Amjevita is a brand-name subcutaneous injection that’s prescribed for certain inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Amjevita contains the active drug adalimumab-atto and is a biologic drug.

Amjevita is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat:

Amjevita is approved to treat these conditions in certain situations. The drug also has limitations to its use in treating ulcerative colitis. To learn more about how the medication is used, see the “Amjevita uses” section below.

Drug details

You’ll find key information about Amjevita below.

  • Drug class: tumor necrosis factor blockers
  • Drug form: subcutaneous injection
  • Generic or biosimilar available? no*
  • Prescription required? yes
  • Controlled substance? no
  • Year of FDA approval: 2016

* Amjevita is a biosimilar of the brand-name drug Humira. For more information, see the ”Amjevita generic or biosimilar” section below.

Amjevita contains the active drug adalimumab-atto. It’s a biologic drug that belongs to a class of medications known as tumor necrosis factor blockers. The reason “-atto” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medications.

Traditional drugs are made using chemicals. However, biologics are drugs made using living cells. It’s possible to make exact copies of brand-name chemical drugs. These are called generics. It’s not possible to make exact copies of brand-name biologic drugs. Instead, manufacturers can make drugs that are similar, which are known as biosimilars.

Amjevita is a biosimilar of the brand-name biologic drug Humira. Humira contains adalimumab, while Amjevita contains adalimumab-atto. For more information on how Amjevita compares with Humira, see the “Common questions about Amjevita” section below.

Like generics, biosimilars are considered to be as safe and effective as the original brand-name drug.

As with all medications, the cost of Amjevita can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

It’s important to note that you’ll have to get Amjevita at a specialty pharmacy. This type of pharmacy is authorized to carry specialty medications. These are drugs that may be expensive or may require help from healthcare professionals to be used safely and effectively.

Before approving coverage for Amjevita, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Amjevita, contact your insurance company.

To learn more about Amjevita and cost, refer to this article.

Drug coupons

To save money on your Amjevita prescription, explore the Optum Perks* coupons below.

You can also visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Amjevita. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

* Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.

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Retail price refers to the manufacturer’s published list price and is up to date as of 3/2023. Retail and discounted prices are U.S.-only and can vary based on region and pharmacy. We cannot guarantee that the discounted price listed here will exactly match the price at your pharmacy. Please contact your pharmacy for the exact price.

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Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Amjevita or help to understand your insurance coverage, help is available.

A program called Amgen SupportPlus Co-Pay is available for Amjevita. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, call 888-826-5384 or visit the program website.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Biosimilar form

Amjevita is a biosimilar of the brand-name biologic drug Humira. Humira contains adalimumab, while Amjevita contains adalimumab-atto. The reason “-atto” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medications. For more information, see the “Amjevita generic or biosimilar” section above.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Amjevita.

How does Amjevita compare with Humira?

Amjevita is a biosimilar of the brand-name drug Humira. Humira contains adalimumab, while Amjevita contains adalimumab-atto. (The reason “-atto” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medications.) Amjevita is considered to be as safe and effective as Humira for its approved uses. However, there are some differences between these drugs.

Amjevita and Humira are mostly approved for the same uses. However, Humira is approved for uveitis (a form of eye inflammation) in children ages 2 years and older. Amjevita is approved to treat uveitis only in adults. In addition, Humira can be prescribed for ulcerative colitis in children ages 5 years and older and hidradenitis suppurativa in children ages 12 years and older. Amjevita isn’t approved to treat these conditions in children.

Humira comes in different forms and strengths than Amjevita. Both drugs come as a prefilled syringe. Amjevita also comes as a prefilled autoinjector. Humira also comes as a prefilled injection pen and a single-dose vial for injection by syringe.

To learn more about how Amjevita compares with Humira, talk with your doctor. They can recommend whether one of these drugs is a better option for you.

Can Amjevita cause long-term side effects?

Yes, Amjevita can cause long-term side effects, but these are generally rare.

Amjevita may raise your risk of developing certain forms of cancer, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and skin cancer. In fact, the medication has a boxed warning about this risk. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Amjevita precautions” section below.

If you’re concerned about the risk of long-term side effects with Amjevita, talk with your doctor. They can discuss whether the benefits you may get from this treatment will outweigh its possible risks.

