Adalimumab

This page provides brief information on Adalimumab, covering its prescribed use, recommended dosage and administration, mechanism of action, associated brands and their strengths, precautionary warnings, and typical side effects.

Context and Approval Date

Adalimumab was first approved by the U.S. FDA in December 2002 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Its indications have since expanded to include multiple autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and plaque psoriasis.

Mechanism of Action of Adalimumab

Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets tumor necrosis factor‑alpha (TNF‑α).
  • TNF‑α is a cytokine involved in systemic inflammation and immune response.
  • By binding to TNF‑α, Adalimumab prevents it from interacting with its cell surface receptors.
  • This reduces inflammation, tissue damage, and immune‑mediated destruction in chronic inflammatory diseases.

    • All Substitutes

    View All
    Product Packaging Size Manufacturer Price
    Exemptia 40mg Injectiont 1 Prefilled Syringe Zydus Cadila INR 5350
    Azimbra 40mg Injectiont 1 Prefilled Syringe Abbott INR 6700
    Adalipca 40mg Injection 1 Prefilled Syringe IPCA Laboratories Ltd INR 6500
    Mabura 40mg Pen 1 Prefilled Syringe Hetero Healthcare INR 6800

    Uses of Adalimumab

    Adalimumab is prescribed for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, including:
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
  • Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
  • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
  • Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
  • Plaque psoriasis
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)

    • Administration Guidelines and Dosage Options

    Administration Guide

  • Administered by subcutaneous (SC) injection only.
  • Typical dosing: 40 mg every other week, adjusted based on disease and response.
  • Rotate injection sites (thigh, abdomen) to avoid irritation.
  • Must be administered under medical supervision or by trained patients using prefilled syringes or pens.
  • Do not shake or freeze the injection.

    • Available Dosage Options

  • Prefilled syringes or pens containing 40 mg/0.8 mL solution.
  • Pediatric and special‑indication doses may vary (e.g., 20 mg for JIA).
  • Dose adjustments may be required for body weight, disease severity, or combination therapy.

    • Information about Adalimumab

    Adalimumab is a biologic medicine used to treat autoimmune diseases by reducing inflammation and preventing joint or tissue damage.

    How Adalimumab works

    Adalimumab Injection blocks TNF‑α, a key inflammatory protein, helping control immune overactivity and reduce symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness.

    Common side effects of Adalimumab

  • Injection site reactions (redness, pain, swelling)
  • Headache, fatigue
  • Upper respiratory infections
  • Nausea, rash
  • Store in a refrigerator (2–8 °C); do not freeze.
  • Take Adalimumab exactly as prescribed; do not skip doses.
  • Avoid live vaccines during treatment.
  • Inform your doctor if you develop fever, persistent cough, or signs of infection.
  • Regular blood tests may be required to monitor immune function and liver health.

    • Warnings, Precautions, and Side Effects

    Warnings

  • Increased risk of serious infections (TB, fungal, bacterial).
  • Possible malignancy risk with long‑term use.
  • May cause demyelinating disease or lupus‑like syndrome.
  • Avoid use during active infection.
  • Pregnancy: use only if benefits outweigh risks; contraception recommended.

    • Precautions

  • Screen for tuberculosis and hepatitis B before starting therapy.
  • Monitor for signs of infection throughout treatment.
  • Use caution in patients with heart failure or demyelinating disorders.
  • Avoid live vaccines during therapy.
  • Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.

    • Common Side Effects

  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Injection site pain or swelling
  • Nausea
  • Mild infections (sinusitis, bronchitis)

    • Serious but Rare Side Effects

  • Severe infections (TB, sepsis)
  • Malignancy (lymphoma, skin cancer)
  • Hepatic toxicity
  • Demyelinating disease
  • Allergic or anaphylactic reactions

    • FAQ - Adalimumab

    1What is Adalimumab 40mg Injection used for?
    Adalimumab is prescribed for autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. Export patients often request it for long‑term management of these chronic diseases.
    2How does Adalimumab work?
    It is a monoclonal antibody that blocks TNF‑α (tumor necrosis factor‑alpha), reducing inflammation and preventing further tissue damage. This mechanism is especially important for patients seeking advanced biologic therapy options abroad.
    3Who should not use Adalimumab?
  • Patients with active or serious infections.
  • Patients with untreated tuberculosis (TB).
  • Patients who are allergic to adalimumab or any of its ingredients.
  • Patients with severe uncontrolled infections should consult their doctor before treatment.
    • 4How is Adalimumab administered?
    It is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin), usually once every two weeks. Patients receiving exports should ensure proper cold‑chain storage during shipping and use only under medical supervision.
    5Can export patients self‑inject Adalimumab?
    Yes, after proper training from a healthcare provider, patients can self‑inject at home. Export patients should request detailed instructions and use pre‑filled syringes or pens supplied with the medicine.
    6What precautions should be taken before starting Adalimumab?
    Screening for tuberculosis and infections is mandatory. Patients should inform their doctor about liver disease, heart problems, or cancer history. Export patients must consult their local physician before starting therapy.
    7What are the common side effects?
    Injection site reactions, headache, nausea, rash, and mild infections are common. Serious infections are rare but possible. Export patients should report any persistent fever, cough, or flu‑like symptoms immediately.
    8Can Adalimumab be shipped internationally?
    Yes, Biosyn Pharmaceuticals supplies Adalimumab to foreign patients in small export quantities. Medicines are shipped with proper cold‑chain packaging to maintain efficacy.
    9Is Adalimumab safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
    It is generally not recommended unless clearly needed. Both male and female patients should use effective contraception during treatment. Export patients should consult their doctor before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

    References

  • KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antirheumatoid and Antigout Drugs, 7th edition, 2013, p.213.
  • Goodman & Gilman’s, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Immunosuppressants, Tolerogens, and Immunostimulants, 12th edition, 2011, 1018.
  • AbbVie Ltd. Humira 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) – (emc). www.medicines.org.uk. 2021 [Cited 2023 Jul]. Available from: SmPC – Humira (Adalimumab) 40mg Injection (2021)
  • AbbVie Inc. Humira (adalimumab) injection – Prescribing Information – U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). www.rxabbvie.com. 2021 [Cited 2023 Jul]. Available from: FDA – Humira (Adalimumab) 40mg Injection (2021)

    • Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Adalimumab Injection should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment based on the information provided on this website.

    Biosyn Pharmaceuticals supplies prescription medicines in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. International orders may require a valid prescription and are subject to the import regulations of the destination country. Patients should consult their healthcare provider before purchasing or using any prescription medicine.