Hukyndra (Adalimumab)

Hukyndra is indicated for the treatment of several chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Plaque psoriasis

• Adalimumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity to soluble and membrane‑bound tumor necrosis factor‑alpha (TNF‑α). By preventing TNF‑α from interacting with its p55 and p75 receptors on cell surfaces, the drug blocks downstream signaling pathways that drive cytokine production, leukocyte activation, and tissue inflammation. This selective inhibition reduces the inflammatory cascade that underlies the listed autoimmune conditions.

Adalimumab may cause a range of adverse reactions, from mild to potentially serious.

Common

• Injection‑site erythema, pain, or swelling at the subcutaneous site
• Mild upper respiratory tract infections such as nasopharyngitis
• Headache of mild to moderate intensity
• Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort
• Fatigue or feeling of weakness

Serious

• Serious infections, including reactivation of latent tuberculosis, bacterial, fungal, or viral infections
• Malignancies such as lymphoma or skin cancers reported during therapy
• Demyelinating disorders resembling multiple sclerosis or optic neuritis
• Lupus‑like syndrome presenting with rash, arthritis, or serologic abnormalities
• Hepatitis B reactivation in patients with prior infection, which can lead to liver injury

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

• Screen for active infections, especially tuberculosis, before initiation
• Assess cardiac function; avoid in patients with moderate to severe heart failure
• Monitor for signs of demyelinating disease during therapy
• Use only if the potential benefit outweighs unknown pregnancy risks
• Review personal or family history of malignancy
• Ensure vaccinations are up to date; avoid live vaccines while on treatment
• Conduct regular laboratory monitoring for liver function and blood counts

Hukyndra can interact with other medicines that affect the immune system or infection risk.

Avoid

• Live attenuated vaccines while receiving the drug
• Concurrent use of another TNF‑alpha inhibitor or biologic immunosuppressant
• Experimental immunomodulatory agents without specialist guidance

Use with caution

• Conventional disease‑modifying antirheumatic drugs such as methotrexate, azathioprine, or cyclosporine
• Non‑live vaccines, which may have reduced efficacy
• Anticoagulants, as infection‑related inflammation can alter bleeding risk
• Drugs that affect hepatic metabolism, requiring closer laboratory monitoring