Enbrel Arthritis Drug May Worsen Heart Failure

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http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_11166.htmlEnbrel Arthritis Drug May Worsen Heart FailureReuters HealthBy Richard WoodmanLONDON (Reuters Health) - Physicians are being advised to "use caution" when using Wyeth and Amgen's arthritis drug Enbrel (etanercept) in patients with congestive heart failure because of the possibility that the therapy may worsen their condition. An updated European summary of product characteristics says: "There have been postmarketing reports of worsening of congestive heart failure, with and without identifiable precipitating factors, in patients taking Enbrel." Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood efficiently. The disease causes fatigue and shortness of breath as fluid accumulates in the lungs and tissues. "Two large clinical trials evaluating the use of Enbrel in the treatment of CHF were terminated early due to lack of efficacy. Although not conclusive, data from one of these trials suggest a possible tendency toward worsening CHF in those patients assigned to Enbrel treatment." The drug label says allergic reactions are not uncommon. "In postmarketing experience, allergic reactions have included angioedema (swelling in the deep layers of the skin) and urticaria (hives) as well as serious reactions. If any serious allergic or anaphylactic reaction occurs, Enbrel therapy should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy initiated." It also notes that sepsis and serious infections have been reported and advises that "administration of Enbrel should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection."