Other Brand Names

Idacio, Humira

How It Works

Adalimumab is a medication that falls under the class of drugs known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors. TNF is a substance primarily released by white blood cells in response to infection, and it plays a role in causing inflammation. Adalimumab works by blocking the action of TNF.

Indications

Adalimumab is used to alleviate symptoms of various autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissues, leading to pain, swelling, and damage. These diseases include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis, a condition in which the immune system targets the joints, causing pain, swelling, and reduced joint function in adults.

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), a condition in children aged 2 years and older, where the immune system attacks the joints, leading to pain, swelling, joint damage, and delays in growth and development.

• Ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that affects the joints of the spine, causing pain and stiffness, primarily in adults.

• Psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis that causes joint pain, swelling, and skin scaling.

• Chronic plaque psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches on various parts of the body.

Contraindications

Adalimumab should not be used by individuals who have a known allergy to adalimumab. It should also not be used if they have an increased risk of serious infections, such as fungal, bacterial, or viral infections, as this medication can suppress the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. If you frequently experience infections, consult your doctor. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised not to take this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Side Effects

• Redness, itching, pain, or swelling at the injection site

• If you experience any of these serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately:

  • Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat

  • New or worsening symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, leg swelling, unusual tiredness, or sudden weight gain

  • Blood in the stool

  • Mental or mood changes

  • Severe headache

  • Unexplained bruising or bleeding

  • Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, or feet

  • Difficulty speaking, chewing, swallowing, or moving the face

  • Vision problems

  • Joint pain

  • Butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks

Types

Adalimumab is administered as an injection.

Dosage

Arthritis rheumatoid, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis

• Adults: 40 mg as a single dose weekly

Plaque psoriasis

• Adults:

  • Initial dose: 80 mg

  • Maintenance dose: 40 mg weekly, starting 1 week after the initial dose

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

• Children of age > 4 years weighing 15 - 29 kg: 20 mg weekly

• Weighing 30 kg or more: 40 mg weekly

Safety

Adalimumab may increase the risk of developing serious infections such as tuberculosis (TB) or hepatitis B, even if you do not have symptoms of these infections. Before starting treatment, your doctor will perform tests for inactive TB and hepatitis B. It is essential to monitor for signs of infection before, during, and after treatment.

During pregnancy, this drug should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication passes into breast milk, and its effects on a nursing infant are unknown. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

When used with other antirheumatic drugs (such as abatacept or anakinra) and rituximab (used for lymphoma or leukemia treatment), there is an increased risk of serious infections.

When combined with immunosuppressive drugs like tocilizumab or live vaccines, adalimumab may intensify immune suppression.

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