Adalimumab

Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody medication, specifically an immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) kappa, designed to inhibit the action of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. TNF-alpha is a protein that causes inflammation in the body. By blocking TNF-alpha, Adalimumab helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain and swelling.
The drug is primarily used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the joints. In RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to joint damage and deformity. Adalimumab is designed to slow the progression of the disease by controlling inflammation, which helps to preserve joint function and prevent long-term damage.
Adalimumab is also used for treating other autoimmune diseases such as psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a condition that affects the joints and the skin. In PsA, patients experience inflammation and pain in the joints as well as scaly patches on the skin. By reducing inflammation, Adalimumab helps alleviate pain and improve skin conditions.
Another application of Adalimumab is in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. The medication helps reduce inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues, relieving pain and preventing further joint damage.
In addition, Adalimumab has been approved for treating certain types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is a group of disorders that cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Adalimumab reduces inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in reduced symptoms and improved quality of life for patients.
As with all medications, Adalimumab can have side effects, which should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Patients should be monitored closely during treatment, particularly for any signs of infection, as Adalimumab may reduce the body’s ability to fight off infections.