Etanercept Injection

What is this medication?

ETANERCEPT (et a NER sept) treats autoimmune conditions, such as psoriasis and certain types of arthritis. It works by slowing down an overactive immune system. It belongs to a group of medications called TNF inhibitors.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Enbrel

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bleeding disorder
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
• Heart failure
• HIV or AIDS
• Immune system problems
• Infection such as tuberculosis (TB) or other bacterial, fungal or viral infections
• Liver disease
• Nervous system problems such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, multiple sclerosis or seizures
• Recent or upcoming vaccine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to etanercept, other medications, latex, rubber, food, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

The medication is injected under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you stop.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

If you use a pen, be sure to take off the outer needle cover before using the dose.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Biologic medications such as adalimumab, certolizumab, golimumab, infliximab
• Live vaccines
• Rilonacept

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Abatacept
• Anakinra
• Biologic medications such as anifrolumab, baricitinib, belimumab, canakinumab, natalizumab, rituximab, sarilumab, tocilizumab, tofacitinib, upadacitinib, vedolizumab
• Cyclophosphamide
• Sulfasalazine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick. If you have not had the measles or chickenpox vaccines, tell your care team right away if you are around someone with these viruses.

You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medication. If your care team prescribes any medication for TB, you should start taking the TB medication before starting this medication. Make sure to finish the full course of TB medication.

Avoid taking medications that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your care team. These medications may hide fever.

Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.

This medication can decrease the response to a vaccine. If you need to get vaccinated, tell your care team if you have received this medication. Extra booster doses may be needed. Talk to your care team to see if a different vaccination schedule is needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Body pain, tingling, or numbness
• Eye pain, change in vision, vision loss
• Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
• Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
• Lupus-like syndrome—joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, butterfly-shaped rash on the face, rashes that get worse in the sun, fever, unusual weakness or fatigue
• New or worsening psoriasis—rash with itchy, scaly patches
• Seizures
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Weakness in arms and legs

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Headache
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• Sinus pain or pressure around the face or forehead

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

See product for storage information. Each product may have different instructions. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.