Adalimumab is a treatment used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, chronic plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, crohn’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, pediatric crohn’s disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ulcerative colitis, non-infectious uveitis and pediatric ulcerative colitis.
The treatment takes care of most of these ailments in their moderate or severe forms. Whether they are just starting out or they have become extreme, the treatment can be administered for relief.
It is important to note that it may not bring a complete cure, but it would serve as a control and management treatment for patients with these issues for a long time. It helps to reduce the pain and inflammation that comes with it.
Especially in the case of arthritis, it reduces the swollen area and gives it a relief system for as long as possible. This is because arthritis is not an ailment that can be cured within a very short while of medication; it needs constant treatment.
The treatment also depends on that individual’s body and how fast it can heal. This treatment is a monoclonal antibody and an antirheumatic drug. It has been used to prevent swelling in the joints of adults, which is popularly known aa rheumatism. It also helps to slow down the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in adults.
This treatment comes in the form of an injection that is usually given under the skin. The treatment can be given independently or with other medications depending on the prescription. Adalimumab is sold under the brand name of Humira.
Pros
- It serves as a maintenance treatment for people with any of the ailments. Over time, it can produce results.
- It can be used for both adults and children.
Cons
- It is only available as an injection treatment. Those who have reactions to this form of treatment may not be able to benefit.
Click here to learn more about it before using it.
Adalimumab Alternatives
In the administration of treatment towards patients with any kind of sickness, it is important you run a series of tests to ascertain the kind of treatment that can be used on the person.
It is not a great idea to use popular treatment on everybody just because it works generally.
Some people’s bodies may react differently. This is why there are always alternatives to work with if the body refuses to respond to certain treatments. Therefore, if a patient does not respond to Adalimumab which is also called Himura, any of these Adalimumab alternatives can be used.
1. Methotrexate
Methotrexate is one of the best Adalimumab alternatives. It is a type of treatment known as immunosuppressant. It suppresses the immune system and helps to fight inflammation. It is an alternative that can be used in place of Himura or Adalimumab.
It functions in such a way that it goes deep into the blood system to calm and reduce the speed of the immune system, such that the inflammation caused by it is reduced.
This inflammation happens to those with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis and crohn’s disease. It can also be given to those with sarcoidosis and some types of skin cancer. This treatment is usually given after series of blood tests to ascertain that there are no infections or other diseases that can hinder its functions or lead to complications.
This Methotrexate treatment comes in tablet, liquid and injection forms. Therefore, depending on your body type and the test results, there are different types available for use. All treatment must be taken according to the doctor’s prescription to avoid complications.
One thing to note is that pregnant women, patients with hepatitis and kidney or liver problems must inform the doctor before they begin treatment with Methotrexate. Usage must be according to prescription.
Pros
- It provides instant relief and shows progress within a few months.
- It can be used for treating different ailments.
Cons
- Serious side effects include allergic reactions of different forms, swollen feet and hands and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Medication is available in physical and online stores.
2. Remicade
Remicade is another alternative to Adalimumab. It could work for patients who react to Adalimumab or in case, Adalimumab is not available. Remicade is also a treatment for patients with crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, pediatric ulcerative colitis and Behcet’s disease.
This medication is a biological therapy just like Adalimumab and Methotrexate. It works by targeting the tumor necrosis factors that may be causing inflammation in the skin and tries to slow down the immune system such that the cause of the inflammation reduces. Remicade is also known as Infliximab and can be used on patients from the age of six and above. It is an antirheumatic drug.
Remicade may not work for patients with tuberculosis, serious heart diseases, hepatitis and pneumonia. Tests must be run to know if the patients are compatible with the treatment before use.
Prescription would also decide what kind of medication form the treatment will take. Remicade is a product of Janssen immunology, a pharmaceutical company of Johnson and Johnson.
Pros
- It can be taken by 6 years and above.
- Results are visible within months.
Cons
- It can react to certain other medications. This means it can barely be combined with some other drugs.
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3. Orencia
Orencia is another alternative that can be used in place of Adalimumab. It is a treatment for Rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It comes in the form of an injection and is given under the skin.
Orencia can be applied to patients who have used other arthritis medications in the past and they proved futile. It can be used independently or with other aiding treatment. Orencia, like Himura, fights against the immune system that causes the skin to swell up, causing pain and slow movement.
