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What Is Adalimumab?

Adalimumab is a tumor necrosis factor blocker and monoclonal antibody used for several inflammatory diseases. Humira is the reference product for approved adalimumab biosimilars in the United States. Adalimumab is given by subcutaneous injection. Labeled uses include rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and uveitis.

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What Is Adalimumab?

Adalimumab is a tumor necrosis factor blocker and monoclonal antibody used for several inflammatory diseases. Humira is the reference product for approved adalimumab biosimilars in the United States. Adalimumab is given by subcutaneous injection. Labeled uses include rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and uveitis.

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How Does Adalimumab Work?

Adalimumab binds to tumor necrosis factor alpha, also called TNF-alpha, and blocks its interaction with cell-surface TNF receptors. TNF-alpha is involved in inflammatory and immune responses. Blocking this signal reduces inflammatory activity linked to joint, bowel, skin, and eye disease. Reduced TNF activity also weakens parts of the immune response, which raises the risk of serious infections.

What Is Adalimumab Used For?

Adalimumab is used for rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and noninfectious intermediate, posterior, or panuveitis. Age limits and dosing schedules differ by condition and product. Some biosimilars have labeled indications that differ from Humira, so the prescribed product label guides treatment.

How Is Adalimumab Given?

Adalimumab is injected under the skin with a prefilled syringe, pen, or other approved presentation. Dosing varies by diagnosis, age, weight, and treatment stage. Some conditions start with larger induction doses before moving to maintenance injections. After training, patients or caregivers can administer selected products at home. Injection sites are rotated, and medicine is inspected before each dose.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings?

Adalimumab carries boxed warnings for serious infections and malignancy. Tuberculosis, invasive fungal infections, bacterial infections, viral infections, and other opportunistic infections have occurred during treatment. Other risks include hepatitis B reactivation, nervous-system disorders, heart failure, blood-cell abnormalities, allergic reactions, and lupus-like syndrome. Tuberculosis screening occurs before treatment, and live vaccines are avoided during therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adalimumab

Is adalimumab the same as Humira?

Adalimumab is the active medicine in Humira. Several FDA-approved biosimilars contain highly similar adalimumab versions with their own product names and labeling.

Is adalimumab a steroid?

No. Adalimumab is a biologic TNF blocker and monoclonal antibody. It targets TNF-alpha rather than acting like a corticosteroid.

How is adalimumab administered?

Adalimumab is given by subcutaneous injection. Depending on the product and regimen, trained patients or caregivers can administer doses at home.

Does adalimumab increase infection risk?

Yes. Adalimumab suppresses part of the immune response and carries a boxed warning for serious infections, including tuberculosis and invasive fungal infections.

References

Adalimumab Injection. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603010.html. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

Biosimilar Product Information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/biosimilars/biosimilar-product-information. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

DailyMed - HUMIRA (adalimumab) kit. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=608d4f0d-b19f-46d3-749a-7159aa5f933d. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

HUMIRA (adalimumab) Full Prescribing Information. https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/humira.pdf. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.

HUMIRA (adalimumab) Medication Guide. https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/humira_medguide.pdf. Date Accessed September 11, 2026.