What Is Enbrel For Arthritis

Pediatric Dosage For Moderate To Severe Plaque Psoriasis

Enbrel can be used in children ages 4 years and older for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Children who weigh 138 pounds or more will receive one 50-mg injection each week.

For children who weigh less than 138 pounds , one injection is given each week. The dose is based on weight.

The milligram strength is calculated as 0.8 mg/kg. For example, if a child weighs 42 pounds, that equals about 19 kg. The dose is calculated as 19 kg multiplied by 0.8 mg/kg, resulting in a dose of about 15 mg. Your childs doctor or pharmacist can calculate the correct dosage for you.

When Will It Be Available What Will It Cost And Will Insurance Cover It

In theory, biosimilars should be cheaper than the biologics they are based on. But a spokesperson for Sandoz says Erelzi doesnât have a price yet.

Duncan Cantor, global head of external relations for Sandoz, says it will be âcompetitively priced.â For comparison, a monthâs supply of Enbrel is about $4,000.

Ali says insurance coverage will affect how often doctors prescribe the drug. He says he would only switch from Enbrel if the cost of that drug was prohibitive. âIt would be inappropriate to switch patients who are stable on Enbrel to Erelzi purely due to cost saving since there would be a theoretical risk of disease worsening or lack of response,â he says.

Thereâs no release date yet for Erelzi. Amgen Inc., the maker of Enbrel, filed lawsuit against Sandoz to stop it from selling Erelzi, says Amgen spokesperson Kristen Davis. The company says the drug violates its patent for Enbrel.

A court trial is scheduled for April 2018.

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Yousaf Ali MD, chief of rheumatology, Mount Sinai West in New York.

Duncan Cantor, Sandoz global head of external relations.

Kristen Davis, Amgen spokesperson.

Side Effects And Risks

Enbrel and Humira are in the same class of medications, called tissue necrosis factor blockers. Therefore, these medications can cause very similar side effects. Below are examples of these side effects.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with Enbrel, with Humira, or with both drugs .

• Can occur with Enbrel:

from the Food and Drug Administration for serious infections. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

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How Enbrel Treats Psoriatic Arthritis

Enbrel is approved to treat psoriatic arthritis. This is a type of arthritis that people with psoriasis may have. The condition causes joint pain and swelling, as well as psoriasis plaques on your skin. Plaques are scaly, discolored patches of skin.

Psoriatic arthritis is caused by your immune system attacking certain tissues in your body, such as your joints. This causes inflammation .

What Are The Forms Of Enbrel

Enbrel is available in the following forms:

• liquid solution inside single-dose prefilled syringes*
• liquid solution inside prefilled SureClick auto-injectors*
• liquid solution inside Enbrel Mini single-dose prefilled cartridges*
• liquid solution inside single-dose vials
• powder inside multidose vials

* This form of the drug contains dry natural rubber. If you have a latex allergy, let your doctor know before using Enbrel.

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How To Inject Enbrel

Enbrel is a medication thats given as a subcutaneous injection. Youll probably get your first dose of Enbrel in your doctors office. Then your doctor or pharmacist may show you how to inject Enbrel so you can use the medication at home.

You should take Enbrel according to your doctor or healthcare providers instructions. The Enbrel website also provides step-by-step instructions and videos on how to use each Enbrel product.

Here are some other tips for using Enbrel:

Increased Risk Of Infection

All three medications can raise your risk of getting an infection, and the risk of a serious infection seems to be similar across all three medications. This includes infections like pneumonia, infected joints , and serious bacterial skin infections . And you may also experience milder infections like the common cold and sinus infections, too.

With some of the more serious infections, your provider may screen you ahead of time to see if you are at risk of reactivating or getting sick again with a prior infection, particularly with tuberculosis and hepatitis B.

For example, Xeljanz, Humira, and Enbrel can all make it harder for your body to fight tuberculosis, so you may be at risk of a new infection or reactivating a previous one. This is why you must let your provider know immediately if you have come into contact with someone who has this condition.

