{"id":627290,"date":"2024-03-08T16:43:39","date_gmt":"2024-03-08T21:43:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627290"},"modified":"2026-02-17T14:05:50","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T19:05:50","slug":"humira-generic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/humira-generic\/","title":{"rendered":"Humira generic availability, cost, and dosage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Humira<\/span><\/a> is an injectable prescription drug made by the drug company AbbVie, Inc. It works by blocking the effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a chemical messenger that causes inflammation. Although some prescription medications have generic versions that are often more affordable, Humira has \u201cbiosimilars\u201d instead. Here\u2019s what to know about your options.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is there a generic for Humira?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yes, but it isn\u2019t technically called a \u201cgeneric.\u201d Traditional generics are less expensive copies of FDA-approved drugs. The active ingredient in Humira is adalimumab, and there are different, less expensive versions of adalimumab out there. But instead of calling those versions \u201cgenerics,\u201d they\u2019re called biosimilars. That\u2019s because Humira is a <\/span>biologic<\/span><\/a> drug.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Biologics come from natural sources, such as humans or animals. They\u2019re very complex and difficult to duplicate exactly. As such, a <\/span>biosimilar<\/b><\/a> product is a highly similar, but not identical, version of an FDA-approved biologic drug.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Humira has a high price tag, but several lower-cost FDA-approved biosimilars of Humira (adalimumab) are available under their own names. Some biosimilars also have an interchangeability designation, which means that a prescription for Humira can, if allowed by state law, be filled with an interchangeable biosimilar. Biosimilars that are not designated as interchangeable must be prescribed by exact name, because they cannot be substituted for Humira.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Humira (biosimilars)?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Because biologics are complex, a biosimilar cannot be exactly the same as the reference product (or brand-name drug). However, biosimilars contain the same active ingredient, work the same way, and have the same mode of administration (such as injection) and dosing as the reference product. Humira and its biosimilars are approved to treat the same conditions, but some biosimilars have different FDA approvals in terms of age. There are also other differences to consider. For example, there are low-concentration formulation and high-concentration formulation options, which can affect how much liquid is injected and patient comfort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Humira (and biosimilars) at a glance<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Uses<\/b><\/td>\n\n
Standard dosage<\/b><\/td>\n\n
Common side effects<\/b><\/td>\nThe most common adverse reactions include:<\/span><\/p>\n
    \n
  • Pain, swelling, redness, rash, itching, or bruising around the injection site<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Upper respiratory infections<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Sinus infections<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Headache<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Rash<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Contraindications<\/b><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Do not use if you are allergic to Humira, adalimumab, or any biosimilar versions of Humira or if you are allergic to any ingredient in the medication.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Do not start Humira while you have an active infection.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Other considerations<\/b><\/td>\n\n