Perhaps your doctor has prescribed you an injection called Etanercept for a persistent joint pain or a skin condition. It is very normal to feel a little scared, curious, and have a lot of questions when you hear about a medicine like this. So today, let's talk about what this medicine called Etanercept is and what you need to be careful about when using it, in a simple way that you can understand.
What exactly is Etanercept?
Simply put, Etanercept is a drug that controls the activity of your body's immune system. Sometimes our own body's defense system, the immune system, becomes overactive and starts attacking our own cells. We call these conditions autoimmune conditions.
Think of conditions like psoriasis and some types of arthritis. Etanercept works by slowing down the overactive immune system and controlling symptoms. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called TNF inhibitors.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to know your complete health history. This is important for your safety. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor without hiding anything .
- If you have a condition that causes you to bleed easily.
- If you have previously had cancer or are currently undergoing treatment.
- If you have diabetes.
- If you have a condition like granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
- If you have heart failure.
- If you are infected with HIV or AIDS.
- If there are other weaknesses in the immune system.
- If you currently have any bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, including Tuberculosis (TB).
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have nervous system diseases such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, multiple sclerosis, or seizures.
- If you have recently received or are expecting to receive any vaccine.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to this medicine, Etanercept, rubber, latex, or any other medicine or food.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Sharing this information with your doctor will greatly help you receive safe and accurate treatment.
How do you use this injection?
This medicine is given as an injection under the skin. Your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give it. It is very important to take the correct dose on the correct day. Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
Very important:
- Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash . They can be dangerous to others.
- These should be placed in a special thick plastic container (sharps container) that can be removed.
- If you don't have such a container, ask your doctor how to obtain one.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at the same time. If you are unsure, ask your doctor.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you suddenly think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other medications that may interact with Etanercept
You should tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies), as some medications may interact with Etanercept.
| Drug type / category | Level of concern |
|---|---|
| Avoid taking Etanercept with these | |
| Other biologic drugs such as adalimumab and infliximab | It is not appropriate to take them together because they are in the same category. |
| Live vaccines | The risk of infection is high due to low immunity. |
| Rilonacept | Problems may arise. |
| Ask your doctor about taking Etanercept with these. | |
| Abatacept, Anakinra | May increase the risk of infection. |
| Cyclophosphamide, Sulfasalazine | Side effects may occur. |
Things you should be careful about when taking medication
- Risk of infection: This is the most important thing. Because this medicine reduces the activity of your immune system, you are more susceptible to diseases, especially infections . So if you have symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, or wounds that do not heal, do not self-medicate and call your doctor immediately . Try to stay away from people who are sick.
- TB test: You will be tested for TB before starting this medication. If your doctor prescribes medication for TB, you will need to start taking that medication and finish the entire prescription before starting this injection.
- Painkillers: Do not take medications like aspirin and ibuprofen without your doctor's advice, as they can suppress your fever and make it harder to detect if you have an infection.
- Cancer risk: Studies have found that taking this medication may slightly increase the risk of developing some types of cancer. Don't worry about this, your doctor will discuss these risks and benefits with you before prescribing the medication.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Etanercept can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Main features |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Severe allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Heart failure | Difficulty breathing, swelling of the ankles and feet, sudden weight gain, extreme fatigue. |
| Infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, non-healing wounds, urinary tract infections. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine. |
| Lupus-like syndrome | Joint pain, swelling, a butterfly-shaped rash on the face, fever, fatigue. |
| Nervous system problems | Numbness, weakness, vision changes, seizures. |
| Bleeding or bruising | Unexplained bruising and bleeding of the skin. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Pain/redness at the injection site | This usually subsides within a few days. |
| Headache | Slight headache may occur. |
| Sinus pain | Pressure or pain on both sides of the face and forehead. |
Take-Home Message
- Before starting this medication, be sure to tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Learn how to give the injection properly. Dispose of used needles safely.
- While taking the medicine, be very careful about signs of infection (fever, cough, chills). If you notice any symptoms, inform your doctor immediately.
- Do not take any other medications, especially painkillers, without consulting your doctor.
- It is very important to attend all appointments and tests your doctor prescribes on time. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor any questions you have about this medication.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is the Etanercept / Enbrel injection/injection pen for?
This is a highly effective, modern (Biologic/TNF-blocker) drug that is injected once/twice a week for autoimmune diseases such as severe 'Rheumatoid Arthritis', Psoriasis, etc.! It prevents joint dysfunction 100%.
💬 How does this vaccine (Etanercept / TNF blocker) stop our joints from rotting and inflammation?
When you have arthritis, your body often makes too much of a dangerous protein called 'TNF-alpha'. This protein is what goes into the joints and eats/destroys them. This medicine (Soluble TNF receptor fusion protein) works like a fake stinger/trap! When injected, it absorbs/catches the TNF-alpha protein in the blood before it can reach the joints and completely blocks/destroys it.
💬 What is the fatal risk (Black Box Warning) for those who inject this vaccine (Enbrel) worth millions of dollars?
This weakens our entire immune system, so no one can save you from 'serious infections'! (Serious Infections). Even a common cold can turn into severe pneumonia (TB) or a fungal infection and the patient can die suddenly. Also, it has been reported that children and young people have developed 'new cancer (Lymphoma)' after receiving this vaccine for a while!
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