Enbrel Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Enbrel is the first in a new class of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) drugs known as biologic response modifiers or you can say, it is also known as BRM's or biologic agents. It is a type of protein known as tumor necrosis factor blocker, in which it blocks the action of a substance in your body's immune system makes known as TNF. It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used to treat psoriatic arthritis, and psoriasis.

Enbrel Dosage

• The usual starting dose is 50 milligrams per week.
• The other recommended dose is one 50-milligram injection given under the skin twice weekly for 3 months.

Uses of Enbrel

• Enbrel is used for treating ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis.
• It may also be used as primary treatment to reduce the pain, swelling that are result from rheumatoid arthritis.

Side Effects of Enbrel

Before taken Enbrel medicine, you should discuss the side effects with your doctor.  If any develop or change in intensity, then you should inform your doctor as soon as possible. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Enbrel. Side effects may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Cough
• Headache
• Sinus and nasal inflammation
• Indigestion
• Respiratory tract infection

Warnings and precautions before taking Enbrel:

• If you develop any symptoms or change in intensity, then stop taking Enbrel and you should call your doctor immediately.
• This drug may also worsen congestive heart failure. If you have this condition, then you should tell your doctor and you should also used this medicine with caution.
• If you develop or feel symptoms of a blood disorder, such as persistent fever, bruising, or paleness, then you should contact with your doctor immediately.

Drug Interaction:- If you are taking Enbrel with certain other drugs, then the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. So it is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Enbrel with the following:

• Anakinra
• Live vaccines

Overdose

No harmful effects due to large doses of etanercept have been reported. But after taken Enbrel if you feel that overdose is suspected, then you should contact with your doctor immediately. Because it may lead to another serious effect.

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