Guest guest Posted August 11, 2000 Report Share Posted August 11, 2000 Hi Everyone! My mother asked me to join this group and ask a question. She does not use the Internet. My mother has had RA for close to 35 years. Recently, she started taking the drug Enberol. It might be called Enbrol. Anyway, she doesn't know anyone who is taking this drug. Could you please write me with your experiences regarding this drug? I will print them out and give them to her. My Mom's name is Trudy. You can send the e-mail to me: Franciejos@.... Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanking you in advance, Francie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 11, 2000 Report Share Posted August 11, 2000 Hi Francie I am sorry to hear about your mom. The drug is called Enbrel and here is info about it: What does etanercept do? ETANERCEPT (Enbrel™) is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in adults and children. Generic etanercept injections are not yet available. What should my health care professional know before I take etanercept? They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •currently receiving vaccinations •exposed to chickenpox •low white blood cell count •diabetes •other immune disorders •an unusual or allergic reaction to etanercept, latex, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant •breast-feeding How should I use this medicine? Etanercept is given by a small injection under the skin twice weekly, at least 3—4 days apart. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You may give etanercept injections to yourself or receive your injections in a clinic or doctor's office. Your prescriber or health care professional will assist you in preparing and injecting your first dose (or first few doses). Rotate sites where you inject etanercept. Usual sites of injection include the thigh, stomach, and upper arms. Do not attempt to prepare or give the medicine by yourself if you do not understand how to mix and inject a dose. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, consult your prescriber or health care professional. Do not take double or extra doses without advice. What other medicines can interact with etanercept? •vaccines Tell your prescriber or other health care professional about all other medicines you are taking including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also, tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check before stopping or starting any of your medications. What side effects may I notice from receiving etanercept? Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •fever, chills or any other sign of infection •stomach pain •rash Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •reddness, itching or swelling at the injection site •headache •dizziness •vomiting •weakness What do I need to watch for while I receive etanercept? If you get a cold or other infection while receiving etanercept, call your prescriber or health care professional. Etanercept may decrease your body's ability to fight infections. If you have never had chickenpox and are exposed to chickenpox, call your prescriber or health care professional right away. You may develop a more serious infection while receiving etanercept. When giving etanercept to yourself, make sure to rotate the sites where you inject the medicine. Make sure the new site is at least one inch from a previous injection site. Do not give in an area where the skin is tender, red, bruised or hard. Make sure you receive a puncture-resistant container to dispose of the needles and syringes once you have finished with them. Do not reuse these items. Return the container to your prescriber or health care professional for proper disposal. Where can I keep my medicine? Keep out of reach of children. Keep unopened vials in the refrigerator between 36—46[0]F (2—8[0]C). Do not freeze or use after the date stamped on the carton or vial. Once you have dissolved the powder, use it as soon as possible. The dissolved powder may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours after mixing then must be thrown away. Best wishes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 14, 2000 Report Share Posted August 14, 2000 My 11yr old son has been on enbrel for about 4 months and i have to say that it was his mircle drug. He is doing things that he hasn't ever been able to do since he was dx 6 yrs ago. He had to stop going to school last year because of the pain and now he just started school today. has to do 5th grade over again but he doesn't seem to mind to much. i am so happy that jesse started this new med cause it really has changed his life. good luck to your mom. shelly and jesse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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