Enbrel Lawsuits

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The arthritis drug Enbrel has been linked to an increased risk of fatal infections, incluing tuberculosis and fungal infections. In May 2008, a “black box” warning was added about the risk of tuberculosis. In September 2008, the FDA added information to the “black box” warning about the risk of potentially fatal fungal infections, which were often going undiagnosed.

STATUS OF ENBREL LAWSUITS: Potential for legal claims are being evaluated for individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis before May 1, 2008 or who died as a result of an infection.

MANUFACTURERS: Amgen, Inc. and Wyeth

Spinal-Cord-Stimulation-Lawsuit
Spinal-Cord-Stimulation-Lawsuit

OVERVIEW: Enbrel (etanercept) is a Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Blocker, which was approved in 1998 to treat various auto immune disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile idopathic arthritis (previously known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). It is administered as an injection given either by the user or a caregiver.

There are three other TNF blockers currently approved in the United States, Remicade, Humira and Cimzia. When all uses are considered, including indications that Remicade is not approved for, Enbrel is the most widely useed TNF blocker.

ENBREL TUBERCULOSIS RISK: In May 1999, information was added to the warning label about a possible risk of serious infections, including sepsis, which has caused a number of deaths. In April 2008, this information was added to a “black box” which was more prominently displayed on the label.

The “black box” warning also included information about cases of tuberculosis associated with use of Enbrel injections. The FDA and manufacturers indicated that healthcare providers should screen their patients for latent tuberculosis before prescribing Enbrel.

Tuberculosis, also known as tubercle bacillus or TB, is a deadly infection which commonly attacks the lungs (pulmonary TB), the central nervous system, circulatory system, bones, joints or the skin.

Symptoms of tuberculosis could include:

  • Chest Pain
  • Coughing Blood
  • Fever, Chills or Night Sweats
  • Appetite Loss or Weight Loss
  • Fatique

ENBREL CANCER SIDE EFFECTS: In June 2008, the FDA released an early communication about an ongoing safety review involving Enbrel and a possible association with the development of lymphoma and other cancers among children and young adults and an Enbrel black box cancer warning was added in August 2009.

At least 30 reports of childhood cancer were received by the FDA involving the use of TNF blockers. Other medications indicated in this early communication were Humira and Remicade.

Approximately half of the cancers seen in all children and young adults taking TNF blockers were lymphomas, including bother Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is a cancer of cells in the immune system. Lymphoma is not a recognized complication of JIA (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis) or of Crohn’s disease. Other cancers reported included leukemia, melanoma and solid organ cancers.

ENBRAL FUNGAL INFECTIONS: A number of users who were receiving TNF blockers, such as Enbrel, have experienced fungal infections, such as histoplasmosis, blastomycosis and cocciioidmycosis. In several of these cases the infection resulted in death.

In September 2008, the FDA issued an alert to healthcare providers to provide new information about the risk of Enbrel fungal infections. At that time the agency also indicated that new information will be added to the Enbrel black box warning to ensure that doctors and consumers are aware of the risk, especially for those who live in or visit areas where fungus is prevalent.

Unfortunately, many cases of fungal infections from Enbrel go undiagnosed by doctors, since the symptoms are similar to the flu. Symptoms could include cough, fever, fatigue, loss of weight, sweating and shortness of breath.


241 Comments


jessica
i stared taking enbrel may-09 starting about the middle of sep-09 i lost felling on left side of body then now im numb from about my breast down & very stiff my left hand & arm are so numb & stiff i can’t use them .they did mri & found 3 lesions on my spinal cord & it’s inflamed,dr said it was from the enbrel.

