Enbrel®

ENBREL® is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms and delaying structural damage in patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. Since the drug's approval, 30 of the estimated 25,000 patients treated with Enbrel® are reported to have developed serious infections, including sepsis. Six of these patients died within two to sixteen weeks after starting treatment. A number of these RA patients had a history of chronic or recurrent infections, pre-existing infections, diabetes, or other conditions that predisposed them to infections.

Even though many RA patients are predisposed to infections, significant concerns remain that Enbrel® may contribute to the occurrence of serious infections. Many of the infections occurred shortly after initiation of Enbrel® therapy. In addition, a controlled study of Enbrel® to treat sepsis showed a higher incidence of death in patients treated with Enbrel®. Moreover, Enbrel® inhibits the action of tumor necrosis factor, a component of the body's natural defenses against serious infection.

Source: fda.gov

If you or a loved one has been harmed by Enbrel®, you may want to contact an Enbrel® attorney for more information.