It reduces the action of the immune system, helping it to fight against the inflammation of the body. It is an antibacterial, antirheumatic and a therapeutic treatment for adults. It is basically used to treat those whose blood tested positive for the rheumatoid factor.
The drug quenches the power of the rheumatoid factor within the body and reduces swelling, so that the joint can be strong again. This is common with adults who have attained certain age or people who are overweight. It may become hard for them to move around or do exercises.
This treatment is right for them. This drug can also treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children who are up to 2 years old. Medical prescription is always advised to avoid complications.
Pros
- The treatment can be used independently.
- It comes in a prefilled syringe.
Cons
- It is only available in injection form. May not be suitable for those who react to it.
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4. Rituxan
Rituxan is another Adalimumab alternative. It is also known as Rituximab. It is an intravenous treatment given as an injection under the skin. The treatment is for both children and adults.
It can be given to children who are up to the age of 2. It is used to treat several diseases and ailments. It works with the immune system and the blood vessel. It is most commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis in adults. It is also used to treat adults with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
It can be used alone or with other therapeutic treatment in this case. It is also used to treat children with mature B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and mature B-cell acute leukemia.
It can be used with other chemotherapy treatment. It can be used to treat adults with Chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It can be used with methotrexate to treat adults with rheumatoid arthritis. It can also be used to treat people with granulomatosis and adults with pemphigus vulgaris. It can treat all these ailments in their mild or severe forms.
Pros
- It can be used to treat multiple ailments.
- Results are visible in a few months.
Cons
- The treatment is available in only injection form.
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5. Xeljanz
Xeljanz is also known as tofacitinib. The treatment is a good alternative to Adalimumab. In the absence of it or in case the patients react to it, Xeljanz can be used in place. Xeljanz is a treatment used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, active psoriatic arthritis and active ankylosing spondylitis. It comes in the form of a pill and can be taken orally.
It is used to treat patients who have tried other TNF blocker and did not respond to it. It can be used with other treatment or alone. This pill should not be used for patients who already have severe heart problems, hepatitis or any other condition that may not work with Xeljanz.
The drug was approved since 2012 and has been prescribed for many patients over the years. It is important to note that the drug can lower your body’s ability to fight infections, so it must be prescribed by the doctor before use. It is the first pill of its kind for this kind of treatment.
Pros
- The pill is easy to use, unlike most of the other ones that are in injection form.
- It can treat multiple ailments.
Cons
- It can lower the ability of the body system to fight infections.
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6. Embrel
Another drug on this list of Adalimumab alternatives is Embrel. Embrel is used to treat up to five different diseases. It is taken to prevent the joint from getting damaged due to inflammation caused by TNF. It is an antirheumatic treatment given to people with arthritis in particular.
It is prescribed to patients with arthritis already, to stop their joints from getting worse and to reduce the pains. It can be combined with methotrexatefor a better result. It is also used to treat plaque psoriasis in children from four years and above. It can be used with other chemotherapy treatment.
It is also used to reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease and stop the joints from getting worse. It is also used to treat ankylosing spondylitis. It is also used to treat moderate and severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children of two years and above.
Pros
- The treatment can tackle multiple ailments.
- It helps to keep the joints from getting worse.
- It can be used as a maintenance treatment.
Cons
- It can reduce the immune system’s power to fight infections.
- It also has some side effects.
Click here to learn more about it.
7. Imuran
The next one our Adalimumab alternatives list is known as Imuran. It is also known as Azathioprine. It is an immunosuppressant, used to suppress the immune system to be able to fight some kind of diseases. It is also given to patients who are about to undergo a kidney transplant to avoid rejection.
Imuran is given as a therapeutic treatment to cure and manage ailments like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pemphigus, systemic lupus erythematosus, Behcet’s disease, atomic dermatitis and a couple of others.
In the case of kidney transplant, it is given to the patient, so that the body does not reject the new kidney that is implanted in it. For other ailments like rheumatoid arthritis, other medications can be combined with Azathioprine for a better result.
Depending on the ailment, the doctor would recommend supporting treatment if it is necessary. It is important state the full health report of the patient before treatment with Imuran begins.
Pros
- It can be used to aid kidney transplant.
- It is multipurpose treatment.
Cons
- There can be severe side effects if the body rejects the drug.
It can be gotten at specific pharmacies.
8. Neoral
Neoral is also known as cyclosporine. It is a drug used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and some other joint diseases. It can be used in the place of Adalimumab, in case the patient’s body rejects it or it is not available.
