Enbrel: FDA Approval in the Treatment of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

For children, under age 16, who suffer from arthritic related symptoms greater than six weeks, the complication is often believed to be attributed to the development of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Each year, many children are diagnosed with this life changing condition.   As parents, understanding the use of the FDA approved drug, Enbrel, in the treatment of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the side effects, dosing and the contraindications, may provide for a more educated process when determining the method or route of healthcare to be administered to your child.

Enbrel, manufactured by Immunex Corporation, is an FDA approved drug used to treat the symptoms associated with active juvenile rhuematoid arthritis including the associated joint and physiological deterioration.  Lending its primary success to the reduction of inflammation, swelling and tenderness in joints, Enbrel may be the key injection to reducing significant pain factors associated with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis thereby increasing joint movement and mobility in children.  As with any childhood disorder, diagnosing the condition early and administering aggressive treatment, may ensure the most optimal outcome.

As an injection, Enbrel is administered in children suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis once or twice weekly at a dosing level of 0.4 milligrams of drug per kilogram of child body weight.  The maximum dosing, however, is subject to the recommended adult dosing of 25 milligrams per injection.  The benefit of Enbrel, following adminstration of the injection, can be seen as early as two weeks with benefits continuing up to three months.