Will Amjevita cure my rheumatoid arthritis?

No, Amjevita won’t cure rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Currently, there isn’t a cure for RA, which is caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking your joints.

However, Amjevita helps to stop your immune system from attacking your joints. This reduces the inflammation in your joints. Amjevita can significantly reduce joint pain and stiffness, make it easier to do daily activities, and improve your mobility. It also helps limit damage to your joints, which can help prevent or slow down the worsening of your RA.

If you have questions about Amjevita for RA, talk with your doctor.

Amjevita can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while using Amjevita. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Amjevita, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on managing any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Amjevita, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Amjevita. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Amjevita’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Amjevita can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about allergic reaction and Amjevita, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Amjevita aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • Lupus-like syndrome (an immune system reaction). Symptoms can include:
    • shortness of breath
    • chest pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away
    • a rash on the cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sun
  • Heart failure. Symptoms can include:
    • swollen ankles or feet
    • shortness of breath
    • sudden weight gain
  • Liver problems, such as liver failure. Symptoms can include:
    • loss of appetite
  • Nerve problems, such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Symptoms can include:
    • weakness in the arms or legs
    • tingling or numbness
    • vision problems
  • Blood problems, such as low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets (cells that help blood clot). Symptoms can include:
    • looking paler than usual
    • bruising or bleeding easily
  • Risk of serious infection.*
  • Risk of cancer.*
  • Severe allergic reaction.†

* Amjevita has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is a serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Amjevita precautions” section below.
† For details about allergic reaction and Amjevita, see “Allergic reaction” below.

ALLERGIC REACTION

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after using Amjevita. This was a rare side effect in clinical trials of this drug.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Amjevita, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

The Amjevita dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Amjevita to treat
  • your age
  • body weight in children
  • other medical conditions you may have

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Amjevita is given as a subcutaneous injection by a healthcare professional in their office or clinic. Or they may teach you or a caregiver how to administer Amjevita at home.

Amjevita comes in the following forms and strengths:

  • single-dose prefilled autoinjector that comes in three strengths:
    • 40 milligrams in 0.4 milliliters (mg/mL)
    • 40 mg/0.8 mL
    • 80 mg/0.8 mL
  • single-dose prefilled syringe that comes in six strengths:
    • 10 mg/0.2 mL
    • 20 mg/0.2 mL
    • 20 mg/0.4 mL
    • 40 mg/0.4 mL
    • 40 mg/0.8 mL
    • 80 mg/0.8 mL

Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis

When used for rheumatoid arthritis in adults, the usual dosage of Amjevita is 40 mg every other week.

If your symptoms don’t improve with this dosage and you’re not taking methotrexate (Otrexup, Trexall, others), your doctor may increase your Amjevita dosage. They may increase it to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week.

Dosage for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Amjevita is prescribed for juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older. The recommended dosage depends on the child’s body weight in kilograms (kg). One kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).

For children weighing 30 kg (about 66 lb) or more, the usual dosage is 40 mg every other week.

For children weighing 15 kg to less than 30 kg (about 33–66 lb), the usual dosage is 20 mg every other week.

For children weighing 10 kg to less than 15 kg (about 22–33 lb), the usual dosage is 10 mg every other week.

Note: Amjevita isn’t available in a strength suitable for treating children who weigh less than 10 kg (about 22 lb).

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis

When used to treat psoriatic arthritis in adults, the usual dosage of Amjevita is 40 mg every other week.

Dosage for ankylosing spondylitis

When used for ankylosing spondylitis in adults, the usual dosage of Amjevita is 40 mg every other week.

Dosage for Crohn’s disease

When used for Crohn’s disease, treatment with Amjevita is started with a loading dose. A loading dose is designed to get effective levels of medication into your body quickly, so it can start working right away.

