Amgevita (Adalimumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Amgevita Used For?
Amgevita contains adalimumab and is a biosimilar medicine that has been assessed to be as safe and effective as the reference product. It treats various inflammatory conditions by targeting specific proteins in your immune system.
Primary Uses
Amgevita treats: Ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease (adults and children 6+ years), Enthesitis-related arthritis, Hidradenitis suppurativa (adults and adolescents 12+ years), Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Psoriasis (adults and children 4+ years), Psoriatic arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, and Uveitis.
Good to know: Amgevita is a biosimilar medicine that provides the same health outcomes as the reference product.
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How to Take Amgevita
Amgevita is injected under the skin (subcutaneous). The injection can be given by you, a family member, friend, or caregiver after proper training on the correct injection technique. Dosing varies significantly by condition and body weight.
Dosage Instructions
Dosing examples: Rheumatoid arthritis – 40 mg every fortnight; Crohn's disease (adults) – 160 mg on day 1, 80 mg on day 15, then 40 mg every fortnight; Psoriasis (adults) – 80 mg on day 1, 40 mg on day 8 and 22, then 40 mg every fortnight. For 80 mg doses: give as two 40 mg injections in one day. For 160 mg doses: give as four 40 mg injections in one day, or two 40 mg injections per day over 2 consecutive days. Children's doses are based on body weight.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose, inject Amgevita as soon as you remember, then continue with your next dose at the usual scheduled time.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not mix the injection solution with any other medicine.
Available Tablet Strengths
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:
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness, itching)
- Cold, flu, runny nose, cough, sore throat
- Sinus infection, ear pain
- Headache, dizziness, muscle weakness
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, heartburn
- Rash, itching, skin patches
- Tiredness, chest pain, increased heart rate
- Depression, anxiety
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Signs of tuberculosis (persistent cough, weight loss, fever)
- Signs of infection (fever, skin sores, dental problems, urinary pain/blood)
- Nervous system problems (numbness, tingling, weakness, vision changes)
- Blood clot signs (swelling, tenderness, redness in arm/leg)
- Liver problems (yellowing skin/eyes, severe tiredness, dark urine)
- Allergic reactions (chest tightness, breathing difficulty, swelling)
- Heart failure signs (shortness of breath, foot swelling)
- Blood disorders (persistent fever, easy bruising/bleeding, paleness)
Important Warnings
Amgevita can lower your ability to fight infections and may cause serious side effects. Several medical conditions require special consideration before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Amgevita
Do not use if you: are allergic to adalimumab or any ingredients; have a severe infection like sepsis, tuberculosis, or other serious viral, fungal, parasitic or bacterial infections; have moderate or severe heart failure as determined by your doctor.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: scheduled vaccinations or surgery; lung disease (COPD); nerve diseases like multiple sclerosis; current or past hepatitis B; history of tuberculosis or close contact with someone who has it; recurring infections or leg ulcers; fungal infections or travel to areas where they're common; uveitis; allergic reactions; blood disorders; low resistance to disease; heart conditions; cancer or autoimmune disease; kidney or liver problems; psoriasis; or if you take phototherapy.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 5 months after your last injection. If used during pregnancy, your baby may have higher infection risk. Inform your baby's doctors about Amgevita use before any vaccinations.
Elderly Patients: If you are over 65, you may be more likely to get an infection while taking Amgevita.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Amgevita and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
- anakinra (used for rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis) – DO NOT take together
- abatacept (used for arthritis conditions) – increases infection risk
- azathioprine (immune system suppressor) – increases infection risk
- 6-mercaptopurine (used for leukemia) – increases infection risk
Alcohol & Driving
Exercise caution with activities requiring alertness until you know how Amgevita affects you.
Alcohol
There is no information available on the effects of taking Amgevita with alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Amgevita affects you. The effects on your ability to drive or use machines are not known.
Storage
Store Amgevita in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep in the original carton to protect from light. When necessary, may be stored at room temperature (25°C) for maximum 14 days, protected from light. Once removed from refrigerator, each pen or syringe must be used within 14 days or discarded. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much Amgevita, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you have no symptoms. Always bring the medicine carton with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The timeframe for Amgevita to work varies by condition. Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular appointments and blood tests to track how well the medication is working for you.
Some medicines may interfere with Amgevita. Do not take anakinra with Amgevita. Other medicines like abatacept, azathioprine, and 6-mercaptopurine may increase infection risk. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
If you miss your dose, inject Amgevita as soon as you remember, then continue with your next dose at the usual scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
There is no information available on the effects of taking Amgevita with alcohol. Discuss alcohol use with your doctor.
Call your doctor straight away if you get symptoms of infection such as fever, skin sores, feeling tired, dental or gum problems, or pain when passing urine. Amgevita can lower your ability to fight infections.
Check with your doctor before receiving any vaccines. Remind healthcare professionals that you are using Amgevita, especially if scheduled for live vaccines like Bacille Calmette-Guerin or oral polio vaccine. Children should be up to date with vaccinations before starting treatment when possible.
Store in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep in the original carton to protect from light. If needed, you can store at room temperature (25°C) for up to 14 days, but must use or discard within that time.
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.