In early September, 2008, the FDA announced it would require stronger warnings for four medications commonly used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The warning label is known as the "Black Box" label, a warning given to drugs that carry a high risk of serious side effects or potentially deadly adverse reactions. This label is given only after medical studies have indicated that there are serious risks associated with the side effects of the medication. It is the strongest warning the FDA can require for a prescription drug.

The medications in question belong to a category of drugs known as immunosuppressants. These drugs suppress the immune system's reaction to illnesses, decreasing the body's ability to fight off disease and infections. Serious complications can develop as a result of taking these medications regularly, as the immune system loses its ability to fight off diseases and infections.

The FDA's announcement suggested that while the medication can provide relief from the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and juvenile arthritis, the possibility for infection due to the weakened state of the immune system was potentially deadly in several cases.

Specifically, the FDA is concerned about information that appears to have been largely overlooked by the medical community. A distinct fungal infection known as histoplasmosis was reported in numerous patients taking the drugs. Of 240 reported cases of infection, approximately 20 percent(45/240) of the patients died.

The infection is primarily a respiratory infection with symptoms similar to the flu. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other organs of the body, at which point the outlook becomes very grim. In fact, officials from the FDA discovered evidence indicating that some patients had received a late diagnosis of infection; of those patients, more than half died.

The FDA urged patients taking Enbrel to contact their primary caregiver if they developed a persistet fever, cough, shortness of breath or fatigue, all of which could be signs of the fungal infection. Additionally, the FDA advised the medical community to consider the possibility of antifungal drug use in patients showing signs of possible infection, as well as the possibility of stopping the use of the immunosuppresants.

Anyone taking Enbrel should be aware of the risks posed by this medication. As it is already considered by the FDA to carry a potentially deadly risk factor, patients should be aware that they may be entitled to compensation for any damages incurred from taking this medication. Patients are advised to contact an experienced Enbrel Attorney about a potential Enbrel Lawsuit.