For adults, the usual dosage schedule is:

  • Day 1 loading dose: one dose of 160 mg (this may be split into two doses taken on day 1 and day 2)
  • Day 15: one dose of 80 mg
  • Day 29: start taking 40 mg every other week

For children, the recommended dosage schedule depends on the child’s body weight as follows:

  • Children weighing 40 kg (about 88 lb) or more:
    • Day 1 loading dose: one dose of 160 mg (this may be split into two doses taken on day 1 and day 2)
    • Day 15: one dose of 80 mg
    • Day 29: start taking 40 mg every other week
  • Children weighing 17 kg to less than 40 kg (about 37–88 lb):
    • Day 1 loading dose: one dose of 80 mg
    • Day 15: one dose of 40 mg
    • Day 29: start taking 20 mg every other week

Dosage for ulcerative colitis

When used for ulcerative colitis in adults, treatment with Amjevita is started with a loading dose. A loading dose is designed to get effective levels of medication into your body quickly, so it can start working right away.

The usual dosage schedule is:

  • Day 1 loading dose: one dose of 160 mg (this may be split into two doses taken on day 1 and day 2)
  • Day 15: one dose of 80 mg
  • Day 29: start taking 40 mg every other week

Dosage for plaque psoriasis

When used for plaque psoriasis in adults, treatment is started with a loading dose. A loading dose gets effective levels of medication into your body quickly, so it can start working right away.

The usual dosage schedule is:

  • Day 1 loading dose: one dose of 80 mg
  • Day 8: start taking 40 mg every other week

Dosage for hidradenitis suppurativa

When used for hidradenitis suppurativa in adults, treatment with Amjevita is started with a loading dose. A loading dose is designed to get effective levels of medication into your body quickly so it can start working right away.

The usual dosage schedule is:

  • Day 1 loading dose: one dose of 160 mg (this may be split into two doses taken on day 1 and day 2)
  • Day 15: one dose of 80 mg
  • Day 29: start taking 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week

Dosage for uveitis

When used for uveitis in adults, treatment is started with a loading dose. A loading dose gets effective levels of medication into your body quickly, so it can start working right away.

The usual dosage schedule is:

  • Day 1 loading dose: one dose of 80 mg
  • Day 8: start taking 40 mg every other week

Children’s dosage

In children, Amjevita is prescribed for:

  • juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children ages 2 years and older
  • Crohn’s disease in children ages 6 years and older

The recommended children’s dosages for these uses are described in the individual JIA and Crohn’s disease sections above.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Amjevita, take the missed dose as soon as possible. Then take your next scheduled dose when you usually would. This will put you back on your regular schedule. However, if you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, call your doctor to find out what to do.

If you receive Amjevita at your doctor’s office or clinic, call right away to reschedule your missed dose.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Amjevita is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Amjevita is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Amjevita to treat certain conditions.

Amjevita for rheumatoid arthritis

Amjevita is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults. “Active” means the condition is causing symptoms.

When prescribed for RA, Amjevita is known as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). It may be prescribed on its own to treat RA. It may also be prescribed in combination with nonbiologic DMARDs. (Amjevita is a biologic DMARD. Biologic drugs are made using living cells.) Examples of nonbiologic DMARDs include sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and methotrexate (Otrexup, Trexall, others).

Rheumatoid arthritis explained

RA is a condition that causes inflammation in certain joints in your body. It can make your joints stiff and painful, which can cause difficulty with daily activities such as dressing, washing, and walking. Over time, the inflammation can damage and cause structural changes to the joints.

RA is an autoimmune condition, which means it’s caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking your joints.

Amjevita helps stop your immune system from attacking your joints. It reduces inflammation, pain, and stiffness in your joints. This can improve joint mobility and make daily activities easier. It also helps limit damage to your joints, which can help prevent or slow down the worsening of your condition.

To learn more about RA, you can visit our rheumatoid arthritis hub.

Effectiveness for rheumatoid arthritis

Amjevita is an effective treatment for RA. To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Amjevita’s prescribing information.

Amjevita contains the active drug adalimumab-atto. It’s a biosimilar of adalimumab (Humira), which is a treatment option for RA recommended in guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology. Amjevita is considered to be as effective as Humira. To learn more about biosimilars, see the “Amjevita generic or biosimilar” section above.

Amjevita for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Amjevita is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children ages 2 years and older. “Active” means the condition is causing symptoms. Polyarticular means that at least five joints are affected.

