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.
