New York Enbrel Injury Attorneys

Over 70,000 rheumatoid arthritis patients in the United States are using the rheumatoid arthritis drug ENBREL. Reports claim that Enbrel may stimulate central nervous system disorders and cause fatal blood reactions and infections.

Enbrel is the brand name of etanercept, an anti-inflammatory prescription drug used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and is manufactured and marketed by Immunex Corp.

Immunex Corp., the manufacturer of the drug, has issued a cautionary statement about the use of Enbrel to healthcare professionals as a result of reports of at least 11 cases of nervous system disorders and 10 cases of blood-cell shortages which significantly increases the risk of fatal infections.

In the statement to healthcare professionals Immunex warns, "Rare cases of central nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis, myelitis and optic neuritis have been reported in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have received Enbrel therapy." The letter also sets forth rare reports of severe blood reactions, including pancytopenia and aplastic anemia.

The drug has only recently been marketed in the United States, although it has been available in Europe since early 2000. The European Medicines Evaluation Agency has issued an advisory to physicians to use extreme caution when prescribing the drug and to have patients seek immediate medical care if they develop symptoms of blood disorders or infections.