Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody (protein which attaches to a specific target) which was approved for its medical use on 31st December 2002.

Adalimumab Injection has been developed to treat various inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, enthesitis-related arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondylarthritis without evidence of ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and non-infective uveitis.

For adults with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing Spondylitis, the recommended dose is 40mg every other week. for children with Arthritis of unknown origin, the recommended dose is 10mg every other week for body weight less than 15 kg, 20mg every other week for body weight less than 30kg and 40mg every other week for body weight above 30kg.

For adults with inflammatory bowel disease like crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the recommended dose is 160 MG on day 1, 80mg on 15th day and 40mg every other week starting on day 29. for children body weight less than 40 kg, the recommended dose is 80mg on first day, 40mg on day 15 and 20mg every other week starting on 29th day.

In case of plaque psoriasis and adult uveitis, initial dose is 80 mg followed by 40 mg every other week after initial dose. adalimumab is available as single dose prefilled pen (80mg/0.8ml, 40mg/0.8ml, 40mg/0.4ml) single dose prefilled glass syringe (80mg/0.8ml, 40mg/0.8ml, 40mg/0.4ml, 20mg/0.4ml, 20mg/0.2ml, 10mg/0.2ml, 10mg/0.1ml) and single dose glass vial (40mg/0.8ml).

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Adalimumab Injection are injection site reactions, respiratory tract infections, headache, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle pain, infections in the skin, ear, intestine, tooth and joints, fungal infections, non-cancerous tumours, urinary tract infection, skin cancer, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, tingling, prickling, numbness, nerve root compression, inflammation of the eye lid, vertigo, migraine, cough, high blood pressure, etc. If you experience sickness, infection, fever, double vision, bleeding or bruising during this treatment, report to your doctor immediately.

Contact your physician immediately if you experience severe rash, swelling off face, hands or feet, breathing trouble, infection, fever, bleeding or bruising. adalimumab is not recommended if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, have a history of tuberculosis, heart problems, Hepatitis B, demyelinating disease or cancer. during this treatment your physician may monitor your vitals to prevent serious complications. inform your health care provider if you are about to undergo any dental or surgical procedures.

Ask your health care provider for advice if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, planning to have a baby, or breastfeeding your baby. Adalimumab is probably unsafe during pregnancy as your baby might be at higher risk of infection. Discuss effective contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider and consider using them for at least 5 months after the last dose of Adalimumab.

Adalimumab can cause side effects like spinning sensation and visual disturbances. hence it is advisable to not drive or use machines during this treatment. check with your health care provider before receiving any vaccines and inform them if you are taking any other medications or herbal supplements.

1. AbbVie Ltd, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Apr 2021] [Accessed on 12th Aug 2022], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.7986.pdf
2. AbbVie Ltd., U.S. Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Feb 2021] [Accessed on 12th Aug 2022], https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/humira.pdf
   1. Edward Chu, Cancer Chemotherapy, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 948-976.

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.