Sheba
I have been taking enbrel since 2002 and did not have any problems that i knew of until april 2007 was diagnosed with kidney stones,diverticulitis,etc because no one could find anything wrong. In dec 2008 it was determined that a had a spinal tumor pressing against my nerve causing me back pain.stomach pain and leg and foot numbess causing me the inability to drive since 11/08. I had a spinal laminectomy Jan 09 and was told i would have been paralyzed if it went undiagnosed. I have lost feeling in my feet that i wil never get back. i have back pains,muscle spasms and my story sounds similar to alice. Could this be enbrel related l

C. Fischer
I started using Enbrel for RA and Psoriasis in 2002. I stopped in 2006 when I started having problems with my balance. I went to a neurologist who said I had MS after having n MRI and showing lesions on my brain and spinal cord. Several of the Neurologists that I have spoken to have said that they are seeing more and more paitients who are diagnosed with MS after taking Enbrel shots.

Dana
My identical twin sister took Enbrel for over 5 years and thought it was the “wonder” drug. IT KILLED HER, She had a fever on 7/4/09 and after two swabs, was sent home. After the fever persisted they admitted her because her blood gas was low and her white blood cell count was high. Unable to find the infection, she was later diagnosed with the Influenza A virus. After almost one month in ICU her lungs collapsed she died on August 4, 2009 at the age of 45. (The ICU doctor did mention Pancreatic failure). Although Enbrel cleared her psoriasis when nothing else could, it killed her. Please advise others to use caution and see an infectious disease specialist at the onset of any and all fevers. The doctors did not take her off enbrel after it was too late and she could not fight the virus.

mark
mark took double the recommended dose of enbrel with the approval of enbrel themselves and he was diagnoses with a cancerous tumor on his kidney. the doctors directy relate it to the use of enbrel. He was only 32 and had to have part of his kidney removed. This was after taking enbrel for only two years.

John
My Aunt recently passed away from wound infections she was not able to fight due to the destruction of her immune sytstem from taking Embrel . Does anyone else have experiences around Embrel and catastrophic supression of the immune system? Yes the warnings talk of issues but how can one predict an infection yet to come which will not heal because of the effect of the drug? While the drug gave my Aunt diminsihed pain from her Reumatoid Arthritis it also gave her a false sense of security and created an issue lieing in wait to complicate simple problems into becoming critical issues.

Kelly
I took Embrel for 2 yrs. I have had AP for 22 yrs. I got MS from Embrel. Now I have so much to tell! I am sick all the time, I have lost so much weight, so so much more! Then they gave me Raptive, it helped more than anything. (I also take other things) They just took it away from me without even a warning(warnings said could have withdrwls) I guess it killed a few people(that is all they told me) now I am getting worse everyday. Not including other things I keep getting diagnosed with. I am looking for info or help. I have no money! This is a very long life story! If you have similar story or info respond, maybe we can talk & exchange info..

Judith
Like Mark,I have been on Enbrel for 5 years and would like to get off. I feel great most of the time with occasional flareups and bouts of iritis uvitis(very painful) and has left my vision impared in one eye. I would like to hear what others use for RA when they go off Enbrel

judy
I took Embrel for about 2 years. I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in December 08 and had my kidney removed. I had strong suspicions that Embrel caused the cancer. I am going to follow this because I never had any problems other than RA. If the FDA knows this stuff can cause cancer why would they allow it to be distributed.

Mark
I’ve been on enbrel for 5yrs . My RA is in remission I feel great and lift weights and walk 2 miles every day. I’m 56yrs old and would like to quit taking enbrel. My Dr. won’t even discuss this with me. I’m worried about side effects and my future health. Would like to hear from anyone with info to help me make a decision

Itchyman
Two years ago I was enrolled in a 24 week double blind research study for a NEW psoriasis drug (Ustikenumab). The other drug used in the study was Enbrel. After the Enbrel drug ended, I was given TWO injections of Usti and all of my lesions disappeared. However, after on 2 months of relief from psoriasis, it came back with a vengence and continues now after 2 years. Like to know if ANYONE else participated in this clinical study and if they experienced similar or worse conditions. I tend to believe that Enbrel exacerbated the few psoriasis lesions I had before the study, and causing other organs to fail and trigger the severe psoriasis, OR another skin disorder similar to psoriasis. Four derms say NO and keep giving salves and gels and UVB. The new drug (Usti) is being held up by the FDA due to patent issues and lawsuits. This may be a blessing, but who KNOWS?

