Humira (adalimumab)
An approved treatment for Behcet Disease.
The same compound appears under different names depending on the context. Here is how to identify Adalimumab wherever you encounter it, plus the key facts at a glance.
- Generic name
- Adalimumab
- Brand name
- Humira
- Development code
- D2E7
- Drug class
- Monoclonal antibody (anti-TNF)
- Manufacturer
- AbbVie
- How it's taken
- Adalimumab is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) every other week, with doses of 40 mg.
A biologic injection used for various inflammatory conditions. In Behcet disease, it targets the TNF-alpha protein that drives inflammation, helping control eye disease and other severe symptoms. It is not FDA approved for Behcet disease itself. Its label covers non-infectious intermediate, posterior and panuveitis, types of eye inflammation Behcet disease can cause, in adults and children 2 and older.
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Where Adalimumab fits
Used off-label for severe Behcet's disease manifestations. One of the most widely prescribed biologics globally with approvals across numerous autoimmune conditions.
How Adalimumab works
Adalimumab is a fully human antibody that sticks to and inactivates TNF, a key inflammatory messenger chemical that is very active in Behcet disease. By blocking TNF, the drug reduces inflammation throughout the body and helps control disease symptoms like eye inflammation and ulcers.
Mechanism: Monoclonal antibody that blocks tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a)
Side effects and safety
Common side effects include injection site reactions like redness and swelling, upper respiratory infections, and headache. Humira has a boxed warning for serious infections (including tuberculosis and fungal infections) because it reduces immune system activity, and for cancer: lymphoma and other cancers, some fatal, have been reported in children and teens treated with TNF blockers including Humira. Contact your doctor if you develop signs of infection like fever, chills, or unusual fatigue. If you are at risk for hepatitis B, you should be tested before starting, because Humira can reactivate the virus in people who carry it, and this has sometimes been fatal. Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and drops in blood cell counts can also happen, so get help right away for trouble breathing, swelling, a fever that won't go away, easy bruising or bleeding, or looking very pale. The label also warns about new or worse nerve diseases such as multiple sclerosis, new or worse heart failure, and a lupus-like reaction or autoimmune hepatitis, and says not to get live vaccines while taking it.
This is not a complete list of side effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to expect and when to seek medical attention.
Taking Adalimumab
Adalimumab is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) every other week, with doses of 40 mg. Patients can self-inject at home after receiving training. The medication should be kept at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before injection.
Availability and cost
Approved biosimilars: Hadlima, Amjevita, Cyltezo, Hyrimoz, Yuflyma, Simlandi, Abrilada, Hulio, Idacio, Yusimry
TNF-alpha inhibitor biologic with multiple approved biosimilars. One of the first biologics to face broad biosimilar competition across its indications.
Help paying for Humira
Pick your insurance to see which help fits. Drugmaker copay cards can't be used with Medicare, Medicaid or TRICARE; charity funds are the usual route there.
- Copay help
Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $0 per month with the HUMIRA Complete Savings Card. Up to $14,000 per calendar year; not for government insurance.
For: private insurance · source - Insurance and case manager help
HUMIRA Insurance Specialists at 1-800-4HUMIRA help explain coverage and costs, including Medicare Part D costs.
For: private insurance, Medicare · source - Free medicine program
myAbbVie Assist may provide AbbVie medicines at no cost to eligible US patients without insurance or with limited coverage.
For: no insurance, underinsured · source
Good to know: The copay card maximum can be cut (to $4,000) if your plan uses a copay maximizer program. A rebate option exists if a pharmacy will not take the card. Free drug is through AbbVie's myAbbVie Assist; eligibility rules apply. Biosimilar adalimumab products have their own programs.
Clinical trial results
Adalimumab has shown strong evidence for Behcet uveitis (eye inflammation), with about 89% of patients showing good response in clinical studies. It is now considered a first-line treatment for Behcet disease-related eye problems.
Development history
Adalimumab was developed by Abbott (now AbbVie) and approved by the FDA in 2002. It was the first fully human monoclonal antibody, which gave it advantages like improved tolerability and the ability for patients to self-inject at home.
Explore Behcet Disease trials
Other Behcet Disease treatments
Common questions about Adalimumab
▸What is Adalimumab (Humira)?
A biologic injection used for various inflammatory conditions. In Behcet disease, it targets the TNF-alpha protein that drives inflammation, helping control eye disease and other severe symptoms. It is not FDA approved for Behcet disease itself. Its label covers non-infectious intermediate, posterior and panuveitis, types of eye inflammation Behcet disease can cause, in adults and children 2 and older.
▸How does Adalimumab work?
Adalimumab is a fully human antibody that sticks to and inactivates TNF, a key inflammatory messenger chemical that is very active in Behcet disease. By blocking TNF, the drug reduces inflammation throughout the body and helps control disease symptoms like eye inflammation and ulcers.
▸What are the side effects of Adalimumab?
Common side effects include injection site reactions like redness and swelling, upper respiratory infections, and headache. Humira has a boxed warning for serious infections (including tuberculosis and fungal infections) because it reduces immune system activity, and for cancer: lymphoma and other cancers, some fatal, have been reported in children and teens treated with TNF blockers including Humira. Contact your doctor if you develop signs of infection like fever, chills, or unusual fatigue. If you are at risk for hepatitis B, you should be tested before starting, because Humira can reactivate the virus in people who carry it, and this has sometimes been fatal. Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, and drops in blood cell counts can also happen, so get help right away for trouble breathing, swelling, a fever that won't go away, easy bruising or bleeding, or looking very pale. The label also warns about new or worse nerve diseases such as multiple sclerosis, new or worse heart failure, and a lupus-like reaction or autoimmune hepatitis, and says not to get live vaccines while taking it.
▸How is Adalimumab taken?
Adalimumab is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) every other week, with doses of 40 mg. Patients can self-inject at home after receiving training. The medication should be kept at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before injection.
▸Is Adalimumab FDA approved?
Yes, Adalimumab (Humira) is FDA approved (2002) for the treatment of Behcet Disease.
▸How is adalimumab used for Behcet disease?
Adalimumab (Humira) is a TNF-alpha inhibitor used off-label for various Behcet disease manifestations, including mouth, genital, and skin sores and other inflammatory complications. It is not specifically FDA-approved for Behcet disease. It is, however, FDA-approved to treat non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis, types of eye inflammation that can occur in Behcet disease, in adults and children 2 and older.
▸How is adalimumab administered?
Adalimumab is given as a subcutaneous injection, typically every 2 weeks. Patients can self-inject at home after training.
▸Are biosimilars available for adalimumab?
Yes. Multiple biosimilars of adalimumab are now available, which can significantly reduce costs. Biosimilar competition has made this treatment more accessible.
▸What monitoring is needed with adalimumab?
Regular monitoring for infections is important since adalimumab suppresses TNF, a key immune signaling molecule. Tuberculosis screening is required before starting treatment. Liver function and blood counts should also be monitored.
▸How does adalimumab compare to apremilast for Behcet?
Adalimumab targets TNF-alpha and may be used for broader Behcet manifestations (uveitis, skin, joints), while apremilast is specifically approved for Behcet oral ulcers. Adalimumab is injectable while apremilast is oral.