{"id":50863,"date":"2022-04-18T08:44:49","date_gmt":"2022-04-18T12:44:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=50863"},"modified":"2024-09-09T19:05:35","modified_gmt":"2024-09-09T23:05:35","slug":"humira-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/humira-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"What can I take instead of Humira?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Humira<\/span> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>) is a member of the drug class known as <\/span>Tumor Necrosis Factor<\/span> (<\/span>TNF<\/span>) <\/span>inhibitors<\/span>. <\/span>TNF<\/span> is a naturally occurring cytokine and plays an important role in many inflammatory <\/span>medical conditions<\/span>. Excess <\/span>TNF<\/span> release is associated with inflammation and tissue damage. Medications which inhibit <\/span>TNF<\/span> are effective anti-inflammatory drugs in conditions like <\/span>rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/a> (RA), <\/span>ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/a> (UC), <\/span>Crohn’s Disease<\/span><\/a> (CD), <\/span>ankylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>hidradenitis suppurativa<\/span>, <\/span>plaque <\/span>psoriasis<\/span><\/a>, polyarticular <\/span>juvenile idiopathic arthritis<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>psoriatic arthritis<\/span>, and <\/span>uveitis<\/span>. While <\/span>TNF<\/span> inhibitors<\/span> hold many <\/span>Food and Drug Administration<\/span> (<\/span>FDA<\/span>) approved indications, they may be used <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> in some <\/span>medical conditions<\/span>, including graft versus host disease, sarcoidosis, and pyoderma gangrenosum. This medication is administered by a <\/span>subcutaneous<\/span> injection, and can be self-administered in one\u2019s own home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Conversely, <\/span>TNF<\/span> release is not always harmful; it is released from immune cells after exposure to infectious stimuli and is therefore important in our body\u2019s response to infection. <\/span>TNF<\/span> inhibitor<\/span> therapy can therefore be immunosuppressive and lead to <\/span>serious infections<\/span> and <\/span>lymphoproliferative disorders<\/span><\/a>, including <\/span>lymphoma<\/span>. Patients will need to be tested for latent tuberculosis and hepatitis B virus before initiation of therapy and during therapy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What can I take in place of <\/span>Humira<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

TNF<\/span> inhibitors<\/span> are more broadly part of a category known as <\/span>biologic drugs<\/span>. <\/span>TNF<\/span> inhibitors<\/span> include 2 other monoclonal antibodies besides <\/span>Humira<\/span> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>) \u2013 <\/span>Remicade<\/span> (<\/span>infliximab<\/span>) and Simponi (golimumab). The class also includes a polyethylene glycol-conjugated fab fragment under the <\/span>brand name<\/span> Cemzia (certolizumab), and a fusion protein under the <\/span>brand name<\/span> Enbrel (etanercept). <\/span>Humira<\/span> was the first human <\/span>monoclonal antibody<\/span><\/a> FDA approved<\/span> for <\/span>rheumatoid arthritis<\/span> in 2003, and since has picked up many additional <\/span>FDA-approved<\/span> indications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Abbvie<\/span>\u2019s patent for <\/span>Humira<\/span> expired in 2023 and several <\/span>Humira biosimilars<\/span><\/a> have become available for patients, which is monumental as the main difference will be reduced <\/span>drug pricing<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Biosimilars<\/span> are defined as an <\/span>FDA-approved<\/span> biopharmaceutical that is similar but not identical to its reference product, and a subset may also be granted an additional <\/span>FDA-approved<\/span> interchangeable label. To date, there are 10 <\/span>biosimilars<\/span> of <\/span>adalimumab<\/span> FDA-approved<\/span>, but only 3 have been approved as an interchangeable product \u2013 <\/span>Abrilada<\/span> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>-afzb; Pfizer), <\/span>Cyltezo<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>-adbm; Boehringer Ingelheim), and <\/span>Simlandi<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>-ryvk; Teva). The others include <\/span>Amjevita<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>-atto; <\/span>AmGen<\/span>), <\/span>Hadlima<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>-bwwd; Organon), <\/span>Hulio<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>-fkjp; Biocon <\/span>Biologics<\/span> Inc), <\/span>Hyrimoz<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>-adaz; Sandoz), <\/span>Idacio<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>-aacf; Fresenius Kabi), <\/span>Yuflyma<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>-aaty; Celltrion), and <\/span>Yusimry<\/span> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>-aqvb; Coherus BioSciences). Even for the 3 <\/span>Humira biosimilars<\/span> considered interchangeable, there are some key features of each that <\/span>pharmacists<\/span> and prescribers should become familiar with-including factors like presence of latex, to which many have allergies, differences in administration, and concentrations. <\/span>Formularies<\/span> of <\/span>pharmacy benefit managers<\/span> (PBMs) are undergoing modifications based on <\/span>adalimumab biosimilar<\/span> availability, which can add to confusion and frustration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b> Cyltezo<\/b> vs. <\/b>Humira<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Other <\/span>biologic medications<\/span> with different mechanisms of action and efficacy against similar <\/span>medical conditions<\/span> also exist, generally with inhibitory activity against a different set of cytokines from <\/span>TNF<\/span> in our immune system called interleukins. These <\/span>biologic drugs<\/span> may also serve as alternatives to <\/span>Humira<\/span> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>). Traditional medications used to manage some of these conditions, known as disease-modifying <\/span>antirheumatic<\/span><\/a> drugs, or DMARDs, are used often and early in the diagnosis specifically of <\/span>rheumatoid arthritis<\/span> and include medications like methotrexate. In this article we will discuss alternative drugs to <\/span>Humira<\/span> as <\/span>treatment options<\/span> for some of these autoimmune conditions and reasons why they may be sought out by individuals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Compare Humira alternatives<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Drug name<\/b><\/td>\nUses<\/b><\/td>\nSide effects<\/b><\/td>\nDosage<\/b><\/td>\nSavings options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Humira<\/span> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Anklylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Crohn\u2019s disease<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Psoriatic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Plaque psoriasis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Uveitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Development of <\/span>serious infections<\/span>, skin rash, <\/span>injection site<\/span> reaction, headache<\/span><\/td>\n40 mg every 2 weeks SubQ (dose varies depending on specific indication)<\/span><\/td>\nHumira<\/span> coupons<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Abrilada<\/span> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>-afzb)<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Anklylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Crohn\u2019s disease<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Psoriatic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Plaque psoriasis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Uveitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Development of <\/span>serious infections<\/span>, skin rash, <\/span>injection site<\/span> reaction, headache<\/span><\/td>\n40 mg every 2 weeks SubQ (dose varies depending on specific indication)<\/span><\/td>\nCheck back for coupons<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cyltezo<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>-adbm)<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Ankylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Crohn\u2019s disease<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Psoriatic arthritis<\/span>\u2019<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Psoriatic psoriasis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Uveitis<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Development of <\/span>serious infections<\/span>, skin rash, <\/span>injection site<\/span> reaction, headache<\/span><\/td>\n40 mg every 2 weeks SubQ (dose varies depending on specific indication)<\/span><\/td>\nCyltezo<\/span> coupons<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Simlandi<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>adalimumab<\/span>-ryvk<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Anklylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Crohn\u2019s disease<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Psoriatic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Plaque psoriasis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Uveitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Development of <\/span>serious infections<\/span>, skin rash, <\/span>injection site<\/span> reaction, headache<\/span><\/td>\n40 mg every 2 weeks SubQ (dose varies depending on specific indication)<\/span><\/td>\nSimlandi coupons<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Methotrexate<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Polyarticular <\/span>juvenile idiopathic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Psoriasis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Liver dysfunction, kidney dysfunction, immunosuppression, GI <\/span>side effects<\/span> (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)<\/span><\/td>\nInitial: 5-10 mg once weekly<\/span><\/p>\n

