types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, can be treated with Enbrel® (etanercept), as can plaquepsoriasis. These conditions are the result of the immune system attacking the body, and Enbrel blocks the action of a chemical called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which is known to play a role in immune system reactions.
This medication is approved for both adults and children. Enbrel can only be given to children, however, for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis -- it is not approved for any other use. In addition, it is specifically used for moderate-to-severe polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. (Polyarticular is a term that means the condition affects five or more joints.)
(For more information about using this drug in children, click Enbrel Uses. This article explains in more detail conditions this drug can treat, how it works, the youngest age group it is approved for, and off-label uses.)
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