ENBREL (etanercept) DESCRIPTION ENBREL (etanercept) is a dimeric fusion protein consisting of the extracellular ligand-binding portion of the human 75 kilodalton (p75) tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) linked to the Fc portion of human IgG1. The Fc component of etanercept contains the CH2 domain, the CH3 domain and hinge region, but not the CH1 domain of IgG1. Etanercept is produced by recombinant DNA technology in a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) mammalian cell expression system. It consists of 934 amino acids and has an apparent molecular weight of approximately 150 kilodaltons. ENBREL is supplied as a sterile, white, preservative-free, lyophilized powder for parenteral administration after reconstitution with 1 mL of the supplied Sterile Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP (containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol). Following reconstitution, the solution of ENBREL is clear and colorless, with a pH of 7.4 + or - 0.3. Each single-use vial of ENBREL contains 25 mg etanercept, 40 mg mannitol, 10 mg sucrose, and 1.2 mg tromethamine. CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY General Etanercept binds specifically to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and blocks its interaction with cell surface TNF receptors. TNF is a naturally occurring cytokine that is involved in normal inflammatory and immune responses. It plays an important role in the inflammatory processes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and the resulting joint pathology. (Ref 1, 2) Elevated levels of TNF are found in the synovial fluid of RA patients. (Ref 3) Two distinct receptors for TNF (TNFRs), a 55 kilodalton protein (p55) and a 75 kilodalton protein (p75), exist naturally as monomeric molecules on cell surfaces and in soluble forms. (Ref 4) Biological activity of TNF is dependent upon binding to either cell surface TNFR. Etanercept is a dimeric soluble form of the p75 TNF receptor that can bind to two TNF molecules. It inhibits the activity of TNF in vitro and has been shown to affect several animal models of inflammation, including murine collagen-induced arthritis. (Ref 5,6) Etanercept inhibits binding of both TNF alpha and TNF beta (lymphotoxin alpha [LTalpha]) to cell surface TNFRs, rendering TNF biologically inactive. (Ref 6) Cells expressing transmembrane TNF that bind ENBREL are not lysed in vitro in the presence or absence of complement. (Ref 6) Etanercept can also modulate biological responses that are induced or regulated by TNF, including expression of adhesion molecules responsible for leukocyte migration (i.e., E-selectin and to a lesser extent intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1]), serum levels of cytokines (e.g., IL-6), and serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3 or stromelysin). (Ref 6) Pharmacokinetics After administration of 25 mg of ENBREL by a single subcutaneous (SC) injection to three patients with RA, a median half-life of 115 hours (range 98 to 300 hours) was observed with a clearance of 89 mL/hr (52 mL/hr/m2). A maximum serum concentration (Cmax) of 1.2 mcg/mL (range 0.6 to 1.5 mcg/mL) and time to Cmax of 72 hours (range 48 to 96 hours) was observed in these patients. After continued dosing of RA patients (N = 25) with ENBREL for 6 months with 25 mg twice weekly, the median observed level was 3.0 mcg/mL (range 1.7 to 5.6 mcg/mL). Based on the available data, individual patients may undergo a two- to five-fold increase in serum levels with repeated dosing. Serum concentrations in patients with RA have not been measured for periods of dosing that exceed 6 months. Pharmacokinetic parameters were not different between men and women and did not vary with age in adult patients. No formal pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted to examine the effects of renal or hepatic impairment or interactions with methotrexate. Pediatric patients with JRA (ages 4 to 17 years) were administered 0.4 mg/kg of ENBREL for up to 18 weeks. The average serum concentration after repeated dosing was 2.1 mcg/mL, with a range of 0.7 to 4.3 mcg/mL. Preliminary data suggests that the clearance of ENBREL is reduced slightly in children ages 4 to 8 years. Children <4 years of age have not been studied. CLINICAL STUDIES Adult Rheumatoid Arthritis The safety and efficacy of ENBREL were assessed in three randomized, double-blind, controlled studies. Study I evaluated 234 patients with active RA who were > or = 18 years old, had failed therapy with at least one but no more than four disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs; e.g., hydroxychloroquine, oral or injectable gold, methotrexate [MTX], azathioprine, D-penicillamine, sulfasalazine), and had > or = 12 tender joints, > or = 10 swollen joints, and either ESR > or = 28 mm/hr, CRP>2.0 mg/dL, or morning stiffness for > or = 45 minutes. Doses of 10 mg or 25 mg ENBREL or placebo were administered SC twice a week for 6 consecutive months. Results from patients receiving 25 mg are presented below. Study II evaluated 89 patients and had similar inclusion criteria to Study I except that subjects in Study II had additionally received MTX for at least 6 months with a stable dose (12.5 to 25 mg/wk) for at least 4 weeks and they had at least 6 tender or painful joints. Subjects in Study II received a dose of 25 mg ENBREL or placebo SC twice a week for 6 months in addition to their stable MTX dose. Study III compared the efficacy of ENBREL to MTX in patients with active RA. This study evaluated 632 patients who were > or = 18 years old with early (< or = 3 years disease duration) active RA; had never received treatment with MTX; and had > or = 12 tender joints, > or = 10 swollen joints, and either ESR > or = 28 mm/hr, CRP > 2.0 mg/dL, or morning stiffness for > or = 45 minutes. Doses of 10 mg or 25 mg ENBREL were administered SC twice a week for 12 consecutive months. Results from patients receiving 25 mg are presented below. MTX tablets (escalated from 7.5 mg/week to a maximum of 20 mg/week over the first 8 weeks of the trial) or placebo tablets were given once a week on the same day as the injection of placebo or ENBREL doses, respectively. The results of all 3 trials were expressed in percentage of patients with improvement in RA using American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response criteria. (Ref 7) Clinical Response The percent of ENBREL-treated patients achieving ACR 20, 50, and 70 responses was consistent across all 3 trials. The results of the three trials are summarized in Table 1. TABLE 1 ACR RESPONSES IN PLACEBO- AND ACTIVE-CONTROLLED TRIALS (Percent of Patients) Placebo Controlled Active Controlled Study I Study II Study III Placebo ENBREL(a) MTX/Placebo MTX/ENBRELa MTX ENBRELa Response N = 80 N = 78 N = 30 N = 59 N = 217 N = 207 ACR 20 Month 3 23% 62%(b) 33% 66%b 56% 62% Month 6 11% 59%b 27% 71%b 58% 65% Month 12 NA NA NA NA 65% 72% ACR 50 Month 3 8% 41%(b) 0% 42%(b) 24% 29% Month 6 5% 40%(b) 3% 39%(b) 32% 40% Month 12 NA NA NA NA 43% 49% ACR 70 Month 3 4% 15%(b) 0 15%(b) 7% 13%(c) Month 6 1% 15%(b) 0 15%(b) 14% 21%(c) Month 12 NA NA NA NA 22% 25% (a) 25 mg ENBREL SC twice weekly. (b) p < 0.01, ENBREL vs. placebo. (c) p < 0.05, ENBREL vs. MTX. The time course for ACR 20 response rates for patients receiving placebo or 25 mg ENBREL in Studies I and II is summarized in Figure 1. The time course of responses to ENBREL in Study III were similar. (Note: Figure 1 not available in text.) Among patients receiving ENBREL, the clinical responses generally appeared within 1 to 2 weeks after initiation of therapy and nearly always occurred by 3 months. A dose response was seen in Studies I and III: 25 mg ENBREL was more effective than 10 mg (10 mg was not evaluated in Study II). ENBREL was significantly better than placebo in all components of the ACR criteria as well as other measures of RA disease activity not included in the ACR response criteria, such as morning stiffness. In Study III, approximately 10% percent of patients treated with ENBREL achieved a major clinical response, defined as maintenance of an ACR 70 response over a 6-month period. The results of the components of the ACR response criteria for Study I are shown in Table 2. Findings were similar in Studies II and III for patients treated with ENBREL. Table 2 Components of ACR Response in Study I Placebo ENBREL(a) N= 80 N = 78 Parameter (median) Baseline 3 Months Baseline 3 Months* Number of tender joints(b) 34.0 29.5 31.2 10.0(f) Number of swollen joints(c) 24.0 22.0 23.5 12.6(f) Physician global assessment(d) 7.0 6.5 7.0 3.0(f) Patient global assessment(d) 7.0 7.0 7.0 3.0(f) Pain(d) 6.9 6.6 6.9 2.4(f) Disability index(e) 1.7 1.8 1.6 1.0(f) ESR (mm/hr) 31.0 32.0 28.0 15.5(f) CRP (mg/dL) 2.8 3.9 3.5 0.9(f) After discontinuation of ENBREL, symptoms of arthritis generally returned within a month. Reintroduction of treatment with ENBREL after discontinuations of up to 18 months resulted in the same magnitudes of response as patients who received ENBREL without interruption of therapy based on results of open-label studies. Continued durable responses have been seen for up to 36 months in open-label extension treatment trials when patients received ENBREL without interruption. A Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), (Ref 8) which included disability, vitality, mental health, general health status, and arthritis-associated health status subdomains, was administered every 3 months during Studies I and III. All subdomains of the HAQ were improved in patients treated with ENBREL. In Study III, health outcome measures were assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire. The eight subscales of the SF-36 were combined