Adalimumab
Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets and neutralizes TNF-alpha, a key inflammatory protein. It is prescribed for various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. By blocking TNF-alpha, adalimumab reduces inflammation and helps control symptoms of these chronic conditions.
Adalimumab is a TNF-alpha inhibitor used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases by reducing inflammation.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L04AB04
- RxNorm
- 327361
- Generic
- Adalimumab
- Class
- atc-l04
- Brands
- Amjevita, Yuflyma, Hadlima, Yusimry, Hulio, Idacio, Cyltezo, Hyrimoz, Abrilada, Simlandi, Humira
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- prefilled syringe, injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 40mg every other week
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 2 weeks
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 20mg or 40mg every other week based on weight
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 2 weeks
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 40mg every other week
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 2 weeks
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue use before conception when possible; use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterconsider discontinuation
TNF-alpha inhibitors cross placenta significantly in third trimester; consider stopping in third trimester if disease controlled
fetal monitoring recommended; assess for neonatal infections
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
not applicableno adjustment needed
appears in low levels in breast milk; generally considered compatible but monitor infant
monitor infant for infection symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
65 years and olderno specific adjustment
use standard dosing; increased risk of infections monitor closely
regular monitoring for infections; assess immune function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
2 to 17 yearsweight-based dosing
approved for juvenile idiopathic arthritis and pediatric Crohn's disease; use as indicated
regular monitoring of growth and infection surveillance
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
adalimumab is not renally excreted; no dosage adjustment required
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeno adjustment needed
no specific dose adjustment; use standard dosing but monitor closely
standard monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
metabolized via proteolysis; no dosage adjustment required
standard monitoring
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval for Humira
Drug class
TNF-alpha inhibitor monoclonal antibody
Mechanism of action
Binds to TNF-α preventing interaction with TNF receptors
Common uses
Approved therapeutic indications
Treats rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and uveitis.
Binds specifically to TNF-alpha and blocks its interaction with p55 and p75 cell surface TNF receptors. May also lyse surface TNF-expressing cells in vitro in the presence of complement.
Being an immunosuppressant, it increases susceptibility to infections. Live vaccines should be avoided during treatment. Common adverse effects include injection site reactions and respiratory infections. Patients should be screened for tuberculosis and hepatitis B before starting therapy.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy