Enbrel Side Effects

As with any medication, there are potential side effects of Enbrel, including reactions at the injection site, headaches, and dizziness. Most people, however, tolerate the medication well and, in many cases, the side effects are minor and may easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. However, if you experience more serious Enbrel side effects, such as a numb or tingling feeling, changes in vision, or chest pain, you should report them to your healthcare provider immediately.

 

Enbrel Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects of Enbrel® (etanercept). However, not everyone who takes Enbrel will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. When people do develop side effects, in many cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(The Enbrel side effects discussed below are not a complete list of the side effects reported with Enbrel. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Enbrel side effects with you.)
 

Common Enbrel Side Effects

Enbrel has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated. In these studies, the side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug were documented and compared to the side effects that occurred in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
Based on these studies, the most common Enbrel side effects include:
 
  • Injection site reactions (redness, rash, swelling, itching, or bruising) -- occurring in up to 37 percent of people
  • Infections such as the common cold or a sinus infection -- in up to 35 percent
  • Headaches -- in up to 17 percent
  • Irritated or runny nose -- in up to 12 percent
  • Dizziness -- in up to 7 percent
  • Sore throat -- in up to 7 percent
  • Cough -- in up to 6 percent
  • General weakness -- in up to 5 percent
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain) -- in up to 5 percent
  • Breathing problems -- in up to 5 percent
  • Heartburn -- in up to 4 percent
  • Vomiting -- in up to 3 percent
  • Mouth ulcers (canker sores) -- in up to 2 percent.
     
(Enbrel Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;