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Idacio

adalimumab-aacf
Used for Plaque Psoriasis, Ulcerative Colitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Crohn's Disease, Uveitis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Used for Plaque Psoriasis, Ulcerative Colitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Crohn's Disease, Uveitis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Idacio (adalimumab or adalimumab-aacf) is an injectable medication belonging to a class called TNF blockers. It's used to treat many autoimmune conditions, including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, certain types of arthritis, and plaque psoriasis. This medication got FDA approval in 2022 as a biosimilar to Humira (adalimumab). Side effects include raising your risk of infection and causing injection site reactions. Because of potential interactions with live vaccines, it's recommended to avoid them while taking Idacio (adalimumab).

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 5, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Idacio (adalimumab)?

What is Idacio (adalimumab) used 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) - adults only

  • Plaque psoriasis - adults only

  • Hidradenitis suppurativa - adults only

  • Uveitis - adults only

How Idacio (adalimumab) works

Idacio (adalimumab) is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). It blocks tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which is a protein in your body that plays a role in inflammation. By blocking TNF, Idacio (adalimumab) can help relieve symptoms caused by inflammation like pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Are you looking for information on Humira (adalimumab) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsIdacio
Drug ClassTNF blocker
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Idacio (adalimumab) essentials

Humira: doctor consultation 1141974049

Is There a Biosimilar for Humira? Yes, Here Are 9 Humira Biosimilars Launching in 2023

Written by Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD
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What are the side effects of Idacio (adalimumab)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • 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%)

Other Side Effects

  • High cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Back pain
  • Stomach pain
  • Blood in the urine
  • Flu-like symptoms

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious infection: fever, cough, weight loss, muscle aches, dark urine, chills, vomiting
  • Severe allergic reaction: rash; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, eyes, lips, or mouth; hives
  • Low blood cell counts: fever that doesn't go away, easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin
  • Heart failure: shortness of breath; swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet; irregular heartbeat; tiredness; sudden weight gain
  • Liver problems: feeling tired, vomiting, yellow skin or whites of the eyes, stomach pain

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Body aches or pain

cough

ear congestion

gas with stomach pain

hoarseness

lightheadedness

loss of voice

lower back or side pain

muscle aches and pains

pain or tenderness around the eyes or cheekbones

rapid and sometimes shallow breathing

shivering

stomach fullness

stuffy nose

sunken eyes

thirst

trouble sleeping

warmth on the skin

wrinkled skin

Less common

Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge

agitation

arm, back, or jaw pain

black, tarry stools

bleeding from the gums or nose

blindness

bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

blood in the stool or change in bowel habits

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

broken bones

change in size, shape, or color of an existing mole

change in skin color

chest pain, tightness, or heaviness

chills

clear or bloody discharge from the nipple

cold hands and feet

confusion

constipation

cough

coughing or spitting up blood

decreased urination

decreased vision

depression

difficulty with breathing

difficulty, burning, or painful urination

dimpling of the breast skin

dizziness

drowsiness

eye pain

fainting

fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

fever

forgetfulness

frequent urge to urinate

general feeling of illness

hair loss

headache

hives, itching, skin rash

increased thirst

inverted nipple

irregular breathing

irregular pulse

irritability

light colored stools

loss of appetite

lump in the breast or under your arm

lump or swelling in the stomach

mole that leaks fluid or bleeds

muscle cramps or spasms

nausea

new mole

night sweats

no blood pressure or pulse

noisy breathing

numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, or face

pain, redness, or swelling in the arms or legs without any injury present

pale skin

persistent non-healing sore on your skin

pink growth

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

raised, firm, or bright red patch

redness or swelling of the breast

seeing or hearing things that are not there

seizures

sharp back pain just below your ribs

shiny bump on your skin

slurred speech or problems with swallowing

sneezing

sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or mouth

spitting up blood

stiff neck

stomach pain

stopping of the heart

sudden high fever or low grade fever for months

sweating

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

swollen glands

swollen neck veins

tiredness

trouble breathing

trouble thinking

unconsciousness

unexplained bruising or bleeding

unpleasant breath odor

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight gain or loss

visual disturbances

vomiting

vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

yellow skin or eyes

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

diarrhea

inability to move the arms and legs

joint or muscle pain

pinpoint red spots on the skin

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

red, irritated eyes

red, scaling, or crusted skin

sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs

unusual bleeding or bruising

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Bladder pain

bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site

pounding in the ears

Less common

Abnormal healing

decrease in height

difficulty with moving

difficulty with walking

dry mouth

heartburn

indigestion

loss of hearing

loss of strength or energy

menstrual changes

muscle or joint stiffness, tightness, or rigidity

muscle pain or weakness

pain in the back, ribs, arms, or legs

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, and feet

swelling or redness in the joints

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Idacio (adalimumab)

thumbs-up

Pros

Can be used at home, if your provider says it's safe to do so

Not made with natural rubber latex, which might be a good option for people with latex allergies

