Adalimumab

• adalimumab is a human-sequence antibody that binds specifically to TNF-alpha and neutralises its biological function by blocking its interaction with cell-surface TNF-alpha receptors
  • adalimumab also modulates biological responses that are induced or regulated by TNF-alpha, including changes in the levels of adhesion molecules responsible for leukocyte migration
  • the summary of product characteristics (SPC) states that adalimumab should be given in combination with methotrexate, except where methotrexate is not tolerated or is considered inappropriate
  • common adverse events reported during adalimumab therapy include injection-site reactions and infections
    • before initiation of therapy, all patients must be evaluated for both active and inactive (latent) tuberculosis infection
  • adalimumab is contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe heart failure, active tuberculosis or other active infections

For full details of side effects and contraindications, see the SPC.

Reference

1. NICE. Adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, certolizumab pegol, golimumab, tocilizumab and abatacept for rheumatoid arthritis not previously treated with DMARDs or after conventional DMARDs only have failed. Technology appraisal guidance TA375. Published January 2016