Hadlima

How does Hadlima work?

Hadlima is a fully human monoclonal antibody that works by binding specifically to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a protein in the body that drives inflammation. In autoimmune conditions, the immune system overproduces TNF-alpha, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. By blocking TNF-alpha from attaching to cell surface receptors, Hadlima helps reduce inflammation, ease symptoms like joint pain and swelling, and slow disease progression. The medication is administered via subcutaneous injection, typically every other week, though some conditions require higher loading doses initially.

How hard is it to find Hadlima in stock?

Hadlima scores a 40 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it can be difficult to locate at many pharmacies. As a newer adalimumab biosimilar that launched in July 2023, not all pharmacies routinely stock it. Many retail pharmacies still default to dispensing Humira, and formulary transitions are ongoing. Specialty pharmacies and mail-order services tend to have better availability. If your local pharmacy doesn't carry Hadlima, Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy that has it in stock near you.

Who Can Prescribe Hadlima?

Hadlima is most commonly prescribed by specialists who manage autoimmune and inflammatory diseases:

• Rheumatologists — for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Gastroenterologists — for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
• Dermatologists — for plaque psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa
• Ophthalmologists — for non-infectious uveitis
• Internal Medicine physicians may also prescribe it in some cases

Because Hadlima requires prior authorization from most insurance plans and carries a boxed warning, it is almost always initiated by a specialist rather than a primary care physician.

Is Hadlima a controlled substance?

No, Hadlima is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled by the DEA. It is a prescription biologic medication that requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider but does not have the prescribing restrictions associated with controlled substances.

Common Side Effects of Hadlima

• Upper respiratory infections (cold, sinus infections)
• Injection site reactions — redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
• Headache
• Rash
• Nausea
• Back pain
• Urinary tract infections

Important: Hadlima carries a boxed warning for serious infections (including tuberculosis and invasive fungal infections) and an increased risk of lymphoma and other malignancies, particularly in children and adolescents. TB testing is required before starting treatment. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop fever, persistent cough, or signs of infection while taking Hadlima.

Final Thoughts on Hadlima

Hadlima offers patients a significantly more affordable biosimilar alternative to Humira, with a wholesale acquisition cost of roughly $1,038 per carton compared to Humira's $6,922. However, because it's a relatively new biosimilar, finding it stocked at your local pharmacy can be challenging — many pharmacies still default to Humira or other more established options. Specialty pharmacies and mail-order services often have better Hadlima availability. If your insurance plan covers Hadlima (and many now prefer biosimilars), Organon's $0 co-pay card can bring your out-of-pocket cost down substantially. Use Medfinder to locate Hadlima in stock near you and save time calling pharmacies.