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BackEtanercept Data - Uses, Dosage, Drug class, Brand name, Warnings, etc
| Pharmacology | Etanercept is a dimeric fusion protein that binds to tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α and TNF-β) and blocks its interaction with TNF receptors on the cell surface. This reduces the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and delays joint damage in adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It is indicated for patients with inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying drugs. |
|---|---|
| Administration and Adult Dosage |
For rheumatoid arthritis: - Subcutaneous (SC): 25 mg twice weekly (72–96 hr apart) |
| Special Populations - Pediatric Dosage |
- (<4 yr) Safety and efficacy not established - (4–17 yr) SC for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: 0.4 mg/kg twice weekly, not to exceed 25 mg per dose |
| Special Populations - Geriatric Dosage | Same as adult dosage. |
| Dosage Forms | - Injection: 25 mg |
| Patient Instructions |
- This drug may be self-administered. Learn proper injection preparation and subcutaneous injection technique, along with appropriate syringe and needle disposal methods - Rotate injection sites and give injections at least 1 inch from an old site; avoid tender, bruised, red, or hard areas - Inform your physician immediately of any persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, or pallor |
| Missed Doses |
- Injections should be given 72–96 hours apart - Give a missed dose as soon as possible and resume the usual schedule |
| Pharmacokinetics - Fate |
- Bioavailability: 58% with SC injection - Peak Plasma Concentrations: Achieved within 48–96 hr - Clearance: Median clearance is 52 mL/hr/m² |
| Pharmacokinetics - t¹⁄₂ | - Elimination half-life: 115 hr |
| Adverse Reactions & Side Effects |
Frequent: - Injection site reactions (mild to moderate erythema, itching, pain, or swelling) in ~37% of patients - Upper respiratory infections, headache, rhinitis, dizziness, pharyngitis, cough Rare: - CNS demyelinating disorders - Pancytopenia Pediatric: Well tolerated in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, with adverse reactions similar to adults |
| Contraindications | - Sepsis |
| Precautions & Warnings |
- Do not administer to patients with active infections or children with significant exposure to varicella virus - In patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis exposed to varicella zoster, temporarily discontinue etanercept and give varicella zoster immune globulin - Update vaccinations before initiating etanercept therapy; do not give live vaccines during therapy - The needle cover provided with the diluent syringe contains latex and should not be handled by those with latex allergy - Administer with caution to patients with a recent history of CNS demyelinating disorders |
| Parameters to Monitor |
- Monitor closely for infection and hematologic abnormalities during therapy - Discontinue treatment if serious infection, sepsis, or hematologic abnormality develops |
| Drug Interactions | - None known |
| Class and Drug Brand Name |
- Class: Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs - Brand Name: Enbrel |
| Notes |
- Etanercept sterile powder must be refrigerated at 2–8°C (38–46°F); do not freeze - Reconstitute 25 mg vial with 1 mL of bacteriostatic sterile water (included); inject diluent slowly to avoid foaming - Administer the solution as soon as possible after reconstitution; may be stored under refrigeration for up to 6 hr in the vial - Etanercept may be used concurrently with other rheumatoid arthritis therapies such as analgesics, corticosteroids, or methotrexate - Also being studied for the treatment of CHF, endometriosis, organ transplantation, and cachexia |
References
Hand of Clinical Drug Data