Etanercept
Etanercept (Enbrel)
Etanercept
(eh- TAN-er-sept)
Pregnancy Category: B Enbrel (Rx)

Classification: Antiarthritic drug

Action/Kinetics: Binds specifically to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and blocks its interaction with cell surface TNF receptors. TNF is a cytokine that is involved in normal inflammatory and immune responses. Thus, the drug renders TNF biologically inactive. It is possible for etanercept to affect host defenses against infections and malignancies since TNF mediates inflammation and modulates cellular immune responses. t 1/2: 115 hr. Individual clients may undergo a two- to five-fold increase in serum levels with repeated dosing.

Uses: Reduce signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in adults who have had an inadequate response to one or more antirheumatic drugs. May be used in combination with methotrexate in those who do not respond adequately to methotrexate alone. Moderate to severe active polyarticular-course juvenile (ages 4-17 years) rheumatoid arthritis in those with inadequate response to at least one disease-modifying drug.

Contraindications: Use in any chronic or localized active infection. Concurrent administration of live vaccines. Lactation.

Special Concerns: Use with caution with a history of recurring infections or with a condition that prediposes to infections (e.g., advanced or poorly controlled diabetes). Safety and efficacy have not been determined in those with immunosuppression, chronic infections, or in children less than 4 years of age.

Side Effects: Injection site reactions: Erythema and/or itching, pain, swelling. GI: Abdominal pain, dyspepsia, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, GI hemorrhage. CNS: Headache, dizziness, depression. CV: Heart failure, MI myocardial ischemia, cerebral ischemia, hypertension, hypotension. Respiratory: URI, sinusitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, cough, respiratory disorder, dyspnea. Miscellaneous: Formation of autoimmune antibodies, non-URI, rash, asthenia, bursitis, infections, malignancies.

How Supplied: Lyophilized Powder for Injection, Single-Use Vial: 25 mg

Dosage
?SC Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.
Adults: 25 mg twice weekly SC. Children, 4-17 years: 0.4 mg/kg (maximum dose: 25 mg) twice weekly, 72-96 hr apart.