Adalimumab

NHS information about the medicine adalimumab, including what it's used for, who can use it, how to use it and side effects.

What adalimumab is for

Adalimumab is used to treat conditions that can happen when the immune system attacks healthy parts of the body by mistake (autoimmune conditions).

Adalimumab is used to treat:

skin conditions such as psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa
rheumatoid arthritis
digestive conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
uveitis (a type of autoimmune eye condition)

Adalimumab is a type of medicine called a biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). DMARDs work by blocking the parts of the immune system that cause swelling (inflammation) in your body, which helps relieve your symptoms.

Adalimumab contains living cells that help prevent your immune system from damaging your own healthy tissue.

How to take adalimumab

Adalimumab comes in a pre-filled syringe or injector pen (auto-injector) that you inject into the skin of your belly or your inner thigh.

Depending on why you're taking adalimumab, you may need to have the injection once every 1 or 2 weeks.

Your care team will show you how to give yourself injections at home. You will be given a "sharps box" to safely dispose of your used syringes or injectors.

If the medicine works well for you, you may use it on a long-term basis.

You will need to have regular blood tests while taking adalimumab to check the health of your liver and kidneys.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or care team for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

Side effects of adalimumab

Like all medicines, adalimumab can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them.

Common side effects of adalimumab include:

itchy, red and painful skin where you inject your medicine – redness may be harder to see on brown or black skin
headaches
stomach pain
feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
skin rash
muscle, joint and bone pain
mood changes, such as feeling anxious or depressed
blurred vision
dizziness

If you feel dizzy or get any blurred vision after taking adalimumab, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until these symptoms stop.

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of adalimumab.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot take adalimumab

Most adults can take adalimumab. It's sometimes prescribed for children.

Adalimumab is not suitable for some people. For example, it may not be suitable if:

you've had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from adalimumab
you have heart failure
you have a serious infection, such as tuberculosis or hepatitis

Breastfeeding and adalimumab

Adalimumab can be used if you're breastfeeding as only very small amounts pass into breast milk.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects from medicine you're taking, but speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and adalimumab

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or you get pregnant while taking adalimumab.

Adalimumab can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.

If you need to take adalimumab while you're pregnant, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible effective dose.

Find out more about taking adalimumab on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicine in Pregnancy) website

Taking adalimumab with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with adalimumab:

This includes:

vaccines that have live viruses or bacteria in them, such as the chickenpox vaccine
some of the medicines used in chemotherapy for cancer

Before taking adalimumab, tell your doctor or care team if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

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