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Enbrel
Enbrel (Etanercept) is an immunosuppresant, approved by the FDA for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis. It is administered through a subcutaneous injection.
The most common side effects of Enbrel are dry cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats; fever with chills, body aches, flu symptoms. Patients taking Enbrel are at increased risk for serious adverse effects, including serious infections that can lead to hospitalization or death. Because Cimzia affects the immune system, it can lower the body's ability to fight infections, such as tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections. Enbrel is a blocker of TNF (tumor necrosis factor) and may cause lymphomas (a form of cancer) and other malignancies.
Recently, Enbrel was given a Black Box Label Warning by the FDA. The Black Box Warning is the strongest warning label a drug can have applied to it. Drugs that carry a high risk of serious side effects or potentially deadly adverse reactions are given this warning. This label is given only after medical studies have indicated that there are serious risks associated with the side effects of the medication.
Fast Facts
| Name: | Enbrel |
| Generic: | Etanercept |
| Manufacturer: | Amgen and Wyeth |
| Date approved: | 1998 |
| Status: | Prescription only - Black Box Warning |
| Approved uses: | Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Off-Label uses: | None |
| Side effects: | Dry cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats; fever with chills, body aches, flu symptoms; signs of skin infection such as itching, swelling, warmth, redness, or oozing; pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; black, bloody, or tarry stools; feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion; swelling, rapid weight gain; joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, unusual thoughts or behavior, and/or seizure (convulsions); patchy |
| Related topics: | Cimzia, Humira, Remicade |
FDA Announces Black Box Label Warning for Enbrel
In early September, 2008, the FDA announced it would require stronger warnings for four medications commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The warning label is known as the... read more
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FDA Information Related to Enbrel
September 2006 Safety Labeling Changes
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News Articles Related to Enbrel
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Wikipedia Entries Related to Enbrel
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Books Related to Enbrel
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