Amjevita may be prescribed on its own or in combination with methotrexate (Otrexup, Trexall, others) for JIA.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis explained

JIA is also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It’s similar to RA in adults.

JIA causes inflammation in certain joints in the body, making them stiff and painful. This can cause difficulty with daily activities such as dressing, washing, and walking. Over time, the inflammation can damage and cause structural changes to the joints.

Similar to RA, JIA is an autoimmune condition, which means it’s caused by your child’s immune system mistakenly attacking their joints.

Amjevita helps stop your child’s immune system from attacking their joints. It helps to reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints.

To learn more about JIA, visit our rheumatoid arthritis hub.

Effectiveness for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Amjevita is an effective treatment for JIA. To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Amjevita’s prescribing information.

Amjevita contains the active drug adalimumab-atto. It’s a biosimilar of adalimumab (Humira), which is a treatment option for JIA recommended in guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology. Amjevita is considered to be as effective as Humira. To learn more about biosimilars, see the “Amjevita generic or biosimilar” section above.

Amjevita for psoriatic arthritis

Amjevita is FDA-approved to treat active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults. “Active” means the condition is causing symptoms.

When used for PsA, Amjevita is known as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). It may be used on its own to treat PsA or in combination with nonbiologic DMARDs. (Amjevita is a biologic DMARD. Biologic drugs are made using living cells.) Methotrexate (Otrexup, Trexall, others) is an example of a nonbiologic DMARD.

Psoriatic arthritis explained

PsA is a form of arthritis that can develop in some people with the skin condition psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. It’s caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking your skin. With PsA, your immune system also mistakenly attacks your joints.

PsA causes inflammation in certain joints in your body. It can make your joints stiff and painful, which may cause difficulty with daily activities such as dressing, washing, and walking. Over time, the inflammation can damage and cause structural changes to your joints.

Amjevita helps stop your immune system from attacking your joints. It helps reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness in your joints. This can improve joint mobility and make daily activities easier. It also helps limit damage to your joints, which can help prevent or slow down the worsening of your condition.

To learn more about PsA, visit our arthritis hub.

Effectiveness for psoriatic arthritis

Amjevita is an effective treatment for PsA. To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Amjevita’s prescribing information.

Amjevita contains the active drug adalimumab-atto. It’s a biosimilar of adalimumab (Humira), which is a treatment option for PsA recommended in guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology. Amjevita is considered to be as effective as Humira. To learn more about biosimilars, see the “Amjevita generic or biosimilar” section above.

Amjevita for ankylosing spondylitis

Amjevita is FDA-approved to treat active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults. “Active” means the condition is causing symptoms.

Ankylosing spondylitis explained

AS is a form of arthritis that causes inflammation in your spine and hip joints. It makes the joints painful and stiff, which can cause difficulty with bending and daily activities. Over time, the inflammation can damage the joints and cause your vertebrae (bones in your spine) to fuse. This can lead to loss of flexibility and structural changes in your spine.

AS is an autoimmune condition, which means it’s caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking your joints.

Amjevita helps stop your immune system from attacking your joints. It helps reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness in your spine and hips.

To learn more about AS, you can visit our arthritis hub.

Effectiveness for ankylosing spondylitis

Amjevita is an effective treatment for AS. To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Amjevita’s prescribing information.

Amjevita contains the active drug adalimumab-atto. It’s a biosimilar of adalimumab (Humira), which is a treatment option for AS recommended in guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology. Amjevita is considered to be as effective as Humira. To learn more about biosimilars, see the “Amjevita generic or biosimilar” section above.

Amjevita for Crohn’s disease

Amjevita is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severely active Crohn’s disease in adults and children ages 6 years and older. “Active” means the disease is causing symptoms.

Crohn’s disease explained

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of your digestive system. The disease causes inflammation in your digestive system. This can produce symptoms such as abdominal pain or cramps, diarrhea, bloody stools, and weight loss.

Crohn’s disease is partly caused by overactivity in your immune system.

Amjevita helps reduce the overactivity in your immune system that’s causing inflammation in your digestive system. It can also help reduce symptoms of the disease.

Effectiveness for Crohn’s disease

Amjevita is an effective treatment for Crohn’s disease. To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Amjevita’s prescribing information.

