Adalimumab is a powerful immunomodulator medicine given by injection, used to treat certain severe inflammatory eye conditions.
| Drug class | Biologic (Anti-TNF) |
|---|---|
| Type | Single |
| Forms | Subcutaneous Injection |
| Common strength | 40 mg pre-filled syringe |
| Common Indian brands | Humira, Exemptia, Adfrar, Plamumab |
| Prescription status | Prescription |
What Adalimumab is used for
Adalimumab is a special type of medicine known as a biologic, used to treat several serious inflammatory eye conditions. It is prescribed when inflammation is severe or hasn’t responded well to other treatments. Your eye specialist at Pristine Eye Hospitals may prescribe Adalimumab for:
- Non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and pan-uveitis (types of inflammation inside the eye)
- Uveitis associated with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), a form of childhood arthritis
- Refractory Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), when TED is severe and not responding to other treatments
- Behcet’s disease, a condition that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body, including the eyes
How it works
Adalimumab is an immunomodulator, specifically a biologic medicine. It works by targeting and blocking a specific inflammatory messenger in your body called TNF-alpha (Tumour Necrosis Factor-alpha). TNF-alpha is a key protein that plays a significant role in causing inflammation. By blocking TNF-alpha, Adalimumab helps to reduce inflammation in your eyes and other parts of the body, thereby controlling the disease and preventing further damage.
How it’s used
Adalimumab is given as a subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected just under the skin. It comes in a pre-filled syringe containing 40 mg of the medicine. Typically, after an initial loading dose, the usual dosing pattern is 40 mg injected every two weeks. Your eye specialist or a trained healthcare professional will show you how to administer the injection correctly, or it may be given to you at the hospital or clinic. It is crucial to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely regarding the dose and frequency of injections.
Always follow your ophthalmologist’s exact instructions.
Brands available in India
- Humira
- Exemptia
- Adfrar
- Plamumab
Brand availability and pricing vary; confirm with your pharmacist.
Please note
Powerful medicine that suppresses the immune system. Screening for tuberculosis and hepatitis is usually required before starting, and it raises the risk of infection. Used only under specialist supervision with regular monitoring.
Precautions & side effects
Adalimumab is a powerful medicine that suppresses your immune system, and it requires careful monitoring and specific precautions:
- Mandatory Screening: Before you start Adalimumab, it is absolutely essential to undergo screening for latent tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis B. This is very important, especially in India, as these infections can become active when your immune system is suppressed.
- Increased Infection Risk: Because Adalimumab suppresses the immune system, it increases your risk of developing infections. It is important to be vigilant for any signs of infection, such as fever, cough, or unusual tiredness, and report them to your doctor immediately.
- Specialist Supervision: This medicine is only used under the close supervision of an eye specialist or a rheumatologist, with regular monitoring to ensure its safety and effectiveness.
- Affordability: While biologics can be expensive, the availability of Indian biosimilars (similar versions of the original medicine) has made Adalimumab far more affordable and accessible for patients in India.
- Prescription Only: Adalimumab is a prescription-only medicine and should never be used without a doctor’s recommendation and supervision.
Always discuss your complete medical history, including any past infections or existing health conditions, with your doctor before starting Adalimumab.
Understanding Inflammatory Eye Conditions
Many eye conditions are caused by inflammation, which is your body’s natural response to injury or infection. However, sometimes the immune system can become overactive and start attacking healthy tissues, leading to chronic inflammation. Conditions like uveitis, thyroid eye disease, and Behcet’s disease are examples where inflammation plays a central role. Uveitis, for instance, is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of your eye. Depending on which part of the uvea is affected, it can be called anterior, intermediate, posterior, or pan-uveitis. If left untreated, chronic inflammation can lead to pain, redness, blurred vision, and potentially serious complications like glaucoma, cataracts, or even permanent vision loss. Medicines like Adalimumab are crucial in managing these severe inflammatory conditions by calming down the overactive immune response and protecting your precious eyesight. Your doctor at Pristine Eye Hospitals will explain your specific condition in detail and how Adalimumab fits into your treatment plan.
Administering Your Injections Safely and Effectively
Adalimumab is given as a subcutaneous injection, which means it goes just under your skin. If you are administering the injection yourself at home, or if a family member is helping you, it’s vital to follow the instructions given by your doctor or nurse very carefully. They will show you the correct technique, including how to prepare the syringe, choose an injection site (usually the thigh or abdomen), clean the skin, inject the medicine, and safely dispose of the used syringe. Always rotate your injection sites to prevent skin irritation. Never inject into skin that is red, bruised, tender, or hard. It’s important to store your medicine as advised by your pharmacist, usually in the refrigerator, and let it come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before injecting to make it more comfortable. Do not shake the syringe. Consistency is key with this medicine; try to take your injections at the same time on your scheduled days to maintain a steady level of the medicine in your body. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately for advice.
General Care and When to Seek Help
While on Adalimumab, maintaining good hygiene is more important than ever to help reduce your risk of infection. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before and after handling the injection. Avoid contact with people who have contagious illnesses if possible. Always keep your follow-up appointments with your eye specialist at Pristine Eye Hospitals. Regular monitoring is crucial to check how you are responding to the treatment and to watch for any potential side effects. It’s important to be aware of the signs of infection, such as fever, chills, persistent cough, shortness of breath, skin rash, or any unusual pain or swelling. If you experience any of these symptoms, or if you notice any new or worsening eye symptoms like increased redness, pain, or vision changes, contact your doctor immediately. Do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team if you have any concerns or questions about your treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Adalimumab used for?
Adalimumab is used to treat severe inflammatory eye conditions such as non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and pan-uveitis; uveitis associated with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA); refractory Thyroid Eye Disease; and Behcet's disease.
How does Adalimumab work?
Adalimumab is a biologic medicine that works by blocking a specific inflammatory messenger in the body called TNF-alpha. By doing so, it helps to reduce inflammation in the eyes and other affected areas.
What are the common brands of Adalimumab available in India?
Some common brands of Adalimumab available in India include Humira, Exemptia, Adfrar, and Plamumab.
How is Adalimumab typically used?
Adalimumab is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin). After an initial loading dose, the typical dosing is 40 mg injected every two weeks using a pre-filled syringe.
Do I need a prescription for Adalimumab?
Yes, Adalimumab is a powerful prescription-only medicine and must only be used under the supervision and recommendation of a specialist doctor.
What are the key precautions I should be aware of with Adalimumab?
Before starting Adalimumab, mandatory screening for latent tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis B is required. It is a powerful medicine that suppresses the immune system, increasing the risk of infection. It should only be used under specialist supervision with regular monitoring.
References
- Adalimumab (Humira™) in Ophthalmology: A Review of the Literature – PMC
- Eye health – MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine)
- Eye health information – American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Learn about eye health – National Eye Institute (NIH)
- Blindness and vision impairment – World Health Organization
Medically reviewed by Dr. C Jagadesh Reddy, Chief Surgeon: Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery — last reviewed 2026-07-28.
This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never self-medicate or reuse an old prescription. Always consult a qualified ophthalmologist before starting, changing or stopping any eye medicine.