Adalimumab dosage, side effects

Adalimumab dosage, side effects:

Adalimumab is a biologic medication used to treat various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. It is a TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibitor that works by blocking TNF-α, a substance in the body that causes inflammation.

Brand Names of Adalimumab

Adalimumab is sold under several brand names worldwide, including:

1. Humira – The original brand name by AbbVie (most widely recognized).
2. Amjevita (adalimumab-atto) – A biosimilar by Amgen.
3. Cyltezo (adalimumab-adbm) – A biosimilar by Boehringer Ingelheim (interchangeable with Humira in the U.S.).
4. Hyrimoz (adalimumab-adaz) – A biosimilar by Sandoz (Novartis).
5. Hadlima (adalimumab-bwwd) – A biosimilar by Samsung Bioepis.
6. Hulio (adalimumab-fkjp) – A biosimilar by Mylan (now Viatris).
7. Yuflyma (adalimumab-aaty) – A high-concentration, citrate-free biosimilar by Celltrion.
8. Idacio (adalimumab-aacf) – A biosimilar by Fresenius Kabi.
9. Abrilada (adalimumab-afzb) – A biosimilar by Pfizer.
10. Hukyndra (adalimumab-adbm, same as Cyltezo but for EU market).

Approved Uses of Adalimumab

Adalimumab is FDA-approved for multiple conditions, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
• Crohn’s disease (CD)
• Ulcerative colitis (UC)
• Plaque psoriasis (PsO)
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
• Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)
• Uveitis

Administration

• Given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin).
• Available in pre-filled syringes, pens, and vials.
• Dosing frequency varies (weekly, biweekly, or monthly).

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Injection site reactions (redness, pain)
• Upper respiratory infections
• Headache
• Rash

Serious risks (require medical attention):

• Increased infections (TB, fungal, bacterial)
• Lymphoma & other cancers (rare)
• Heart failure (worsening)
• Liver injury
• Lupus-like syndrome
• Allergic reactions

Biosimilars vs. Humira

Since Humira’s patent expired, multiple biosimilars (near-identical versions) have been approved, offering lower-cost alternatives. Some (like Cyltezo) are designated as interchangeable, meaning pharmacists can substitute them without prescriber approval (in the U.S.).