What Is Abrilada Used For?

Abrilada contains adalimumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that recognizes and binds to a specific protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), which is present at higher levels in inflammatory diseases.

Primary Uses

Abrilada treats multiple inflammatory conditions: rheumatoid arthritis (reduces joint pain, swelling, and damage), polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children 2+ years, enthesitis-related arthritis in children, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (back pain and stiffness), Crohn’s disease in adults and children 6+ years, ulcerative colitis in adults, moderate to severe psoriasis in adults and severe forms in children 4+ years, hidradenitis suppurativa in adults and adolescents 12+ years, and non-infectious uveitis in adults.

How It Works

Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody made by blood cells to fight foreign proteins. It specifically targets and binds to TNF-alpha, a protein that causes inflammation when present at high levels in certain diseases.

How to Take Abrilada

Abrilada is given as a subcutaneous injection under the skin. It can be injected by the patient, family member, or caregiver. Your doctor will determine the right dose based on your medical condition.

Dosage Instructions

Rheumatoid Arthritis: 40 mg every 2 weeks (may change to weekly or 80 mg every 2 weeks without methotrexate). Psoriatic Arthritis/Ankylosing Spondylitis: 40 mg every 2 weeks. Crohn’s Disease/Ulcerative Colitis: 160 mg initial dose (day 1), 80 mg at day 15, then 40 mg every 2 weeks starting day 29. Psoriasis: 80 mg initial dose (day 1), 40 mg at day 8, then 40 mg every 2 weeks from day 22. Uveitis: 80 mg initial dose (day 1), 40 mg at day 8, then 40 mg every 2 weeks from day 22. Hidradenitis Suppurativa: 160 mg initial dose (day 1), 80 mg at day 15, then 40 mg weekly or 80 mg every 2 weeks from day 29. Children’s doses vary by weight and condition – follow your doctor’s specific instructions.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you forget an injection, give the next dose as soon as you remember. Then continue with your regular schedule from your originally planned day.

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• increased risk of infections

Important Warnings

Abrilada can make you more likely to get infections or worsen existing infections. There have been cases of certain cancers in patients using Abrilada or similar medicines.

Who Should Not Take Abrilada

Do not use if you: are allergic to adalimumab or any ingredients; have severe infection including blood infection (sepsis), active tuberculosis, or other severe infections; are already using anakinra (Kineret); have moderate to severe heart failure; notice particles or discoloration in the solution (should be clear, colorless to very light brown).

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have: any infection history or recurring infections; tuberculosis exposure or history; hepatitis B virus; fungal infections or travel to areas where they’re common; uveitis; demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis; allergic reactions; blood disorders; low resistance to disease; serious heart conditions; cancer or autoimmune disease; lung disease (COPD); kidney or liver problems; scheduled vaccines; psoriasis with previous phototherapy; any allergies. Patients over 65 may be more likely to get infections.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Use adequate contraception during treatment and for at least 5 months after last dose. Should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed. Babies may have higher infection risk if mother used Abrilada during pregnancy. Tell baby’s doctors about Abrilada use before any vaccines. Unknown if passes into breast milk – doctor may advise stopping breastfeeding during treatment.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Abrilada. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.

• anakinra (Kineret) – increases infection risk
• abatacept (Orencia) – increases infection risk
• azathioprine – tell your doctor if taking with Abrilada
• 6-mercaptopurine – tell your doctor if taking with Abrilada

Alcohol & Driving

Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Abrilada affects you.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Abrilada may have a minor influence on your ability to drive and use machines. Be cautious until you understand how the medication affects you.

Storage

Keep Abrilada in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep the medicine in its original pack until ready to use to protect it from light.

Overdose Information

If you think you’ve used too much Abrilada, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do this even if you feel fine. Always bring the medicine carton with you.

Frequently Asked Questions