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Updated April 2025
Etanercept is a type of medicine called a bDMARD (biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug). It works by blocking a substance in the body called TNF (Tumour Necrosis Factor).
Biological DMARDs have been used since the late 1990s and have now been given to over a million people around the world.
These medicines work by blocking cytokines, which are substances made by inflamed tissues. People with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis often have too many cytokines in their blood and joints. Cytokines cause inflammation, which leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, and joint damage.
By blocking TNF, etanercept reduces inflammation and pain, and helps protect the joints from further damage.
Etanercept can help people with inflammatory arthritis live longer with a better quality of life. Studies show that patients who take etanercept have a lower risk of death and fewer flares. Many patients with inflammatory arthritis experience reduced pain, swelling, and stiffness. Etanercept helps to slow or stop disease progression and prevent joint or organ damage. This can enhance mobility and reduce disability caused by the condition. You may notice lessening of joint swelling, pain and stiffness, often within the first 8 weeks of starting. It is important to continue taking the medicine as prescribed to see full benefits.
The biosimilar version of etanercept (brand name Brenzys) has been in use in Australia since early 2017. A biosimilar is a version of etanercept shown to have similar safety and benefit as the original brand. Make sure you are given the same brand each time. If you need to change brands, your rheumatologist will advise you to and will monitor for side effects.
Etanercept may be used with other arthritis medicines including:
Etanercept cannot be used with other bDMARDs.
There are separate information sheets for the medicines mentioned above.
You might experience side effects with your treatment. Contact your rheumatologist if you have any concerns about possible side effects. Many side effects disappear when etanercept treatment is stopped.
Most common possible side effects
Less common or rare possible side effects
Infections
Precautions with other diseases Worsening may occur of the following conditions:
Use with other medicines
Vaccines
More information is available on Vaccinations in Rhematology and Respiratory and COVID-19 infection information.
Surgery
Use with alcohol
Use in pregnancy and when breastfeeding