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 (September 2007). Adalimumab, etanercept and infliximab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.