All three medications also raise your risk of getting sick with the hepatitis B virus if you were previously infected, which can cause life-threatening liver damage. You may need to have regular blood tests done while using them to make sure you havent reactivated an infection.

In addition, Xeljanz can make it easier for you to have flare-ups of shingles. Its possible to have shingles multiple times or have very serious cases of this condition. Ask your provider if you should receive before starting this medication to help prevent this from happening.

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Financial And Insurance Assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Enbrel, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Amgen Inc., the manufacturer of Enbrel, offers a copay program that may help lower the cost of Enbrel if you have health insurance coverage. Amgen Inc. also offers a program called Amgen Safety Net Foundation, which may help cover the cost of Enbrel if you dont have health insurance coverage for the drug.

For more information about these programs, and to find out if youre eligible for support, call 888-4ENBREL or visit the program website.

What Are The Side Effects

Common side effects include infections and injection site reactions, according to the FDA. Other side effects include headaches and upper respiratory or sinus infections, according to Sandoz.

More serious side effects, however, have been reported. Those are rare and include tuberculosis and other invasive fungal infections, which can be fatal, according to Sandoz. In addition, lymphoma and other cancers, some fatal, have been reported in children and teens. The side effects are the same seen with Enbrel.

Erelzi will contain a âblack box warningâ on the increased risk of serious infections like tuberculosis and fungal infections, the FDA says. It also notes that lymphoma and other cancers have been reported.

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What Other Drugs Will Affect Enbrel

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

• abatacept

• cyclophosphamide or

• insulin or oral diabetes medicine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with etanercept, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Enbrel Vs Humira Side By Side Comparison

Enbrel and Humira share several features that make them potential treatment options. Even though they have many similarities, there are some differences between the two. Both drugs can be further compared below.

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What Are The Typical Dosages Of Enbrel

Your dose of Enbrel will depend on the condition its being used to treat and other factors. These may include your age, weight, and any other health conditions you have.

You may start treatment with a certain dose that your doctor adjusts over time until you reach the right amount for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dose that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis

The Enbrel dosage for treating rheumatoid arthritis in adults is typically 50 mg injected once weekly. Some people with RA may be prescribed methotrexate with Enbrel. Your doctor will determine whether you should use methotrexate. Theyll also show you how to give yourself the Enbrel injection.

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis

The typical Enbrel dosage for adults with psoriatic arthritis is 50 mg given once weekly. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe methotrexate with Enbrel.

Your doctor will determine whether you should use methotrexate. Theyll also show you how to give yourself the Enbrel injection.

Dosage for plaque psoriasis

For adults with plaque psoriasis, the typical starting dosage of Enbrel is 50 mg given twice a week for 3 months. Your doctor will start you at this higher dose to help your body respond faster to treatment.

Enbrel For Plaque Psoriasis

Enbrel is approved for use in adults and children ages 4 years and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis.

Psoriasis symptoms include raised patches of red, often itchy skin. The patches may have a white or silver lining. Plaque psoriasis patches often appear on the knees, elbows, and scalp, but they can affect any part on your body. If you have psoriasis, your immune system builds up skin cells too quickly, which causes the patches to form.

Enbrel works by targeting your immune system and slowing down the rate that skin cells are formed. This helps reduce the patches of irritated skin.

In clinical trials, 46% of adults taking 50 mg of Enbrel twice per week for 3 months had a 75% or more decrease in plaque psoriasis symptoms. In adults taking a placebo , 3% showed a 75% or more decrease in symptoms.

In children ages 4 years and older, 57% showed a decrease in symptoms of 75% or more when taking Enbrel once per week for plaque psoriasis. In comparison, 11% of children taking a placebo showed a 75% or more decrease in symptoms.

