Adalimumab

Adalimumab is a biologic medicine that calms an overactive immune system. It is used for several inflammatory conditions when other treatments have not worked well enough.

Type of medicine

Biologic medicine (TNF blocker)

Also known as

Humira, Amgevita, Hyrimoz, Imraldi, Yuflyma, Idacio

Comes as

injection pens, prefilled syringes

How you get it

Started by a specialist, then sometimes prescribed by a GP

What it is used for

Rheumatoid arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis (including ankylosing spondylitis)
Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
Plaque psoriasis
Hidradenitis suppurativa
Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Sarcoidosis and some other rare inflammatory conditions, under specialist care

How it works

Adalimumab is a man-made antibody. It blocks a protein called tumour necrosis factor (TNF), which drives inflammation in many autoimmune conditions. Blocking TNF reduces inflammation, pain and damage.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Adalimumab can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

pain or redness where you inject
headache
colds and sore throats
sinus infections
feeling sick
rash

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

signs of a serious infection, such as a high temperature, chills, a cough that will not go away, or feeling very unwell
signs of tuberculosis (TB), such as a long-lasting cough, weight loss or night sweats
unusual bruising or bleeding, or very pale skin
numbness, tingling or problems with your eyesight

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

You will be checked for TB and hepatitis before you start.
Avoid live vaccines while taking it. Ask your team about flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia vaccines.
Tell your team straight away if you get an infection.
Several brands (biosimilars) work in the same way. Your team may switch you between them.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.