Can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days if needed

Doesn't contain citrate, so injections might be less painful compared to some other adalimumab products

Available as prefilled syringes and pens for convenience

thumbs-down

Cons

Raises the risk of serious infection

Can cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, stomach pain, headache, and rash

Injections might be uncomfortable for some people

Live vaccines aren't recommended while taking the medication

Unknown if safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Idacio (adalimumab)

pharmacist

  • Before using Idacio (adalimumab) at home, you should receive injection training from your healthcare provider or care team. Don't try to give yourself an Idacio (adalimumab) injection until you've been shown how to do it correctly.

    • To help you remember to take Idacio (adalimumab), mark when your doses are due on your calendar. If you happen to forget to take your dose, inject a dose as soon as possible and then continue taking your next dose at your regularly scheduled time.

      • Take Idacio (adalimumab) out of the refrigerator and let it warm up to room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes to help reduce discomfort with the injection. Don't warm it up by putting it in the microwave or in hot water because this could damage the medication.

        • Keep unused Idacio (adalimumab) in the refrigerator in its original container to protect it from light. But you can keep it at room temperature for 28 days, just remember to throw it out after that.

          • Before getting any vaccines, let your provider or pharmacist know you're taking Idacio (adalimumab). It's recommended to avoid live vaccines while you're taking this medication. Make sure your child gets all of their appropriate shots before starting Idacio (adalimumab).

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Idacio (adalimumab)

            Can Idacio (adalimumab) cause cancer?
            In certain studies involving Idacio (adalimumab) and similar medications, more people developed specific types of cancer compared to those who didn't take these medications. But it's not clear if the cancers were a result of the medications themselves or a higher amount of inflammation in people being treated with these medications. Also, some studies haven't found a higher short-term risk of cancer in people taking medications like Idacio (adalimumab) compared to those taking other commonly-used treatments for inflammatory conditions. Talk to your provider to learn more about your personal risk for developing cancer.
            Does Idacio (adalimumab) cause weight gain?
            Weight gain wasn't reported as a side effect of Idacio (adalimumab) during clinical studies. If you notice sudden weight gain, contact your provider. This could be a sign of new or worsening heart failure, which has been rarely reported with other TNF blockers and adalimumab products.
            Does Idacio (adalimumab) weaken your immune system?
            Yes. Idacio (adalimumab) reduces inflammation by blocking a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and this can affect your immune system. TNF is important for your immune system to work normally. By blocking it, your immune system might not be able to respond to infections as well. This can put you at a higher risk for serious infections.
            How is Idacio (adalimumab) administered?
            Idacio (adalimumab) is given as an injection into the fatty area under your skin. You can inject it into your lower stomach (at least 2 inches away from your belly button) or on the front of your thighs. To allow your skin to heal, rotate injection sites each time. Don't inject it into skin that's sore, hard, red, or bruised.
            How long can Idacio (adalimumab) be out of the refrigerator?
            Idacio (adalimumab) can be kept out of the refrigerator for up to 28 days. After this time, you should throw it away.
            How long does Idacio (adalimumab) take to work?
            The amount of time it takes Idacio (adalimumab) to work depends on factors like your medical conditions and how bad your symptoms are. In one study, people taking adalimumab (the active ingredient in Idacio (adalimumab)) in addition to methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis saw improvement in their symptoms in only 1 week. For psoriasis, many people taking adalimumab in clinical studies saw improvement by 12 weeks. And for Crohn's disease, most people taking adalimumab responded to the treatment at week 4. Keep in mind that everyone responds differently, and it can take sooner or later for you to experience improvement in your symptoms.
            Is Idacio (adalimumab) a steroid?
            No, Idacio (adalimumab) isn't a steroid. It's a TNF blocker, which can help lower inflammation in your body.
            Is Idacio (adalimumab) chemotherapy?
            No. Idacio (adalimumab) doesn't kill cells in your body the way typical chemotherapy agents do, and it's not considered a type of chemotherapy.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Idacio (adalimumab)?

            Idacio (adalimumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Serious infections

            • Risk factors: Taking other medications that weaken the immune system | Older adults | Active, long-term, or an infection that keeps coming back | Traveling to high risk areas | Having other conditions that raise the risk of infection

              Idacio (adalimumab) blocks TNF, a protein that plays an important role in your immune system. As a result, it can raise your risk of serious infections. Some infections can be life-threatening. Your risk is higher if you're an older adult, taking other medications that can weaken the immune system (e.g., methotrexate, Orencia (abatacept), Kineret (anakinra), corticosteroids), or if you have other health conditions.