Jagdesh
After using Embrel for about 2 years. I started to get headaches, dizzyness and loss of balance. I also started to get rashes on my head and face. Ihave seen numerous specialists and I was finally diagnosed with Lupus after a Dermatologoist too a biopsy of the rashes.

jeremy g
hello, I have been taking enbrel since early 2005 almost 5 years , I was having trouble urinating so they checked my kidneys, well they found a tumor , I just had the tumor removed from my kidney , and it was cancer , the docter said i was lucky it was caught early, I am only 39, its crazy , I have a bad feeling that its from the enbrel , and I am afraid to start it again, but my life is so miserable without it, its a hard choice. i feel like giving up…

Julie
I injected myself twice a week for four and a half years with Enbrel to treat psoriasis. I considered myself very healthy. May30th 2008 I found a large mass on my neck and a few days later was diagnosed with lymphoma, and six months later congestive heartfailure. I am 47,currently cancer free but, not sure what my future holds.

David
1. we all went to our doctors because of pain and fear of what was happening with our body, we all wanted help any thing that would help. 2. Embrel came along, it seemed to work for most of us, I took it for years, minor sideaffects. 3. all these other problems are poping up, trigerd by embrel? 4. I know if I continued in pain, lack of movement and no desire to live before I took embrel. it gave me years of pain free living. at age 55 I know if it isn’t AR that kills me some other form will, If one has to die let it be painless. I know it does not sound right, untill you hurt so bad you wish death as the only way out of the horrible pain, Embrel at the time was not a bad chance. I knew I had MS 10 years ago, they pulled me off embrel, in one month pain is back as strong as it left me three years ago. I have told my family no wheelchairs or bed ridden for this guy, put me to sleep. My biggest fear is if I past AR or MS on to my childeren.

Leasa T. (again)
I just wanted to add one more thing. In March 2009, I had my wisdom teeth come in. I am 40 yrs.old. I had to have them removed one by one due to severity (impacted). I had major complications with the first two, they became dr sockets which would not heal. Finally, I had the 3rd one removed in March 2009. IN 24 hours, I was in Intensive care fighting for my life. I was diagnosed with “Ludwigs Angina.” which is a severe infection which caused your airway to close. I spent 9 days in ICU and then went home for a month with a PIC line in my arm to have my husband administer IV antibiotics for 4 weeks, twice a day. Just wanted to add that to the scenario.

Leasa
I have been on Enbrel twice now. I find these postings interesting however, I do not see my specific situation. I began taking Enbrel for severe psoratic arthrits in 2007. After only a few injections I began having very bad night sweats. In three weeks time I tested positive for TB. I had to go off the drug and do 9 months of INH therapy. Because I have tried all other forms of medication and nothing else worked, the doctor at the CDC had my doctor put me back on Enbrel. I have only been on it for 2 weeks now, and I am questioning whether or not I have made the right choice. If you ask your doctor (which I have) I have gotten 7 different responses. Some of them say ABSOLUTELY NEVER TAKE AGAIN, and the others tell me that I will be fine. I cannot take INH again, and will always test postive for TB now, but I worry what will happen if I am diagnosed again with TB. I believe there is one other form of treatment but I was told that my immune system may not react to the medication. So what happens if I contract TB again and there is no available medication to treat me?

Jennifer
I’ve been on Enbrel for about 18 months for RA. I now have tremors, headaches, fatigue and an MRI found 2 spots on my brain. Now my Neurologist wants me to have a Spinal Tap to check for cancers and more likely MS. Could this really be the Enbrel? I was a teacher and have 3 young kids. I can’t teach anymore which makes me so sad. Just my daily life leaves me completely exhausted and in bed before 9. My husband is getting frustrated with me. I just turned 38. I’m afraid to go off of the enbrel because it does help my RA.

Frank
My wife was taken enbrel for three years and after a year and half battle with cancer she past away on Dec 2007.Because her imune system was shot she could not fight the cancer which had a 90% cure rate .

Vicki
I feel my fathers pancreatic cancer has a direct correlation to enberl medication.