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What Are The Side Effects Of Enbrel

With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Serious infections: High fever, difficulty breathing, cough that won’t go away, night sweats, confusion
• Allergic reactions: Difficulty breathing, face swelling, fast heartbeat, severe rash

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your doctor know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Along with its needed effects, etanercept may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking etanercept:

More common

• itching, pain, redness, or swelling on the skin
• joint or muscle stiffness, tightness, or rigidity
• stomach discomfort or pain

• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• bloody, black, or tarry stools
• blue-yellow color blindness
• difficult, irregular, troubled, or labored breathing
• difficulty with moving
• general feeling of discomfort, illness, or weakness
• generalized pain
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• lightheadedness
• pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
• pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
• problems with bowel or bladder function
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• red, scaling, or crusted skin

Applies to etanercept: subcutaneous kit, subcutaneous solution

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How Much Does Enbrel Cost

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. To find current prices for Enbrel in your area, visit GoodRx.com.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Enbrel manufacturers website to see if it offers any support options.

Do Biologics Have Side Effects

The most common are pain and rash where you got the shot. But they affect only a small number of people who take these drugs. Biologics can cause allergic reactions. Because some go directly into a vein, youâll get the infusion at a place where your doctor can keep an eye on you. Reaction symptoms include flu-like illness, fever, chills, nausea, and headache.

As with any drugs that suppress your immune system, biologics can make you more likely to get infections and other diseases. See the doctor ASAP if you have a fever or unexplained symptoms. You may need to get vaccinations to prevent infections before you start a biologic. Talk to your doctor before getting a vaccination if you’re on a biologic.

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What To Do In Case Of Overdose

If you think youve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

This drug comes with several precautions.

Which Medication Is More Effective For Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are a number of studies comparing Xeljanz to biologic medications, including Humira and Enbrel. In most cases, the studies compare how well the medications work when theyre used in combination with methotrexate.

While we dont have many head-to-head comparisons of the medications on their own, here is what current research shows.

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Etanercept For The Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Researchers in The Cochrane Collaboration conducted a review of the effect of etanercept for people with rheumatoid arthritis. After searching for all relevant studies, they found nine studies with over 2800 people. Their findings are summarised below.

In people with rheumatoid arthritis who have NOT improved with a traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug :

– Etanercept plus DMARDs probably improves pain, function and other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

– Etanercept plus DMARDs reduces disease activity and disability

– Showing a small difference needs a larger number of participants when all the data from the different types of participants are combined, etanercept reduces permanent joint damage as seen on x-ray.

We often do not have precise information about side effects and complications. This is particularly true for rare, but serious, side effects. Side effects such as injection site reactions, headache, common colds, nausea, dizziness and infections may occur with etanercept on its own or combined with a DMARD. Another Cochrane Review has shown that there is a small risk of tuberculosis reactivation and serious infections. Rare complications may include certain types of cancer.

What happens to people with rheumatoid arthritis who take etanercept plus traditional DMARDs after they have NOT improved with traditional DMARDs alone

ACR 50

Disease activity

Disability

X-rays of the joints

Alcohol Use And Enbrel

It should be safe for you to drink alcohol during your Enbrel treatment. However, certain drugs that are often prescribed along with Enbrel should not be used with alcohol. This may include methotrexate or certain pain medications such as oxycodone, depending on your condition.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much may be safe for you to drink with your condition and treatment plan.

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Watch How Joint Damage May Progress Over Time*

* This is not intended to be a diagnostic tool. Progression of joint damage is unique for each individual patient. Images are for demonstration purposes only. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. This tool does not collect or store your personal information, but Amgen may collect Usage Data to help us improve, develop, evaluate, and continue products, services, materials, and programs related to our products and your condition. Please read the Amgen Privacy Statement for more details. USA-916-80151

Progression of joint damage is unique for each individual patient. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Images are for demonstration purposes only.

The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States.

The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

Manufactured by Immunex Corporation, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Marketed by Amgen Inc.

What To Do In Case You Take Too Much Enbrel

Call your doctor if you think youve taken too much Enbrel. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or you can use their online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you have questions about taking Enbrel, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. Some questions to ask your doctor about Enbrel include:

• How should I store Enbrel at home?
• If I had hepatitis B in the past, can I still take Enbrel?
• Can I get the seasonal flu shot while taking Enbrel?
• How should I store Enbrel when Im traveling on a plane?
• Can I continue taking Enbrel if Im having surgery?

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