Amjevita contains the active drug adalimumab-atto. It’s a biosimilar of adalimumab (Humira), which is a treatment option for Crohn’s disease recommended in guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology. Amjevita is considered to be as effective as Humira. To learn more about biosimilars, see the “Amjevita generic or biosimilar” section above.

Amjevita for ulcerative colitis

Amjevita is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults. “Active” means the disease is causing symptoms.

Note: Amjevita belongs to a class of drugs called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. It’s not known whether Amjevita is effective in people who have previously used TNF blockers that stopped working or caused troublesome side effects.

Ulcerative colitis explained

UC is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon (large intestine) and rectum. The disease causes inflammation and ulcers (small sores) in your colon, rectum, or both. This can produce symptoms such as abdominal pain or cramps, diarrhea, bloody stools, and weight loss.

UC is partly caused by overactivity in your immune system.

Amjevita can help reduce the overactivity in your immune system that’s causing inflammation in your colon and rectum. It can also help reduce symptoms of the disease.

Effectiveness for ulcerative colitis

Amjevita is an effective treatment for UC. To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Amjevita’s prescribing information.

Amjevita contains the active drug adalimumab-atto. It’s a biosimilar of adalimumab (Humira), which is a treatment option for UC recommended in guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology. Amjevita is considered to be as effective as Humira. To learn more about biosimilars, see the “Amjevita generic or biosimilar” section above.

Amjevita for plaque psoriasis

Amjevita is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe chronic (long-term) plaque psoriasis in adults. Doctors prescribe it for plaque psoriasis that could benefit from systemic treatment (medication that affects the entire body) or phototherapy (light treatment).

Your doctor will recommend whether Amjevita is the right systemic therapy for you. For example, they may only prescribe the drug if other systemic therapies have not worked for your condition. While using Amjevita, you’ll be closely monitored by your doctor.

Plaque psoriasis explained

Plaque psoriasis is a condition that causes thick, scaly patches called plaques to develop on your skin. On lighter skin tones, the plaques may be red or pink with white scales. On darker skin tones, the plaques may appear dark brown or purple with gray scales.

Plaque psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, which means it’s caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking your skin. The condition produces inflammation in your skin and causes your skin cells to be replaced too quickly.

Amjevita helps stop your immune system from attacking your skin. This can help reduce the symptoms of your condition.

To find out more about psoriasis, you can visit our psoriasis hub.

Effectiveness for plaque psoriasis

Amjevita is an effective treatment for plaque psoriasis. To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Amjevita’s prescribing information.

Amjevita contains the active drug adalimumab-atto. It’s a biosimilar of adalimumab (Humira), which is a treatment option for plaque psoriasis recommended in guidelines from the American College of Dermatology. Amjevita is considered to be as effective as Humira. To learn more about biosimilars, see the “Amjevita generic or biosimilar” section above.

Amjevita for hidradenitis suppurativa

Amjevita is FDA-approved to treat moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adults.

Hidradenitis suppurativa explained

HS is a chronic (long-term) skin condition that causes repeated breakouts of inflamed and painful lumps deep in the skin. The lumps typically develop in places where your skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, and inner thighs.

With HS, the lumps may look like pimples, cysts, boils, or abscesses. They may break open and leak pus and blood. As the skin heals, this can cause scarring.

HS may be partly caused by overactivity in your immune system.

Amjevita helps reduce the overactivity in your immune system that’s causing the breakouts.

Effectiveness for hidradenitis suppurativa

Amjevita is an effective treatment for HS. To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Amjevita’s prescribing information.

Amjevita contains the active drug adalimumab-atto. It’s a biosimilar of adalimumab (Humira), which is a treatment option for moderate or severe HS recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology. Amjevita is considered to be as effective as Humira. To learn more about biosimilars, see the “Amjevita generic or biosimilar” section above.

Amjevita for uveitis

Amjevita is FDA-approved to treat the following types of uveitis in adults: intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis.

For this purpose, the drug is prescribed to treat noninfectious uveitis (uveitis that is not caused by infection).

Uveitis explained

Uveitis refers to inflammation of the uvea, which is an area inside of the eye.

