Erelzi

Erelzi is a biosimilar medication to etanercept, which is used to treat various autoimmune diseases. It is produced by Sandoz, a division of Novartis. Erelzi is primarily used in the treatment of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis.

Medical Uses

Erelzi is indicated for the treatment of:

• Rheumatoid arthritis in adults
• Psoriatic arthritis in adults
• Ankylosing spondylitis in adults
• Plaque psoriasis in adults and children aged 4 years and older

Mechanism of Action

Erelzi, like its reference product etanercept, is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor. It works by binding to TNF, a substance in the body that causes inflammation in autoimmune diseases, and blocking its interaction with TNF receptors on the cell surface. This helps to reduce inflammation and other symptoms associated with these conditions.

Administration

Erelzi is administered via subcutaneous injection. The dosage and frequency of administration depend on the specific condition being treated and the patient's response to the medication.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Erelzi include:

• Injection site reactions
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Headache
• Rash

Serious side effects may include:

• Serious infections
• Malignancies
• Heart failure
• Demyelinating diseases

Approval and Regulation

Erelzi was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a biosimilar to etanercept. It underwent rigorous testing to ensure it is as safe and effective as the reference product.

Related Pages

• Biosimilar
• Etanercept
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Plaque psoriasis
• Tumor necrosis factor