Neoral can also be used for patients who are about to undergo a kidney, heart or liver transplant. It is used to prevent the body from rejecting the new implants. It functions by blocking certain body cells that may react negatively towards the new implant.
In this case, it reduces that power of the immune system from fighting against the strange body that is about to penetrate it.
Asides from rheumatoid arthritis, Neoral can also be used to fight nephrotic syndrome, which is a kidney disease. It can also be used to fight psoriasis, which is a skin disease and atopic dermatitis which is also a skin allergy.
For the ailments that affect the joint, the immune system is weakened such that the rheumatoid factor is also weakened to provide stability for the joints.
The drug is an immunosuppressant. It can affect the activities of the immune system. The drug is available in oral solutions and capsules.
Pros
- It aids the transplant of a body organ.
- It can be taken in the oral or capsule form.
Cons
- It controls the immune system.
- There could be side effects like itching, pains and swelling.
It is available in pharmacies.
9. Arava
The next one our list of Adalimumab alternatives is known as Arava. Arava is an alternative to Himura or Adalimumab. It is also an antirheumatic treatment for joint ailments and diseases. It is one of those drugs that provide relief and cure for people living with the ailments, especially for the adults.
It may not be a permanent solution but it is a step in the direction of cure. Arava is also known as Leflunomide. It comes in the form of tablets that are taken orally and are easy to use. Arava is used to treat both moderate and severe forms of rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic ailments.
It is used to control the inflammation of the joints, especially if they begin to restricted movement and stop some bones from functioning. The tablet is usually administered according to prescription, depending on how severe the case may be.
With Arava, patients can be placed on daily medication for quick improvement. It is an antirheumatic and immunosuppressant drug that helps to fight the rheumatoid factor that causes arthritis. The drug is easy to use but comes with its side effects, which might also differ according to individuals.
Pros.
- It comes in tablet forms, so it is easy to swallow.
- The pill helps to reduce the pains caused by the inflammation.
Cons
- It could have severe side effects which differs according to individuals.
It is available in online and physical pharmacies.
10. Plaquenil
The next on this Adalimumab alternatives list is known as Plaquenil. Plaquenil is another option that can be used in place of Himura but it also depends on prescription and user’s reaction to drugs. Plaquenil helps in fighting inflammation of the joints caused by the rheumatoid factor beneath the skin, inside the body cells.
It is an antirheumatic drug and also an antimalarial drug. In the case of arthritis, it can treat or reduce the pains of the swelling and inflammation, especially in adults. It prevents the joints from getting damaged and prevents disability on the long run.
The drug can fight against consistent inflammation of the joints and helps to ease the pain. It sources out the root cause of the inflammation and quenches its power.
It can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and other types of arthritis. In the case of malaria, it was used to treat malaria, which is caused by the female anopheles mosquito. It is also known as hydroxychloroquine.
Pros
- It is a multipurpose treatment drug
- It comes in a tablet form for ease of use.
Cons.
- Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, muscle weakness and fatigue.
It is available in pharmaceutical stores.
11. Azulfidine
Azulfidine is another Adalimumab alternative that can be relied on. It is used to treat the same arthritis as in the earlier mentioned ones. It is a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It is also known as sulfasalazine. It is an antibiotic drug.
It helps to reduce the swelling and pains of the joints which is where the arthritis attacks first. Azulfidine, like other alternatives can calm the nerves and joints and aid smooth movements in the joint.
It also helps to reduce stiff joints. The drug is not a permanent curative but something that can help to ease pains, stop swelling and permit free movement in the joints.
Azulfidine comes in the form of oral tablets and can be easily swallowed. It is not to be used by people who have certain severe conditions or who react negatively to sulfasalazine. It must be taken according to prescription to avoid overdose or complications. It also helps to reduce headaches, fever and fatigue that comes with the arthritis.
Pros
- Reduces the fever and fatigue that is attached to the arthritis
- Helps to relieve stiff joints.
Cons
- Side effects include dizziness, weakness and stomach pain.
Available in pharmacies.
12. Rinvoq
This next one is known as Rinvoq. This one is a general pill that is used to block inflammation in the body. It blocks any signs or symptoms of inflammation in the body. The drug works in such a way that it detects the cells that may try to cause inflammation to the joint or skin and kills them before they spring up.
