Question

A patient has been switched to the immunomodulator etanercept (Enbrel) for severe rheumatoid arthritis. What is the mechanism of action for the etanercept?

a. It neutralizes tumor necrosis factor (TNF) thereby delaying the inflammatory disease process.
b. It inhibits IL-1 from binding to interlukin receptor sites in cartilage and bone.
c. It blocks COX-2 receptors which are needed for biosynthesis of prostaglandins.
d. It promotes uric acid reabsorption.

Answer 1

Etanercept (Enbrel) works by neutralizing TNF, which helps to delay the progression of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis by interfering with the inflammatory response.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mechanism of action for the immunomodulator etanercept (Enbrel), which is used to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is that it neutralizes tumor necrosis factor (TNF). By doing so, etanercept helps to delay the inflammatory disease process associated with RA. Etanercept is a biologic medication that falls under the category of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and works by interfering with TNF, a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the systemic inflammation in RA.