.

If you are not sure of how to give yourself the shots, ask your health care provider or pharmacist for help.

You may take aspirin, other painkillers, and cortisonelike medicines (such as prednisone) with this medicine.

What should I watch out for?

Do not receive live virus vaccines during treatment with this medicine. Discuss this with your health care provider.

This medicine may cause serious infections. Do not receive shots of this medicine if you have any kind of infection. If you develop signs of infection (fever, pain, or swelling) while receiving this medicine, stop using the medicine and contact your health care provider right away.

In rare cases, this medicine may cause pancytopenia (a serious blood condition). Contact your health care provider right away if you get a high fever, unexplained bleeding or bruising, or pale skin.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): High fever, unexplained bleeding or bruising, or pale skin

Other: Headache; runny nose; dizziness; throat irritation; abdominal pain; vomiting; any itching, redness, or pain at the injection site.

What products might interact with this medicine?

No significant drug interactions have been reported.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine in the refrigerator. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Do not freeze. Do not use this medicine after the expiration date on the package.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.