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Compare Humira vs. Dovonex

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Humira (adalimumab) and calcipotriene (Dovonex, Sorilux) are both prescription medications, but they treat different conditions and work in different ways. Humira is a biologic Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARD) that you inject under your skin to treat various autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and plaque psoriasis. It works by blocking a protein called Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) to reduce inflammation. On the other hand, calcipotriene is a topical vitamin D analog used to treat plaque and scalp psoriasis by slowing down the growth of skin cells. While Humira is injected every other week, calcipotriene is applied directly to the skin once or twice daily. Humira can raise your risk of serious infections and certain cancers, whereas calcipotriene mainly causes skin irritation and is generally safer with fewer side effects. Additionally, Humira can be used in young children for some conditions, while calcipotriene's safety in children is less established, except for its foam form, which can be used in children aged 4 and older.

  • Humira (adalimumab)
    Calcipotriene
  • Humira (adalimumab)
    Calcipotriene

  • Summary of Humira vs. Dovonex

    Summary for Biologic DMARD
    Prescription only

    Humira (adalimumab) is an injectable medication used for treating many different autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and plaque psoriasis. It's usually given every other week, and it can be used alone or taken with methotrexate or other non-biologic medications. This medication is available as many different brands (or biosimilars).

    Summary for Vitamin D analogue
    Prescription only

    Calcipotriene is a topical form of vitamin D that helps treat plaque psoriasis. It comes in many different dosage forms, such as a cream, ointment, foam, and solution. Calcipotriene is typically applied to the affected skin once or twice a day, depending on the form you have. Most forms are available as both brand-name and generic versions, except for the cream. The brand name for the calcipotriene cream, Dovonex, isn't available anymore, but there's still a generic version of it. Some side effects include skin irritation, burning, and stinging.

  • Indications of Humira vs. Dovonex

    Indications for
    •Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults only
    •Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) - people age 2 and older
    •Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults only
    •Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - adults only
    •Crohn's disease (CD) - people age 6 and older
    •Ulcerative colitis (UC) - people age 5 and older
    •Plaque psoriasis - adults only
    •Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - people age 12 and older
    •Uveitis - people age 2 and older
    Indications for
    •Plaque psoriasis - cream, ointment, foam
    •Scalp psoriasis - foam, solution

  • Pros and Cons of Humira vs. Dovonex

    Pros and Const for Biologic DMARD
    Pros
    •Can be used for many autoimmune conditions
    •Available as a ready-to-use pen that makes it easier to self-inject at home
    •Can be used in young children (as young as 2 years old for some conditions)
    •Only needs to be injected a couple times a month
    •Can be left at room temperature for up to 14 days if needed
    Cons
    •Raises the risk of serious infections
    •Might raise the risk of lymphoma and skin cancers
    •Might be difficult to inject for some people
    •Can't receive any live vaccines while taking the medication
    •Contains rubber or latex, which can cause a reaction for those with an allergy
    Pros and Const for Vitamin D analogue
    Pros
    •Usually helps improve your skin condition after 2 weeks of treatment
    •Generally safe to use and has few side effects
    •Available in different formulations (e.g., cream, foam, ointment, solution), depending on your specific needs
    Cons
    •Probably need to use with topical steroids for the greatest benefits
    •Not a cure for plaque psoriasis; only manages symptoms
    •Not all formulations approved for children

  • Common Side Effects of Humira vs. Dovonex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Injection-site reaction (20%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)
    •Headache (12%)
    •Rash (12%)
    •Sinus inflammation (11%)
    •Accidental injury (10%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection (8%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin irritation
    •Temporary burning, stinging, or tingling feeling on the skin
    •Skin redness
    •Dry skin
    •Rash
    •Itching
    •Worsening psoriasis

  • Warnings of Humira vs. Dovonex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serious infections
    •Cancers
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Nervous system effects
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Heart failure
    •Live vaccines
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reaction
    •Higher calcium levels
    •Flammable (foam and solution only)

  • Prices with our coupons for Humira vs. Dovonex

    Learn more about Humira
    Learn more about Calcipotriene

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