Adalimumab is a medication used to treat various inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and psoriasis. It belongs to a class of drugs called TNF-alpha inhibitors, which target tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the body, thereby reducing inflammation.
However, some patients treated with adalimumab (Humira) may develop antibodies against the drug over time. These antibodies can potentially reduce the medication's effectiveness by neutralizing its effects. This phenomenon is called "immunogenicity."
When antibodies against adalimumab develop, they can bind to the drug molecules, preventing them from functioning correctly. This may lead to a decrease in the drug's efficacy and may necessitate dose adjustments or switching to a different medication.
Adalimumab therapy patients are recommended to monitor drug levels and antibodies regularly. In some cases, they may need to adjust the dosage or switch to an alternative medication to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
See also Adalimumab, Serum.
