Enbrel (etanercept) is a prescription drug that’s used to manage certain inflammatory conditions. The drug comes as a liquid solution that’s injected under your skin. It’s usually given once or twice per week.
Enbrel is used in adults to treat:
It’s also used in certain children to treat:
- juvenile psoriatic arthritis (a type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis)
- polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA)
- plaque psoriasis
The active ingredient in Enbrel is etanercept.
Enbrel belongs to a group of drugs called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers.
This article describes the dosages of Enbrel, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Enbrel, see this in-depth article.
Enbrel is a medication that’s given by subcutaneous injection (an injection under your skin). The drug comes in several forms and strengths.
When you first start treatment with Enbrel, you may receive injections at your doctor’s office. Then, they’ll show you or a caregiver how to give the injections at home. You can also ask your pharmacist to show you how to use Enbrel.
What are the forms of Enbrel?
Enbrel is available in the following forms:
- liquid solution inside single-dose prefilled syringes*
- liquid solution inside prefilled SureClick auto-injectors*
- liquid solution inside Enbrel Mini single-dose prefilled cartridges* (used with AutoTouch auto-injectors)
- liquid solution inside single-dose vials (given as an injection using a syringe)
- powder inside multidose vials (which is mixed into a solution before being injected with a syringe)
* This form of the drug contains dry natural rubber. If you have a latex allergy, let your doctor know before using Enbrel.
What strengths does Enbrel come in?
The available strengths of Enbrel vary depending on the form of the drug you use.
Single-dose prefilled syringes:
- 25 milligrams (mg) per 0.5 milliliters (mL) of solution
- 50 mg per 1 mL of solution
SureClick auto-injector:
- 50 mg per 1 mL of solution
Enbrel Mini single-dose prefilled cartridge:
- 50 mg per 1 mL of solution (used with the AutoTouch reusable auto-injector)
Single-dose vial of solution:
- 25 mg per 0.5 mL of solution
Multidose vial of powder:
- 25 mg of powder, which is mixed with 1 mL of sterile water
Note: The Enbrel multidose powder is used for dosage strengths other than 25 mg or 50 mg. For example, children who are on weight-based doses may need additional dosage options.
What are the typical dosages of Enbrel?
For adults, your dose of Enbrel will depend on the condition it’s used to treat and its severity. For children, it will also depend on their weight in kilograms (kg).
You may start treatment with a certain dose that your doctor adjusts over time until you reach the right amount for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dose that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis
The Enbrel dosage for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults is typically 50 mg injected once weekly. Your doctor may also prescribe another medication, such as methotrexate, with Enbrel. They’ll show you how to give yourself the Enbrel injection at home. They’ll also show you how to use any other medication they prescribe.
Dosage for psoriatic arthritis
The typical Enbrel dosage for adults with psoriatic arthritis is 50 mg given once weekly. Depending on your condition, your doctor may prescribe another drug in combination with Enbrel. For example, they may also prescribe methotrexate to help manage your psoriatic arthritis symptoms.
Your doctor will determine whether you should use methotrexate or another drug with Enbrel. They’ll also show you how to give yourself the Enbrel injection.
Dosage for plaque psoriasis
For adults with plaque psoriasis, the typical starting dosage (also called a loading dose) of Enbrel is 50 mg given twice per week for 3 months. Your doctor will start you at this higher dose to help your body respond faster to treatment.
After 3 months, your doctor will lower your dose to 50 mg given once per week.
Instead of a twice-weekly starting dose, your doctor may start you on a lower 25-mg or 50-mg dose given once per week. This will depend on your condition and other health factors.
Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you and will make any necessary adjustments over time.
For information on children’s dosages for plaque psoriasis, see the “Dosage for plaque psoriasis in children” section below.
Dosage for ankylosing spondylitis
The typical starting dose of Enbrel for ankylosing spondylitis is 50 mg injected once weekly.
For this condition, your doctor may prescribe another medication, such as methotrexate, for use with Enbrel.
If you have questions about your dosage, talk with your doctor. They’ll help determine the right dosage for your condition.
What’s the dosage of Enbrel for children?
Enbrel is approved to treat juvenile psoriatic arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA), and plaque psoriasis in children. For these uses, your child’s dosage will be based on their weight in kg. One kg is equal to 2.2 pounds (lb).
