Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS): Etanercept (Embrel)


Etanercept (Embrel) is  classified as an immunosuppressant drug. A relatively new drug (1988), etanercept blocks the effects of an immune agent called tumor necrosis factor –alpha (TNF-a) by binding to it and stopping it from interacting with body’s cells. TNF-a is an important cytokine the body uses to amplify the inflammatory response produced during infection. It has been called the ‘master regulator’ of the immune response. TNF-a produces many of the symptoms associated with infection including fever and pain.

Etanercept is FDA approved for use in several autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatric arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. As of 2008 over 170 trials were evaluating Etanercepts usefulnesss in numerous diseases.

Status: highly experimental in ME/CFS

Etanercept May Be Useful in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Because the substance it inhibits, TNF-a, can produce several symptoms associated with the disease including flu-like symptoms, fatigue and pain.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Studies:  Several studies suggest TNF-a activity may be increased in some ME/CFS patients. Dr. Jonathan Kerr is currently assessing Etanercepts usefulness in in a subset of patients whose gene expression results suggest they have increased TNF-a activity.

Side Effects:  Etanercept is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are headache, nausea and throat irritation. Because Etanercept is an immune suppressant it should not be used in people with infections and should be used with caution in people with poorly controlled diabetes or other conditions that make them prone to infection. Etanercept is also recommended for those with central nervous system diseases including multiple sclerosis in which demyelinating activity is present.

The Phoenix Rising website is compiled by a layman. It is not a substitute for a
physician and is for informational uses only. It does not present complete
information on this drug. Please discuss any treatments
in these pages with your physician.
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http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/etanercept.htm

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Spence VA, Kennedy G, Belch JJ, Hill A, Khan F. 2007. Low-grade inflammation and arterial wave reflection in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Clin Sci (Lond).114(8):561-6.

Gaab J, Rohleder N, Heitz V, Engert V, Schad T, Schürmeyer TH, Ehlert U. 2006. Stress-induced changes in LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production in chronic fatigue syndrome. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 30(2):188-98.