into two summary scales, the physical component summary (PCS) and the mental component summary (MCS). (Ref 9) At 12 months, patients treated with 25 mg ENBREL showed significantly more improvement in the PCS compared to the 10 mg ENBREL group, but not in the MCS. Radiographic Response In Study III, structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as change in total Sharp score (TSS) and its components, the erosion score and joint space narrowing (JSN) score. Radiographs of hands/wrists and forefeet were read at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. The results are shown in Table 3. A significant difference for change in erosion score was observed at 6 months and maintained at 12 months. Table 3 Mean Radiographic Change Over 6 and 12 Months in Study III MTX 25 mg MTX-ENBREL P value ENBREL (95% Confidence Interval*) 12 Months Total Sharp score 1.59 1.00 0.59 (-0.12, 1.30) 0.110 Erosion score 1.03 0.47 0.56 (0.11, 1.00) 0.002 JSN score 0.56 0.52 0.04 (-0.39, 0.46) 0.529 6 Months Total Sharp score 1.06 0.57 0.49 (0.06, 0.91) 0.001 Erosion score 0.68 0.30 0.38 (0.09, 0.66) 0.001 JSN score 0.38 0.27 0.11 (-0.14, 0.35) 0.585 * 95% confidence intervals for the differences in change scores between MTX and ENBREL Polyarticular-Course Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) The safety and efficacy of ENBREL were assessed in a two-part study in 69 children with polyarticular-course JRA who had a variety of JRA onset types. Patients ages 4 to 17 years with moderately to severely active polyarticular-course JRA refractory to or intolerant of methotrexate were enrolled; patients remained on a stable dose of a single nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and/or prednisone (< or = 0.2 mg/kg/day or 10 mg maximum). In part 1, all patients received 0.4 mg/kg (maximum 25 mg per dose) ENBREL SC twice weekly. In part 2, patients with a clinical response at day 90 were randomized to remain on ENBREL or receive placebo for four months and assessed for disease flare. Responses were measured using the JRA Definition of Improvement (DOI), (Ref 10) defined as > or = 30% improvement in at least three of six and > of = 30% worsening in no more than one of six JRA core set criteria, including active joint count, limitation of motion, physician and patient/parent global assessments, functional assessment, and ESR. Disease flare was defined as a > or = 30% worsening in three of six JRA core set criteria and > or = 30% improvement in not more than one of the six JRA core set criteria and a minimum of two active joints. In part 1 of the study, 51 of 69 (74%) patients demonstrated a clinical response and entered part 2. (Ref 11) In part 2, 6 of 25 (24%) patients remaining on ENBREL experienced a disease flare compared to 20 of 26 (77%) patients receiving placebo (p=0.007). From the start of part 2, the median time to flare was > or = 116 days for patients who received ENBREL and 28 days for patients who received placebo. Each component of the JRA core set criteria worsened in the arm that received placebo and remained stable or improved in the arm that continued on ENBREL. The data suggested the possibility of a higher flare rate among those patients with a higher baseline ESR. Of patients who demonstrated a clinical response at 90 days and entered part 2 of the study, some of the patients remaining on ENBREL continued to improve from month 3 through month 7, while those who received placebo did not improve. The majority of JRA patients who developed a disease flare in part 2 and reintroduced ENBREL treatment up to 4 months after discontinuation re-responded to ENBREL therapy, in open-label studies. Most of the responding patients who continued ENBREL therapy without interruption have maintained responses for up to 18 months. Studies have not been done in patients with polyarticular-course JRA to assess the effects of continued ENBREL therapy in patients who do not respond within 3 months of initiating ENBREL therapy, or to assess the combination of ENBREL with methotrexate. Immunogenicity Patients were tested at multiple timepoints for antibodies to ENBREL. Antibodies to ENBREL, all non-neutralizing, were detected at least once in sera of <16% of adult rheumatoid arthritis patients. No apparent correlation of antibody development to clinical response or adverse events was observed. Results from JRA patients were similar to those seen in adult RA patients treated with ENBREL. The long-term immunogenicity of ENBREL is unknown. The data reflect the percentage of patients whose test results were considered positive for antibodies to ENBREL in an ELISA assay, and are highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including sample handling, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to ENBREL with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading. INDICATIONS AND