×
There are updates to the co-pay card. If you are having issues using your co-pay card, click here for more information.
Indications

ENBREL is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms, keeping joint damage from getting worse, and improving physical function in patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. ENBREL can be taken with methotrexate or used alone. Read more

You are about to go to the ENBREL website for healthcare professionals.

This information is intended only for healthcare professionals in the US. If you are a healthcare professional, click “I agree” to continue.

I agree Cancel

What is Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

With RA, your immune system creates too much of a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Too much TNF may lead to inflammation that causes the pain, swelling, and damage of your joints over time. Symptoms may include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and tiredness.

What is Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

With RA, your immune system creates too much of a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Too much TNF may lead to inflammation that causes the pain, swelling, and damage of your joints over time. Symptoms may include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and tiredness.

WHY ENBREL?

How can ENBREL help you with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

How can ENBREL help you with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

ENBREL is a type of treatment known as a biologic—which means it’s made from living cells. ENBREL is designed to attach to TNF proteins to help block their activity and help relieve symptoms of moderate to severe RA. Treating moderate to severe RA with ENBREL can help you get back to many of the activities that you enjoy.

Try out our Joint Damage Simulator to see how joint damage can progress.

Joint pain icon

ENBREL helps

significantly
relieve joint pain

Joint damage icon

and helps

stop permanent
joint damage

caused by moderate to severe RA.

  • read video transcript

    Mechanism of Action (How ENBREL Works)

    Indication

    Enbrel® (etanercept) is indicated for the treatment for patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children 4 years and older, and moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

    Inflammation & the immune system

    Your immune system protects your body from infection and disease, but with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) your immune system isn’t working properly. It creates too many proteins, one of which is tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Too much TNF in your body causes inflammation in your joints. This inflammation can lead to joint pain, stiffness, even fatigue, and as time goes by that inflammation can wear down your cartilage and bone in your joints, causing irreversible joint damage. Also, with PsA, the excessive TNF causes inflammation under the skin, which leads to the red itchy patches on the surface of the skin called plaques of psoriasis.

    How ENBREL works

    ENBREL is a type of medicine known as a biologic. That means it's made from living things, like cells. ENBREL attaches itself to the TNF proteins to help block their activity. And by lessening the number of active TNF proteins, ENBREL helps reduce symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. More importantly, reducing the inflammation helps stop the progression of permanent joint damage in moderate to severe RA and PsA, and helps psoriasis plaques get clearer in PsA.

    Ask your doctor if ENBREL is right for you.

    COLLAPSE

Try out our Joint Damage Simulator to see how joint damage can progress

ENBREL is a type of treatment known as a biologic—which means it’s made from living cells. ENBREL is designed to attach to TNF proteins to help block their activity and help relieve symptoms of moderate to severe RA. Treating moderate to severe RA with ENBREL can help you get back to many of the activities that you enjoy.

Try out our Joint Damage Simulator to see how joint damage can progress.

How long does it take for ENBREL to work for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

ENBREL works differently with each person. Some results are seen quickly, and other times it may take a little longer. Taking ENBREL as prescribed by your doctor will help ENBREL give you the best chance of working for you. Your results may vary.

In a medical study:

Timeline of how long it takes ENBREL® to work for rheumatoid arthritis
Timeline of how long it takes ENBREL® to work for rheumatoid arthritis

Keep taking ENBREL as prescribed by your doctor to see how ENBREL might work for you. Keep in mind your results may vary. You may need to give ENBREL time to work. Most people finding relief saw results within 3 months, and some saw further improvements at 6 months.

Be sure to work with your doctor throughout your treatment with ENBREL.

Brandy's story

Brandy enjoyed an active lifestyle until her rheumatoid arthritis (RA) worsened as an adult. That’s when Brandy’s doctor prescribed ENBREL, which she’s taken for 20 years. Watch how ENBREL helped Brandy as a special education teacher, grandmother, and advocate for the RA community.

  • read video transcript

    ENBREL Patient Stories: Brandy

    Indication

    Enbrel® (etanercept) is indicated for the treatment for patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults and children 4 years and older, and moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

    Brandy: My kids grew up with a sick mom, a mom that couldn’t do everything. I didn’t trust my hands enough to pick up my son. Every joint, from neck to toe, was in pain 24/7. Like, my family was afraid to hug me because it hurt. It was all I could do to take care of my children, and a lot of that was from the couch. It was hard.

