What is Enbrel?
Enbrel (Etanercept) is a prescription medication classified as a biologic response modifiers. It is an injectable drug that is suppresses the immune systems response to several inflammatory diseases.
What are the uses and side effects of Enbrel?
Enbrel is used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Plaque Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). Because it is an immuno suppressant, patients who take Enbrel have a greater risk of infections.
When you have joint pain and stiffness, accomplishing even little things can become major victories. I’m Phil Mickelson, Pro Golfer. When I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, my rheumatologist prescribed Enbrel for my pain and stiffness and to help stop joint damage.
Enbrel may lower your ability to fight infections. Serious, sometimes fatal events including infections, tuberculosis, lymphoma, other cancers, nervous system and blood disorders and allergic reactions have occurred. Before starting Enbrel, your doctor should test you for tuberculosis and discuss whether you’ve been to a region where certain fungal infections are common. You should not start Enbrel if you have an infection like the flu. Tell your doctor if you are prone to infections, have cuts or sores, have hepatitis B, have been treated for heart failure or have symptoms such as persistent fever, brusing, bleeding or paleness.
Since Enbrel helped relieve my joint pain, it’s the little things that mean the most. Ask your rheumatologist if Enbrel is right for you. Enbrel – the #1 biological medicine prescribed by rheumatologists.
Enbrel Lawsuits?
While there have been a few lawsuits filed by Enbrel users, there so far has not been any mass tort lawsuits or cases related to this medication.
More information about Enbrel
For more information about Enbrel, please check out these resources
- Enbrel.com – official website
- Wikipedia entry – Etanercept
- Arthritis.About.com – Enbrel info