Wyeth is amending the summary of product characteristics for its anti-tumour
necrosis factor (TNF) drug etanercept (Enbrel) following reports of blood dyscrasias
associated with its use.
The company says that although rare, blood dyscrasias such as pancytopenia and
aplastic anaemia, some with a fatal outcome, have been reported during treatment
with etanercept in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, it is recommending
that caution should be exercised when treating patients with a previous history
of blood dyscrasias and that, if dyscrasia is confirmed, etanercept should be
discontinued. It adds that patients should be told to seek immediate medical
advice on developing symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasia or infection and
that these patients should be investigated urgently.