Enbrel Warnings

Enbrel is a brand name for the generic drug etanercept. Etanercept is a protein that intercepts or inhibits the work of a substance in the body called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). People with a tendency for autoimmune diseases such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, some kinds of spondylitis such as ankylosing spondylitis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis or plaque psoriasis have an excess of this protein in their bodies.Despite its uses to patients with serious ailments, Enbrel comes with a host of warnings, as this drug can cause many side effects and is not suitable for all patients.

Risk of Infection

• According to Enbrel's FAQ section of the website, some patients are known to have developed very serious infections that have even caused death while taking Enbrel. The most important factor that causes infection is the patient's lower resistance and tendency for developing infection. Embrel is most likely to lead to infection in patients who have been on other pain-killing drugs such as corticosteroids and methotrexate. Those with tuberculosis are also at high risk of developing infection when taking Enbrel.

Carcinogen

• Rx List.com warns that Enbrel can act as a carcinogen in certain instances. In particular, children and adolescents may be prone to developing malignancy during or following continued intake of Enbrel. Lymphoma is the most common type of cancer that individuals develop while taking Enbrel, according to RX List.

Neurological Disorders

• Healthscout.com reports a link between Enbrel therapy and the onset or exacerbation of neurological disorders such as seizures, multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. Although healthscout.com reports that the link between Enbrel and these disorders is not clinically proven, the site comments that this link may exist and should be considered before taking Enbrel.