Enbrel Uses

Enbrel is a prescription medication that can reduce the signs and symptoms of certain inflammatory conditions of the joints and skin, including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis. However, Enbrel is not a cure for these conditions. The medication 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.

 

Uses of Enbrel: An Overview

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:
 
Enbrel for 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. Similar to 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 approved 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®).
 
Enbrel for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a form of rheumatoid arthritis that begins in childhood. In juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, 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.
(Enbrel Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;