What is Adalimumab?
Adalimumab helps to treat different autoimmune disorders – conditions, where the immune system attacks normal organs and tissues.
To calm down immune aggression adalimumab blocks a specific protein called TNF-α. TNF-a plays a crucial role in various inflammatory diseases by keeping immune cells in an aroused state longer, promoting the release of other inflammatory signals.
By halting TNF-a, adalimumab lessens inflammation and tissue damage, improving quality of life and slowing down disease progression.
What is it used for?
Adalimumab treats several autoimmune diseases, including:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis. Doctors usually prescribe it for moderate to severe cases in adults toghether with other disease-modifying agents (methotrexate)
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Rheumatologists usually prescribe dalimumab for moderate to severe cases of polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in children aged 2 years and older.
- Psoriatic Arthritis. Clinicians use it for cases of active psoriatic arthritis.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis. Adalimumab has shown benefits in cases of active spondylitis. Doctors usually prescribe it toghether with other medications.
- Crohn’s Disease. Adalimumab helps to reduce inflammation and improve quality of life for with Crohn’s Disease.
- Ulcerative Colitis. Doctor use it for moderate to severe cases in adults and children aged 5 years and older.
- Plaque Psoriasis. Adalimumab might be helpfull for some cases of psoriasis. With the advent of more powerful and safer alternatives, doctors less commonly prescribe to help with skin issues.
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Adalimumab helps in moderate to severe cases of this skin disorder.
How is Adalimumab given?
Adalimumab is administered via subcutaneous injection (under the skin).
- Patients or caregivers can perform injections after some training from a health professional.
- There are two main injection sites:
- A thigh
- An abdomen;
Patients usually rotate the site to avoid discomfort or scarring.
- Adalimumab like other drugs is prone to individual reactions. Most people are doing just fine with theraupeutic doses of medications. Other might exhibit signs of intolerance which might lead to shifting to other drug.
- To get nost of its effect, always do follow your doctor’s guidance and let him your medical team know if something goes not according to the plan.
How does it work?
Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting TNF-a.
Some immune cells release TNF-α at the early stages of inflammation, signaling about potential threat. There are many functions TNF-a plays in the intricate autoimmune cascade:
- It recruits more immune cells to the inflammation site
- It makes immune cells more aggressive and aroused
- It makes some immune cells release even more chemicals (chemocines) and
Adalimumab inhibits the activity of TNF-a by binding with high affinity and specificity, neutrilizing it and removing from the inflmatory cascade.
Read more about how does adalimumab work in this article.
Side Effects of Adalimumab
When to seek a doctor
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, muscle aches)
- Shortness of breath or persistent cough
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Numbness or tingling
- Vision problems
- Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
Common side effects
- Injection site reactions (redness, itching, pain)
- Headaches
- Rash
- Nausea
- Upper respiratory infections (e.g., sinus infections)
Rare side effects
- Serious infections (e.g., tuberculosis)
- Blood disorders
- Liver problems
- New or worsening heart failure
- Certain types of cancer
Before taking Adalimumab
Inform your doctor if you:
- Have an active infection or recurrent infections
- Have tuberculosis or have been in close contact with someone with TB
- Have or have had hepatitis B
- Have any nervous system disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
- Are scheduled for surgery
- Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
What should I avoid while receiving Adalimumab?
- Avoid receiving live vaccines during treatment.
- Limit exposure to infections; practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with sick individuals.
- Consult your doctor before receiving any vaccinations.
Brand names
- Humira
- Amgevita (biosimilar)
- Cyltezo (biosimilar)
- Hyrimoz (biosimilar)
- Idacio (biosimilar)
- Yuflyma (biosimilar)
Similar medications
Alternative TNF inhibitors include:
- Enbrel (etanercept)
- Remicade (infliximab)
- Simponi (golimumab)
- Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)
Your doctor will recommend the best treatment based on your condition and medical history.