Brand names: Humira, Amgevita, Hyrimoz, Idacio, Imraldi, Yuflyma
📌TABLE OF CONTENT
Adalimumab is a special kind of medicine. It is made from proteins and other things your body creates naturally. This medicine helps lessen swelling also known as inflammation by affecting your immune system.
Adalimumab is a medicine used to treat inflammation:
1. Joints: Adalimumab is used to treat inflammation in joints. It can be helpful for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and active enthesitis-related arthritis.
2. Skin: This medication is also used for skin conditions such as plaque psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa.
3. Joints and Skin: Adalimumab can be prescribed to treat conditions that affect both the joints and the skin like psoriatic arthritis.
4. Spine and Back Pain: If you have inflammation in your spine which causes back pain adalimumab can be used. This condition is known as axial spondyloarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
5. Gut and Ulcers: Adalimumab is also used for inflammatory conditions in the gut. It can help with diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis which can cause gut inflammation and ulcers in the gut lining.
6. Eye Inflammation: In some cases, this medication can be used for inflammation in the layer beneath the white of the eyeball. This condition is called non-infectious uveitis.
Adalimumab is an important treatment option for these conditions because it helps reduce inflammation and manage the associated symptoms. However, it should always be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional.
Adalimumab is a medication that was originally sold under the brand name Humira. Adalimumab is now available in five updated versions under the trade names Amgevita, Hyrimoz, Idacio, Imraldi and Yuflyma.
who can use Adalimumab:
Most adults who are at least 18 years old can use Adalimumab. It may be acceptable for some children.
Some people should not take adalimumab:
1. Have had an allergic reaction to adalimumab or any other medication.
2. Have an ongoing infection, high temperature, or feel generally unwell.
3. Have a history of tuberculosis (TB) or have been in close contact with someone who has
had it.
4. Have heart failure.
5. Have hepatitis B.
6. Have a nervous system condition, such as multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
7. Have a history of cancer.
8. Are about to undergo surgery or a dental procedure.
9. Have been pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
10. Are allergic to latex as the Amgevita injection pen contains latex and is not latex-free.
Adalimumab Dosage
For Adults:
Remember, it is essential to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking this medicine.
1. For plaque psoriasis, you usually start with 80mg, then 40mg a week later and after that 40mg every 2 weeks.
2. For rheumatoid arthritis, the usual dose is 40mg every 2 weeks. You can take it every week or 80mg every 2 weeks if you are not using other medicines for rheumatoid arthritis.
3. For psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis the usual dose is 40mg every 2 weeks.
4. If you have Crohn's disease, you typically start with 80mg then 40mg every 2 weeks. If necessary you can take it weekly or 80mg every 2 weeks. For higher doses, you can start with 160mg then 80mg after 2 weeks and then 40mg every 2 weeks.
5. If you have ulcerative colitis, you usually start with 160mg then 80mg after 2 weeks and then 40mg every 2 weeks. If needed it can be taken weekly or 80mg every 2 weeks.
6. For hidradenitis suppurativa, the usual starting dose is 160mg, then 80mg after 2 weeks. After another 2 weeks, you can take 40mg every week or 80mg every 2 weeks.
7. Non-infectious uveitis is usually treated with 80mg initially then 40mg a week later and after that 40mg every 2 weeks.
For Children:
Children's dosages are often based on their weight and how often they take it depends on their condition:
1. For plaque psoriasis, after the first dose they get doses one week later, and then every 2 weeks.
2. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis usually requires doses every 2 weeks after the first dose.
3. Enthesitis-related arthritis is treated with doses every 2 weeks.
4. In Crohn's disease, after the first dose, doses are given every 2 weeks but they can be given weekly if needed.
5. For non-infectious uveitis, after the first dose doses are given one week later and then every 2 weeks. It can be given every 2 weeks from the first dose.
6. Adolescent hidradenitis suppurativa (starting from 12 years old) typically begins with 80mg then 40mg after one week and then 40mg every 2 weeks. It can be given weekly if needed or 80mg every 2 weeks.
7. For ulcerative colitis, after the first dose, doses are given every 2 weeks.
If you forget to take your medicine:
1. Inject the missed dose as soon as you remember.
2. Continue with your regular schedule for the next dose on the planned day.
common side effects of Adalimumab:
1. Pain, Swelling, Redness, or Itchy Skin: You may notice these symptoms at the spot where you received the injection. It is quite normal. You can try using a cold pack or some pain relief cream to relieve discomfort.
2. Mild Nose, Throat or Sinus Infection: You might get a mild infection in your nose, throat or sinuses. This could lead to symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat or congestion. Rest and drink plenty of fluids to help your body fight the infection.
3. Headache: Some people may experience headaches. If you do, taking a mild pain reliever, drinking enough water and getting some rest can help ease the discomfort.
4. Stomach Pains and Nausea: You might feel some discomfort in your stomach or even feel like throwing up. Eating smaller, lighter meals and avoiding spicy or greasy foods can sometimes reduce these feelings.