Measuring adalimumab levels monitor drug levels and evaluates patients being treated with adalimumab.
Adalimumab, sold under the brand name Humira, is a medication classified as a tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitor. It is a monoclonal antibody that targets and neutralizes TNF-alpha, a protein in the body that plays a crucial role in inflammation. Adalimumab helps reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms in several autoimmune diseases by inhibiting TNF-alpha.
Adalimumab is approved for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints.
- Psoriatic arthritis: A type of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Ankylosing spondylitis is arthritis primarily affecting the spine, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
- Crohn's disease: A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
- Ulcerative colitis: Another form of IBD that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding.
- Plaque psoriasis: A chronic skin condition characterized by red, raised, and scaly patches on the skin.
Administration: Adalimumab is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection. The frequency and dosage may vary depending on the treated condition and the patient's response to the medication.
Efficacy: Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of adalimumab in reducing symptoms, improving physical function, and inhibiting the progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It has also been shown to induce and maintain remission in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as improve symptoms and the appearance of skin lesions in plaque psoriasis.
Safety and Side Effects: Adalimumab is generally well-tolerated but can cause side effects like all medications. Common side effects may include injection site reactions, upper respiratory tract infections, headache, and nausea. Serious side effects, though rare, may include severe infections, allergic reactions, and an increased risk of certain cancers.
Monitoring: Patients receiving adalimumab may require regular monitoring, including assessments of disease activity, laboratory tests, and monitoring for potential side effects.
Adalimumab has become an important treatment option for patients with various autoimmune diseases. It offers relief from symptoms and improves the quality of life for many individuals.
See also Adalimumab Antibodies, Serum
