For Doctors
What is Adalimumab
Adalimumab (Mabvinra) is a potent TNF-inhibitor and anti-inflammatory drug and is mainly used when patients have inflammatory diseases, which causes over-production of TNF, causing inflammation and damage to the joints. Adalimumab works as anti-TNF, blocking over production of TNF and preventing harmful effects on the body. It helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of arthritis and other joint disorders.
When is Adalimumab prescribed
Adalimumab (Mabvinra) is prescribed to patients who have Inflammatory diseases.
Adalimumab (Mabvinra) will be prescribed to patients if -
- The Disease condition is active
- Patient has already used other Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drug (DMARD)
- The Disease condition is severe and requires immediate action
Precautionary measures to be considered before initiating Adalimumab
A patient will not be prescribed Adalimumab if his/her Rheumatoid Arthritis condition is not active; he/she has not been under standard treatments and medications first; he/she has an active infection. The doctor may also not prescribe it if:
- You have a history of Tuberculosis / currently undergoing treatment for Tuberculosis
- You are breastfeeding
- You are diabetic
- You have recently undergone major surgery / scheduled for surgery
- You have neurological disorders (Numbness or Tingling sensation)
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- You have had cancer / currently undergoing treatment
- You have had heart failure / currently suffering from critical heart diseases
- You have other infections that keep coming back
- You are currently under medical supervision for other medical reasons not specified above
- You have received treatment with another TNF blocker recently
Dose Interruption with Adalimumab
There may be a need for dose interruption, for instance before surgery or if a serious infection occurs.
Important things to discuss with Rheumatologist before starting MABVINRA?
You should not take MABVINRA with Infliximab, Etanercept, Certolizumab or Golimumab. Tell your doctor if you have ever used above mentioned medications.
Adalimumab Dosage
Dosage of Adalimumab?
Adalimumab (Mabvinra) is only available on prescription of Rheumatologist
The recommended dose of Adalimumab for patients with ankylosing spondylitis, is 40 mg adalimumab
administered every other week as a single dose via subcutaneous injection.
Posology and method of administration
Adalimumab treatment should be initiated and supervised by specialist physicians experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions for which Adalimumab is indicated.
Patients may self-inject with Adalimumab if their physician determines that it is appropriate and with medical follow-up as necessary.
During treatment with Adalimumab, other concomitant therapies (e.g., corticosteroids and / immunomodulatory agents) should be optimized.
Possible Side Effects of Adalimumab
Possible side effects of Adalimumab
The most common side effects of Adalimumab (Mabvinra) are injection site reactions, redness pain and swelling, back pain, headache, nausea, stomach pain, runny or stuffy nose. The side effects usually go away in few hours after taking the injection.
When to see a doctor
Always consult your doctor at first instance if you experience any of the following symptoms
Rashes, itching
Difficulty breathing
Stomach pain
Flu like symptoms
Diarrhea
Weakness and Fatigue
Other information about Adalimumab
Storage and handling instructions
Store in a refrigerator (2OC – 8OC). Do not freeze. Keep the pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen in its outer carton in order to protect from light.
Infections
Adalimumab may lower the ability of their immune system to fight infections. It is thus important of contacting doctor if you develop any symptoms of infection, including tuberculosis, invasive fungal infections, and reactivation of hepatitis B virus infections.
Malignancies
Counsel with your doctor about the risk of malignancies while receiving Adalimumab.
Allergic Reactions
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of severe allergic reactions.
Medical Conditions
Immediately report any signs of new or worsening medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, neurological disease, autoimmune disorders, or cytopenias. Also report any symptoms suggestive of a cytopenia such as bruising, bleeding, or persistent fever.
Instructions on Injection Technique
The first injection is to be performed under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. If a patient or caregiver is to administer Adalimumab, instruct them in injection techniques and assess their ability to inject subcutaneously to ensure the proper administration of MABVINRA