Enbrel Drug Interactions

As with any medication, there are potential drug interactions with Enbrel. Taking Enbrel with other medications, such as live vaccinations, anakinra, and cyclophosphamide, can potentially lead to problems. Some of these interactions can increase your risk of infections or certain tumors. Therefore, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about any potential Enbrel drug interactions that may apply to you.

 

An Overview of Enbrel Drug Interactions

Enbrel® (etanercept) can potentially interact with many drugs. Some of the drugs that may lead to Enbrel interactions include:
 
  • "Live" vaccinations, including:
o Chickenpox vaccine (varicella vaccine)
o FluMist (the nasal vaccine for influenza; the injected vaccine is not live)
o MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine
o Smallpox vaccine
o BCG vaccine (used in some countries for tuberculosis)

 

Enbrel Interactions Explained

 
Live Vaccines
Live vaccines are immunizations that contain live viruses or bacteria. If you receive a live vaccine while taking Enbrel, it is possible that you might become infected with the virus or bacteria from the vaccine. Also, Enbrel can make live vaccines less effective. You should not receive live vaccinations while taking Enbrel.
 
Anakinra (Kineret)
Taking Enbrel with anakinra can increase your risk of getting an infection. In general, these two medications should not be taken together.
(Enbrel Drug Interactions Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;