What Are the Benefits of Enbrel?
With promising success in treating five immune disorders, ENBREL has hit the market running. You've most likely seen the television commercials, now learn more about the medication and whether it can help you. Then talk to your doctor to find out if you are a candidate for treatment.
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The Facts
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Clinical trials started in 1992 and ENBREL was approved 6 years later for treating rheumatoid arthritis. ENBREL is currently used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (in patients ages two and up). It is administered by injection right under the skin (subcutaneous injection) and can be self-injected or injected by a family member. Your doctor will demonstrate the correct method for injecting yourself.
How It Works
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ENBREL works by binding to TNF (tumor necrosis factor, a naturally occurring phenomenon that your body produces) and blocking its contact with TNF receptors on cell surfaces. TNF plays a significant role in RA (rheumatoid arthritis), JIA (juvenile idiopathic arthritis), AS (ankylosing spondylitis) and plaque psoriasis. By blocking the interaction between TNF and its receptors, ENBREL successfully reduces symptoms, slows the progressing damage cause by arthritis, and increases physical function.
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Interactions/Precautions
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As with any medication, ENBREL does have drug interactions and precautions that should be followed. Since the medication reduces the amount of TNF in the body, it also reduces your immune system's ability to fight infections, making you more prone to illness and serious infections. Before starting ENBREL, you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant (or plan to become pregnant), have an infection, have seizures or any numbness, have multiple sclerosis, heart failure, are scheduled for any vaccines or surgery or are allergic to latex or rubber. Also be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription and non-prescription medications that you take (including vitamins and supplements).
Side Effects
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Common side effects include a reaction at the injection site (mild bruising, itching, swelling or rash), headaches and upper respiratory infections. More serious side effects include serious infections (like tuberculosis), problems with the nervous system (like multiple sclerosis, seizure, numbness and tingling and vision problems), interference with your body's ability to produce blood cells (symptoms include persistent fever, deep bruising, bleeding and paleness), heart failure, allergic reactions (severe rash, trouble breathing or a swollen face), and lupus-like immune reactions.
Warnings
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This is a relatively new medication, which means that long-term studies have not been completed to determine if there is any carcinogenic (cancer-causing) potential or any effect on fertility. There have also been no studies in pregnant or nursing women. The medication should be avoided during pregnancy or while breastfeeding when possible.
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