English | Spanish
Etanercept ( et-uh-NER-sept ) (Enbrel®) What is this medication used for?
Etanercept is used to treat graft versus host disease (GVHD). It works by decreasing tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein produced by the immune system to help the body fight infections but that can also cause inflammation and tissue damage in the setting of GVHD.
• Rotate injection sites. New injections should be given at least 1 inch from an old site and never into an area where the skin is tender, bruised, red, raised, or hard. • If the medicine comes in a vial, gently swirl it with the liquid provided in the dose kit to mix it. Do not shake. Write the date it was mixed on the sticker from the kit. Store the unused portion in the refrigerator right away. Discard the unused portion after 14 days. • If the medicine comes in a prefilled syringe or auto- injector, do not remove the needle cover from the syringe until you are ready to use it. If the amount of liquid in the prefilled syringe does not fall between the purple indicator lines, do not use that syringe. • This medicine may increase the risk of infections. Those taking the medicine should avoid crowds and people with an infection, a cold, or the flu. • Call your healthcare provider if fever or any signs of infection develop. • Patients should not receive any vaccinations while they are taking this medicine • In utero exposure may cause fetal harm. .
What does it look like? • Liquid How is it given?
• Under the skin (subcutaneous or subq) What are the common side effects? • Pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site • Headache • Diarrhea • Stomach (abdominal) pain • Nausea • Vomiting • Runny nose, cough, and common cold symptoms • Low blood cell counts What are the less common side effects? • Swelling or puffiness (edema) • Rash • Bleeding or bruising
• Dizziness • Weakness
• Severe infection • Allergic reactions • Pale skin or skin changes Special instructions:
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
Powered by FlippingBook