Etanercept Dosing (Cont.)

General Etanercept Dosage Information

Some considerations for people taking etanercept include:
 
  • You can receive your etanercept injections at your healthcare provider's office or, in some cases, you can give the injections to yourself at home. Usually, the first dose of etanercept is given in your healthcare provider's office. After that, you can inject it yourself or have someone else administer the injections if you are comfortable doing so.
     
  • If you will be giving your etanercept injections at home, make sure your healthcare provider shows you exactly how to use the prefilled syringes or SureClick autoinjectors.
     
  • Etanercept SureClick autoinjectors may be easier for some people to use.
     
  • Each etanercept kit will come with everything you need to give an injection, including detailed instructions and pictures. However, you may need more needles than the etanercept multi-use kit comes with.
     
  • Etanercept multi-use vials must be mixed prior to use (the kit contains everything needed to mix etanercept). After mixing, the etanercept solution is good for up to 14 days and must be stored in the refrigerator.
     
  • All etanercept must be stored in the refrigerator (even unmixed etanercept Multi-Use Vials). However, a dose of etanercept can be allowed to warm up to room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before the injection (this may help with injection pain).
     
  • Dispose used syringes in a puncture-resistant container, such as an old coffee can. Special containers for this use (called "sharps containers") are often available from your pharmacy.
     
  • Do not inject directly into skin that is tender, bruised, red, or where there are scars.
     
  • Be sure to rotate your injection site each time (about one inch away from the previous injection) to reduce the chances of soreness or redness.
     
  • If you do not inject your etanercept as scheduled, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of etanercept.
     
  • For etanercept to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Etanercept will not work if you take it in a way other than the one your healthcare provider prescribed.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to etanercept or your etanercept dosage, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking etanercept without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;