It is known as a JAK inhibitor that works in the body cells go fight inflammation symptoms. This drug also works for different arthritis diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
This Adalimumab alternative can also be used to treat ulcerative colitis. These ailments can be treated with only Rinvoq or with other medications depending on the user’s body. Rinvoq can be used on those who are up to 12 years and above. It has not been tested on those who are younger. The drug is taken orally but must be taken according to pharmacist’s prescription.
Pros
- It has a mild effect on the body when it is first used.
- The drug can be used as a maintenance and relief drug.
Cons
- Side effects include diarrhea, muscle pain, weakness and shortness of breath.
It is available in online pharmacies and physical stores.
13. Taltz.
Taltz is also known as ixekizumab. It is also among the best Adalimumab alternatives. It comes in an 80mg/ml injection form. It is a prefilled injection in a syringe. It is used to treat both adults and children. Children must be up to six years of age to be able to use this drug. It is manufactured to treat those with Psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
It can also be used to treat plaque psoriasis both in children an adults. Taltz is not a permanent solution to these ailments. It is a relief and management treatment to help patients with it manage their condition.
It most helps to reduce pains, inflammation and swelling on the affected areas. It also helps to reduce the fevers that come with the ailments. With Taltz, there is a sure plan to keep the patients from suffering more pains. It also helps to keep their condition in check and disallow the damages from getting worse.
In the case of the joints, the drug helps to manage them such that they don’t get disabled.
Pros.
- It can serve as a joint management treatment.
- It is a multipurpose treatment.
Cons
- Side effects include nausea, weakness, swelling and diarrhea.
Check out the official website for more information.
14. Kevzara
Kevzara is a product of Sanofi and Regeneron pharmaceuticals. It is a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other kinds of arthritis like it. It is also known as sarilumab. It comes in an injection form.
This treatment is just a part of the rheumatoid arthritis treatment. It is not a complete treatment for it. It can be used to manage the ailment from getting worse. It does not cure the whole arthritis. It only acts as a management treatment to prevent the joints from getting damaged. With Kevzara, patients can get a treatment plan that works for them.
The treatment is always in the form of injections, but after tests and prescriptions, there can be a pattern that would work for a particular person. People with kidneys diseases, HIV, heart problems and chronic infections should not combine Kevzara with their treatment.
The doctor has to be informed of all ongoing medication to avoid complications or reactions, especially for those whose system may not be compatible with it. The treatment reduces the immune system’s ability to fight diseases during its course, so this must be put into consideration.
Pros
- Prescription decides how often the injection is given.
- It actively shows results in a few months.
Cons
- It is only available in injection form. Some people may react to this.
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15. Actemra
This next Adalimumab alternative is known as Actemra. Actemra can also be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis just like the other alternatives. It is also known as tocilizumab. It is used to treat levels of arthritis, from moderate to severe ones.
It is mostly used to manage that situation, especially if patients have tried other forms of treatment and it did not work. Actemra is fortified with different natural and artificial chemicals that help to strengthen the body cells against inflammation.
In most cases, it functions in such a way that it reduces the immune system so as to fight the rheumatoid factor that causes the arthritis. Actemra has a number of ingredients that help the joints to stay active and resist the force to collapse. Arthritis can be very hurtful, especially adults, so the drug also helps to reduce the pains and swellings and make movement easier.
The main ailments that Actemra focused on are rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis with early interstitial lung disease, giant cell arteritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
These are different conditions that can be treated with the same treatment but with different prescriptions.
Pros
- The treatment is mild to the body and organs.
- It is a multipurpose treatment.
Cons
- There can be side effects like loss if appetite, weakness, colored eyes and skin.
Click here to visit the official website.
16. Kineret
Kineret is also an antirheumatic drug. It is used to battle against the rheumatoid factor that causes swelling and damage in the body joints. It is a kind of treatment that focuses on the cause of the inflammation and tends to suppress it, in order to give strength back to the weakened joints.
Kineret helps to restore healing to the affected areas of arthritis. It may not serve as a permanent solution but it can serve as a preventive and maintenance treatment to avoid further damage. Kineret helps to keep the joint active and moving. It helps to prevent it from undergoing permanent disability due to severe damage which has been caused earlier.
With Kineret aa a maintenance treatment, the joint can battle against the arthritis eater and overshadow it. It is also known as Anakinra. It treats rheumatoid arthritis in adults only as it has not been tested in children yet. It is also used to treat those suffering from Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS).
The Adalimumab alternative can also be used to treat people with deficiency of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (DIRA). It cannot be used together with some kinds of medicine or if the patients have certain conditions. Tests must be fun before it is used.
Pros
- Treats different ailments.
- Suitable for adults and children.
Cons
- There can be side effects like loss of appetite, weight loss and nausea.
Click here to visit the official website.
17. Olumiant
This next alternative is known as Olumiant. It can also be used to treat arthritis in adults. This medication mostly helps in the management of the ailment as it may not be able to give a permanent cure.
According to research, the medication is a Janus kinase inhibitor (JAK) that is used to treat alopecia areata in adults and rheumatoid arthritis in adults. For the rheumatoid arthritis, this treatment be used when other kinds of treatments have failed or when their bodies have rejected them.
It is important to know if they react well to Olumiant which is also known as Baricitinib. Olumiant contains powerful ingredients that help to protect the body cells against further damage and kill the factors that have been promoting the ailments in the body.
Especially in the case of arthritis, the treatment helps to fight the causes of the diseases and prevent them from causing further harm. Olumiant comes in a tablet form and is available in 4mg, 2mg and 1mg tablets.
Pros
- It comes in tablet form and is easy to use.
- Has an effective fast-acting mechanism.
Cons
- The side effects include nausea, diarrhea, dizziness and change of skin color.
It is available here on the official website.
18. Benylsta
Benylsta is also known as belimumab. It is an intravenous and subcutaneous treatment used to treat symptoms of active systemic lupus erythematosus and active lupus nephritis. This is a situation when the kidney gets inflamed and it causes all kinds of discomfort coupled with some other sickness.
This treatment is designed to make the condition bearable or prevent it from happening at all. The kidney is very sensitive and when symptoms of lupus begins to show, it is best it is treated to avoid worse situations.
This is why this drug was manufactured; to prevent or aid cure. Benylsta can be given to those who are five years and above in the form of injections. It should not be given to those who have severe cases of central nervous system lupus.
It should not be given to those with infections. It is best if tests are running before it is given to know the state of the patient’s body. It is a biologic drug and works as a therapeutic treatment for other lupus ailments too.
Pros
- Works as a therapeutic treatment.
- Works with other lupus drugs too.
Cons
- The side effects can be as harsh as distracting your immune system from working.
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19. Simponi
Simponi is also known as Golimumab. It is a product of Janssen biotech Inc. It is an immunosuppressant drug for fighting diseases in the blood cells. It works with the blood cells to fight diseases in the body.
It helps the body to fight against symptoms of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, active ankylosing spondylitis and active ulcerative colitis. This treatment comes in oral and injection forms. It can be taken in either forms depending on prescription and the user’s body preference.
This Adalimumab alternatives drug works in a way that it deals directly with the blood cells, flushing out any unwanted causes that lead to arthritis. It helps to manage the condition of the ones that are already severe. It may not be able to cure it permanently, but it can at least prevent it from getting worse.
The drug is for both children and adults but for a limited age in children. It must be administered according to prescription to avoid complications. It must also be given after blood tests have been carried out to know the level of the ailments in the body. The drug is helpful for aged people in particular.
Pros.
- It is a therapeutic treatment.
- It is mild on the body.
Cons
- Side effects can be quite discouraging.
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20. Cimzia
The last one on this list Adalimumab alternatives is Cimzia. It is an FDA approved and licensed drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and a couple of other ailments. This drug is also known as certolizumab pegol.
It is suitable for treatment in people who are up to twelve years and above. It is a prefilled injection that is given under the skin. It helps to fight the Tumor Necrosis factor (TNF) that causes arthritis in adults. It can be used to fight or prevent symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
It also works against active psoriatic arthritis. It helps to kick against active ankylosing spondylitis. It is also used for the treatment of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. It is also used in treating adults with plaque psoriasis.
This treatment should not be used if the patient has some more severe conditions as the treatment may work against them. Tests must be taken before prescription can be made. Cimzia can be used in conjunction with other drugs to speed up results. It can also be used to maintain the condition and prevent it from getting worse.
Pros
- It is a therapeutic treatment, and it gives relief.
- It can be combined with other treatments.
Cons
- Side effects include change of skin/eyes colour, fatigue and tiredness.
Click here to learn more.
Related: 20 Adapalene Alternatives
Summary
These are some of the major Adalimumab alternatives that work well. In situations where the patients react to Adalimumab, any of these other options can be used.
They all have different components, so it is wise to check thoroughly and be sure that the patient does not react to any of them before use. Better still, consult the doctor before any of them is used.
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