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Adalimumab

Pronounced

"a-da-LIM-ue-mab"

Common brand names:

Amgevita, Hadlima, Hulio, Humira, Hyrimoz

Uses

Adalimumab is used to reduce pain and swelling due to certain types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid, psoriatic, juvenile idiopathic, ankylosing spondylitis). This medication is also used to treat certain skin disorders (such as plaque-type psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa). It works by blocking a protein (tumor necrosis factor or TNF) found in the body's immune system that causes joint swelling and damage in arthritis as well as red scaly patches in psoriasis. Adalimumab belongs to a class of drugs known as TNF blockers. By reducing joint swelling, this medication helps to reduce further joint damage and preserve joint function.

Adalimumab is also used to treat certain bowel conditions (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) and a certain eye disease (uveitis).

This monograph is about the following adalimumab products: adalimumab, adalimumab-aacf, adalimumab-aaty, adalimumab-adaz, adalimumab-adbm, adalimumab-afzb, adalimumab-aqvh, adalimumab-atto, adalimumab-bwwd, adalimumab-fkjp, and adalimumab-ryvk.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using adalimumab and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually every other week or once a week in some cases. The injection is given in the thigh or abdomen. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight. If you are using this medication to treat psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or uveitis, your doctor may prescribe a different schedule/higher dose at the start of your treatment. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for using this medication.

Take the medication out of the refrigerator 15 to 30 minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not warm up this medication any other way (for example, do not heat in the microwave or place it in hot water). Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. New injections should be given at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from an old site. Do not inject into skin that is sore, bruised, red, or hard. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the day on the calendar when you need to receive this medication. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.