Erelzi (Etanercept-Szzs) for Psoriasis

Erelzi (etanercept-szzs) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults and children ages 4 and older with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Note that Erelzi is not currently commercially available in the U.S.

How Erelzi Works and How It's Taken

Erelzi is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. TNF is a protein in the body that can cause inflammation.

In plaque psoriasis, increased inflammation can lead to ongoing skin plaques. Plaques are raised, discolored, scaly patches on the skin. Erelzi helps by blocking TNF, which can reduce inflammation linked to plaque psoriasis.

Erelzi is a biosimilar of Enbrel. This means it is made from living cells and is designed to work like the original medicine. The FDA requires biosimilars to have no meaningful differences in safety or how well they work.

Doctors prescribe Erelzi when adults or children ages 4 and older have chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and may need treatment that works throughout the body or light therapy.

Erelzi is given as an injection under the skin.

Typical Dosing for Plaque Psoriasis

Typical dosing includes:

Adults — The usual starting dose is 50 milligrams twice weekly for three months. After that, the usual dose is 50 milligrams once weekly.
Children who weigh less than 63 kilograms — The usual dose is 0.8 milligrams per kilogram once weekly, up to a maximum of 50 milligrams per week.

This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.

Erelzi Side Effects

The most common side effects of Erelzi are infections and injection site reactions. In plaque psoriasis studies, injection site reactions happened in 15 percent of adults and 7 percent of children treated with etanercept during the first three months.

Common side effects may include:

Infections, such as upper respiratory infections
Injection site reactions, such as discoloration, itching, pain, swelling, bleeding, or bruising where the shot is given

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Erelzi can cause serious side effects. Some may need medical care right away.

Serious side effects and warnings include:

Serious infections — Tuberculosis, bacterial sepsis, and serious fungal infections can occur.
Lymphoma and other cancers — Some cases have been fatal in children and teens treated with TNF blockers.
Nervous system problems — Rare disorders affecting the protective covering around nerves can occur.
Congestive heart failure — New or worsening heart failure can occur.
Serious blood problems — Low blood cell counts can occur.
Hepatitis B reactivation — The virus can become active again.
Serious allergic reactions — Anaphylaxis can occur.
Lupuslike syndrome or autoimmune hepatitis — Immune system reactions can cause lupuslike symptoms or liver inflammation.

Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.

What To Know Before Taking Erelzi

Before starting Erelzi, your doctor should test or check you for tuberculosis, also called TB. Your doctor may also check you for signs of infection.

You should not get live vaccines while taking Erelzi. If possible, children should be up to date on all vaccines before starting Erelzi.

Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to Erelzi or any of its ingredients. Also tell your doctor if you are sensitive to latex. The needle cap of the prefilled syringe and an internal needle cover in the Sensoready Pen contain dry natural rubber, which is made from latex.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.

If you miss a dose, inject it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at your regular time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure when to take your next dose.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of Erelzi.

Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Erelzi?

In studies, Erelzi helped improve plaque psoriasis in adults and children.

After three months, 46 percent to 47 percent of adults taking Erelzi 50 milligrams twice weekly had at least a 75 percent improvement in psoriasis symptoms. This compared with 3 percent to 4 percent of adults taking a placebo (an inactive treatment).

Among children ages 4 to 17, 57 percent of those taking Erelzi had at least a 75 percent improvement after 12 weeks. This compared with 11 percent of those taking placebo.

In adult studies, many people who improved by at least 75 percent reached that point after about two months.