Etanercept Injection 
 
What is this medicine? 

ETANERCEPT (et a NER sept)  is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children. The medicine is also used to treat  psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis,  and psoriasis.
 
This  medicine may be used for other purposes;  ask your health care provider or pharmacist if  you have questions. 

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? 

They need  to know if you have any  of these conditions: 

• blood disorders 
• cancer
• congestive heart failure 
• diabetes 
• exposure to chickenpox 
• immune system problems 
• infection 
• multiple sclerosis 
• seizure disorder 
• tuberculosis, a positive skin test for tuberculosis  or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tuberculosis 
• Wegener's granulomatosis 
• an unusual or allergic reaction  to etanercept, latex, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives 
• pregnant  or trying  to get pregnant 
• breast-feeding

How  should I use this medicine? 

The medicine is given by injection under  the skin. You will be taught how to prepare  and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals.  Do not take your medicine more often than directed. 

It is important that you put your used needles  and syringes  in a special sharps container.  Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist  or healthcare provider to get one. 

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure  to read this information carefully each time. 

Talk to your pediatrician regarding  the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed  for children as young as 4 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply. 

Overdosage:  If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact  a poison control center or emergency room  at once. 

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others. 

What may interact with this medicine? 

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications: 

• anakinra

This medicine may also interact with  the following medications: 

• cyclophosphamide
• sulfasalazine
• vaccines

This list  may not describe all possible interactions. Give  your health care provider a list of all  the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs.  Some items may interact  with your medicine. 

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell  your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. 

You will  be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medicine. If  your doctor prescribes any medicine for TB, you should start taking the TB medicine before starting this medicine. Make sure to finish the full course of TB medicine. 

Call your doctor  or health care professional  for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. 

What side effects may I notice from receiving  this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: 

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling  of the face, lips, or tongue 
• changes  in vision 
• fever, chills or any other sign of infection 
• numbness or tingling  in legs or other parts of  the body 
• red, scaly patches  or raised bumps on  the skin 
• shortness  of breath or difficulty breathing 
• swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin areas 
• unexplained weight loss 
• unusual bleeding or bruising 
• unusual swelling or fluid retention in the legs 
• unusually weak or tired 

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to  your doctor  or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• dizziness 
• headache
• nausea
• redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site 
• vomiting

This list may not describe  all possible side effects. Call  your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects  to FDA. 

Where should I keep my medicine? 

Keep out of the reach of children.
 
Store between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F).  Do not freeze or shake. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
 
You will be instructed on how to store this medicine. 

Notes: FCbinderMD

[Watch page ]

EditText of this page (last edited August 13, 2010)