What Is Enbrel?
Enbrel is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Enbrel was first sold in 1992 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Enbrel eases the symptoms associated with these conditions, allowing people to function normally without experiencing severe pain or discomfort.
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Function
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Enbrel prevents your immune system from producing tumor necrosis factors (TNF). Enbrel attacks this protein, lowering your immune system's ability to fight bacteria and infections. It also prevents your immune system from attacking healthy cells, which occurs if you have an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Benefits
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Enbrel prevents joint pain, skin and joint damage, redness and inflammation. Reducing the pain and inflammation makes it easier for people to function and use basic motor skills. People who suffer from plaque psoriasis also experience clearer, smoother skin.
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Side Effects
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Enbrel increases bleeding and infections. It weakens the immune system, lowering its ability to fight off infections. Because the body cannot heal quickly, people also bleed more. Other side effects include nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, mild headache and a runny nose.
Time Frame
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According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, Enbrel is injected once or twice weekly to prevent symptoms. How many injections you receive will depend on the severity of the illness, your risk for infection, your physical health and the physician's discretion. To get Enbrel's full benefits, enbrel.com recommends using it for at least 12 months (see Resources).
Considerations
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Your physician may adjust the dosage or frequency of use if you have a weakened immune system, any pre-existing skin infections, diabetes, hepatitis B or if you were recently vaccinated with the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy, since Enbrel injections contains latex rubber.
Warning
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Enbrel causes serious adverse reactions in a small percentage of people. According to drugs.com, these effects include chest pain, coughing with blood present, extreme weakness or dizziness, bloody stools, difficulty breathing and seizures. People who experience these symptoms should notify their physician immediately.
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