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Adalimumab ๐
๐ Patients on adalimumab should not be given any 'live' vaccines (e.g. polio, rubella, yellow fever). โ Inactivated vaccines are safe.
๐ About
- Fully human monoclonal anti-TNF-ฮฑ antibody.
- Assuming 26 doses per year, the annual cost of adalimumab is approximately ยฃ9,175.66.
- Always check the BNF link here.
โ๏ธ Action
- Blocks stimulation of TNF receptors โ down-regulates inflammatory response.
- Therapeutic benefit usually takes 3โ12 weeks to appear.
- Pharmacological profile is similar to infliximab.
๐ฉบ Indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, severe psoriasis.
- Ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondyloarthritis.
- Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis.
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
๐ Dose
- Administered subcutaneously as a 40 mg dose every other week (RA and most indications).
- Crohnโs disease induction: 160 mg (week 0), then 80 mg (week 2). Maintenance: usually 40 mg every 2 weeks (some patients require weekly dosing).
- Must be stored in a refrigerator (2โ8 ยฐC).
| Name | Starting Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adalimumab (RA) | 40 mg | Every 2 weeks | SC |
| Adalimumab (Crohnโs) | 160 mg (week 0), then 80 mg (week 2), then 40 mg | Every 2 weeks (ยฑ weekly if relapse) | SC |
โ ๏ธ Side Effects
- Respiratory tract infections, leukopenia, anaemia, โlipids.
- Headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting.
- Elevated liver enzymes, rash, musculoskeletal pain, injection-site reactions.
- Less common but serious: demyelinating disease, lupus-like syndrome, worsening heart failure, โrisk of malignancy.
๐ซ Contraindications
- Active tuberculosis or other severe infections.
- Moderate or severe heart failure.
- Latent TB must be treated for at least 2 months before initiation.
- Do not give live vaccines during treatment; inactivated vaccines are safe.
๐ References
| The content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only to support exam preparation (e.g., MLA, MRCP, USMLE) and learning. This is NOT medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional guidance. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, official guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC, BNF), or supervised clinical practice. Always verify information with current, authoritative sources. Makindo and its contributors accept no liability for any reliance on this content, including errors, omissions, or any resulting harm, loss, or consequences. By using this site, you agree to these terms. |
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