Adalimumab Is a Biologic Medication That Treats Autoimmune Conditions by Blocking TNF-Alpha, a Protein That Causes Inflammation

If you've been prescribed adalimumab or are researching it for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions. This guide covers everything you need to know — from what it is and how it works to how much it costs and who shouldn't take it.

What Is Adalimumab?

Adalimumab is the generic name for a class of biologic medications best known by the brand name Humira, manufactured by AbbVie. It belongs to a drug class called TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibitors, which are a type of biologic DMARD (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug).

Humira was first approved by the FDA in 2002 for rheumatoid arthritis and has since been approved for nine different conditions. It became one of the best-selling drugs in history.

Since 2023, more than 10 biosimilar versions of adalimumab have entered the U.S. market, including:

• Amjevita (adalimumab-atto) by Amgen
• Cyltezo (adalimumab-adbm) by Boehringer Ingelheim
• Hadlima (adalimumab-bwwd) by Samsung Bioepis
• Hyrimoz (adalimumab-adaz) by Sandoz
• Hulio (adalimumab-fkjp) by Biocon
• Simlandi (adalimumab-ryvk) by Pfizer
• Yuflyma (adalimumab-aaty) by Celltrion

Adalimumab is not a controlled substance and does not require DEA scheduling.

What Is Adalimumab Used For?

Adalimumab is FDA-approved to treat the following conditions:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) — in adults, often with methotrexate
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) — ages 2 and older
• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
• Crohn's disease — adults and children ages 6+
• Ulcerative colitis (UC) — adults and children ages 5+
• Plaque psoriasis — in adults
• Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) — adults and adolescents 12+
• Uveitis — adults and children ages 2+

Adalimumab is also used off-label for conditions like Behçet's disease, sarcoidosis, and pyoderma gangrenosum.

For details on how it works at the molecular level, see our guide on how adalimumab works.

How Is Adalimumab Taken?

Adalimumab is given as a subcutaneous injection — meaning it's injected just under the skin, not into a vein. Most patients self-administer it at home using a prefilled auto-injector pen or prefilled syringe.

Typical Dosing

• Most conditions: 40 mg every other week
• Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: Loading dose of 160 mg on Day 1, then 80 mg on Day 15, then 40 mg every other week starting Day 29
• Plaque psoriasis: 80 mg initial dose, then 40 mg every other week starting one week later
• Pediatric dosing: Based on weight, with 10 mg and 20 mg strengths available

How to Inject

• Inject into the thigh or abdomen (at least 2 inches from the navel)
• Rotate injection sites with each dose
• Let the medication reach room temperature (15–30 minutes) before injecting
• Store in the refrigerator at 36–46°F (2–8°C). Do not freeze or shake.

Available Forms

• Prefilled auto-injector pen (40 mg/0.4 mL, 40 mg/0.8 mL, 80 mg/0.8 mL)
• Prefilled syringe (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 80 mg)
• Single-dose vial (for institutional use)

Who Should Not Take Adalimumab?

Adalimumab is not safe for everyone. You should not take it if you have:

• Hypersensitivity to adalimumab or any ingredient in the formulation
• Active serious infections, including sepsis or active tuberculosis
• Active TB — you must be tested for latent TB before starting treatment

Use with caution if you have:

• A history of recurring infections
• Heart failure
• A history of demyelinating disorders (like multiple sclerosis)
• Hepatitis B (must be tested before starting)

You should not receive live vaccines while taking adalimumab. Discuss your vaccination schedule with your doctor before starting treatment.

For a full list of side effects and warnings, see our adalimumab side effects guide.

How Much Does Adalimumab Cost?

Adalimumab is expensive, but costs have come down significantly since biosimilars entered the market:

• Brand Humira: $6,900–$11,000 per month (list price for 2 pens/syringes)
• Biosimilars (Hadlima, Hyrimoz, etc.): $1,300–$1,900 per month
• With insurance: Most patients pay significantly less, especially with copay assistance programs
• HUMIRA Complete Savings Card: Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $5 per month

Patients without insurance or with financial hardship can apply to the AbbVie Patient Assistance Foundation (1-800-222-6885) for free medication. Additional resources include NeedyMeds, RxAssist, PAN Foundation, and HealthWell Foundation.

For detailed savings strategies, read our guide on how to save money on adalimumab.

Final Thoughts

Adalimumab has been a game-changer for millions of people living with autoimmune conditions. With the arrival of biosimilars, it's now more accessible and affordable than ever. If you've been prescribed adalimumab, work with your doctor and specialty pharmacy to find the version that's right for you — and use tools like Medfinder to check availability and pricing near you.