Local Injection Site Reaction to Subcutaneous Administration of Etanercept

Description

Etanercept (Enbrel) is a fully humanized monoclonal protein that is an antagonist to tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha. It is administered by periodic subcutaneous injections. A local reaction is a relatively common problem seen at the site of these injections.

Clinical findings at the injection site:

(1) erythema

(2) pruritis

(3) pain

(4) swelling and edema

Risk factors:

(1) early in the course of therapy

(2) failure to rotate injection sites

(3) allergy to etanercept or a component in the injection solution

Differential diagnosis:

(1) cellulitis

(2) trauma

Usually the reactions are mild to moderate and only rarely result in drug discontinuation.

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Description

Specialty

ICD-10