ENBREL
ETANERCEPT
What it does
Etanercept is a medication used to help manage certain autoimmune conditions.
Commonly used for: rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis …
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 21:35:51 · updated 2026-07-20 11:10:11
Drug Interactions
3Severe (2)
Etanercept - increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening)
Anakinra is predicted to increase the risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening) when given with etanercept. Avoid.
Etanercept - increases risk of immunosuppression
Filgotinib is predicted to increase the risk of immunosuppression when given with etanercept. Avoid.
Unknown (1)
Etanercept - increases risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening)
Live vaccines are predicted to increase the risk of generalised infection (possibly life-threatening) when given with etanercept. UKHSA advises avoid (refer to Green Book).
Data from BNF 85 (British National Formulary). This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Matched via: exact
About this medicine
Etanercept is a medication used to help manage certain autoimmune conditions.
What it treats
- rheumatoid arthritis
- juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- psoriatic arthritis
- ankylosing spondylitis
- plaque psoriasis
How it works
Etanercept works by blocking a specific protein in the body that causes inflammation, helping to reduce symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
Who it's for
Etanercept is for people with autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation and joint pain.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Etanercept
BNF-referencedEtanercept is a biologic medication classified as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor. It is primarily used in the treatment of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and psoriasis. By blocking the action of TNF-alpha, which plays a key role in inflammation and immune responses, etanercept helps reduce the signs and symptoms of these diseases.
Indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Psoriasis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Enthesitis-related arthritis
Dosage
Children: Refer to BNF for Children for specific dosing guidelines. For juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the dose for children 2 years and older is based on weight and varies according to the specific type of arthritis being treated.
Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosing guidelines. Typically, for rheumatoid arthritis, the initial dose is 50 mg once weekly administered subcutaneously. Adjustments may be made based on patient response and tolerability.
Mechanism of action
Etanercept functions as a soluble TNF receptor fusion protein that binds to TNF-alpha, inhibiting its interaction with cell surface receptors. This effectively neutralizes TNF-alpha's pro-inflammatory effects, leading to a decrease in inflammation and modulating the immune response.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic effects of etanercept include the reduction of inflammatory mediators and cytokine release, leading to decreased levels of inflammation, pain, and joint damage in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Its effects can be observed within weeks of initiation of therapy, with continued improvement over time.
Pharmacokinetics
Etanercept is administered subcutaneously, with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 72 hours post-injection. The drug has a half-life of around 70 hours, allowing for once or twice weekly dosing. It is primarily metabolized through normal protein catabolism, with no specific metabolic pathway identified. Renal and hepatic function do not significantly impact the pharmacokinetics of etanercept.
Contra-indications
- Active tuberculosis
- Severe infections
- Hypersensitivity to etanercept or any component of the product
- Concurrent use with anakinra
- Concurrent live vaccines
Adverse effects
- Tuberculosis
- Abscess
- Asthenia
- Decreased leucocytes
- Eosinophilic disorders
- Fever
- Headaches
- Persistent cough
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Neutropenia
- Pain
- Sensory disorder
- Skin reactions
- Alopecia
- Anaemia
- Anxiety
- Appetite disorder
- Arrhythmias
- Ascites
- Asthma
- Breast disorder
- Cardiomyopathy
- Chills
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Dyslipidaemia
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Haemorrhage
- Healing impaired
- Heart failure
- Hypercoagulation
- Hypersensitivity
- Influenza-like illness
- Lacrimation disorder
- Lupus erythematosus
- Lymphadenopathy
- Menstrual cycle irregularities
- Mood disorders
- Multi-organ failure
- Muscle disorders
- Nail disorders
- Neoplasms
- Nerve disorders
- Oedema
- Oral disorders
- Oropharyngeal dryness
- Palpitations
- Photosensitivity reactions
- Renal impairment
- Respiratory disorders
- Sepsis
- Skin ulcer
- Solid organ neoplasm
- Syncope
- Temperature perception abnormal
- Thrombocytopenia
- Thrombocytosis
- Tinnitus
- Tremor
- Urinary tract disorders
- Vasculitides
- Vertigo
- Vision disorders
- Weight change
- Angioedema
- Atherosclerosis
- Atrioventricular block
- Cholelithiasis
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.