Enbrel

If you have an inflammatory condition that affects the joints and skin, your healthcare provider may prescribe Enbrel to help reduce the symptoms of this condition. Enbrel can reduce the signs and symptoms of several conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis. The medication comes in an injection form that is given once or twice a week. As with any medication, there are potential side effects of Enbrel, such as reactions at the injection site, headaches, and a runny nose.

 

What Is Enbrel?

Enbrel® (etanercept) is a prescription medication that is approved to treat several inflammatory conditions that affect the joints and skin.
 

Who Makes Enbrel?

Enbrel is made by Amgen.
 

What Is Enbrel Used For?

Specific uses of Enbrel include reducing the signs and symptoms of the following conditions:
 
Enbrel has also been shown to decrease the damage caused by rhuematoid arthritis and psoriatic arthrits. Enbrel is not a cure for rheumatoid arthritis or any of the other conditions mentioned above.
 
(Click Enbrel Uses for more information what Enbrel is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Enbrel Work?

Enbrel is part of a class of medicines known as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, or TNF inhibitors for short. As the name of the drug class 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.
 
People with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or ankylosing spondylitis often have higher levels of TNF. These high levels of TNF-alpha can cause inflammation and lead to problems such as swollen, painful joints and raised, thick, red, scaly patches. 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. 
 
(Enbrel Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;