Enbrel

Indications: Treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis in adults when the response to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, including methotrexate (unless contraindicated), has been inadequate. Treatment of active polyarticular-course juvenile chronic arthritis in children aged four to 17 years who have had an inadequate response to, or who have proved intolerant of, methotrexate. Enbrel has not been studied in children aged less than four years
Contra Indications: Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients. Sepsis or risk of sepsis. Treatment with Enbrel should not be initiated in patients with active infections including chronic or localised infections. Pregnancy. Women of childbearing potential should be advised not to become pregnant during Enbrel therapy. Lactation

Drug description: Vials containg etanercept 25mg powder and pre-filled syringes containing 1mL water for injections
Generic name: Etanercept
Drug class description: Immunosuppressants (selective immunosuppressant agents)

Monitor closely if new infection develops during treatment with Enbrel - discontinue if serious infection develops. History of recurring infections or underlying condition which may predispose patient to infection (eg, advanced or poorly controlled diabetes). Discontinue use if any serious allergic or anaphylactic reaction occurs. Risk of Enbrel affecting host defences against infections and malignancies. Live vaccines should not be given concurrently with Enbrel. Autoimmune antibodies may form. Previous history of blood dyscrasias; patients should be informed that if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias or infections (eg, persistent fever, sore throat, bruising, bleeding, paleness) while taking Enbrel they should seek immediate medical advice. Refer to Summary of Product Characteristics

Injection site reactions. Upper respiratory infections and sinusitis. Also headache, rhinitis, dizziness, pharyngitis, cough, asthenia, abdominal pain, rash, respiratory disorder, dyspepsia. Pancytopenia and aplastic anaemia reported rarely and very rarely, respectively, some with fatal outcome - discontinue treatment if blood dyscrasias are confirmed. Paediatric patients with juvenile chronic arthritis: in a trial of 69 patients, serious undesirable effects reported included varicella with signs and symptoms of aseptic meningitis, gastroenteritis, depression/ personality disorder, cutaneous ulcer, and oesophagitis gastritis. The following effects reported more commonly than in adults: headache, abdominal pain and vomiting