Chasing Dragonflys

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. It is also an auto-immune disease. The sacroiliac joints are located in the low back where the sacrum (the bone directly above the tailbone) meets the iliac bones (bones on either side of the upper buttocks). Chronic inflammation in these areas causes pain and stiffness in and around the spine. Over time, chronic inflammation of the spine (spondylitis) can lead to a complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process referred to as ankylosis. Ankylosis leads to loss of mobility of the spine.

Ankylosing spondylitis is also a systemic disease, meaning it can affect other tissues throughout the body. Accordingly, it can cause inflammation in or injury to other joints away from the spine, as well as to other organs, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys. Ankylosing spondylitis shares many features with several other arthritis conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and arthritis associated with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Each of these arthritic conditions can cause disease and inflammation in the spine, other joints, eyes, skin, mouth, and various organs. In view of their similarities and tendency to cause inflammation of the spine, these conditions are collectively referred to as “spondyloarthropathies.” Ankylosing spondylitis is considered one of the many rheumatic diseases because it can cause symptoms involving muscles and joints.

Ankylosing spondylitis is two to three times more common in males than in females. In women, joints away from the spine are more frequently affected than in men. Ankylosing spondylitis affects all age groups, including children. The most common age of onset of symptoms is in the second and third decades of life.

ENBREL, the medicine which tames my dark passenger…

How ENBREL Works – It is self injected once a week

Chronic inflammatory diseases like moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and moderate to severe juvenile idiopathic arthritis are believed to be caused by a problem with the immune system. The immune system protects the body from infections and certain diseases. One of the proteins that plays an important role in the immune system is called tumor necrosis factor(TNF).

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)

People with these inflammatory conditions have too much TNF in their bodies. Although TNF is a normal part of immune response, increased levels of TNF play a role in the inflammation associated with certain rheumatic conditions. ENBREL reduces levels of the active form of TNF. ENBREL works on your immune system to reduce inflammation and help manage certain rheumatic conditions. ENBREL is not approved to treat all rheumatic conditions. ENBREL is indicated to treat rheumatic conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and moderately to severely active RA and JIA.

Because ENBREL works on your immune system, it can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and may raise other safety concerns. Please see Full Prescribing Information, Important Safety Information, andMedication Guide for complete details about ENBREL.

Common side effects of ENBREL

•  Injection site reactions such as redness, rash, swelling, itching, or pain. These symptoms usually go away within 3 to 5 days. If you have pain, redness, or swelling around the injection site that doesn’t go away or gets worse, call your doctor.
• Upper respiratory infections (sinus infections)
• Headaches

Serious side effects of ENBREL

• Risk of infection. ENBREL can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people have serious infections while taking ENBREL. These infections include tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria that spread throughout their body. Some people have died from these infections.
• Risk of cancer.
  • There have been cases of unusual cancers in children and teenage patients who started using TNF-blocking agents at less than 18 years of age.
  • For children, teenagers, and adults taking TNF-blocker medicines, including ENBREL, the chances of getting lymphoma or other cancers may increase.
  • People with rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, especially those with very active disease, may be more likely to get lymphoma.
• Hepatitis B infection in people who carry the virus in their blood. If you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (a virus that affects the liver), the virus can become active while you use ENBREL.
• Nervous system problems. Rarely, people who use TNF blocker medicines have developed nervous system problems such as multiple sclerosis, seizures, or inflammation of the nerves of the eyes.
• Blood problems. Low blood counts have been seen with other TNF blocker medicines. Your body may not make enough of the blood cells that help fight infections or help stop bleeding. Symptoms include fever, bruising or bleeding very easily, or looking pale.
• Heart failure including new heart failure or worsening of heart failure you already have. New or worse heart failure can happen in people who use TNF blocker medicines, like ENBREL.
• Psoriasis. Some people using ENBREL developed new psoriasis or worsening of psoriasis they already had.
• Allergic reactions. Allergic reactions can happen to people who use TNF blocker medicines.
• Autoimmune reactions, including:
  • Lupus-like syndrome. Symptoms include a rash on your face and arms that gets worse in the sun.
  • Autoimmune hepatitis. Liver problems can happen in people who use TNF blocker medicines, including ENBREL. These problems can lead to liver failure and death.