Etanercept
Enbrel (etanercept) is a biologic medication that works by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein that plays a central role in causing inflammation in the body. It is prescribed for adults and children to treat autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis. The medication is administered as a subcutaneous injection and helps reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with these inflammatory conditions.
Enbrel is a biologic TNF inhibitor used to treat inflammatory autoimmune conditions like arthritis and psoriasis by blocking inflammation-causing proteins in the body.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 216891
- Generic
- Enbrel
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Enbrel is FDA-approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis (including in combination with methotrexate), psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, plaque psoriasis (in adults and children), and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older.
Enbrel is a biologic DMARD (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug) that works as a TNF inhibitor. It binds to TNF-alpha, preventing it from interacting with cell surface TNF receptors. This blocks the inflammatory signaling cascade that leads to joint damage, skin lesions, and other symptoms of autoimmune conditions.
Enbrel suppresses the immune system, increasing susceptibility to serious infections including tuberculosis and sepsis. Live vaccines should not be given concurrently. Common side effects include injection site reactions, upper respiratory infections, and headaches. Patients should be screened for latent tuberculosis and hepatitis B before starting treatment. It is typically administered once or twice weekly via subcutaneous injection.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy