Etanercept Cartridge (ETANERCEPT - INJECTION)

Instructions

This medicine is used by injecting it into the skin. Please ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for the correct places on your body where this medicine can be injected.

Read and make sure you understand the instructions for measuring your dose and using the syringe before using this medicine.

Always inspect the medicine before using.

The liquid should be clear and colorless.

Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy, contains flakes or large particles, or if it has changed color.

It is normal for the medicine to contain tiny clear or white particles or air bubbles.

Do not shake the medicine before using.

Keep medicine in refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect from light.

Keep the medicine in its original container.

You may store this medicine at room temperature for up to 30 days. Do not put back in refrigerator.

If your medicine is stored in the refrigerator, take it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before use to warm to room temperature.

Discard unused medicine after 30 days at room temperature.

Never use any medicine that has expired.

Change the location of the injection each time. Choose a location at least 1 inch from the last injection.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to latex.

It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

This medicine may increase the risk of cancer. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist how to safely discard unused medicines, needles and syringes.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• headaches
• pain, redness, swelling near injection
• upper respiratory infection

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• bleeding or bruising
• chest pain
• changes in memory, mood, or thinking
• confusion
• cough that does not go away
• swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
• fainting
• fever or chills
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• severe or persistent headache
• fast or irregular heart beats
• signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
• muscle weakness
• pale or blue skin, lips or fingernails
• rash on nose, cheeks or arms
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• stomach pain
• blood in stool
• light colored stool
• unsteadiness while walking
• difficulty or discomfort urinating
• vaginal itching or yeast infection
• blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.