Adalimumab is an injectable medicine indicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or Crohn’s disease, as it works by reducing inflammation by blocking a specific protein, TNF-alpha, which is present in high levels in inflammatory diseases.
This medicine can be found in the form of an injectable pen, pre-filled syringe or vial containing 40 mg of adalimumab, offered free of charge by the SUS, as long as it has a medical indication, or it can be purchased in pharmacies or drugstores, under the commercial name Humira, sold through presentation of a medical prescription.
Adalimumab should be used in doses and for the duration of treatment recommended by the doctor, according to the condition being treated and the severity of the symptoms.
What is it for
Adalimumab is indicated for the treatment of:
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Psoriatic arthritis;
- Ankylosing spondylitis;
- Espondiloartrite axial grave;
- Crohn’s disease;
- Ulcerative colitis;
- Ulcerative colitis;
- Psoriasis;
- Hidradenitis suppurativa;
- Uveitis;
- Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis;
- Enthesitis-related arthritis.
Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody that acts by binding to a specific protein, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), present in high levels in the body in inflammatory diseases that occur in the joints, spine, intestine and skin, and thus , helps reduce inflammation and reduce symptoms.
How to use and dosage
Adalimumab must be used through subcutaneous application, that is, on the skin of the abdomen or thigh, inserting the needle at 45 degrees into the skin and injecting the liquid for 2 to 5 seconds.
It is important to take adalimumab out of the refrigerator, approximately 15 to 30 minutes before application, so that it reaches room temperature. Furthermore, before applying, you must wash your hands with water and neutral soap and wipe the area to be applied with a moistened alcohol wipe, provided in the packaging. See how to apply subcutaneous injection correctly.
It is important to alternate the adalimumab application site with each application, that is, not to apply it in the same place where the last dose was taken. Furthermore, the syringe, needle or injectable pen used must be discarded after use and never reused.
The dosage of adalimumab varies according to the condition being treated and age, which includes:
1. Dosage for adults
Recommended doses for adults vary according to the condition being treated, and include:
The duration of treatment with adalimumab should be guided by the rheumatologist.
2. Dosage for children over 6 years old
Adalimumab doses for children over 6 years of age vary according to the child’s body weight and condition being treated and include:
Adalimumab doses for children should always be guided by the pediatrician, as well as the treatment time.
For children, the vial containing 40 mg of adalimumab in 0.8 mL should be used, as it allows the dose to be divided into lower doses, ensuring the correct dose.
3. Dosage for children over 2 years old
Adalimumab doses for children over 2 years old vary according to the child’s body weight and condition being treated and include:
In children, adalimumab should be administered by parents or guardians, and doses should be guided by the pediatrician.
Possible side effects
The most common side effects that may occur during treatment with adalimumab are headache, rash, cough, asthma, respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, pneumonia or pharyngitis, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle pain, changes in mood, anxiety, insomnia, conjunctivitis, dizziness, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, pain or bleeding at the injection site.
Adalimumab can also increase the risk of infections, as it decreases the action of the immune system, which can be noticed through symptoms, such as.
- Excessive tiredness;
- Feeling of weakness;
- Fever;
- Chills;
- Bad being generalized;
- Pale skin;
- Cough;
- Excessive sweating;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Pain in the lower back;
- Difficulty urinating;
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating;
- Sore throat or mouth ulcers;
- Dor abdominal.
Additionally, adalimumab can cause serious allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention. Therefore, you should stop treatment and seek the nearest emergency room if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, a feeling of a closed throat, swelling in the mouth, tongue or face, formation of blisters on the skin or hives. Know how to identify the symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Who shouldn’t use
Adalimumab should not be used by children under 2 years of age, by people who are immunocompromised, or who have active tuberculosis, or other types of chronic infection, moderate to severe heart failure or allergy to any of the components of the formula.
During pregnancy or breastfeeding, adalimumab should only be used if recommended by the doctor, after evaluating the benefits of the treatment for the woman and the possible risks for the baby.
Furthermore, during treatment with adalimumab it is not recommended to take live or attenuated virus vaccines, as they can cause serious infections. Therefore, before taking any vaccine, you should consult the doctor responsible for the treatment.
Adalimumab should not be applied to areas of skin with irritation, sensitivity, inflammation, wounds or redness.
