Etanercept is used to relieve pain and inflammation of the joints and spine associated with rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints of fingers, wrist, feet, and ankles), ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation in the joints of your spine), and psoriatic arthritis (joint pain and inflammation that affects individuals with psoriasis).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Etanercept is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen area).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type of your condition and your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Etanercept.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Etanercept if you have an infection or if you are at risk of developing a serious blood infection (also known as "sepsis") as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- damaged nerve fibres in your brain or spinal cord
- heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)
- history of blood problems
- history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- HIV infection
- history of hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection
- moderate to severe alcoholic hepatitis (inflammation of the liver caused by heavy drinking)
- TB (lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- diabetes
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to use a proven birth control method during treatment with this medicine and for at least 3 weeks after stopping the therapy.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Etanercept to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have an operation (e.g. hip or knee replacement), including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor that you are using this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
If you have received this medicine while pregnant, it is important to inform your baby's doctor before your baby receives any vaccine. Your baby's doctor will decide when your baby should receive any vaccine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests, screening tests for tuberculosis and certain viral infections (e.g. hepatitis B or C) must be done before treatment, to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver function, skin examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of infection, heart failure, allergic and injection site reactions, lupus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of certain organs in the body) may also be needed.
Etanercept may cause any of the following side effects: headache, diarrhoea, and itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- new or worsening epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, unusual tiredness
- fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, persistent cough, night sweats, excessive phlegm production or a change in the colour of the phlegm, pain when passing urine, mouth sores
- unexplained or unusual bleeding or bruising, paleness, small or purple spots under the skin
- skin lump or growth, changes in moles or skin colour, weight loss
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs and symptoms of heart failure e.g. abnormal heartbeat, shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, swelling in the arms or legs
- signs and symptoms of lupus e.g. rash on the cheeks or arms that is sensitive to the sun, chest pain or discomfort, joint pain
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines to treat rheumatoid arthritis e.g. anakinra, abatacept
- sulfasalazine (medicine used to treat inflammatory bowel diseases [inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract])
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with this medicine. Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow Etanercept to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
This medicine may also be stored at room temperature up to 25°C for a single period up to 4 weeks but not exceeding the original expiration date. Do not return to the refrigerator once removed.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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