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What is the most important information I should know about etanercept?

Do not use or handle this medication without first talking to your doctor if you have an allergy to latex. The needle cover is made from latex and you may have an allergic reaction to it. In rare cases, etanercept has caused serious blood problems. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop persistent fever; extreme or unusual fatigue; unexplained or prolonged bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection such as sore throat or pale skin. These symptoms may be signs of blood problems.

What is etanercept?

Etanercept reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that are involved in inflammatory and immune responses.

Etanercept is used to treat the symptoms of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis.

Etanercept may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking etanercept?

Do not use or handle this medication without first talking to your doctor if you have an allergy to latex. The needle cover is made from latex and you may have an allergic reaction to it.

Before using etanercept, tell your doctor if you

• have an allergy to benzyl alcohol;

• have suppression of the immune system;

• have a bone marrow disease;

• have a demyelinating disorder such as multiple sclerosis, myelitis, or optic neuritis;

• have seizures;

• have congestive heart failure;

• need to have surgery;

• have any kind of infection including an infection that is in only one place in your body (such as an open sore), or an infection that is in your whole body (such as the flu);

• have a history of infections that keep coming back or other conditions, like diabetes, that might increase your risk of infections;

• have a history of tuberculosis or have close contact with someone with tuberculosis;

• have recently received a live vaccine; or

• have poorly controlled diabetes.

You may not be able to use etanercept, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment.

If you develop any of the symptoms of tuberculosis (a dry cough that doesn't go away, weight loss, fever, night sweats) call your doctor. You will need to be examined for TB and have a skin test.

Etanercept is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use etanercept without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether etanercept passes into breast milk. Do not use etanercept without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.