etanercept (injectable) Health Article

• dry cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats;

• fever with chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• signs of skin infection such as itching, swelling, warmth, redness, or oozing;

• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;

• black, bloody, or tarry stools;

• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;

• swelling, rapid weight gain;

• joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, unusual thoughts or behavior, and/or seizure (convulsions);

• patchy skin color, red spots, or a butterfly-shaped skin rash over your cheeks and nose (worsens in sunlight);

• changes in mood or personality (in children); or

• numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;

• runny or stuffy nose, cold symptoms; or

• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect etanercept?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• anakinra (Kineret);

• cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar);

• sulfasalazine (Azulfidine); or

• drugs that weaken your immune system (such as cancer medicine or steroids).

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with etanercept. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about etanercept.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.