There are four types of uveitis:

  • anterior, which affects the front of the uvea
  • intermediate, which affects the middle of the uvea
  • posterior, which affects the back of the uvea
  • panuveitis, which affects all of the uvea

Symptoms of uveitis include:

  • vision problems, such as blurred vision
  • floaters (specks or spots in your vision)
  • eye pain
  • eye redness
  • light sensitivity

The causes of this condition vary. Examples include autoimmune conditions (in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the body), injury to the eye, and infection.

Doctors may prescribe Amjevita for noninfectious uveitis. For this purpose, Amjevita helps stop your immune system from attacking the uvea. This can help reduce the symptoms of your condition.

Effectiveness for uveitis

Amjevita is an effective treatment for the types of uveitis it’s approved to treat. To find out how the drug performed in clinical trials, see Amjevita’s prescribing information.

Amjevita contains the active drug adalimumab-atto. It’s a biosimilar of adalimumab (Humira), which is a treatment option for uveitis recommended in guidelines by an international group of experts. Amjevita is considered to be as effective as Humira. To learn more about biosimilars, see the “Amjevita generic or biosimilar” section above.

Amjevita and children

Amjevita is FDA-approved for the following uses in children:

  • juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children ages 2 years and older
  • Crohn’s disease in children ages 6 years and older

To learn more about these conditions, see the individual JIA and Crohn’s disease sections above.

Amjevita hasn’t been reported to interact with alcohol. However, drinking alcohol during Amjevita treatment may worsen certain Amjevita side effects, such as headache.

In addition, drinking large amounts of alcohol can lead to liver problems. Amjevita may also cause liver problems, such as liver failure. So you may have a raised risk of liver problems if you drink excessively while using Amjevita.

Drinking alcohol can also worsen symptoms of the conditions Amjevita is used to treat. For example, if you have ulcerative colitis or plaque psoriasis, you may find that drinking alcohol makes your symptoms flare up.

If you drink alcohol and have questions about consuming it while using Amjevita, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Amjevita can interact with several other medications.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. Drug-condition interactions can also cause certain effects. For information about these interactions, see the “Amjevita precautions” section below.

To learn more about Amjevita’s interactions, refer to this article.

Amjevita and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Amjevita. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Amjevita.

Before using Amjevita, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Types of drugs that can interact with Amjevita include:

  • Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). DMARDs are a group of drugs used to treat arthritis. Some DMARDs, including Amjevita, are biologics. Using Amjevita with other biologic DMARDs can increase your risk of serious infection* and is not recommended. Examples of these drugs include:
  • Tumor necrosis factor blockers. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers are a class of medications used to treat certain inflammatory conditions. Amjevita is a TNF blocker. Using Amjevita in combination with other TNF blockers can increase your risk of serious infection* and is not recommended. Examples of these drugs include:
  • Drugs that weaken your immune system. Amjevita weakens part of your immune system and can increase your risk of serious infection.* Using Amjevita in combination with other drugs that weaken your immune system may further increase your risk of infection. Examples of these drugs include:
  • Certain drugs with a narrow safe range. Amjevita may affect the way your liver breaks down certain drugs. This isn’t usually a problem. However, some drugs have a narrow safe range. This means that small changes in their breakdown can either make them less effective or increase the risk of side effects from the drug. As a result, if you use Amjevita with one of these drugs, your doctor may monitor your treatment more closely. Examples of these drugs include:

* Amjevita has a boxed warning for the risk of serious infection. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Amjevita precautions” section below.

Amjevita and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Amjevita. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products during Amjevita treatment.

Amjevita and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Amjevita. If you have questions about eating certain foods with Amjevita, talk with your doctor.

Amjevita and vaccines

You should not receive live vaccines while using Amjevita. Live vaccines contain live but weakened forms of bacteria or viruses. Examples include:

Live vaccines don’t cause an infection in people who have a healthy immune system. However, Amjevita weakens your immune system. During Amjevita treatment, receiving a live vaccine may cause serious infection.*

Before you start treatment with Amjevita, talk with your doctor about whether you’re up to date with recommended vaccines. They may suggest getting certain vaccines before you start Amjevita.