    ENBREL can cause serious side effects including: new infections or worsening of infections you already have, lymphoma and other types of cancer; hepatitis B can become active if you already had it; nervous system problems, such as multiple sclerosis, seizures, or inflammation of the nerves of the eyes; blood problems (some fatal); new or worsening heart failure; new or worsening psoriasis; allergic reactions; autoimmune reactions, including a lupus-like syndrome and autoimmune hepatitis. Additional Important Safety Information will be discussed later in this video.

    Shayla: When I was little, we just knew that we had to be careful when we were playing with our mom. She used to tell us that it felt like there was pieces of glass in her wrist.

    Brandy: I was desperate to find something that would work effectively. My doctor at the time suggested this new class of medication that had just been FDA approved. He started me out on ENBREL, and slowly things started to change. Every day that went by, I hurt a little bit less. That allowed me to be more active in my own life, more active as a mom, more active as a teacher. Every day, I could do a little bit more, go a little bit farther.

    Shayla: My mom has achieved a great deal in her life. She became a special education teacher so that she could advocate for students and parents who need some extra support like she does.

    Brandy: I have this amazing career, and I have the ability to reach out to at-risk kids and make connections with them. Back then, I thought I was out of options, but I do have options. I get to have an impact on my students. I get to have an impact on the rheumatoid arthritis community. I get to have an impact on my granddaughter.

    Shayla: My mom is really kind of incredible. I hope someday I can be half the mom that she is.

    Brandy: To hold that baby, it just means everything to me. I’ve been given a gift, and I’m truly, truly grateful for it.

    COLLAPSE

Brandy enjoyed an active lifestyle until her rheumatoid arthritis (RA) worsened as an adult. That’s when Brandy’s doctor prescribed ENBREL, which she’s taken for 20 years. Watch how ENBREL helped Brandy as a special education teacher, grandmother, and advocate for the RA community.

Rheumatoid Arthritis & Psoriatic Arthritis

Joint Damage Simulator

Moderate to severe RA can lead to irreversible joint damage.

What does permanent joint damage look like? Use this Joint Damage Simulator to see how joint damage can get worse over time.

Whether you have moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA), joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are common reminders of your condition. They can also be a sign of something else: permanent joint damage that cannot be undone.

Use the Joint Damage Simulator to see how permanent joint damage can progress if not treated with the right kinds of medication.

Watch how joint damage may progress over time.*

Rheumatoid Arthritis & Psoriatic ArthritisJoint Damage Simulator
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Psoriatic Arthritis (PSA)
hand foot SHOULDER KNEE

* This is not intended to be a diagnostic tool. Progression of joint damage is unique for each individual patient. Images are for demonstration purposes only. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. This tool does not collect or store your personal information, but Amgen may collect Usage Data to help us improve, develop, evaluate, and continue products, services, materials, and programs related to our products and your condition. Please read the Amgen Privacy Statement for more details. USA-916-80151

Progression of joint damage is unique for each individual patient. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Images are for demonstration purposes only.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Injection site reactions from ENBREL®

Common side effects include: Injection site reactions and upper respiratory infections (sinus infections).

Injection site reactions can include redness, itching, pain, swelling, bleeding, or bruising. These symptoms usually go away within 3 to 5 days. If you have pain, redness, or swelling around the injection site that does not go away or gets worse, call your healthcare provider.

Side effects of ENBREL®

ENBREL can cause serious side effects including: New infections or worsening of infections you already have, including tuberculosis; lymphoma and other cancers; hepatitis B can become active if you already have had it; nervous system problems, such as multiple sclerosis, seizures, or inflammation of the nerves of the eyes; blood problems (some fatal); new or worsening heart failure; new or worsening psoriasis; allergic reactions; autoimmune reactions, including a lupus-like syndrome and autoimmune hepatitis. See Important Safety Information below.

For children, teenagers, and adults taking TNF blockers, including ENBREL, the chances of getting lymphoma or other cancers may increase. Patients with RA may be more likely to get lymphoma.

Everybody’s experience with ENBREL is different. It’s important to talk to your doctor about
whether ENBREL is right for you and learn about its possible side effects.

Overall, out of the 3,743 people treated with ENBREL across clinical trials for different conditions*,
about 4% stopped using ENBREL due to side effects.

*Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis.

*Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis.

TALKING TO
YOUR DOCTOR

3 topics to bring up with your rheumatologist

Many doctors find the information below valuable when deciding on the right RA medication and treatment plan for their patients. Make the most of your next doctor’s appointment by preparing to discuss the following:

Many doctors find the information below valuable when deciding on the right RA medication and treatment plan for their patients. Make the most of your next doctor’s appointment by preparing to discuss the following:

  • #1

    How is rheumatoid arthritis (RA) making you feel overall?

