How ENBREL Works
People with immune diseases like RA, JIA, PsA, AS and plaque psoriasis produce proteins in their body called cytokines. In RA, JIA, PsA and AS, these cytokines invade the joints and cause their linings to become swollen and painful. One of the cytokines that plays a major role in this process is called tumour necrosis factor or TNF.
Although everyone needs some TNF to help their immune system, researchers have found that people with RA, PsA, AS and plaque psoriasis have elevated levels of TNF in their bodies. Elevated levels of TNF are thought to be related to inflammation and leads to painful, swollen joints and psoriatic skin lesions in PsA, and to psoriatic skin lesions in plaque psoriasis.
ENBREL is a man-made protein that is very similar to a protein found naturally in the body. ENBREL works by binding TNF and interrupting the process that can lead to symptoms of RA, JIA, PsA, AS or plaque psoriasis. ENBREL can reduce the amount of TNF in the body to normal levels, helping to treat joint damage and skin lesions.
While taking ENBREL can block the damage caused by too much TNF, it can also lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. So taking ENBREL can make you more prone to getting infections or make any infection that you may have worse. For important information about ENBREL, click here.
To learn more about How ENBREL Works, click here.
