Etanercept is an immunosuppressant made up of a receptor TNFR and a part of immunoglobulin. It can inhibit tumor necrosis factor to suppress the action of the immune system. Etanercept is used for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Etanercept is available in Hong Kong as injection pens injected under the skin, preferably into the thigh. Listed below are the indications and the dosages.
Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
Adult and elderly
The initial dose is 50 mg twice weekly for 3 months. The maintenance dose is 50 mg once weekly.
Child at 4-17 years of age
0.8 mg/kg once weekly. The maximum dose is 50 mg per dose.
Psoriatic arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis
Adult and elderly
50 mg once weekly or 25 mg twice weekly, possible to be in combination with Methotrexate.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Child above 2 years of age
0.8 mg/kg once weekly. The maximum dose is 50 mg per dose. Otherwise, 0.4 mg/kg twice weekly. The maximum dose is 25 mg per dose.
Common dosing schedule:
Etanercept is injected once or twice weekly. If you inject once weekly, inject at around the same time of the week. For instance, inject every Saturday morning. If you inject twice weekly, inject at a 72-96 hour interval, for example, the morning of every Monday and Thursday.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Etanercept may interact with:
Etanercept may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Etanercept is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Etanercept in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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