Status epilepticus induced by etanercept biosimilar: a rare case report

Abstract Objective To emphasizes the likelihood of seizure adverse effects linked to rhTNFR-Fc biosimilar. Methods A 74-year-old male patient with rheumatoid arthritis experienced a status epilepticus induced by rhTNFR-Fc, which was diagnosed on the basis of brain magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography. Anti-TNF medications, including the etanercept biosimilar rhTNFR-Fc, have been linked to the occurrence of seizures. In the event of a seizure adverse event (AE), it is recommended that the suspected drug be discontinued and anti-epileptic drugs be administered to control the seizure. Results The administration of rhTNFR-Fc was terminated, and the seizure was managed through the maintenance of levetiracetam and valproic acid treatment. Conclusion The rhTNFR-Fc biosimilar may cause seizure adverse effects in patients without any prior history and signifies the critical importance of a neurological assessment and close clinical monitoring being performed in patients with pre-existing seizure disorders before and during therapy with TNF-α inhibitors.