Etanercept
Etanercept belongs to the class of drugs TNF-alpha inhibitor. Etanercept binds to include tumor necrosis factor TNF-alpha, so this is no longer active. TNF-alpha is a protein that plays a role in inflammation. Through the use of Etanercept is an inflammatory process calmed.
The agent has multiple indications such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriasis.
Etanercept get injected subcutaneously (under the skin). This happens depending on the indication from one to two times per week. The injections work quickly, sometimes within 48 hours. It normally takes several weeks before results are achieved. In rheumatoid arthritis, the effect of the treatment is measured at regular intervals by making a so-called DAS-calculation. This is a score of the number of swollen and painful joints and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In addition, counts how the experience of the patient. If the operation is insufficient, Etanercept can be combined with methotrexate. (Ledertrexate, MTX).
Precautions for use: If a patient develops an infection etanercept, it is important to have these checkups. During the treatment, blood will be taken regularly for controls. During these checks are red and white blood cells, platelets, liver function and kidney function evaluated.
There may be a correlation between use of etanercept and the very occasional occurrence of demyelinating disorders, worsening of existing multiple sclerosis and the occurrence of pancytopenia, possibly as a result of aplastic anemia.