Mark
Susan had Lupus. In Approx. February of 2006 Dr Thomas Oven of Binghamton NY started her in Enbrel. Although the pain and inmobility caused by her Lupus was greatly reduced. Susan began a steady decline in health. In August of 2007 she developed Cellulitis resulting in an extended hospital stay. Her health became a constant battle. She developed Shingles. Followed by kidney stones and later Salmonella. She also developed urinary tract infections. By December she had open sores in her mouth and covering her body along with her hair falling out. In February of 2008 we seeked out a second opinion from another Rheumatogist in Syracuse at the urging of her regular Doctor. Dr Hong Yu also of Binghamton NY. The doctor in Syracuse told us they never give Enbrel to Lupus patients and wanted her to start on Orencia instead. Susan went off the Enbrel and was to wait 6 weks before starting Orencia. Before the 6 weeks were up, on the weekend of March 8th & 9th Susan developed Flu like symptoms. She steadily got worse. An ambulance was called around noon on March 11th. Susan died in route to Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton NY. Her cause of death was listed as CARDIAC ARREST/RESP FAILURE/HYPOXEMIA/SEPSIS AND DEHYDRATION.

linda
just want to share, i mean though enbrel has helped me so much, but don`t want to stop taking it, unless i keep getting sick, but so far haven`t had to go back to the hospital from taking enbrel but just when i had mrsa (mercer staff infection) i know i can still keep getting mrsa, but what has helped me so far to, i take a little travel size bottle of lysol with me everywhere i go, and when i have to use the bathroom, plus i take hand sanitizer with me, so i try to be careful around germs, they are every where, exspecally in the stores to, but just don`t know what to do about enbrel from what i`am reading like i said, in my other posts up here , so far for now i will continue taking it till i can`t anymore as long as it is still helping me, cause when i go off it, when i`am sick with a cold i have to, then i have infumation in my eye (arthritis) till i get back on it, then it clears up, so i lose either way it seems like,

linda
i have psoriasis arthritis, i`ve been taking enbrel for about 3 years now, it has helped me alot, except i still stay sore 24 seven though, sore everyday, but the shot helps some, but i get sick with a cold easy now, and have had mecer staff twice, in the hospital the first time with it, other then that i have no other probblems with enbrel, so far, seems to help, if it want for enbrel i would be in a wheel chair right now,

Chris
My father had RA ( rheumatoid arthritis ) and had been on Enbrel for at least a year, last december his overall health deteriorated. He experienced fatigue, weakness, chest pain, the night sweats, and at the end of december he was hospitalized. They treated him for pneumonia ( what they thought he had ), multiple organ failure, breathing treatments and had a tube in his mouth ( feeding tube, etc ). this lasted close to 3 weeks, when they decided to do a tracheostomy to help him breathe, 3 days after that they said pretty much nothing can be done. In essence, every time they cleared up an infection another one emerged. To this day they never even looked for a fungal infection and IMHO Enbrel is the root cause for his death. Before these symptoms, he wasn’t in perfect health, but he was coming along well. Has anyone else had similiar experiences with a loved one?

Sharon
My sister has psoriatic arthritis and has been on Embrel for some time. She is now in the hospital with Acute Pancreatitis. Are there other cases out there?

Christina
I know this is not so bad compared to some of these stories but I started taking Embrel and had only been taking the injections for about 3 or 4 months when I got a MRAS staph infection. I stop taking the shots right away..but needless to say it has been almost 3 years and I still get staph infections. I have been put in the hospital 3 times, have had too many to count cut out and have had close to 250 actual infections(most times more than one at a time)! The doctor tells me that because of the Embrel and getting the MRSA while taking the shots, my immune system will never be the same. I am in my twenties and will suffer from these the rest of my life…and that the staph infections are very serious and could one day kill me. It was not worth it to me to have clear skin and then have to deal with very painful, horrible thing. I now have several scars and I am in pain most of the time! And to make things worse, when my psorisis came back, it came back much worse!!!

alice
Im 53., was taking enbrel for about three years or so. julyof 2007 started having back pain. After many tests and finally becoming paralyzed from waist down end of August. Emergency room led to back surgery to remove mass pushing on spinal cord at T10 T11. Time at rehab to learn how to walk again . Very frustrating and scary. Am walking with help of cane. Am disabled now. Was this a fluke or was it the medicine? Any other stories out there close to mine?

