Enbrel Uses (Cont.)

How Enbrel Works

Enbrel is part of a class of medicines known as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, or TNF inhibitors for short. As the name implies, Enbrel blocks the activity of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). TNF-alpha is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that is involved in inflammation and other immune system functions. For example, TNF-alpha plays a role in the formation of skin lesions in psoriasis and in the swelling and joint damage in ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
 
People with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or ankylosing spondylitis often have higher levels of TNF. By blocking TNF-alpha, Enbrel helps to keep the immune system from attacking the body, which improves symptoms and, in some cases, prevents future damage from occurring. However, Enbrel does not cure these conditions.
 

Using Enbrel in Children

Enbrel has been studied in children as young as two years old for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. However, the medication is not approved for any other use in children. Talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using Enbrel in children.
 

Off-Label Enbrel Uses

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Enbrel for something other than the conditions discussed in this article. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, off-label Enbrel uses include the treatment of:
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;