When You Can't Get Humira, You Still Have Options

Being told your pharmacy doesn't have the Humira Pen 40 Mg/0.4 Ml Starter Pack in stock — or that your insurance won't cover it — can feel overwhelming. Especially when you're counting on this medication to manage a serious condition like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, or psoriasis.

The good news? In 2026, there are more alternatives to Humira than ever before. Several biosimilar versions of Adalimumab have launched in the U.S., and many of them are interchangeable with brand-name Humira, easier to find, and significantly cheaper.

This guide will walk you through what Humira is, how it works, and the best alternatives available right now.

What Is the Humira Pen 40 Mg/0.4 Ml Starter Pack?

Humira is the brand name for Adalimumab, a biologic medication manufactured by AbbVie. It was first FDA-approved in 2002 and has become one of the most widely prescribed biologics in the world.

The Humira Pen 40 Mg/0.4 Ml Starter Pack is a specific configuration that includes multiple auto-injector pens for the induction dosing period — the initial phase of treatment where higher or more frequent doses are given before transitioning to a maintenance schedule.

The 40 mg/0.4 mL version is the citrate-free, high-concentration formula, which patients generally find less painful to inject than the older 40 mg/0.8 mL formulation.

For a complete overview of the medication, see What Is Humira Pen Starter Pack? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.

How Does Humira Work?

Humira belongs to a class of drugs called TNF blockers (tumor necrosis factor inhibitors). TNF-alpha is a protein produced by your immune system that triggers inflammation. In autoimmune conditions, your body produces too much TNF-alpha, leading to chronic inflammation that damages joints, skin, the digestive tract, and other tissues.

Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody — a lab-made protein designed to specifically bind to TNF-alpha and block it from causing inflammation. By doing this, Humira can:

• Reduce joint pain and swelling in arthritis
• Clear skin plaques in psoriasis
• Reduce flares in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Control inflammation in the eyes (uveitis)
• Improve symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa

For a deeper explanation, check out How Does Humira Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.

Biosimilar Alternatives to Humira

A biosimilar is a biologic medication that is highly similar to an already-approved biologic (the "reference product"). Biosimilars go through rigorous FDA testing to prove they work the same way, with the same safety and effectiveness.

Some biosimilars are also designated as interchangeable, meaning a pharmacist can substitute them for the brand-name product without needing a new prescription from your doctor (depending on state law).

Here are the top Adalimumab biosimilars available in 2026:

1. Hyrimoz (Adalimumab-adaz) — by Sandoz

Hyrimoz is one of the most commonly prescribed Humira biosimilars. It's available in both a branded version and a lower-cost unbranded version. Hyrimoz has been designated as interchangeable with Humira.

• Available forms: Prefilled pen and prefilled syringe
• Branded price: Approximately $6,576 per carton (2 pens)
• Unbranded price: Approximately $1,315 per carton — about 81% below Humira's list price
• Why consider it: Widest biosimilar market share (about 47% of biosimilar switches). Easy to find at most specialty pharmacies.

2. Hadlima (Adalimumab-bwwd) — by Organon/Samsung Bioepis

Hadlima launched with one of the lowest list prices among Humira biosimilars, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious patients.

• Available forms: Prefilled pen and prefilled syringe, both citrate-free high concentration
• List price: Approximately $1,038 per carton — about 85% below Humira's list price
• Why consider it: Lowest price point among available biosimilars. Available in the same citrate-free formulation as the Humira Pen you're used to.

3. Amjevita (Adalimumab-atto) — by Amgen

Amjevita was one of the first Humira biosimilars approved by the FDA and is now interchangeable.

• Available forms: Prefilled pen and prefilled syringe
• Price: Offered at up to 55% below Humira's list price of approximately $6,900
• Why consider it: Established track record, interchangeable designation, widely covered by insurance plans.

4. Cyltezo (Adalimumab-adbm) — by Boehringer Ingelheim

Cyltezo was the first Adalimumab biosimilar to receive interchangeability designation from the FDA.

• Available forms: Prefilled pen and prefilled syringe
• Why consider it: First-to-market interchangeable biosimilar. Now included as a preferred product on major formularies including Express Scripts' National Preferred Formulary.

How to Switch to a Biosimilar

Switching from Humira to a biosimilar is generally straightforward:

1. Talk to your doctor. Discuss which biosimilar is right for you based on your condition, insurance coverage, and preferences.
2. Check your insurance formulary. Many plans now prefer specific biosimilars. Your doctor's office or pharmacist can check which ones are covered.
3. Understand the transition. You'll typically switch at your next scheduled dose. No washout period is needed — you simply use the biosimilar pen or syringe instead of Humira at your next injection.
4. Monitor for changes. While biosimilars are designed to work the same way, let your doctor know if you notice any changes in your symptoms or any new side effects.

What About Non-Adalimumab Alternatives?

If Adalimumab (whether brand-name or biosimilar) isn't working for you or isn't available, your doctor may consider other biologic medications in the TNF blocker class or different classes entirely:

• Enbrel (Etanercept) — Another TNF blocker, given as a weekly injection
• Rinvoq (Upadacitinib) — A JAK inhibitor (oral pill), also made by AbbVie
• Skyrizi (Risankizumab) — An IL-23 inhibitor for psoriasis and Crohn's disease
• Stelara (Ustekinumab) — An IL-12/23 inhibitor for psoriasis, Crohn's, and UC

These are different drugs with different mechanisms, so switching requires a conversation with your specialist.

Final Thoughts

If you can't fill your Humira Pen 40 Mg/0.4 Ml Starter Pack prescription, don't panic. The Adalimumab biosimilar market has exploded since 2023, giving you multiple options that are FDA-approved, clinically equivalent, and often much cheaper. Biosimilars like Hadlima can cost as little as $1,038 per carton compared to Humira's $6,900+.

Start by talking to your doctor, check what your insurance covers, and use Medfinder to find availability near you. For more information about side effects to watch for, read our post on Humira side effects: what to expect and when to call your doctor.