Adalimumab - Uses and Side Effects

Adalimumab is a biologic medication used to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Adalimumab FAQ

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Does adalimumab help rheumatoid arthritis?

Adalimumab is a drug that reduces the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA), such as joint swelling, pain, and fatigue. It is also approved for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, uveitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa.

What is adalimumab (Humira)?

What is adalimumab? Adalimumab (brand name Humira) belongs to a new class of medicines called biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (biological DMARDs or bDMARDs). bDMARDs have now been given to over a million people worldwide since their initial use in the late 1990s. These medicines block natural substances, called cytokines.

What is adalimumab used for?

Adalimumab, sold under the brand name Humira and others, is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug and monoclonal antibody used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and uveitis.

What is the mechanism of action of adalimumab?

The mechanism of action of adalimumab involves the inhibition of the binding of TNF-α to its receptor, affecting both the soluble and membrane-bound forms. Specifically, adalimumab inhibits the interaction of TNF-α to the cell surface TNF receptors, p55 (TNFR1) and p75 (TNFR2), thereby disrupting cytokine-driven inflammatory processes.