USAGE ENBREL is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms and delaying structural damage in patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. ENBREL can be used in combination with methotrexate in patients who do not respond adequately to methotrexate alone. ENBREL is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have had an inadequate response to one or more DMARDs. CONTRAINDICATIONS ENBREL should not be administered to patients with sepsis or with known hypersensitivity to ENBREL or any of its components. WARNINGS IN POST-MARKETING REPORTS, SERIOUS INFECTIONS AND SEPSIS, INCLUDING FATALITIES, HAVE BEEN REPORTED WITH THE USE OF ENBREL. MANY OF THESE SERIOUS EVENTS HAVE OCCURRED IN PATIENTS WITH UNDERLYING DISEASES THAT IN ADDITION TO THEIR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS COULD PREDISPOSE THEM TO INFECTIONS. PATIENTS WHO DEVELOP A NEW INFECTION WHILE UNDERGOING TREATMENT WITH ENBREL SHOULD BE MONITORED CLOSELY. ADMINISTRATION OF ENBREL SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED IF A PATIENT DEVELOPS A SERIOUS INFECTION OR SEPSIS. TREATMENT WITH ENBREL SHOULD NOT BE INITIATED IN PATIENTS WITH ACTIVE INFECTIONS INCLUDING CHRONIC OR LOCALIZED INFECTIONS. PHYSICIANS SHOULD EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN CONSIDERING THE USE OF ENBREL IN PATIENTS WITH A HISTORY OF RECURRING INFECTIONS OR WITH UNDERLYING CONDITIONS WHICH MAY PREDISPOSE PATIENTS TO INFECTIONS, SUCH AS ADVANCED OR POORLY CONTROLLED DIABETES. (see PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS, Infections). PRECAUTIONS General Allergic reactions associated with administration of ENBREL during clinical trials have been reported in < 2% of patients. If an anaphylactic reaction or other serious allergic reaction occurs, administration of ENBREL should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy initiated. Information to Patients If a patient or caregiver is to self-administer ENBREL, he/she should be instructed in injection techniques and how to measure the correct dose to help ensure the proper administration of ENBREL (see How to Use Enbrel, Instructions for Preparing and Giving an Injection). The first injection should be performed under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. The patient's or caregiver's ability to self-inject subcutaneously should be assessed. A puncture- resistant container for disposal of needles and syringes should be used. Patients and caregivers should be instructed in the technique as well as proper syringe and needle disposal, and be cautioned against reuse of these items. Immunosuppression The possibility exists for anti-TNF therapies, including ENBREL, to affect host defenses against infections and malignancies since TNF mediates inflammation and modulates cellular immune responses. In a study of 49 patients with RA treated with ENBREL, there was no evidence of depression of delayed-type hypersensitivity, depression of immunoglobulin levels, or change in enumeration of effector cell populations. The impact of treatment with ENBREL on the development and course of malignancies, as well as active and/or chronic infections is not fully understood (see WARNINGS, ADVERSE REACTIONS, Infections and Malignancies). The safety and efficacy of ENBREL in patients with immunosuppression or chronic infections have not been evaluated. Immunizations No data are available on the effects of vaccination in patients receiving ENBREL. Live vaccines should not be given concurrently with ENBREL. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving ENBREL (see PRECAUTIONS, Immunosuppression). It is recommended that JRA patients, if possible, be brought up to date with all immunizations in agreement with current immunization guidelines prior to initiating ENBREL therapy. Two JRA patients developed varicella infection and signs and symptoms of aseptic meningitis, which resolved without sequelae. Patients with a significant exposure to varicella virus should temporarily discontinue ENBREL therapy and be considered for prophylactic treatment with Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin. Autoantibody Formation Treatment with ENBREL may result in the formation of autoimmune antibodies (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Autoantibodies). Drug Interactions Specific drug interaction studies have not been conducted with ENBREL. Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility Long-term animal studies have not been conducted to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of ENBREL or its effect on fertility. Mutagenesis studies were conducted in vitro and in vivo, and no evidence of mutagenic activity was observed. Pregnancy (Category B) Developmental toxicity studies have been performed in rats and rabbits at doses ranging from 60- to 100-fold higher than the human dose and have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus due to ENBREL. There are, however, no studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Nursing Mothers It is not known whether ENBREL is excreted in human milk or absorbed systemically after ingestion. Because many drugs and immunoglobulins are excreted in human milk, and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from ENBREL, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug. Geriatric Use A total of 197 RA patients ages 65 years or older have been studied in clinical trials. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients. Because there is a higher incidence of infections in the elderly population in general, caution should be used in treating the elderly. Pediatric Use ENBREL is indicated for treatment of polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have had an inadequate response to one or more DMARDs. For issues relevant to pediatric patients, in addition to other sections of the label, see also PRECAUTIONS, Immunizations, and ADVERSE REACTIONS, Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients. ENBREL has not been studied in children < 4 years of age. ADVERSE REACTIONS ENBREL has been studied in 1197 patients with RA, followed for up to 36 months. The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse events was approximately 4% in both ENBREL and placebo- treated patients. Injection Site Reactions In controlled trials, 37% of patients treated with ENBREL developed injection site reactions. All injection site reactions were described as mild to moderate (erythema and/or itching, pain, or swelling) and generally did not necessitate drug discontinuation. Injection site reactions generally occurred in the first month and subsequently decreased in frequency. The mean duration of injection site reactions was 3 to 5 days. Seven percent of patients experienced redness at a previous injection site when subsequent injections were given. Infections In controlled trials, there were no differences in rates of infection among patients treated with ENBREL and those treated with placebo or MTX. The most common type of infection was upper respiratory infection, which occurred in 16% of placebo-treated patients and 29% of patients treated with ENBREL. When the longer observation of patients on ENBREL was accounted for, the event rate was similar in both groups. In placebo-controlled trials in DMARD-refractory RA, no increase in the incidence of serious infections was observed (approximately 1% in both placebo and ENBREL-treated groups). The rates of infections for the ENBREL arm in Study III were similar. In all clinical trials in RA, 50 of 1197 subjects exposed to ENBREL for up to 36 months experienced serious infections, including pyelonephritis, bronchitis, septic arthritis, abdominal abscess, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, wound infection, pneumonia, foot abscess, leg ulcer, diarrhea, sinusitis, and sepsis. Serious infections, including sepsis and death, have also been reported during post-marketing use of ENBREL. Some have occurred within a few weeks after initiating treatment with ENBREL. Many of the patients had underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes, congestive heart failure, history of active or chronic infections) in addition to their rheumatoid arthritis. (See WARNINGS). Data from a sepsis clinical trial not specifically in patients with RA suggest that ENBREL treatment may increase mortality in patients with established sepsis. (Ref 12) Malignancies Seventeen malignancies of various types were observed in 1197 RA patients treated in clinical trials with ENBREL for up to 36 months. The observed rates and incidences were similar to those expected for the population studied. Autoantibodies Patients had serum samples tested for autoantibodies at multiple timepoints. In Studies I and II, the percentage of patients evaluated for antinuclear antibodies (ANA), the percentage of patients who developed new positive ANA (=1:40) was higher in patients treated with ENBREL (11%) than in placebo-treated patients (5%). The percentage of patients who developed new positive anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies was also higher by radioimmunoassay (15% of patients treated with ENBREL compared to 4% of placebo-treated patients) and by crithidia lucilae assay (3% of patients treated with ENBREL compared to none of placebo-treated patients). The proportion of patients treated with ENBREL who developed anticardiolipin antibodies was similarly increased compared to placebo-treated patients. In Study III, no pattern of increased autoantibody development was seen in ENBREL patients compared to MTX patients. No patients in placebo- and active-controlled trials developed clinical signs suggestive of a lupus-like syndrome. The impact of long-term treatment with ENBREL on the development of autoimmune diseases is unknown. Other Adverse Reactions Table 4 summarizes events reported in at least 3% of all patients with higher incidence in patients treated with ENBREL compared to controls in placebo-controlled RA trials (including the combination methotrexate trial) and relevant events from Study III. Table 4 Percent of RA Patients Reporting Adverse Events in Controlled Clinical Trials* Placebo Active Controlled Controlled (Study III) Percent of patients Percent of patients Event Placebo(+) ENBREL MTX ENBREL (n = 152) (n = 349) (n = 217) (n = 415) Injection site reaction 10 37 7 34 Infection 32 35 72 64 Non-upper respiratory infection** 32 38 60 51 Upper respiratory infection** 16 29 39 31 Headache 13 17 27 24 Nausea 10 9 29 15 Rhinitis 8 12 14 16 Dizziness 5 7 11 8 Pharyngitis 5 7 9 6 Cough 3 6 6 5 Asthenia 3 5 12 11 Abdominal pain 3 5 10 10 Rash 3 5 23 14 Peripheral edema 3 2 4 8 Respiratory disorder 1 5 NA NA Dyspepsia 1 4 10 11 Sinusitis 2 3 3 5 Vomiting - 3 8 5 Mouth ulcer 1 2 14 6 Alopecia 1 1 12 6 Pneumonitis ("MTX lung") - - 2 0 * Includes data from the 6-month study in which patients received concurrent MTX therapy. + The duration of exposure for patients receiving placebo was less than the ENBREL-treated patients. ** Includes data from two of the three placebo controlled trials. Among patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated in placebo-controlled trials, serious adverse events occurred at a frequency of 4% in 349 patients treated with ENBREL compared to 5% of 152 placebo-treated patients. In Study III, serious adverse events occurred at a frequency of 6% in 415 patients treated with ENBREL compared to 8% of 217 MTX-treated patients. Among patients with RA in placebo- controlled, active-controlled, and open-label trials of ENBREL, malignancies (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Malignancies) and infections (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Infections) were the most common serious adverse events observed. Other infrequent serious adverse events observed included heart failure, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia, cerebral ischemia, hypertension, hypotension, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, bursitis, depression, dyspnea, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, membranous glomerulonephropathy, polymyositis, and thrombophlebitis. Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients In general, the adverse events in pediatric patients were similar in frequency and type as those seen in adult patients. Differences from adults and other special considerations are discussed in the following paragraphs. Severe adverse reactions reported in 69 JRA patients ages 4 to 17 years included varicella (see also PRECAUTIONS, Immunizations), gastroenteritis, depression/personality disorder, cutaneous ulcer, esophagitis/gastritis, group A streptococcal septic shock, type I diabetes mellitus, and soft tissue and post-operative wound infection. Forty-three of 69 (62%) children with JRA experienced an infection while receiving ENBREL during 3 months of study (part 1 open-label), and the frequency and severity of infections was similar in 58 patients completing 12 months of open-label extension therapy. The types of infections reported in JRA patients were generally mild and consistent with those commonly seen in outpatient pediatric populations. The following adverse events were reported more commonly in 69 JRA patients receiving 3 months of ENBREL compared to the 349 adult RA patients in placebo-controlled trials. These included headache (19% of patients, 1.7 events per patient year), nausea (9%, 1.0 events per patient year), abdominal pain (19%, 0.74 events per patient year), and vomiting (13%, 0.74 events per patient year). OVERDOSAGE The maximum tolerated dose of ENBREL has not been established in humans. Toxicology studies have been performed in monkeys at doses up to 30 times the human dose with no evidence of dose-limiting toxicities. No dose-limiting toxicities have been observed during clinical trials of ENBREL. Single IV doses up to 60 mg/m2 have been administered to healthy volunteers in an endotoxemia study without evidence of dose- limiting toxicities. The highest dose level evaluated in RA patients has been a single IV loading dose of 32 mg/m2 followed by SC doses of 16 mg/m2 (~25 mg) administered twice weekly. In one RA trial, one patient mistakenly self-administered 62 mg ENBREL SC twice weekly for 3 weeks without experiencing adverse effects. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended dose of ENBREL for adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis is 25 mg given twice weekly as a subcutaneous injection 72-96 hours apart (see Clinical Studies). Methotrexate, glucocorticoids, salicylates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or analgesics may be continued during treatment with ENBREL. Higher doses of ENBREL have not been studied. The recommended dose of ENBREL for pediatric patients ages 4 to 17 years with active polyarticular-course JRA is 0.4 mg/kg (up to a maximum of 25 mg per dose) given twice weekly as a subcutaneous injection 72-96 hours apart. Glucocorticoids, nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or analgesics may be continued during treatment with ENBREL. Concurrent use with methotrexate and higher doses of ENBREL have not been studied in pediatric patients. Preparation of ENBREL ENBREL is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a physician. Patients may self-inject only if their physician determines that it is appropriate and with medical follow-up, as necessary, after proper training in how to measure the correct dose and in injection technique. Note: The needle cover of the diluent syringe contains dry natural rubber (latex), which should not be handled by persons sensitive to this substance. ENBREL should be reconstituted aseptically with 1 mL of the supplied Sterile Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP (0.9% benzyl alcohol) giving a solution of 1.0 mL containing 25 mg of ENBREL. During reconstitution of ENBREL, the diluent should be injected very slowly into the vial. Some foaming will occur. This is normal. To avoid excessive foaming, do not shake or vigorously agitate. The contents should be swirled gently during dissolution. Generally, dissolution of ENBREL takes less than 10 minutes. The reconstituted solution should be clear and colorless and used within 6 hours (see Storage and Stability). Visually inspect the solution for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration. The solution should not be used if discolored or cloudy, or if particulate matter remains. Withdraw the solution into the syringe, removing only the dose to be given from the vial. Some foam or bubbles may remain in the vial. No other medications should be added to solutions containing ENBREL, and do not reconstitute ENBREL with other diluents. Do not filter reconstituted solution during preparation or administration. Rotate sites for injection (thigh, abdomen, or upper arm). New injections should be given at least one inch from an old site and never into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard. (See How to Use ENBREL, Instructions for Preparing and Giving an Injection instruction sheet.) Storage and Stability Do not use a dose tray beyond the date stamped on the carton, dose tray label, vial label, or diluent syringe label. The dose tray containing ENBREL (sterile powder) must be refrigerated at 2-8 degrees C (36-46 degrees F). DO NOT FREEZE. Administer reconstituted solutions as soon as possible after reconstitution. If not administered immediately after reconstitution, ENBREL may be stored in the vial at 2-8 degrees C (36-46 degrees F) for up to 6 hours. ANY ENBREL NOT USED WITHIN 6 HOURS OF RECONSTITUTION SHOULD BE DISCARDED. PRODUCT STABILITY AND STERILITY CANNOT BE ASSURED. HOW SUPPLIED ENBREL is supplied in a carton containing four dose trays (NDC 58406-425-34). Each dose tray contains one 25 mg single-use vial of etanercept, one syringe (1 mL Sterile Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, USP, containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol), one plunger, and two alcohol swabs. Rx only REFERENCES 1. Feldman M, Brennan FM, Maini RN. The role of cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Rev Immunol 1996; 14:397. 2. Grom A, Murray KF, Luyrink L et al. Patterns of expression of tumor necrosis factor a, tumor necrosis factor beta, and their receptors in synovia of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile spondyloarthropathy. Arthritis Rheum 1996, 39: 1703. 3. Saxne T, Palladino Jr MA, Heinegard D, et al. Detection of tumor necrosis factor alpha but not tumor necrosis factor beta in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid and serum. Arthritis Rheum 1988;31:1041. 4. Smith CA, Farrah T, Goodwin RG. The TNF receptor superfamily of cellular and viral proteins: activation, costimulation, and death. Cell 1994;75:959. 5. Wooley PH, DutcherJ, Widmer MB, et al. 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Etanercept in children with polyarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. N Engl J Med 2000;342(11):763-9. 12. Fisher CJ Jr, Agosti JM, Opal SM, et al. Treatment of septic shock with the tumor necrosis factor receptor:Fc fusion protein. The Soluble TNF Receptor Sepsis Study Group. N Engl J Med 1996; 334(26):1697. Manufactured by: Immunex Corporation Seattle, Washington 98101 U.S. License Number 1132 Marketed by Immunex Corporation and Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories 1999 Immunex Corporation Immunex U.S. Patent Numbers: 5,605,690; 5,712,155; 5,395,760; 5,945,397