Take Adalimumab exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Adalimumab is available in market in the form of injection 40 mg/0.8 mL.

Dosage Instructions for Adalimumab Drug

Reduce signs and symptoms and inhibit progression of structural damage in patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to 1 or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Methotrexate, glucocorticoids, salicylates, NSAIDs, or other DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) may be continued during treatment with adalimumab.

Interactions of Adalimumab with other drugs

Immunosuppressive therapy: May increase risk of serious infection.

Live vaccines: Do not give concurrently.

Methotrexate: Reduces apparent Cl of adalimumab; however, adjustments in the dose of either drug do not appear necessary.

What are the Side Effects of Adalimumab

Like other medicines, Adalimumab can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Adalimumab include

* Hypertension (at least 5%); arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, CV disorder, chest pain, CHF, coronary artery disorder, heart arrest, hypertensive encephalopathy, MI, palpitation, pericardial effusion, pericarditis, syncope, tachycardia, vascular disorder (less than 5%).

* Headache (at least 5%); confusion, multiple sclerosis, paresthesia, subdural hematoma, tremor (less than 5%).

* Nausea, abdominal pain (at least 5%); cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, gastroenteritis, GI disorder and hemorrhage, vomiting (less than 5%).

* hematuria (at least 5%); cystitis, kidney calculus, menstrual disorder, pyelonephritis (less than 5%).

* Hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, increased alkaline phosphatase (at least 5%); dehydration, abnormal healing, ketosis, paraproteinemia, peripheral edema (less than 5%).

* Accidental injury, back pain (at least 5%); fever, infection, pain in extremity, pelvic pain, sepsis, thorax pain, reactivated tuberculosis, lupus erythematosus syndrome, parathyroid disorder, adenoma, carcinoma (including breast, GI, skin, urogenital), lymphoma, malignancies, melanoma; leg thrombosis (less than 5%); serious infection (0.04%).

Warnings and precautions before taking Adalimumab :

* Tuberculosis, frequently disseminated or extrapulmonary, has been observed in patients receiving adalimumab. Evaluate patients before using Adalimumab for latent tuberculosis infection with a tuberculin skin test. Initiate treatment of latent tuberculosis infection prior to therapy.

* The safety and efficay of Adalimumab medicine have not been studied in children and adolescents.

* Ensure before using Adalimumab that patient is evaluated for presence of latent tuberculosis using a tuberculin skin test prior to starting therapy. If latent infection is identified ensure that patient is started on appropriate prophylaxis before adalimumab therapy is started.

* Advise patient before using Adalimumab to report any of the following to health care provider: intolerable injection-site reactions, fever or other signs of infection, sore throat, persistent cough, wasting or weight loss, low grade fever, numbness or tingling, vision problems, leg weakness, dizziness, persistent chest pain, unexplained shortness of breath, new or worsening joint pain, or rash on cheeks or arms that is sensitive to the sun.

* Advise women before using Adalimumab to inform health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Adalimumab. Insulin is recommended to maintain blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Prolonged severe neonatal hypoglycemia can occur if sulfonylureas are administered at time of delivery.

What if Overdose of Adalimumab ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Adalimumab , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Increased BUN and serum creatinine, renal failure, convulsions, lethargy, Adalimumab precipitation, renal tubules, agitation, coma are mey be the overdose symptoms of Adalimumab.

What if Missed Dose of Adalimumab ?

If you miss a dose of Adalimumab medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Adalimumab :

Store syringes in refrigerator (36° to 46°F). Do not freeze. Store in original carton until time of administration. Protect from light.

By: ashu