Etanercept

Uses of Etanercept

Etanercept is a medication used to manage and treat autoimmune conditions such as plaque psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

How Etanercept Works

Etanercept works by blocking the effects of TNF-alpha, a pro-inflammatory cytokine that becomes elevated in psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Side Effects of Etanercept

Nausea, Vomiting, Dyspepsia, Headache, Dizziness, Asthenia, Allergic reactions, Development of autoantibodies, Fever

Warnings

Kidney Use With Care

No dose adjustment is needed for patients with mild, moderate or severe renal impairment without dialysis. However, the use of Etanercept is contraindicated in patients with severe renal impairment who are undergoing dialysis. Please consult your doctor.

Alcohol Not Advisable

There is no known interaction between alcohol and Etanercept when used concomitantly.

Pregnancy Not Safe - High Risk

Animal studies have shown reproductive toxicities but there are limited data and well-controlled human studies on pregnant women. Thus, Etanercept is not advisable to be used during pregnancy. Please consult your doctor.

Driving Not advisable

Etanercept may cause dizziness as a side effect. Hence it is not advisable to administer and drive.

Liver Not Safe

No dosage adjustment is needed for patients with mild to moderate liver impairment. However, the use of Etanercept is contraindicated in patients with severe liver impairment. Please consult your doctor.

Lactation Not Advisable

Animal studies have shown the excretion of in animal milk but it is unknown in human milk. Thus, Etanercept is not advisable to be used during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by , MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).