Indicated for the treatment of certain autoimmune disorders, Enbrel (generic: etanercept) is a self-injected prescription medicine intended to assist in the treatment of several long-term inflammatory diseases. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently added a “Black Box Warning” to all TNFα blockers, including Enbrel, after studies showed that the drugs may be linked to the development of severe infections and aggressive forms of cancer.
Our law firm is currently investigating the potential link between Enbrel and bone fractures, bone breaks and other serious Enbrel induced bone side effects.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a bone fracture, bone break or other serious injury while taking Enbrel, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Enbrel Lawsuit Overview
As a product of Immunex Corporation, Enbrel was first introduced to the U.S. market on Novemebr 2, 1998. However, Immunex was later acquired by Amgen, a subsidiary of Pfizer, in 2002. Enbrel has been approved by the FDA to treat five distinct long-term inflammatory diseases. Subsequently, Enbrel assists in the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, moderate to severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
Enbrel’s active ingredient, etanercept, resides in a category of drugs known as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα). As their name suggests, TNFα blockers are specifically designed to neutralize tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a protein with the inherent ability to promote inflammation in the presence of inflammatory diseases. TNFα blockers bind to tumor necrosis factor-alpha, preventing it from activating receptors and producing more of the protein. In suppressing the production of tumor necrosis factor, Enbrel has proven to be beneficial in reducing adverse reactions associated with autoimmune diseases.
Again, our law firm is currently investigating the potential link between Enbrel and bone fractures, bone breaks and other serious Enbrel induced bone side effects. Due to the severe nature of these potential complications, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free evaluation regarding their possible Enbrel lawsuit.
Enbrel Side Effects
Enbrel may be linked to some of the following side effects:
- Redness, itching, pain, or swelling at the site of injection
- Headache
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Bleeding
- Pale skin
- Blistering skin
- Hives
- Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Rash on the face and arms that worsens in the sun
- Numbness or tingling
- Vision problems
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Red, scaly patches or pus-filled bumps on the skin
- Infection
- Cancer
- Bone fractures
- Bone breaks
- Other bone injuries
Enbrel Cancer Risk
Recent studies suggests that adults, and particularly children, who receive TNFα blocker treatment may significantly increase their risk of developing a rare type of cancer that attacks white blood cells. According to an FDA Safety Communication, some people have developed hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, following TNFα blocker treatment. There is currently no cure for this aggressive cancer that often leads to fatal circumstances.
Those who use TNFα blockers may also increase their risk of developing two types of skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell). While these types are generally not life-threatening, neglecting treatment may result in catastrophic complications. Due to the sever nature of these aggressive forms of cancer, patients may contact a lawyer at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP for a free case evaluation of their potential Enbrel lawsuit.
FDA Safety Communication
Enbrel is grouped within a class of medications called biologic response modifiers, or biologics. By working on the immune system, biologics block proteins that contribute to the disease process. Because Enbrel suppresses the immune system, patients are at a greater risk for getting serious infections. The following FDA Safety Communication acknowledges the dangers associated with TNFα treatment:
Serious, including fatal, infections are a known risk of TNFα blockers. These infections can involve various organ systems and sites due to bacterial, mycobacterial (e.g., tuberculosis), fungal (e.g., histoplasmosis, aspergillosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis, pneumocystosis), viral (e.g., hepatitis B), and other opportunistic pathogens (organisms that usually do not cause disease in healthy people, but can cause serious illness when a person’s immune system (resistance) has weakened).
Do I Have an Enbrel Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Enbrel lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, If you or a loved one has suffered from a bone fracture, bone break or other serious injury while taking Enbrel, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.