              Before starting Idacio (adalimumab), discuss your medical history with your provider. And especially let them know if you've ever had tuberculosis or hepatitis B. They'll review your risk before starting the medication. If you develop a serious infection while taking Idacio (adalimumab), you might have to stop the medication in order to give your immune system a chance to fight the infection.

              risk-warning

              Cancers

              • Risk factors: Taking other medications that weaken the immune system | History of cancer | People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with a history of smoking

                In clinical studies, there was a greater number of people who developed cancer while taking a medication like Idacio (adalimumab) compared to people who didn't take that medication. Some of the most commonly reported types of cancer in people who used that medication were lymphoma, leukemia, and skin cancers. Your provider will determine your risk before starting Idacio (adalimumab) and monitor you while you're taking the medication. Talk to your provider if you have any concerns.

                risk-warning

                Severe allergic reactions

                Products containing adalimumab (the active ingredient in Idacio) have caused allergic reactions. Rarely, some reactions can be life threatening (e.g., anaphylaxis). If you experience rash, trouble breathing, itching, or swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat, get medical help right away.

                risk-warning

                Nervous system effects

                • Risk factors: Currently have or recently developed a nervous system condition

                  Although rare, people taking medications like Idacio (adalimumab) have developed conditions that affect the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Tell your provider if you currently have nerve problems. They'll want to monitor you closely while you're taking Idacio (adalimumab), since it can make them worse. Call your provider right away if you notice numbness or tingling, weakness in your arms or legs, vision problems, or dizziness.

                  risk-warning

                  Low blood cell counts

                  Although rare, some people taking medications like Idacio (adalimumab) experienced low amounts of blood cells. Having low blood cell counts can raise your risk for bleeding and lower your body's ability to fight infections. Contact your provider if you develop a fever that doesn't go away, easy bruising, pale skin, or bleeding.

                  risk-warning

                  Heart failure

                  People taking medications like Idacio (adalimumab) have had new or worsening cases of heart failure. If you currently have heart failure, your provider will weigh the benefits and risks to determine if Idacio (adalimumab) is right for you. Get medical help right away if you start to have shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, irregular heartbeat, or tiredness or weakness, as these can be signs of heart failure.

                  risk-warning

                  Lupus-like syndrome

                  Rarely, Idacio (adalimumab) can cause a condition called lupus-like syndrome. Call your provider if you experience easy bruising or bleeding, a rash, or feel unusually tired.

                  dosage

                  Idacio (adalimumab) dosage forms

                  Typical dosing for Idacio (adalimumab)

                  Adults

                  • Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: The typical dose is 40 mg injected under the skin every other week.

                  • Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: The typical dose is 160 mg injected under the skin on Day 1, followed by 80 mg on Day 15, then 40 mg every other week starting Day 29.

                  • Plaque psoriasis and uveitis: The typical dose is 80 mg injected under the skin on Day 1, followed by 40 mg every other week starting 1 week after the first dose.

                  • Hidradenitis suppurativa: The typical dose is 160 mg injected under the skin on Day 1, followed by 80 mg on Day 15, then 40 mg every week OR 80 mg every other week starting Day 29.

                  Children

                  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Crohn's disease: The dose will be based on your child's body weight. Typically it will be injected under the skin once every other week.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Idacio (adalimumab) and other drugs

                  Idacio (adalimumab) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Idacio (adalimumab). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                  How much does Idacio (adalimumab) cost?

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                  Idacio (brand)
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                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Idacio (adalimumab)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Idacio (adalimumab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Idacio (adalimumab)
                  Used 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) - adults only

                  • Plaque psoriasis - adults only

                  • Hidradenitis suppurativa - adults only

                  • Uveitis - adults only

                  $6556.19 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Enbrel (etanercept)
                  Used for:

                  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

                  • Plaque psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)

                  • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

                  • Childhood arthritis (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA)

                  $7207.48 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Humira (adalimumab)
                  Used 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

                  $1316.04 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Alwawi, E. A., et al. (2008). Treating psoriasis with adalimumab. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management.

                  Fresenius Kabi USA, LLC. (2023). Idacio- adalimumab injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Gerriets, V., et al. (2023). Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. StatPearls.

                  View All References (5)

                  Haynes, K., et al. (2013). Tumor necrosis factor α inhibitor therapy and cancer risk in chronic immune-mediated diseases. Arthritis and Rheumatism.

                  Lichtenstein, G. R., et al. (2008). Efficacy and safety of adalimumab in Crohn's disease. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology.

                  Mease, P. J. (2007). Adalimumab in the treatment of arthritis. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management.

                  Nash, P., et al. (2016). Randomized crossover comparison of injection site pain with 40 mg/0.4 or 0.8 ml formulations of adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology and Therapy.

                  Solhjoo, M., et al. (2023). Drug-induced lupus erythematosus.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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