* Amjevita has a boxed warning for the risk of serious infection. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Amjevita precautions” section below.

You should use Amjevita according to the instructions your doctor provides.

Amjevita is given as a subcutaneous injection by a healthcare professional in their office or clinic. They can also teach you or a caregiver how to administer the injections at home.

You can find instructions for using the Amjevita prefilled syringe or autoinjector on the Amjevita website. The instructions are also printed in the medication guide that comes with your medication.

Injection sites

Amjevita injections should be administered into the front of your thigh or your abdomen. The area around your belly button should be avoided.

Each time you give yourself an injection, you should inject Amjevita into a different place on your thigh or abdomen. This helps prevent your skin from becoming too sensitive and reduces the risk of injection site reactions such as pain.

Do not inject Amjevita into skin that’s discolored, hard, tender, bruised, or scarred. And do not inject it through your clothes.

When to inject

You’ll typically inject Amjevita every other week, on the same day of the week. For example, you might give yourself a dose of Amjevita every other Monday. However, always follow your doctor’s instructions.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Accessible labels and containers

Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does.

Amjevita is prescribed to treat the following conditions in certain situations:

These conditions are all typically caused by overactivity in your immune system.

Your immune system is your body’s defense system. It usually attacks invading microorganisms that may cause infections. It also helps your body get rid of faulty and damaged cells.

But occasionally, things can go wrong with your immune system. For example, it can sometimes create unnecessary and excessive inflammatory responses. And with autoimmune conditions, it can mistakenly attack healthy tissues in your body.

Overactivity in your immune system causes inflammation in a particular part of your body, leading to different symptoms depending on the condition. For example, with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation in your joints can cause joint pain and stiffness. With Crohn’s disease, inflammation in your digestive system can cause abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. And with plaque psoriasis, inflammation in your skin can cause scaly patches of skin.

There are many different cells and proteins involved in creating inflammation. One of these is a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). With the conditions Amjevita treats, your body produces excessive amounts of TNF.

What Amjevita does

Amjevita is a type of drug called a TNF blocker. It works by blocking the action of TNF. This stops the inflammatory responses it creates. It reduces inflammation, which can help relieve the symptoms of the condition.

How long does it take to work?

Amjevita may start working in about 2–12 weeks. How long it takes depends on the condition the drug is being used to treat and other factors. These include how severe your symptoms are and other treatments you may use in combination with Amjevita.

To find out how long Amjevita may take to work for your condition, talk with your doctor.

It’s not known whether Amjevita is safe to use during pregnancy. There haven’t been enough studies of the drug’s use in pregnancy to know for sure.

Amjevita contains the active drug adalimumab-atto, which is a biosimilar* of adalimumab (Humira). In animal studies, adalimumab didn’t cause fetal harm when given to pregnant animals. However, such studies don’t always predict what will happen in humans.

Amjevita can cross the placenta and reach a developing fetus, especially in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Due to the way the drug works, it may cause a temporarily weakened immune system in a newborn.

It’s worth noting that some of the conditions Amjevita treats may also have adverse effects on a fetus if they’re not well managed during pregnancy. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis that is not well managed, you may have an increased risk for premature delivery. The newborn may also have a low birth weight.

If you’re pregnant or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits of Amjevita. Your doctor can recommend the best way to treat your condition during your pregnancy.

If you do use Amjevita during pregnancy, talk with your doctor about when your newborn should receive their first immunizations (vaccines). Your doctor may recommend delaying certain immunizations until the newborn’s immune system strengthens. To learn more about how Amjevita interacts with certain immunizations, see the “Amjevita interactions” section above.

* To learn more about biosimilars, see the “Amjevita generic or biosimilar” section above.

It’s not known whether Amjevita is safe to use during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Amjevita.

For more information about using Amjevita during pregnancy, see the “Amjevita and pregnancy” section above.

Amjevita may pass into breast milk in low amounts. It’s not known what effect this may have on a child who is breastfed.

If you’re breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding during Amjevita treatment. If you decide not to breastfeed while using this medication, talk with your doctor about other ways to feed your child.

This drug comes with several precautions. These are considered drug-condition interactions.

