Enbrel, generically etanercept, is a prescription drug used in the United States as part of the treatment for the various forms of arthritis, including psoriatic, rheumatoid and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It helps to decrease the symptoms of the diseases and helps protect the body from damage from them. It does this by making the progression of the damage slow down. Enbrel is administered via injection, and it also may be used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and reactive arthritis, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Flu-Like Symptoms
The use of Enbrel may produce serious side effects that are common. All of these, the Mayo Clinic notes, appear similar to influenza or a common cold. They are serious, however, so medical aid may be required upon your physician’s advice. You may experience chills and a fever when getting the Enbrel injection. You may develop a cough or sneeze when taking the drug. You also may get a sore throat from the medication.
Dizziness and Pain
A common, temporary side effect of Enbrel is dizziness, Drugs.com reports. It may make you feel as if your environment or you are spinning or unbalanced. If it is more pronounced, you may feel as if you were going to fall. Pain in your body also may occur when getting the injection of Enbrel. It may occur anywhere in your body but is most common at the site of the injection. Headaches also are common. As you continue to use Enbrel, these types of side effects tend to disappear. Tell your doctor if they persist.
Abdominal Issues
Enbrel commonly causes an imbalance in your digestive system that will be temporary and will last only as long as it takes for your body to get used to the drug. This can cause pain in your stomach and abdominal area, the Mayo Clinic states. As with many drugs when you first take them, etanercept may throw off your stomach’s normal function off. As a result, you may get nauseous and you also may vomit.
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