Abrilada (Adalimumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Abrilada Used For?
Abrilada is a medication that contains adalimumab, which is used to treat several inflammatory conditions.
Primary Uses
Abrilada is used for rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, enthesitis-related arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and uveitis.
How It Works
Adalimumab works by recognizing and binding to tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), a protein that is elevated in certain inflammatory diseases.
Good to know: Abrilada is not addictive.
Continue Reading
Sign in to access the complete medication guide including dosage, side effects, warnings, and more.
How to Take Abrilada
Abrilada is administered as a subcutaneous injection, which can be given by the patient or a caregiver.
Dosage Instructions
Dosages vary based on the condition being treated. For adults, rheumatoid arthritis typically starts at 40 mg every two weeks. For Crohn's disease, the initial dose is 160 mg, followed by 80 mg at day 15, and then 40 mg every two weeks. Specific dosages for other conditions are detailed in the full guide.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget a dose, administer it as soon as you remember. Do not double the next dose.
Important: Never double dose to make up for a missed injection.
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
- skin reactions
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- certain cancers (lymphoma, leukemia)
- severe infections
Impulse Control Issues
There is no specific mention of impulse control issues related to Abrilada.
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings to consider before using Abrilada.
Who Should Not Take Abrilada
Do not use Abrilada if you have had an allergic reaction to adalimumab, have severe infections, are using anakinra, or have moderate to severe heart failure.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss any history of infections, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, fungal infections, demyelinating diseases, and any other serious health conditions with your doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Abrilada should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed, as it may increase the risk of infections in the baby.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Elderly patients may be at higher risk for infections while using Abrilada.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications may interact with Abrilada.
Grapefruit interaction: No grapefruit interaction mentioned.
- anakinra (Kineret)
- abatacept (Orencia)
- azathioprine
- 6-mercaptopurine
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how Abrilada affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Abrilada may have a minor effect on your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Temperature Regulation
No temperature regulation warnings mentioned.
Storage
Store Abrilada in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze and keep it in the original packaging to protect it from light.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 or go to the nearest hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes for Abrilada to work can vary by condition and individual response.
There are no specific instructions regarding taking Abrilada with food.
No, Abrilada is not considered addictive.
Consult your doctor before stopping Abrilada, as it may affect your condition.
There are no specific warnings against alcohol consumption while taking Abrilada.
Weight gain is not mentioned as a side effect of Abrilada.
Elderly patients should be monitored closely for signs of infection while taking Abrilada.
If you miss a dose, administer it as soon as you remember and do not double the next dose.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.