What should you know about Pfizer adalimumab?

Adalimumab is a targeted medicine used for some inflammatory diseases, including selected dermatology conditions. It belongs to the [Biologic Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/biologic-therapy/) group and is directed at tumour necrosis factor, an immune signalling protein involved in inflammation. The medicine may be discussed when disease activity is persistent or when other options are unsuitable. The [Adalimumab](/materials/adalimumab/) page gives a broader explanation of the material and its clinical use.

Your prescriber will review infections, previous tuberculosis exposure, vaccination history, liver or blood problems, neurological disease, heart failure, and cancer history before treatment. Tell the team about every medicine and supplement you use. Do not start, stop, or change injections without advice. Keep the medicine stored and injected exactly as instructed, and attend planned monitoring. Report new cough, fever, persistent sore throat, painful urination, unusual bruising, or a new skin lesion promptly.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, facial swelling, severe weakness, confusion, or signs of a serious infection. Contact your prescriber promptly for persistent fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or symptoms suggesting tuberculosis or hepatitis. A severe injection-site reaction or a rapidly changing skin lesion also needs assessment.

Ask why adalimumab is being recommended, which tests are needed first, how infections affect dosing, which vaccines are suitable, how to handle a missed injection, and when treatment response will be reviewed.