The increase in LFT is dose-dependent, and the patient should be monitored at baseline and monthly. The recommended starting dose is 100 mg per day for three days, and the maintenance dose is usually 20 mg per day. Use with caution in patients with liver impairment due to increased risk of toxicity. Contraindications include pregnant women and those of childbearing age because it is teratogenic in animals. This TNF inhibitor acts like an antibody and stops inflammation.
Etanercept is currently available as an injection only.
The recommended adult dose is 25mg subcutaneous twice weekly. The most common side effect is mild injection site reaction. COX-1 maintains prostaglandin synthesis in the stomach, kidneys, and platelets. COX-2 maintains prostaglandin production predominately in inflamed tissue and joints. It is used to treat acute and chronic osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.