If you have recently been prescribed Enbrel or if you are considering options for treating autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, or ankylosing spondylitis, we have created this guide to give you detailed and useful information.

Enbrel, Humira, Cimzia, Simponi, Cosentyx, Cimzia, Humira, Simponi, Cosentyx cool boxes and cool bags

Related article: Comprehensive tips for storing Enbrel safely and using cooler bags when traveling

What is Enbrel and how is it used?

Enbrel, whose active ingredient is etanercept, is a biological medicine used to treat various autoimmune diseases. The drug is administered by subcutaneous injection and has proven to be a mainstay in the treatment of various chronic inflammatory diseases.

Enbrel is used for the following diseases:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Enbrel is used to relieve signs and symptoms, slow the progression of joint damage, and improve physical function in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It can be prescribed to both adults and, in some cases, pediatric patients.
  • Psoriatic arthritis: Enbrel can help control the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease that combines the skin symptoms of psoriasis with joint inflammation.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis: Enbrel is used to treat the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and can cause inflammation in the joints of the spine and other areas.
  • Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis : Enbrel is used to treat adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches.
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA): Enbrel may also be useful for children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF inhibitor)

Etanercept , the active ingredient in Enbrel, belongs to a class of medicines known as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNF inhibitors) . These medications block TNF, a substance produced by the body that plays a key role in the inflammatory response and development of autoimmune diseases. By inhibiting TNF , Enbrel helps reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms associated with these diseases.

However, to understand the mechanism of action of Enbrel, you first need to know what TNF is and what it does in the body.

TNF (tumor necrosis factor) is a protein produced by the immune system. It acts as a messenger that helps regulate the immune response and inflammation in the body. Under normal circumstances, TNF is useful in fighting infections and responding to injury. However, in autoimmune diseases, TNF production can become excessive and lead to chronic inflammation , potentially causing long-term tissue damage.

How does the Enbrel active ingredient work?

Enbrel (etanercept) mimics the activity of a natural TNF receptor in the body . By binding to TNF, Enbrel prevents TNF from binding to its natural receptors on inflammatory cells. This is similar to blocking the signals that trigger inflammation.

In this way, Enbrel reduces TNF activity , thereby reducing inflammation and helping control the symptoms associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

In summary, by inhibiting TNF, Enbrel helps:

  • relieve inflammation and pain in joints and skin
  • Slows the progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Improves mobility and quality of life of patients with chronic inflammatory diseases.

But that's not all. Etanercept treatment has also shown long-term benefits in autoimmune diseases . By controlling inflammation, Enbrel may help prevent or slow the tissue and organ damage often associated with these conditions.

A comparison with other biologics

Enbrel is not the only tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, as there are several biologics on the market that can also be prescribed for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis or even Crohn's disease and others, including for example:

  • Humira (adalimumab): For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and psoriatic arthritis.
  • Remicade (infliximab): Used for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, plaque psoriasis, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
  • Cimzia (certolizumab pegol): For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Simponi (golimumab): Used for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and ulcerative colitis.

There are also other injections with biological medicines used to treat similar diseases, such as:

  • Cosentyx (secukinumab): IL-17A inhibitor used in plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Stelara (ustekinumab): blocks the interleukins IL-12 and IL-23, indicated for plaque psoriasis, Crohn's disease and psoriatic arthritis.
  • Taltz (ixekizumab): Another IL-17A inhibitor used to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
  • Orencia (abatacept): works by modulating T cell activation, indicated in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

These medicines all differ in their mechanism of action , dosage, side effects and more. Some may be more effective in certain diseases or in certain patients with specific characteristics, so the choice always depends on an individual medical assessment.

The Enbrel Pen application & Enbrel dosage explained in detail

As mentioned above, Enbrel is administered by subcutaneous injection , meaning it is injected directly under the skin. Usually in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.

How to inject Enbrel

Enbrel injections are administered by patients themselves at home. The medicine is available in two forms: as prefilled single-dose syringes or as prefilled pens for self-injection.

Enbrel prefilled syringes contain a measured dose of etanercept. They come with a needle already attached and are ready to use . They are very easy to use, even if you have poor hand mobility, as is often the case with rheumatoid arthritis.

The Enbrel prefilled pens (SureClick pens for self-injection) make injecting even easier. Each pen contains a pre-measured dose of etanercept and is equipped with an automatic injection system.

Enbrel dosage and frequency of administration

The dosage and frequency of administration of Enbrel depends on the condition being treated and individual needs. The responsible doctor will always adjust the dosage to your specific situation.

In general, however, the standard dose of Enbrel for treating rheumatoid arthritis in adults is 50 mg once a week.

Some patients may notice an improvement in their symptoms within the first few weeks, while others may take longer to feel a change. In some cases, the doctor may adjust the dose depending on how the patient responds to Enbrel treatment. Most importantly, remember that you should never change the dose without consulting your doctor .

Enbrel Cooler Bag: Correct Storage and Cooling of Enbrel

Like other biologics, etanercept, the active ingredient in Enbrel, is highly perishable and sensitive to light and temperature . It therefore requires special storage conditions that must be strictly observed to prevent your syringes or injection pens from spoiling.

Here is a summary of the manufacturer's instructions regarding the storage of Enbrel:

  • Enbrel should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°-8°C .
  • Can be stored at room temperature (20°C-25°C) for up to 30 days .
  • Never expose to temperatures above 25°C .
  • If it is taken out of the refrigerator and stored below 25°C, it must not be refrigerated.
  • After 30 days outside the refrigerator, the medicine is no longer safe and should be thrown away.
  • Do not freeze Enbrel because freezing may change its protein structure.
  • If stored correctly, Enbrel is valid until the expiration date printed on the label .
  • If Enbrel becomes cloudy , discolored, or contains large clumps , it should not be used.

Because of these storage conditions, traveling with your Enbrel syringes or prefilled pens can be complicated. That's why I recommend 4AllFamily's portable coolers and cooler bags , which will keep your medications cool for several days , even without power!

Mini cooler box for transporting Enbrel when traveling

How much do Enbrel pens, Enbrel prefilled pens and Enbrel syringes cost

You probably already know that drug prices can vary widely depending on the country, health insurance, patient assistance programs and pharmacies.

The same goes for Enbrel, and it is difficult to give an estimate of its cost, but it is one of the most expensive biological drugs on the market. If we assume that the standard dosage is 4 doses per month (one dose per week), the monthly cost of Enbrel can reach €937 (4 pens) or more .

Most health insurance plans cover a significant portion of the cost of Enbrel. And if you're uninsured, remember that there are (almost) always patient assistance programs offered by the manufacturer that can help reduce costs.

Enbrel side effects

As with any medical treatment, the benefits of Enbrel should be carefully weighed against potential risks , always under the supervision of a doctor. Side effects of Enbrel may include injection site reactions, infections, headaches , and in some cases, more serious effects such as autoimmune disorders or heart problems .

Of course, you can find a full list of Enbrel side effects in the package leaflet that comes with your medication. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If you notice any side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

September 25, 2024

The information presented in this article and its comment section is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions you may have.