The dosage is the same for children regardless of which condition Enbrel is prescribed to treat.
| Weight | Dosage |
|---|---|
| 63 kg (138 lb) or above | 50 mg once per week |
| under 63 kg (138 lb) | 0.8 mg per kg of body weight once per week |
Note: If a child’s weight changes over time, their doctor will need to adjust their dose again.
Dosage for juvenile psoriatic arthritis
Doctors may prescribe Enbrel to treat juvenile psoriatic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older. The dosage is based on weight:
- For children who weigh 63 kg (138 lb) or above, the typical dosage is 50 mg, given once per week.
- For children who weigh under 63 kg, the dose is 0.8 mg per kg of body weight, given once per week.
Your child’s doctor or pharmacist will calculate the correct dose for them.
Dosage for polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Enbrel can be used in children ages 2 years and older with pJIA. The dosage is based on weight:
- For children who weigh 63 kg or above, the typical dosage is 50 mg, given once per week.
- For children who weigh under 63 kg, the dose is 0.8 mg per kg of body weight, given once per week.
If you have questions about your child’s dose, talk with their doctor.
Dosage for plaque psoriasis in children
Enbrel can be used in children ages 4 years and older with plaque psoriasis. The dosage is based on weight:
- For children who weigh 63 kg or above, the usual dosage is 50 mg, given once weekly.
- For children who weigh under 63 kg, the usual dosage is 0.8 mg per kg of body weight once per week.
Your child’s doctor or pharmacist will calculate the correct dose for their weight.
Is Enbrel used long term?
Yes, Enbrel is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Enbrel is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.
Dosage adjustments
In some cases, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of Enbrel depending on your condition, weight, and how you respond to treatment.
For example, the dosage of Enbrel used in children is based on weight. If your child’s weight changes during treatment, their doctor will likely need to adjust their dosage.
Keep in mind that it may take a few weeks or longer to see an improvement in your symptoms. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about whether Enbrel is working for you.
The dosage of Enbrel you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using Enbrel to treat
- your age
- your weight (for children)
- the form of Enbrel you use
To avoid side effects from Enbrel, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dose that’s effective for your condition. If you have questions about what your dosage should be, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Enbrel is a medication given by injection under the skin. Your doctor may give you your doses in their office or teach you how to inject the medication at home.
Enbrel comes in several forms and strengths. If you’re prescribed the powder form of the drug, you’ll need to mix it with sterile water before injection.
Enbrel is typically given in the thigh, abdomen, or the upper arm.
For more detailed instructions on using Enbrel, talk with your doctor. You can also check out the “How to inject” section of this article.
If you miss a dose of Enbrel, inject it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose and give yourself your next injection at its regular time. You shouldn’t give yourself two injections at once to make up for a missed dose. This can increase your risk of serious side effects.
To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm, downloading a reminder app, or setting a timer on your phone. A kitchen timer can work, too.
Don’t use more Enbrel than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.
What to do in case you use too much Enbrel
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve used too much Enbrel. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use their online resource. However, if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor prescribes Enbrel, they’ll determine the right dosage for you.
Remember, you shouldn’t change your dosage of Enbrel unless your doctor recommends it. You should use Enbrel exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Will my Enbrel dosage need to be changed if I have kidney disease?
- Will my dosage be adjusted if my symptoms don’t improve?
- Is there a certain form of Enbrel that will work better for my condition?
Q:
If my child weighs less than 138 lb, will they need to use a specific form of Enbrel?
AnonymousA:
Yes. Typically, children who weigh less than 138 lb, which equals 63 kg, will be prescribed the Enbrel multidose vial of powder.
The Enbrel dose for children who weigh less than 138 lb (63 kg) is based on body weight. And the powder form of Enbrel can be used to create multiple dosage options.
The other forms of Enbrel are only available in strengths of 25 mg or 50 mg. Therefore, they may not provide the dose your child needs based on their weight.
Your child’s doctor or pharmacist will calculate the correct dose of Enbrel for your child. If your child’s weight changes, the dose may also need to be adjusted.
If you have questions about the form or dosage of Enbrel that’s right for your child, talk with their doctor.
The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
