How the weekly recommended dosage of Enbrel was determined

[Guest guest]

The recommended dosage of 25 mg twice weekly of Enbrel (etanercept) was

decided upon after doing various studies comparing different dosages

(lower and higher than and equal to 25 mg twice a week). While the

amount of Enbrel prescribed isn't adjusted specifically for differences

such as bodyweight in adults (it is for JRA patients - 0.4 mg/kg up to

25 mg 2x per week), 25 mg twice a week seemed to work very well in the

groups studied without producing unacceptable rates of adverse

reactions.

From the full prescribing information for Enbrel:

" Based on a study of 50 mg ENBREL twice weekly in patients with RA that

suggested higher incidence of adverse reactions but similar ACR response

rates, doses higher than 25 mg twice weekly are not recommended. "

Source:

http://www.wyeth.com/content/ShowFile.asp?id=101

It's important to keep in mind that when it comes to Enbrel, it is

possible to have too much of a good thing.