Side Effects of Etanercept

Although most people tolerate etanercept well, there are some potential side effects of the medication, such as reactions at the injection site, abdominal pain, and vomiting. In many cases, the side effects of etanercept are minor and may be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. However, there are more serious etanercept side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider, including blood in the urine, depression, and unusual bruising or bleeding.

 

Side Effects of Etanercept: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects of etanercept (Enbrel®). However, not everyone who takes etanercept will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate etanercept well. When people do develop side effects, in many cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(The etanercept side effects discussed below are not a complete list of the side effects reported with this drug. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of possible side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Etanercept

Etanercept has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated. In these studies, the side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug were documented and compared to the side effects that occurred in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
Based on these studies, the most common etanercept side effects include:
 
  • Injection site reactions (redness, rash, swelling, itching, or bruising) -- occurring in up to 37 percent of people
  • Infections such as the common cold or a sinus infection -- in up to 35 percent
  • Headaches -- in up to 17 percent
  • Irritated or runny nose -- in up to 12 percent
  • Dizziness -- in up to 7 percent
  • Sore throat -- in up to 7 percent
  • Cough -- in up to 6 percent
  • General weakness -- in up to 5 percent
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain) -- in up to 5 percent
  • Breathing problems -- in up to 5 percent
  • Heartburn -- in up to 4 percent
  • Vomiting -- in up to 3 percent
  • Mouth ulcers (canker sores) -- in up to 2 percent.
     
(Side Effects of Etanercept Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;