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Adalimumab

This page provides concise information about the drug adalimumab, including its indications, dosage and administration, mechanism of action, related brands with strengths, warnings, and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Adalimumab, a monoclonal antibody (a protein that binds to a specific target), received medical approval on December 31, 2002.

Mechanism of Action of Adalimumab

Adalimumab Injection is a biological agent utilized as targeted drug therapy for treating diverse inflammatory conditions. It selectively targets and binds to TNF-alpha, a protein found in elevated levels in inflammatory diseases. By obstructing the interaction between this protein and its receptors, adalimumab effectively reduces inflammation over time.

AVAILABLE BRANDS

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Cipleumab 40mg Injection
Cipla Ltd ₹18000.00
Adalirel 20mg Injection
Reliance Life Sciences Pvt Ltd ₹11000.00
Adalirel 20mg Injection
Zydus Cadila ₹25000.00
Mabura 40mg Injection
Hetero Healthcare Ltd ₹27500.00
Admira 40mg Injection
Tricept Life Sciences Pvt Ltd ₹26000.00

Uses of Adalimumab

Adalimumab Injection is designed to address a range of inflammatory conditions, including 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.

Adalimumab Drug administaration and Dosage available

For adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, the recommended dosage is 40mg every other week. In children with arthritis of unknown origin, the suggested dose is 10mg every other week for those weighing less than 15 kg, 20mg every other week for those weighing less than 30 kg, and 40mg every other week for those with a body weight above 30 kg.
For adults dealing with inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, the recommended dosage is 160mg on day 1, 80mg on the 15th day, and 40mg every other week beginning on day 29. In children with a body weight less than 40 kg, the advised dose is 80mg on the first day, 40mg on day 15, and 20mg every other week starting on the 29th day.
For plaque psoriasis and adult uveitis, the initial dose is 80mg, followed by 40mg every other week after the initial dose. Adalimumab is available in various formulations, including single-dose prefilled pens (80mg/0.8ml, 40mg/0.8ml, 40mg/0.4ml), single-dose prefilled glass syringes (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 vials (40mg/0.8ml).

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of Adalimumab

Warnings

Promptly contact your physician if you encounter a severe rash, swelling of the face, hands, or feet, breathing difficulties, infections, fever, or signs of bleeding or bruising. Adalimumab is not recommended if you are allergic to any of its components, have a history of tuberculosis, heart problems, Hepatitis B, demyelinating disease, or cancer. Throughout this treatment, your physician may monitor your vital signs to prevent serious complications. Notify your healthcare provider if you are planning to undergo any dental or surgical procedures.

Precautions

Seek guidance from your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, suspect you might be pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding. Adalimumab is likely considered unsafe during pregnancy, as it may elevate the risk of infection in your baby. Consult with your healthcare provider regarding effective contraceptive methods and consider their use for a minimum of 5 months after the last dose of Adalimumab.

Side Effects

Common side effects that may occur during Adalimumab Injection treatment include reactions at the injection site, respiratory tract infections, headache, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, rash, muscle pain, skin, ear, intestine, tooth, and joint infections, fungal infections, non-cancerous tumors, urinary tract infection, skin cancer, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, tingling, prickling, numbness, nerve root compression, inflammation of the eyelid, vertigo, migraine, cough, high blood pressure, etc. If you encounter symptoms such as sickness, infection, fever, double vision, bleeding, or bruising while undergoing this treatment, promptly inform your doctor.

Word Of Advice

Adalimumab may induce side effects such as a spinning sensation and visual disturbances. Consequently, it is recommended to refrain from driving or operating machinery while undergoing this treatment. Prior to receiving any vaccines, consult with your healthcare provider and notify them of any other medications or herbal supplements you may be taking.

Frequently Asked Question

It would be ideal to mark your calendar with the dates of your treatment so that you remember when to take Adalimumab injection.
If you are a woman of reproductive age, 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 Injection is associated with increased risk of bleeding and bruising. Hence it is advisable to consult your healthcare practitioner before going for surgery or dental procedure during this treatment. your doctor might recommend to discontinue the treatment for the time- being.
It is not recommended to take adalimumab if you are taking abatacept, anakinra, infliximab, etanercept, rituximab, azathioprine or mercaptopurine.
Store Adalimumab injection in a refrigerator in its original container away from light. do not store in a freezer. do not use the injection if the liquid appears cloudy, discoloured or contains particles.
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 are some of the most common side effects associated with Adalimumab treatment.
Hives, swelling of face, eyes, lips or mouth and breathing difficulty are some of the common symptoms that indicate that you are allergic to adalimumab injection. tell your doctor if you are allergic to rubber or latex since the prefilled syringe contains natural rubber latex. 

References

  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
    Edward Chu, Cancer Chemotherapy, Lange’s Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 948-976.

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is different from medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.