The most common etanercept side effects are headaches, upper respiratory infections, and irritation at the injection site. Many patients also experience gastrointestinal problems like nausea, heartburn, and stomach pain. More serious etanercept side effects include increased risk of infection, risk of certain types of cancers, and nervous system and blood problems. Rarely, patients will have an allergic reaction to this medication or heart failure that can be life threatening. People with psoriasis may find that their condition worsens while taking this drug.
This medication can cause side effects ranging from bothersome to serious and life-threatening. Some common etanercept side effects are irritation at the injection site such as redness and swelling, headaches, and upper respiratory and sinus infections. Injection site irritation should go away within five days but if it gets worse, the patient should notify the prescribing physician.
There are also possible serious etanercept side effects that can be medical emergencies or life-threatening. This drug often lowers the patient’s ability to fight infections. As a result, some people who take etancercept may develop tuberculosis, especially if they are already harboring an inactive infection of the disease. People who are carriers for hepatitis B are at greater risk of developing the disease while taking etanercept. Other viral, fungal, and bacterial infections are also possible and can be fatal.
Some children and teenagers that are treated with etanercept and similar drugs have developed rare white blood cell cancers like lymphoma. In most cases, the cancer was aggressive and fatal but developed in patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The risk of developing lymphoma while taking this medication increases if the patient has active rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.
Additional serious etanercept side effects are heart failure, autoimmune reactions, and blood and nervous system problems. Some patients experience seizures, low blood counts, and autoimmune hepatitis. Existing psoriasis may worsen. Signs of a severe allergic reaction like hives, itching, and swelling should be treated like a medical emergency.
A doctor may prescribe etanercept to help soothe the symptoms of some autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, chronic plaque psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis. These are all conditions characterized by healthy areas of the body being attacked by the immune system. The affected area will often be painful, swollen or damaged.
Etanercept is a tumor-necrosis factor inhibitor that blocks the activity of a substance that causes inflammation. It is available as an injectable solution in a prefilled syringe, a separate powder and liquid to be mixed, or an automatic injection device. Most patients receive their first dose in a doctor’s office or other clinical setting. If no serious side effects develop, etanercept can be injected once or twice a week at home. This medication is injected under the skin, usually in the thighs, upper arms, or stomach.
This medication can control symptoms but is not a cure. Needles and syringes should not be reused. Patients should ensure that the solution is not expired and that it is clear and colorless before injecting. There may be small white particles visible, but no large or colored debris. Such solutions should not be used.
Patients should discuss with the prescribing physician any medications, vitamins, and supplements they are taking before starting etanercept. The risks of taking this drug must be considered in light of any potential benefit. Pregnant women or those that become pregnant while taking etanercept should inform their prescribing physicians as soon as possible.
