Etanercept, by Wyeth.

What is this drug used for?

Etanercept belongs to the class of medications called biological response modifiers (biologics) or TNF blockers. It is used to treat:

• active ankylosing spondylitis
• chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults
• moderate-to-severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children and adolescents 4 to 17 years of age who have not responded to another class of medications called disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults
• psoriatic arthritis

People with these conditions produce extra amounts of proteins called tumour necrosis factor (TNF), which causes pain, inflammation, and damage. Etanercept works by blocking the production of TNF and reducing inflammation in the joints and on the skin. The benefits of using this medication may be seen as early as one week after the start of treatment in adults or 2 weeks in children, with the full effect usually achieved by 3 months.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are being given this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

Etanercept should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to etanercept or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has or is at risk of sepsis syndrome (an infection that spreads through your body), such as people with weakened immune systems and people with HIV

What about possible side effects?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• abdominal pain
• coughing
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• headache
• nausea
• pain, itching, redness, or swelling at the site of injection
• upper respiratory infections (such as colds, sore throats, or sinus infections)
• vomiting
• weakness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• fever or chills
• leg cramps
• skin rash
• sores in the mouth

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• seizures
• signs of an allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face or throat)
• symptoms of a severe infection (such as fever, shaking or chills, fast heartbeat, quick breathing, confusion, or skin rash)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

What if I am taking other drugs?

There may be an interaction between etancercept and any of the following:

• abatacept
• anakinra
• cyclophosphamide
• echinacea
• live vaccines (e.g., yellow fever, BCG, cholera, typhoid, varicella)
• sulfasalazine

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Other information

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.