    Are the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis affecting your ability to complete everyday activities, like getting out of bed, walking upstairs, or running errands? Do you believe your current treatment plan is working well? Your doctor may run additional tests to confirm, but they will likely want your input as well.

1
2
3

Get the Doctor Discussion Guide

In addition to the topics above, this simple guide can help you have a more robust conversation with your doctor.

LOOKING FOR SUPPORT?

Amgen® SupportPlusAmgen® SupportPlus

Have a prescription? We can provide support.

Personalized support designed for ENBREL Patients.

Amgen® SupportPlus is a personalized patient support program designed for patients like you who take certain Amgen medications, including ENBREL. It offers a variety of resources, including financial support information, supplemental injection support, and tools to help you stay on track with your medication.
FAQs about ENBREL®FAQs about ENBREL®

More questions? Check out our FAQs.

If you don’t see your question answered in the page above, chances are we’ve got it covered on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Prescription Enbrel® (etanercept) is taken (given) by injection.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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

ENBREL is a medicine that affects your immune system. ENBREL can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Serious infections have happened in patients taking ENBREL. These infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. Some patients have died from these infections. Your healthcare provider should test you for TB before you take ENBREL and monitor you closely for TB before, during, and after ENBREL treatment, even if you have tested negative for TB.

There have been some cases of unusual cancers, some resulting in death, reported in children and teenage patients who started using tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers before 18 years of age. Also, for children, teenagers, and adults taking TNF blockers, including ENBREL, the chances of getting lymphoma or other cancers may increase. Patients with RA may be more likely to get lymphoma.

Before starting ENBREL, tell your healthcare provider if you:

  • Have any existing medical conditions
  • Are taking any medicines, including herbals
  • Think you have, are being treated for, have signs of, or are prone to infection. You should not start taking ENBREL if you have any kind of infection, unless your healthcare provider says it is okay
  • Have any open cuts or sores
  • Have diabetes, HIV, or a weak immune system
  • Have TB or have been in close contact with someone who has had TB
  • Were born in, lived in, or traveled to countries where there is more risk for getting TB. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure
  • Live, have lived in, or traveled to certain parts of the country (such as, the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys, or the Southwest) where there is a greater risk for certain kinds of fungal infections, such as histoplasmosis. These infections may develop or become more severe if you take ENBREL. If you don’t know if these infections are common in the areas you’ve been to, ask your healthcare provider
  • Have or have had hepatitis B
  • Have or have had heart failure
  • Develop symptoms such as persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, or paleness while taking ENBREL
  • Use the medicine Kineret (anakinra), Orencia (abatacept), or Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide)
  • Are taking anti-diabetic medicines
  • Have, have had, or develop a serious nervous disorder, seizures, any numbness or tingling, or a disease that affects your nervous system such as multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Are scheduled to have surgery
  • Have recently received or are scheduled for any vaccines. All vaccines should be brought up-to-date before starting ENBREL. Patients taking ENBREL should not receive live vaccines
  • Are allergic to rubber or latex
  • Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
  • Have been around someone with chicken pox

What are the possible side effects of ENBREL?

ENBREL can cause serious side effects including: New infections or worsening of infections you already have; hepatitis B can become active if you already have had it; nervous system problems, such as multiple sclerosis, seizures, or inflammation of the nerves of the eyes; blood problems (some fatal); new or worsening heart failure; new or worsening psoriasis; allergic reactions; autoimmune reactions, including a lupus-like syndrome and autoimmune hepatitis.

Common side effects include: Injection site reactions and upper respiratory infections (sinus infections).

In general, side effects in children were similar in frequency and type as those seen in adult patients. The types of infections reported were generally mild and similar to those usually seen in children.

These are not all the side effects with ENBREL. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

If you have any questions about this information, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Prescribing Information and Medication Guide.

INDICATIONS

Moderate to Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

ENBREL is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms, keeping joint damage from getting worse, and improving physical function in patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. ENBREL can be taken with methotrexate or used alone.

Psoriatic Arthritis

ENBREL is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms, keeping joint damage from getting worse, and improving physical function in patients with psoriatic arthritis. ENBREL can be used with or without methotrexate.

Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis

ENBREL is indicated for chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (PsO) in children 4 years and older and adults who may benefit from taking injections or pills (systemic therapy) or phototherapy (ultraviolet light).

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

ENBREL is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.

Moderately to Severely Active Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

ENBREL is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children ages 2 years and older.

Prescription Enbrel® (etanercept) is taken (given) by injection.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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

ENBREL is a medicine that affects your immune system. ENBREL can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections.