Your doctor has prescribed Enbrel® for you and has instructed you on its technical application. This overview on the use of the Enbrel® pre-filled syringe is an abbreviated and simplified illustration. Please carefully read the package insert for patients that is enclosed in each pack of Enbrel® and the brochure “Instructions for use for Enbrel
® pre-filled syringe” before you inject Enbrel® with the Enbrel® pre-filled syringe. They contain important information for you.
Select a clean, well lit and flat work surface.
Take the Enbrel® package with the pre-filled syringes out of the refrigerator. Remove a pre-filled syringe from the package and place it on a flat work surface. Do not shake the pre-filled syringe. Put the package with the second pre-filled syringe or the remaining pre-filled syringes back into the refrigerator.
Check the expiry date given on the label of the pre-filled syringe. It should no longer be used after the expiry date (month and year).
Wait for about 15 to 30 minutes until the pre-filled syringe has reached room temperature. Do NOT remove the needle protection cap during this time! Do NOT warm the pre-filled syringe in any other way (e.g. in the microwave or in hot water).
Lay the material required for the injection out on the work surface:
Make sure that the solution in the pre-filled syringe is clear to opalescent, and colourless to yellow or pale brown. It may contain traces of translucent to white amorphous (i.e. with no structure) particles.
Do not use the solution if its colour differs from the above or if it contains lumps, flakes or any particles other than those described here. In such cases, contact your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
Each new injection should be administered at a different site, at least 3 cm away from the last injection site. Do not inject into sensitive skin, skin that is red or hard, or into bruises. Avoid portions with scars or stretch marks.
Psoriasis patients should try to select an area of skin that is not raised, thickened, red or scaly.
Making a list will help you to remember recent injection sites.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you have waited for at least 15 minutes for the solution in the pre-filled syringe to reach room temperature.
Clean the injection site with the alcohol swab using circular movements and allow it to dry. Do not touch the injection site again.
List of information on events that you should report to your physician
Information on your Enbrel® medication to take with you when travelling
A brochure containing information on rheumatological autoimmune diseases (available in German, French and Italian)
Information on your Enbrel® pre-filled syringe