What Is Adalimumab Used For?

Some people may wonder, "What is adalimumab used for?" A healthcare provider may prescribe adalimumab to adults with certain inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriatic arthritis. Although the medication cannot cure these conditions, it can help to prevent future damage from occurring.

 

Uses of Adalimumab: An Overview

Adalimumab (Humira®) is a prescription medication licensed to treat certain inflammatory conditions that affect the joints, spine, or digestive system. Specific adalimumab uses include the treatment of:
 
Adalimumab for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease that causes painful arthritis of the spine. In people with ankylosing spondylitis, the immune system functions abnormally and begins to attack the spine. This results in pain and stiffness, especially in the lower back. Other ankylosing spondylitis symptoms may include changes in vision and possible problems with the heart, lungs, or digestive system.
 
Adalimumab is approved to reduce the signs and symptoms of active ankylosing spondylitis.
 
Adalimumab for Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a type of "inflammatory bowel disease," or "IBD." There are several different types of IBD, with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis being the most common. They all cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. Although much research is underway, Crohn's disease causes are not well understood.
 
Depending on how serious your condition is, your doctor may recommend one or more different treatments. These Crohn's disease treatment options include:
 
Although adalimumab is not a Crohn's cure, adalimumab is approved to reduce the signs and symptoms of Crohn's disease and to maintain remission of Crohn's disease.
 
Adalimumab for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic (or rheumatoid) arthritis is a form of rheumatoid arthritis that begins in childhood. In juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the immune system begins to attack the body (including the joints), causing pain. Other juvenile idiopathic arthritis symptoms include unexplained rashes, fever, swollen joints, and tiredness.
 
Adalimumab is approved to reduce the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children age four years and older. "Polyarticular" means that the arthritis affects five or more joints. 
 
Adalimumab for Plaque Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a fairly common condition of the skin and joints. Psoriasis causes problems because the immune system attacks the skin and joints. Symptoms of psoriasis include scaly patches or plaques on the skin, especially near the elbows and knees.
 
Adalimumab is approved for treating plaque psoriasis in adults (over age 18) with moderate or severe chronic plaque psoriasis.
(What Is Adalimumab Used For? Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;