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Compare Humira vs. Taclonex

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

Key takeaways

Humira (adalimumab) and Taclonex (betamethasone/calcipotriene) are both prescription medications, but they treat different conditions and work in different ways. Humira is an injectable biologic Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drug (DMARD) used for various autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and plaque psoriasis. It works by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein involved in inflammation. Taclonex, on the other hand, is a topical medication used specifically for plaque psoriasis. It combines calcipotriene, a form of vitamin D that slows skin cell growth, and betamethasone, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation. Humira is administered subcutaneously every other week, while Taclonex is applied to the skin once daily. Humira can be used in children as young as two years old for some conditions, whereas Taclonex is not recommended for children under 12. Additionally, Humira has a higher risk of serious infections and certain cancers, while Taclonex can cause skin irritation and sensitivity to sunlight.

  • Humira (adalimumab)
    Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone)
  • Humira (adalimumab)
    Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone)

  • Summary of Humira vs. Taclonex

    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 analog / Corticosteroid
    Prescription only

    Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) is a combination medication used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and children ages 12 years and older. It contains betamethasone (a topical corticosteroid) and calcipotriene (a form of vitamin D). Taclonex (calcipotriene / betamethasone) is available as brand name and generic ointment and topical suspension. The suspension can be applied to the scalp and body once daily for up to 8 weeks, while the ointment can be applied once daily for 4 weeks. Side effects can include itching and a burning sensation on the skin.

  • Indications of Humira vs. Taclonex

    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

  • Pros and Cons of Humira vs. Taclonex

    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 analog / Corticosteroid
    Pros
    •Only need to apply it once a day
    •Combines two medications for convenience
    •Comes in an ointment and suspension
    •Available in lower-cost generic versions
    Cons
    •Might need to use for many weeks
    •Can cause skin irritation
    •Can't be used in children under 12 years of age
    •Not available over the counter

  • Common Side Effects of Humira vs. Taclonex

    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

    Ointment

    •Itching (3%)
    •Headache (3%)
    •Runny nose, sore throat (2%)

    Suspension

    •Itching (4%)
    •Psoriasis (2%)
    •Skin redness (2%)

  • Warnings of Humira vs. Taclonex

    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
    •High calcium levels
    •Changes in stress hormone levels
    •Allergic skin reaction
    •Cataracts and glaucoma
    •Sun sensitivity

  • Prices with our coupons for Humira vs. Taclonex

    Learn more about Humira
    Learn more about Taclonex

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