Hukyndra (Adalimumab)

Hukyndra is indicated for the treatment of several immune‑mediated inflammatory diseases approved in the EU.

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)
• Plaque psoriasis
• Hidradenitis suppurativa

• Adalimumab is a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds soluble and membrane‑bound tumor necrosis factor‑alpha (TNF‑α). By neutralizing TNF‑α, it prevents the cytokine from engaging its TNF receptors on cell surfaces, thereby inhibiting downstream NF‑κB signaling and reducing the production of other pro‑inflammatory mediators. This suppression of the inflammatory cascade underlies its therapeutic effect in autoimmune conditions throughout the body.

Adalimumab may cause a range of adverse reactions, which are generally categorized by frequency and severity.

Common

• Injection‑site pain, redness, or swelling
• Upper respiratory tract infections (e.g., sinusitis, nasopharyngitis)
• Headache

Serious

• Severe infections such as tuberculosis or bacterial sepsis
• Malignancies including lymphoma or skin cancer
• Neurologic disorders such as demyelinating disease or optic neuritis

Before initiating Hukyndra, clinicians should evaluate several safety considerations to minimize risk.

• Screen for latent tuberculosis and treat before starting therapy
• Assess for active infections and postpone treatment if present
• Review history of malignancy, especially lymphoma
• Monitor for signs of heart failure or worsening cardiac function
• Evaluate hepatitis B status and vaccinate if needed
• Use caution in pregnancy and lactation due to limited data
• Conduct regular laboratory monitoring (CBC, liver enzymes)

Adalimumab can interact with other medicines, influencing efficacy or safety.

Avoid

• Live vaccines (e.g., measles, varicella) because of reduced immune response

Use with caution

• Other immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, methotrexate) may increase infection risk
• Cytokine‑targeted therapies (e.g., abatacept, rituximab) may have additive immunosuppression
• Antifungal or antibacterial agents that affect immune function
• Concomitant use of non‑live vaccines may have reduced effectiveness