Hi Raven, Enbrel is one of the new biologic drugs that inhibit TNF and stop the immune system from sending out inflammation markers/creators that cause our pain. Because the biologic drugs alter the functioning of our immune systems, there is an increased risk of infection when using them. When that happens, the drug is stopped until the infection clears up. Usually, unless there's been a horribly bad adverse reaction, the drug is continued after all sign of infection is gone.
That said, I've been on Remicade (another biologic) since last summer and have not noticed any increased tendency to infection. However, like all of us on the biologics, I'm very careful to wash my hands alot and keep my eye on cuts and people with colds/flu.
I would suggest you head over to the KA Pharmacy and the forum on biologics. There's a bunch of info there, anecdotal and otherwise.
Hugs,
