Some important things to know about adalimumab
If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or Crohn’s disease, a doctor may prescribe adalimumab. It is only natural to want to know more about the medication.
Here, the medical review team at Chemist2U explains some important information about adalimumab. Read on and learn more about its usage, interactions, contraindications, and more.
In this article
How does adalimumab work?
Adalimumab, which is the generic name for Humira, is used to reduce signs and symptoms as well as prevent structural damage in individuals with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis and a number of other autoimmune conditions.[1]
It works by blocking a specific protein (TNF-α) that causes inflammation from binding with its receptors. The drug effectively neutralises its function, reducing the inflammation and symptoms associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.[2]
Consult your doctor to know if this medication is suitable for you.
How do you take adalimumab?
Adalimumab is administered as a subcutaneous injection.[3] The dosages and frequencies vary based on the condition being addressed. For example, treating rheumatoid arthritis typically involves a 40 mg dose every two weeks to manage chronic inflammation. However, adjustments may be made based on other medications you’re currently taking or have taken.
This medication is typically administered using pre-filled syringes or injection pens. Proper and appropriate use is critical when administering adalimumab injections, especially for long-term use. Always follow your doctor’s advice and guidance closely when taking the drug.
Should you miss a dose, it’s recommended to administer the injection as soon as possible and then continue with the regular schedule. Always keep the medication refrigerated, per the manufacturer’s instructions.[4]
To ensure the medication’s effectiveness, follow your prescription’s instructions carefully and consult your doctor for any questions about taking the drug.
Who can take adalimumab?
Adalimumab is generally prescribed to adults over the age of eighteen and may also be suitable for some children under specific conditions and a doctor’s supervision.
This treatment should be approached with caution and disclosed fully to your doctor, especially if you meet any of the following criteria:
- Have experienced allergic reactions to the drug or any other medications.
- Are currently dealing with an infection, feeling unwell, or a high temperature.
- Have a history of tuberculosis (TB) or close contact with someone who has TB.
- Have a history of heart failure, hepatitis B, respiratory disease, lupus, or blood dyscrasias.
- Have conditions affecting the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- Have a past diagnosis of cancer.
- Are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
- Have a latex allergy (certain injection pens are not latex-free).[5]
Sharing these details with your doctor is an important step towards managing your health safely and carefully.
Side effects of adalimumab
Adalimumab may bring about a range of side effects, including fever, headache, nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and reactions at the injection site. Rare but severe side effects, such as demyelinating disorder, bone marrow suppression, serious infections, worsening of congestive heart failure, and hypersensitivity reactions, may also occur.[6]
You should speak with your doctor if you experience any reactions, including those not mentioned, and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any serious ones.
Adalimumab and other medications
Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe you to take adalimumab together with other medicines like methotrexate and other disease modifying antirheumatic agents, which include sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and injectable gold preparations. It may also be taken with pain medications, including non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen.
You can ask your doctor for more information about which medication can be taken with adalimumab at the same time.
Medicines you should not use with adalimumab
Among the contraindications with adalimumab are the heightened risks of adverse reactions associated with other biologic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, such as etanercept and infliximab.[7]
Additionally, people taking adalimumab should also avoid medications that increase their risk of serious infections, such as live vaccinations and medications like abatacept or anakinra.[8]
Maintain an open dialogue with your doctor about all medications you’re currently taking if you’ve been prescribed this drug. This means disclosing prescription medication, over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements. Doing so encourages safe and appropriate use of adalimumab, as well as lowering the potential risks of side effects when taking the drug.
How to order adalimumab through Chemist2U
Chemist2U is not just a script app, but an online platform that makes medication easy.
To get started, you can download our app or use this website, then upload your eScript. A partner pharmacist in your area will look over your digital scripts online and dispense your order for pickup and delivery.
You can also add any over-the-counter medication and general pharmacy products you need, as we stock a wide range of items that you’ll find in a physical pharmacy.
For those in metro and major regional areas across Australia, we offer same-day delivery, directly from the chemist to your doorstep, for orders placed before our daily cutoff time. Note that a minority of products (inc. Ozempic and Mounjaro) are delivered via AusPost. Allow five to seven business days for these medications.
We’re dedicated to making your medication management easier than ever, whether you were prescribed adalimumab or a different medicine like Stelara (Ustekinumab). Plus, we can send you reminders when it’s time to reorder or seek a new script, so you are never without your important medication.
Have your medication home-delivered by Chemist2U today.
References
[1] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/brand/amt,4142011000036107/humira
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557889/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16011443/
[4] https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/c4cce4ba-15a4-439d-807d-a53300ff7a7a.pdf
[5] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/adalimumab/who-can-and-cannot-take-adalimumab/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548542/
[7] https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/patient-corner/drug-information/adalimumab-humira/
[8] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/adalimumab/taking-adalimumab-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements/
