Etanercept is a prescription medication commonly administered as a subcutaneous injection (injection into the skin) used to treat a range of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. As a treatment for autoimmune conditions, etanercept may be prescribed in conjunction with other forms of medication to reduce inflammation in the body.

Etanercept is the active ingredient in the brand-name prescription medication Enbrel. There are currently no generic formulations of Enbrel on the market, and this medication is only available via prescription from a licensed health care provider.

Etanercept is commonly administered through an injection under the skin. This medication is prescribed primarily for the treatment of various autoimmune disorders including:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the soft tissue in the joints. As this tissue is destroyed, the joints become damaged. In addition to joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis may also cause fatigue, fever, and a loss of appetite.

Psoriatic arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis occurs in individuals with psoriasis (a common immune condition of the skin that causes red, scaly patches on the skin). This form of arthritis is characterized by the development of both the joint pain symptoms of arthritis and the skin scaling symptoms caused by psoriasis.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the joint tissue of children. This causes pain, swelling, delays in growth and development, and loss of function in affected joints.

Ankylosing spondylitis: This is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the joints in the spine, causing postural problems and back pain.

Ulcerative colitis: Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes swelling and painful sores in the lining of the large intestine. While the exact cause of this condition is unknown (diet and stress aggravate but don’t cause ulcerative colitis), genetics and immune system malfunctions appear to play a role in its development.

Uveitis: Uveitis is inflammation of the eye, which causes redness, eye pain, light sensitivity, and vision problems.

Etanercept has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these mild reactions do not go away within a few days.

Common side effects reported from etanercept (Enbrel) use include:

• Irritation, itching, or redness at the injection site
  
• Headache
  
• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Heartburn
  

This is not a complete list of adverse reactions caused by etanercept. Call your doctor right away if you experience any difficulty breathing, seizures, numbness, skin rash, chest pain, vision problems, or swelling in the face, feet, ankles, or lower legs while taking this medication.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with and any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before administering etanercept injections. Etanercept can interact with other forms of medication, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with this medication.

Etanercept is commonly administered as a subcutaneous injection (an injection under the skin). This shot can be given at home to patients who do not need to be in a hospital for treatment. Talk to your doctor about how to prepare the medication and the best practices for injection. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water, and clean the injection site before administering etanercept. Use a different part of the body each time you inject the medication into yourself or your child. Rotating areas of injection can help prevent skin issues.

The specific dosage of etanercept supplied during injection will vary depending on the condition for which you are being treated. In many cases, etanercept is supplied in prefilled cartridges. Before starting treatment with etanercept, talk to the prescribing doctor about the dosage you are being prescribed, and when to apply the injection.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of etanercept without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Etanercept is the active drug in Enbrel, which is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider. There is no generic version of Enbrel, so patients prescribed this drug will be prescribed the brand-name formulation.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not etanercept (Enbrel) is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for etanercept to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.