FDA warnings

This drug has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Risk of serious infection

Amjevita weakens your immune system. As a result, it can raise your risk of a serious infection. These include serious bacterial or viral infections, fungal infections that spread throughout the body, tuberculosis (TB), and sepsis. These infections may need treatment in the hospital and can be life threatening.

Before starting Amjevita, tell your doctor about any infections you have, including those that keep coming back and past infections. If you’ve had TB in the past, using Amjevita may cause the infection to flare up again.

Your doctor will likely test you for TB before you start Amjevita. If you test positive for TB or other infections, your doctor may prescribe medication to treat the infection before you can start Amjevita.

Taking Amjevita with other drugs that weaken your immune system can raise your risk of serious infection. These drugs include methotrexate (Trexall, Otrexup, others) and corticosteroids such as prednisone (Rayos).

See your doctor if you have any symptoms of infection during Amjevita treatment. These may include:

If you develop a serious infection, you’ll likely need to pause Amjevita treatment while the infection is managed.

Risk of cancer

Amjevita weakens your immune system. As a result, it can raise your risk of developing certain types of cancer. These include skin cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma.

Lymphoma and other rare cancers have been reported in children and teenagers taking drugs similar to Amjevita. These drugs are tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. Some of these cancers were fatal.

A rare, aggressive type of lymphoma has been reported in some people receiving TNF blockers for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Most cases occurred in teenage and young adult males* who were taking azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran) or mercaptopurine (Purinethol, Purixan) in combination with a TNF blocker. Many of these cancers were fatal.

Before you start Amjevita treatment, talk with your doctor about any risk factors you may have for developing cancer. Be sure to tell your doctor if you’ve ever smoked or have a family history of cancer. If you currently have cancer or you’ve had cancer in the past, talk with your doctor about whether Amjevita is safe for you.

Your doctor will monitor you closely for cancer during treatment with Amjevita. They may order blood tests and examine your skin. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in your skin.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Other precautions

Before using Amjevita, talk with your doctor about your health history. Amjevita may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • Hepatitis B. If you’ve had hepatitis B in the past, Amjevita could make it flare up again. Your doctor may test you for the virus that causes hepatitis B before you start Amjevita treatment. If you have the virus, your doctor will monitor you closely while you’re using Amjevita. If you have a hepatitis B flare-up, you’ll likely need to stop Amjevita and take medication to manage your hepatitis B.
  • Liver problems. If you have a liver problem, such as liver failure, Amjevita could make it worse. Your doctor will likely monitor your liver function during treatment with Amjevita.
  • Heart failure. If you have heart failure, Amjevita could make your condition worse. Talk with your doctor about whether Amjevita is safe for you.
  • Nerve conditions. If you have a nerve condition such as multiple sclerosis, Amjevita could make it worse. Talk with your doctor about whether Amjevita is safe for you.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Amjevita or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Amjevita. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
  • Pregnancy. It’s not known whether Amjevita is safe to use during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Amjevita and pregnancy” section above.
  • Breastfeeding. It’s not known whether it’s safe to breastfeed during Amjevita treatment. For more information, see the “Amjevita and breastfeeding” section above.

Note: For more information about the potential adverse effects of Amjevita, see the “Amjevita side effects” section above.

Do not use more Amjevita than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

What to do in case you use too much Amjevita

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When you get Amjevita from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the packaging. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of it correctly.

Storage

How long a medication remains safe to take can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

Amjevita should be stored in a refrigerator at 36–46°F (2–8°C). Store it in its original carton to protect it from light. Do not freeze Amjevita. Do not use Amjevita if it has accidentally frozen while in the refrigerator, even if it has been thawed.

If needed (such as when traveling), you can store Amjevita at room temperature, to a maximum of 77°F (25°C), for up to 14 days. Store it in its original carton to protect it from light. Don’t keep it in places where it could get too hot, such as the glove box of a car. Write the date you remove Amjevita from the refrigerator on the carton. If you don’t use it within 14 days, you should dispose of it correctly.

Disposal

Right after you’ve used a syringe or autoinjector, dispose of it in an FDA-approved sharps disposal container. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident or harming themselves with the needle. You can buy a sharps container online or ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health insurance company where to get one.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.