Enbrel (Etanercept): Side Effects, Risks & What to Know

Enbrel is a prescription medication used to treat people who suffer from several types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Enbrel contains a protein that blocks the body's reaction to a substance that causes joint pain and swelling. Many people who take Enbrel also take other medications to help control the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis. Patients who take the drug will not experience any side effects, but some could develop potentially severe reactions.

Fatal Infections

• In rare cases, people taking Enbrel have developed severe and even fatal infections as a side effect of the medication. Signs of a severe infection include fever, chills, a persistent sore throat, chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, a cough; swollen lymph nodes, unusual diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea or vomiting, decreased alertness and a general feeling of malaise. If you experience any of these symptoms while take Enbrel, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.

Serious Side Effects

• People taking Enbrel may also develop other severe side effects that require medical attention. These reactions are also very rare, however. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: numbness or tingling throughout the body, a skin rash that gets worse when exposed to the sun, arm or leg swelling, weakness in the arms or legs, vision problems, seizures, mental or mood changes, unexplained fatigue, unusual bruising or bleeding, and unusual skin lumps.

Non-Serious Side Effects

• Some people taking Enbrel may also experience less severe side effects, such as
  headaches and dizziness. Because Enbrel is given as in injection, it is also normal for patients to develop some redness, soreness, swelling, bruising or itching at the injection site. Although these side effects can be uncomfortable and bothersome, they are no cause for concern.