Etanercept

[Lut]

Hey Dr. Baraki, I was wondering what your opinion on Etancercept is to treat RA?

Etanercept in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Seems to be efficacious, in most settings despite the risk of infections going up, and slight irritations at the site of injections. I just wanted to get your opinion on the matter, as someone close to me had just started treatment, and they feel they have made a big mistake.They were told by their doc, it lowers their immune system. Their quality of life was overall pretty good, and resistance training regularly before going on said treatment and would have the occasional flare up . They are worried that if they don’t continue with this medication their joints will get worse overtime. There’s a lot to unpack on them with their current understanding of pain as I’m slowly breaking down barriers and getting through to them. I guess another question would be if their concerns are warranted? As the risk/benefit is quite low to my understanding.

“ETN not only reduces the signs and symptoms of RA, but also retards the progression of radiographic damage and improves the quality of life and function of patients.”

Thanks for your time, and expertise! Greatly appreciated

[Austin_Baraki]

What were they treated with previously for their RA? What led to the decision to initiate Etanercept?

If they have uncontrolled rheumatoid arthritis, there is indeed a risk of progressive joint damage over time due to the autoimmune/inflammatory process (along with other risks of uncontrolled chronic inflammation). I would agree that for most people the benefits outweigh the risks.

[Lut]

Negative.Do you find it is a better alternative? I can get them to ask their rheumatologist about it.

[Austin_Baraki]

Those agents are typically used for mild disease prior to initiating biologics like Etanercept.