Wow, one does wonder why a doctor would prescribe Enbrel or other extremely expensive drug rather than trying UV phototherapy first. Just the warnings and possible side effects of Enbrel are enough to scare me away.
There are some side effects associated with UV Phototherapy but none quite so scary as those with drugs like Enbrel.
From the Enbrel Website:
ENBREL is a medicine that affects your immune system. ENBREL can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Serious infections have happened in patients taking ENBREL. These infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. Some patients have died from these infections. Your doctor should test you for TB before you take ENBREL and monitor you closely for TB while on ENBREL.
From the Enbrel Website < Read from their website >
Possible side effects of ENBREL
Serious side effects include: serious infections including TB; nervous system problems, such as multiple sclerosis, seizures, or inflammation of the nerves of the eyes; rare reports of serious blood problems (some fatal); heart failure, including new heart failure or worsening of heart failure you already have; allergic reactions; immune reactions, including a lupus-like syndrome and lymphoma (a type of cancer). People with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis may have a higher chance for getting lymphoma.
Common side effects include: Injection site reaction, upper respiratory infections (including sinus infection), and headaches.
In a medical study of patients with JIA, infection, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea occurred more frequently than in adults. The kinds of infections reported were generally mild and similar to those usually seen in children. Other serious adverse reactions were reported, including serious infection and depression/personality disorder.
From the Enbrel Website < Read from their website >
Ok Now I’m sold, aren’t you?
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