Patty
My husband has been taking Enbrel for 4 years for his RA. He was first diagnosed with interstial lung disease last year, the Enbrel was reduced and we were told his lungs had cleared up. He again started taking the Enbrel 2X weekly. About a month ago I noticed his breathing sounded strained, he went through several tests which indicated his interstial lung disease has returned and today was diagnosed with tuberculosis.

Jack
My mom contracted pancreatic cancer from enbrel and she is going to die in 1 week and the doctor who gave it to her would not talk to her when she called for help tanks

Kim
My husband had been taking Enbrel for about 3 months for psoriasis. He was injecting Enbrel into his stomach as directed by his dermatologist. During his 3rd month, he started having tremors in his hands and his tongue. He lost his taste and was having dry mouth along with thick white saliva. He has also been experiencing intense stomach cramps. He reported symptoms to his doctor and they told him to quit taking the medicine. He is still having these symptoms. He was ok before he started taking this Enbrel.

Bonnie
Please let me add how sorry I am for all of your losses and illnesses. It makes what I have seem not soooo bad………

Bonnie
I was injecting enbrel for about two years for my RA and posorisis. I had a very bad cold and just happened to mention to my Dr. that my lymph glands in my groin and neck were swollen.After my exam it was discovered that my glands under my arm and everywhere were swollen. I was sent to a cancer Dr. right away. After two different biopsy’s from my grion and underarm it was determined I did not have cancer.I then started to have tremors. First my hand then my head then my whole body. I also would experience internal treamors. Now I am on medication for that…which I will have to be on for the rest of my life……………Who Knows??????????

chris
I started using Enbrel for RA in 2001. It worked. Later, 2006, I was diagnosed with Non-Hogkins Lymphoma. Cause – Enbrel?

Mary
My husband used Enbrel for several years for rheumatoid arthritis, injecting it into his stomach twice a week. He became very ill in the spring of 2006, and doctors did countless tests to determine the cause. Just days before he died, they discovered that he had stomach cancer. I really believe that the Enbrel was responsible. I’m looking for a class action lawsuit.

Jackie Fletcher
My father started using enbrel early 2006 and then in 2007 starting having blood problems and was diagnoised in February he had AML which is a form of Leukemia. He passed away on June 27, 2008. I believe this stemmed from a use of enbrel.

hugh
my wife used embrel in 2005 she was later diagnoised with chirrosis of liver she was in the hospital april 13 till april 22 2008 she was diagnoised with blood comtionating she passed away july 25 2008 i fell it was from embrel because she had hepatis when she was put on embrel

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[…] research suggests that Enbrel, Remicade, Humira and other biologic TNF-blockers widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis do not […]

FDA Investigates Possible Association of Enbrel, Humira and Remicade with Lymphoma Cancer in Children : AboutLawsuits.com
[…] among children. The agency is investigating reports of children and young adults using Remicade, Enbrel and Humira who developed lymphoma and other […]

Humira Lawsuits : AboutLawsuits.com
[…] In June 2008, the FDA released an early communication about an ongoing safety review involving Humira and a possible association with the development of lymphoma and other cancers among children and young adults using the TNF blockers. At least 30 reports of childhood cancer were received by the FDA involving the use of TNF blockers. Other medications indicated in this early communication were Remicade and Enbrel. […]

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[…] States, and has been used by more patients world-wide than the other medications in the same class, Enbrel and Humira, combined. It is a blockbuster drug for the pharmaceutical giant, Johnson & […]

Enbrel side effects could include risk of serious infections, tuberculosis — AboutLawsuits.com
[…] Enbrel (etanercept) is an injection prescribed for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile idopathic arthritis. It is marketed and sold by Amgen, Inc. and Wyeth, and was originally approved by the FDA in 1998. […]

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