Adalimumab – Medicine Information

Adalimumab

Also known as / Brand Names

Adalimumab is available under several brand names including Humira, Exemptia, Hytroza, Adfrar, AdaliRel, and Cimzia (biosimilar versions). It is a prescription biologic used as a subcutaneous injection and is categorized as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker.

Product Introduction

Adalimumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. By binding to TNF-α, Adalimumab blocks its interaction with cell surface TNF receptors, thereby reducing inflammation and halting disease progression.

This medicine is primarily used in chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is administered as a subcutaneous injection and is often prescribed when conventional treatments like corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) fail or are not tolerated.

Uses of Adalimumab

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Crohn’s disease (adults and children)
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Plaque psoriasis
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa
  • Uveitis (non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis)

Benefits of Adalimumab

  • Effective control of chronic inflammation in autoimmune diseases
  • Improved joint mobility and reduced joint damage in arthritis
  • Promotes remission in inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
  • Clearance and relief from chronic skin conditions like plaque psoriasis
  • Reduction in ocular inflammation in uveitis patients
  • Helps reduce hospitalizations and improve quality of life
  • Can be used in pediatric patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Crohn’s

Side Effects of Adalimumab

  • Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, itching)
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Increased risk of infections (bacterial, fungal, tuberculosis)
  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Rare: Blood disorders, lupus-like syndrome, demyelinating disease
  • Rare: Increased risk of certain cancers with long-term use

Safety Advice

Condition Advice
Pregnancy CAUTION – Adalimumab should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Some studies suggest it may be used safely during certain trimesters, but long-term effects are still being studied. Discuss with your healthcare provider.
Breastfeeding SAFE IF PRESCRIBED – Studies show minimal transfer of adalimumab into breast milk, and it is considered compatible with breastfeeding under medical supervision.
Driving SAFE – Adalimumab is not known to impair driving ability. However, fatigue or dizziness as side effects may affect some individuals.
Kidney SAFE IF PRESCRIBED – No specific kidney-related dose adjustments are usually necessary, but monitoring may be needed in patients with severe renal impairment.
Liver CAUTION – Adalimumab may affect liver enzymes. Liver function should be monitored periodically, especially in patients with pre-existing liver conditions.

Important Reminder

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Adalimumab only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.