Enbrel Uses

Enbrel is used to reduce the signs and symptoms of certain inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and plaque psoriasis. It works by keeping the immune system from attacking the body, which improves symptoms and, in some cases, prevents future damage from occurring. Some off-label Enbrel uses include treating scleroderma and other autoimmune skin diseases, and treating Wegener's granulomatosis.

Enbrel Medication Information

What Is Enbrel Used For?

Enbrel^® (etanercept) is a prescription medication licensed to treat certain inflammatory conditions that affect the joints or skin. Specific Enbrel uses include the treatment of:

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that, for some reason, the immune system mistakes a person's own cells as invaders and attacks them, causing damage. As with other autoimmune diseases, scientists still do not know the cause or causes of rheumatoid arthritis.

There are many rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, including chronic pain, along with tender, warm, and swollen joints. Enbrel is used to treat the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, along with preventing future joint damage.

For rheumatoid arthritis treatment, Enbrel is also approved to be used with methotrexate (Rheumatrex^®).

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that begins in childhood. With this condition, the immune system begins to attack the body (including the joints), causing pain. Other juvenile rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include unexplained rashes, fever, swollen joints, and tiredness.

Enbrel is approved to reduce the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. "Polyarticular" means that the arthritis affects five or more joints.

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