Maintenance dose: 15-20 mg once weekly<\/span><\/td>\n

Methotrexate coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Remicade<\/span> (<\/span>infliximab<\/span>)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Crohn\u2019s Disease<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Psoriatic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Ankylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Plaque psoriasis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Development of <\/span>serious infection<\/span>, abdominal pain, nausea, anemia, liver dysfunction, headache, infusion related reaction<\/span><\/td>\n3-5 mg\/kg IV infusion at 0, 2 and 6 weeks \u2013 maintenance frequency depends on indication (usually every 6 to 8 weeks)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nRemicade<\/span> coupons<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Orencia (abatacept)<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Graft-versus-host disease<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Psoriatic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Nausea, headache, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infection, <\/span>sinus infection<\/span>, skin rash<\/span><\/td>\n125 mg SubQ once weekly<\/span><\/p>\n

Weight based IV infusion dosing<\/span><\/td>\n

Orencia coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rituxan (rituximab)<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Granulomatosis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Immune thrombocytopenia<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Non-Hodgkin <\/span>lymphoma<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Infusion related reactions, mucocutaneous reactions, hepatitis B virus reactivation<\/span><\/td>\nDose highly dependent on indication, IV infusion<\/span><\/td>\nMore details<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Xeljanz (tofacitinib)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Ankylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • COVID-19, hospitalized patients<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Polyarticular <\/span>juvenile idiopathic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Psoriatic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Ulcerative colitis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Upper respiratory tract infection, skin rash, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, blood clots, low white blood cell counts, malignancies<\/span><\/td>\n5 to 10 mg by mouth twice daily (dependent upon specific indication)<\/span><\/td>\nXeljanz coupons<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cimzia (certolizumab pegol)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Ankylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Plaque psoriasis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Psoriatic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Crohn\u2019s disease<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Nausea, antibody development, infection, upper respiratory tract infection, skin rash<\/span><\/td>\n400 mg SubQ, repeat dose 2 and 4 weeks after initial dose; maintenance dose depends on indication<\/span><\/td>\nCimzia coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Simponi (golimumab)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Crohn\u2019s Disease<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Psoriatic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Ankylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Plaque psoriasis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Antibody development, infection, upper respiratory tract infection, skin rash, liver function test abnormalities<\/span><\/td>\nIV infusion or SubQ injection \u2013 dose and frequency dependent on indication\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nSimponi coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Enbrel (Etanercept)<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Rheumatoid arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Polyarticular <\/span>juvenile idiopathic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Psoriatic arthritis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Ankylosing spondylitis<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Plaque psoriasis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
Skin rash, diarrhea, antibody development, <\/span>injection site<\/span> reaction, respiratory tract infection<\/span><\/td>\n25 mg SubQ twice weekly or 50mg SubQ once weekly<\/span><\/td>\nEnbrel coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Other alternatives to <\/span>Humira<\/span><\/h3>\n