Adalimumab

About

Adalimumab is a biologic medicine that works by reducing inflammation in the body. It belongs to a class of drugs called TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibitors, which block the action of TNF — a substance involved in inflammatory and immune processes.

It is used to treat several autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• Psoriasis
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Adalimumab is available as:

• Pre-filled pens (for self-injection)
• Pre-filled syringes
• Vials for injection (mainly for clinical use)

How and When to Use It

Adalimumab is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection).

Dosage: The dose and frequency depend on the condition being treated. For most adults, the typical starting dose is 40 mg every 2 weeks, although some conditions may require higher or more frequent doses.

Your doctor or nurse will show you how to inject adalimumab safely at home. Rotate injection sites and avoid injecting into areas that are sore, bruised, or scarred.

Continue treatment as prescribed — do not stop without medical advice, as symptoms may return.

Contraindications

Adalimumab should not be used if you have:

• Allergy to adalimumab or any of its ingredients
• Severe or active infections (e.g., tuberculosis, sepsis)
• Moderate to severe heart failure
• Multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating diseases (use with caution)

Side Effects

Like all biologic medicines, adalimumab can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them.

Common side effects:

• Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling)
• Respiratory infections (e.g., cold, sinusitis)
• Headache
• Rash

Serious side effects (rare):

• Serious infections (e.g., tuberculosis, pneumonia)
• Allergic or anaphylactic reactions
• Liver problems
• Blood disorders (e.g., low white blood cells)
• Increased risk of certain cancers (rare, long-term use)

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience persistent fever, shortness of breath, severe rash, or swelling of the face or throat.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Fertility

Adalimumab may be used during pregnancy if clearly needed and prescribed by a specialist. It is sometimes continued in pregnancy for women with severe autoimmune diseases.

Small amounts may pass into breast milk, but no harmful effects have been reported in infants.

There is no evidence that adalimumab affects fertility in men or women.

Interactions With Other Medications

Adalimumab can interact with certain medicines and vaccines:

• Other biologic immunosuppressants (e.g., anakinra, abatacept) — increased risk of infection
• Live vaccines (should not be given during or shortly after treatment)
• Immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate) — may be used together but require monitoring
• Blood thinners or corticosteroids — may require dose adjustments

Frequently Asked Questions