Rheumetoid arthritis enbrel (embril) medication

Enbril (Embrel) is one of the new TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) blocking medicines, a very promising group of drugs that can be used for treating rheumetoid arthritis symptoms. 

	Enbrel - Embril

The two most commonly used TNF-blocking substances used today for treating rheumatory arthritis are Enbrel (Embril), which is based on a receptor that binds itself to TNF, and Remicade (infliximab). In both cases, the TNF effect on the immune system cells and in the structures of the joint are blocked. Both these substances are now used frequently with very good results especially in patients with severe RA where other treatment has proven ineffective. 

Enbrel (etanercept) is used for treating severe cases of RA in both adults and children, Bechterews disease, plaque-psoriasis and psoratic (psoriatric) arthritis. More than 300,000 patients worldwide have been treated with Embril (Enbrel) up to very recently.

It was shown in the large TEMPO-study, published in the Lancet (2004), that Embril (Enbrel) very efficiently stops the destruction of joints in severe RA and at the same time reduces RA symptoms such as pain, stiffness and swollen joints. 

Using Enbrel (Embril) 

Enbrel works by intercepting and blocking the inflammatory TNF circulating in the bloodstream before it has had time to bind to the cells driving the inflammation. Enbrel (Embril) stops the inflammatory process in both already affected joints and in ligaments as well as in skin affected by psoriasis. The drug offers a long lasting effect on both joint and skin symptoms which is very important in the treatment of chronical inflammatory diseases.

The most commonly reported side effects of Embril (Enbrel) are infections, irritation at the injection site and headaches. 

Enbrel (Embril) is administered via injections under the skin. The patient can inject it himself, or a family member or hospital staff can administer it. The drug is prescription based.

The drug comes in the form of a powder that needs dissolving in a special solvent before use. Every injection bottle of Enbrel (Embril) contains 25 mg of the active ingredient (etanercept). Solvent is supplied in pre-filled syringes in the package. When the mixed solution is ready, it is important to inject it immediately. Full instructions are included in the package. Embrel should be stored in a refrigerator and must not be frozen. 

A prescription drug like this will have its dose specially adapted for the patient. It is therefore very important to follow the dosage instruction on the package for best possible result and to minimize the risk of side effects. 

This drug is administered twice a week. A normal dose for adults with RA is 25 mg per injection. It is also possible to dose it 50 mg and only once per week. The dose for children depends on the body weight, normally 0.4 mg per kg body weight, twice a week. The effect will take between half a month and three months to show in full. 

It is important not to use Enbril in patients with severe infections such as tuberculosis or blood poisoning. Before prescribing Embrel, the doctor should perform a test to establish that the patient is not suffering from TBC. This is normally done as X-ray of the lungs and a TBC skin test.

Side effects of Enbrel 

When using Emberel, it is important to contact your doctor if you have a temperature or other signs of infection such as coughing, sour throat, diarrhea, frequent urinating or pain when urinating. Enbrel (Embril) treatment can hide symptoms of infections.

There can also be an allergic reaction to this drug. If you experience chest pains, difficulty to breathe, rashes or any swelling up, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Some patients can show reactions on or around the injection spot. This can include itching, light pain, redness and swelling up. These side effects usually disappear after some time. There are also reports of diarrhea. 

It is possible that this drug increases the risk of getting infections such as bronchitis, influenza or herpes. If you think you have got an infection after using Enbrel, you must contact your doctor immediately. 

Combining Embril with other drugs

It is not established very well how Enbrel (Embril) reacts if used together with other drugs whether prescribed or natural herbal remedies. It is important to state all use of other drugs to your doctor before he prescribes this drug.

Enbrel and pregnancy or breastfeeding

If you need to use Embril when pregnant, you must consult your doctor. There is not enough knowledge today on the effects on the fetus, if any. For breast feeding, it is uncertain whether the Enbrel will pass over via the milk and if so, in what quantities. 

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