Enbrel (etanercept) is an injected prescription medication used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (a chronic inflammatory disease affecting primarily the lower back and joints), and psoriatic arthritis. It changes the immune response and helps relieve swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints.

2. What are the side effects of taking Enbrel?

• Redness
• Itching
• Pain at the injection site
• Prone to infection
• Flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat)
• Severe anemia (a low level of blood cells)
• Nerve damage
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Confusion
• Numbness
• Changes in vision
• Difficulty walking

3. Is Enbrel dangerous?

The life-threatening side effects in some users include erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Enbrel has also been linked to nervous system disorders, serious blood reactions, lymphoma and other cancers, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, optical neuritis, neurological diseases and sepsis. Reports of ten occurrences in 2000, half of which were fatal, led the drug manufacturer, Immunex Corporation, to issue a cautionary statement about Enbrel’s use.

4. What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the defense system of the body no longer works properly. It can cause problems in the joints, bones, and organs, many times affecting the hands and feet. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause fatigue and fever. Over 40 million people in the US suffer from arthritis, with females being more prone to the condition than males.

5. What should I do if I am currently taking Enbrel?

See your doctor if you have experienced serious side effects associated with Enbrel. In addition, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits (statutes of limitations) within which you must begin your lawsuit.

6. Has there been any reports or warnings issued regarding Enbrel?

• Enbrel was approved with labeling that says that it should not be given to patients with sepsis and should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection.
• The Immunex Corporation is sending a "Dear Doctor" letter alerting physicians to the new safety concerns, reminding them of the current label warning and informing them that the labeling for Enbrel has been revised to incorporate the new information.
• The FDA announced incidents of Steven-Johnson Syndrome, serious infections, sepsis and reported deaths with the use of this arthritis drug.
• The FDA has required the manufacturer to supplement the label of the drug to indicate the infection risks associated with the use of Enbrel.
• In October of 2000, warnings were added for the drug concerning neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and optical neuritis.

7. Do I need to hire an attorney?

The drug manufacturer has acknowledged some of the dangerous problems associated with the use of Enbrel, including serious infections and sepsis resulting in fatalities. If you or a family member has suffered due to use of this drug, consult with an attorney to explore your rights in a medical lawsuit.

8. What are the statutes of limitations involved in an Enbrel case?

The statute of limitation, or deadline to file a claim, varies from state to state, and the personal injury statute of limitation deadline can be different from the wrongful death statute of limitation deadline within the same state. Some states require personal injury claims to be filed within 3 years from the date the diagnosed, while a wrongful death claim must be filed within 2 years from the date of a death. Because of the varying deadlines, you should not delay seeking a law firm to provide legal advice and legal representation when there is a possible claim.