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ENBREL

ETANERCEPT

Manufacturer: Immunex Corporation

Score: 144.0

Quick Summary

Enbrel (etanercept) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker used to treat various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis. It works by inhibiting the action of TNF, a substance in the body that causes inflammation. Enbrel is administered via subcutaneous injection and has been shown to reduce signs and symptoms of these conditions, improve physical function, and inhibit the progression of structural damage. However, it carries important safety information, including an increased risk of serious infections and malignancies. The recommended dosage varies depending on the condition being treated, and special considerations are necessary for use in pregnancy, pediatric, and geriatric populations.

Key Clinical Findings and Indications

  • Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis
  • Reduction of signs and symptoms, improvement of physical function, and inhibition of structural damage progression
  • Administration via subcutaneous injection

Important Safety Information

Warning

Increased risk of serious infections and malignancies

Contraindications

  • Sepsis

Adverse Reactions

  • Infections, neurologic reactions, malignancies, heart failure, hematologic reactions, hepatitis B reactivation, allergic reactions, autoimmunity, and immunosuppression

Dosing Recommendations

General Guidance

No dose adjustments are recommended

Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis

Adult Dose

50 mg once weekly

Pediatric Dose

0.8 mg/kg weekly, with a maximum of 50 mg per week

Plaque psoriasis

Adult Dose

50 mg twice weekly for 3 months, followed by 50 mg once weekly

Pediatric Dose

0.8 mg/kg once weekly, with a maximum of 50 mg per week

Special Population Considerations

Pregnancy

  • Available studies do not reliably support an association between etanercept and major birth defects
  • Risks and benefits should be considered prior to administering live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants exposed to Enbrel in utero

Nursing Mothers

  • No data available

Pediatric Use

  • Enbrel has been studied in children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, juvenile psoriatic arthritis, and plaque psoriasis
  • The safety and effectiveness of Enbrel in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age have not been established

Geriatric Use

  • No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between geriatric patients and younger patients
  • Caution should be used in treating the elderly due to a higher incidence of infections

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