Etanercept
About
Etanercept is an immunosuppressant medicine that helps reduce signs and symptoms of autoimmune disorders. It is primarily used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and plaque psoriasis. Etanercept is generally used alone or in combination with methotrexate medicine.
Etanercept consists of Etanercept, which belongs to the TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) inhibitor class of drugs. It works by inhibiting the TNF-α and TNF-β binding to the cell surface, thereby making the TNF cytokine inactive. This helps reduce inflammation and pain caused due to various autoimmune diseases.
Etanercept may cause certain side effects such as tingling or numbness, dizziness, shortness of breath, bleeding, pale skin, bruising, vision problem, redness on the skin and arms, and injection site reactions. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention or resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist for longer, please consult your doctor on priority. Etanercept is a parenteral medicine. It will be administered by a trained healthcare doctor. Hence, do not self-administer. Your physician will decide the dose and duration of the medicine based on the type and severity of the condition.
Etanercept should be avoided if allergic to it or any other components present. Inform your doctor if you have any history of serious infections, tuberculosis, optimistic infections, cancer, alcoholic hepatitis, Hepatitis B Virus infection, heart failure, liver, heart, or kidney diseases, or a weak immune system, as it can worsen your health condition. Etanercept may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Etanercept should not be given to children under two years of age as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Etanercept as it could lead to increased dizziness and risk of liver damage. Etanercept is not recommended for use in pregnant and nursing mothers as it can cause serious adverse effects on the baby.
Uses of Etanercept
Medicinal Benefits
Etanercept consists of Etanercept, which belongs to TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) inhibitor class of drugs. It works by inhibiting the TNF-α and TNF-β binding to the cell surface, thereby making the TNF cytokine inactive. This helps reduce pain, redness, and inflammation (swelling) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other autoimmune disorders.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Etanercept
- Tingling or numbness
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Vision problem
- Redness on the skin and arms
- Injection site reactions
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Etanercept should be avoided if allergic to it or any other components present. Inform your doctor if you have any history of serious infections, tuberculosis, optimistic infections, cancer, alcoholic hepatitis, Hepatitis B Virus infection, heart failure, liver, heart or kidney diseases, weak immune system, multiple sclerosis (nerve and muscle disease), and diabetes as it can worsen your health condition. Do not take live vaccines while being treated with Etanercept to prevent any serious consequences. Etanercept may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert and focused. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Etanercept as it could lead to increased dizziness and risk of stomach bleeding/ulcers. Etanercept is not recommended for use in children below two years of age as safety and efficacy is not established. This medicine is not recommended for patients suffering from sepsis as it can worsen the condition.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Etanercept may interact with other immunosuppressants (certolizumab, golimumab, infliximab, adalimumab, rituximab), medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (anakinra), blood thinners (warfarin), cholesterol-lowering drugs (atorvastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin), acidity treating medicines (omeprazole), cough suppressants (Dextromethorphan), live vaccines, Alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide) and birth control pills.
Drug-Food Interaction: Alcohol consumption may cause dizziness and increase bleeding risk and liver injury.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Etanercept should be used with caution in liver or kidney disease cases, heart failure, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, weak immune system (HIV), hepatitis B, cancer, and serious infections.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption as alcohol intake, along with Etanercept, may cause increased dizziness and risk of stomach bleeding/ulcers.
Pregnancy
unsafeIt is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant, or planning pregnancy inform your doctor before receiving Etanercept. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not recommended for use in breastfeeding as it may pass in to breast milk and harm your infant. Hence, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Etanercept. Your doctor may suggest you to stop feeding while on treatment with this medicine
Driving
unsafeEtanercept may make you feel dizzy and sleepy. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness.
Liver
cautionEtanercept should be used with caution if you have liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. However, Etanercept is not recommended in patients with active liver diseases.
Kidney
cautionEtanercept should be used with caution if you have kidney impairment. Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment.
Children
cautionEtanercept is not recommended in children below two years of age as the safety and efficacy is not established. In children above two years of age, it will be administered by the paediatrician.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Exercising regularly helps in muscle stretching that is less likely to spasm, tear and sprain. Mild exercises such as jogging and walking are helpful for muscle stretching.
- Massages can also be helpful.
- Avoid freezing and hot temperatures.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes; instead, wear loose garments.
- Rest well and get plenty of sleep.
- To avoid developing pressure sores, change your position at least every two hours.
- Hot or cold therapy can help treat muscle spasms. Apply an ice-pack or hot-pack on the muscle for 15-20minutes.
- Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water.
Special Advise
- It is advised to closely monitor the patient for infections like active tuberculosis during and after the treatment though the patient gets a negative tuberculin test.
- It is essential to inform your doctor if you have any active viral, bacterial, and fungal infections before starting Etanercept.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an auto-immune disease (the body's immune system attacks its tissue) that causes joint pain and damage. It occurs when the immune system does not work properly. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling, stiffness, deformities and loss of joint function.
Ankylosing spondylitis: It causes pain and stiffness in the spine. The pain generally starts in the lower back and can spread to the neck, damaged joints, or other body parts. Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms include decreased flexibility which usually leads to a hunched-forward posture and pain in the back and joints.
Psoriatic arthritis: It is a type of inflammatory arthritis which occurs in patients with psoriasis. It could also occur in patients without psoriasis, particularly in those with a family history of psoriasis. It affects large joints in the lower extremities, the distal joints of toes and fingers, and the back and pelvis. Symptoms include inflammation of joints, difficulty moving, swelling, patches of red, scaly skin and pain.
FAQs
Etanercept consists of Etanercept, which belong to TNF (Tumor necrosis factor) inhibitor class of drug. It works by inhibiting the TNF-α and TNF-β binding to the cell surface and therby makes the TNF cytokine inactive. This helps reduce inflammation and pain caused due to various autoimmune diseases.
Etanercept affects your immune system and makes you more susceptible to infections. Hence, it is not recommended in people with active infections like tuberculosis, hepatitis B, or abnormal liver enzymes. Etanercept can also increase the risk of developing cancers; hence, mentioning your doctor if you have a history of any cancer is essential.
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