etanercept vs infliximab
Side-by-side comparison of etanercept and infliximab Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
Enbrel
Remicade
Enbrel is a medicine that blocks a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). It is used to treat arthritis, psoriasis, and other similar conditions.
Inflectra is a medicine that blocks a protein called TNF. It is used to treat autoimmune diseases and reduce inflammation.
Enbrel treats rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis in adults. It also treats juvenile idiopathic arthritis, juvenile psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis in children. Enbrel helps to reduce the signs and symptoms of these conditions, like pain and swelling. It can also help to prevent further damage to your joints.
Inflectra treats Crohn's disease in adults and children (6+). It helps reduce symptoms and keep the disease under control. It also treats ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and plaque psoriasis.
Enbrel blocks a protein in your body called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF can cause inflammation and damage in your joints and skin. By blocking TNF, Enbrel can reduce inflammation and improve your symptoms.
Inflectra blocks a protein in your body called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF can cause inflammation and damage in autoimmune diseases. By blocking TNF, Inflectra can reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
- • Infections
- • Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling, itching)
- • Infections (like colds, sinus infections, and sore throat)
- • Infusion-related reactions
- • Headache
- • Abdominal pain
- The medicine is not working 75,053
- Pain where you got the shot 56,664
- Rheumatoid arthritis 46,170
- Joint pain 44,970
- Pain 43,005
- The medicine is not working 38,909
- Using the medicine for a condition it is not approved for 36,963
- Reaction during or shortly after the infusion 18,647
- Condition got worse 18,302
- Rheumatoid arthritis 18,137
Enbrel can increase your risk of serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. These include tuberculosis (TB) and fungal infections. You should be tested for TB before starting Enbrel. Enbrel may also increase your risk of certain cancers, including lymphoma. Children and adolescents taking TNF blockers like Enbrel have developed lymphoma and other malignancies, some of which were fatal.
Inflectra can increase your risk of serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. Tell your doctor if you have any infection symptoms. You should be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before starting Inflectra. Some people, especially children and young adults, have developed cancers like lymphoma while taking TNF blockers. Some of these cancers have been fatal.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Studies suggest a slightly higher chance of birth defects in women exposed to Enbrel during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Enbrel during pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Inflectra can pass to your baby during pregnancy, mainly in the third trimester. Live vaccines are not recommended for at least 6 months after birth for babies exposed to Inflectra in the womb.
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How to Read This etanercept vs infliximab Comparison
etanercept is classified in the TNF-Alpha Inhibitor (Biologic) drug class, while infliximab sits within the TNF-Alpha Inhibitor (Biologic) class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory — but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, etanercept has 265,862 submissions while infliximab has 130,958. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume — not per-patient risk — so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between etanercept and infliximab — always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.