Abrilada (Adalimumab-Afzb) for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Abrilada (adalimumab-afzb) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults.

How Abrilada Works and How It’s Taken

Abrilada works by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, a protein in the body that causes inflammation. In adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa, this helps reduce immune system signals that can lead to swelling and painful skin changes.

Doctors prescribe Abrilada for adults with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. By targeting this pathway, the medication can help manage symptoms and slow disease activity.

The medication is given as an injection under the skin. Treatment starts with higher doses at the beginning, then another dose two weeks later, followed by regular doses starting two weeks after that. If a doctor decides it is appropriate, people or caregivers can give the injections at home using a pen or prefilled syringe after proper training.

Abrilada Side Effects

In clinical studies of Abrilada (adalimumab-afzb) for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults, the most common side effects were:

Injection site reactions (such as discoloration, itching, bleeding, pain, or swelling where the shot is given)
Infections (such as upper respiratory infections and sinus infections)
Headache
Rash

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Abrilada can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:

Serious infections — Because Abrilada affects the immune system, it can make it harder to fight infections, including tuberculosis, invasive fungal infections, and other serious bacterial or viral infections.
Cancer, including lymphoma — Some cancers have been reported in people taking TNF blockers like Abrilada.
Severe allergic reactions — Reactions such as anaphylaxis or angioedema can cause swelling and trouble breathing.
Hepatitis B reactivation — The hepatitis B virus can become active again in people who carry the virus.
Nervous system problems — Rare demyelinating disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, or Guillain-Barré syndrome, can occur.
Serious blood problems — Rare but serious low blood cell counts, including pancytopenia or aplastic anemia, can occur.
Heart failure — New or worsening congestive heart failure may develop.
Autoimmune reactions — These include lupuslike syndrome or autoimmune hepatitis.

Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.

How To Save on Abrilada

Pfizer, the manufacturer of Abrilada, offers the Pfizer enCompass Co-Pay Assistance Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 copay per treatment.

The Pfizer enCompass Co-Pay Assistance Program for Abrilada also offers support with insurance coverage checks, prior authorization and appeals, nurse-led injection training, patient resources, and Patient Access Coordinators who help people navigate access to Abrilada. To learn more, visit the Pfizer program’s website or call 844-722-6672.

What To Know Before Taking Abrilada

Before starting Abrilada, your doctor will check you for active tuberculosis (TB), hidden (latent) TB, and may also test for hepatitis B (virus that affects the liver). Do not take Abrilada if you have an active infection.

People taking Abrilada may receive vaccines, but they should not receive live vaccines.

Tell your doctor if:

You have any allergies to adalimumab-afzb or any ingredients in Abrilada.
You take other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or supplements.
You have had recent infections, plan to travel to places where certain infections are common, or have had cancer or nervous system problems.

Abrilada is also FDA approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, and uveitis.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. Then continue your regular schedule.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Abrilada, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Community FAQs

How effective is Abrilada in hidradenitis suppurativa?
In clinical studies, adalimumab, the reference product for Abrilada, was studied in people with hidradenitis suppurativa. The safety profile in people with hidradenitis suppurativa was consistent with the known safety profile of adalimumab.

In two studies, about 22 out of 100 people who stopped treatment after the main study period experienced a flare (worsening) of their condition. These results suggest that staying on treatment may help keep symptoms under control for some people.

How often is Abrilada taken for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Abrilada is first given as higher starting doses. This includes 160 milligrams on day 1. This dose may be given in one day or split over two days. Then 80 milligrams is given on day 15.

After that, starting on day 29, Abrilada is taken regularly as either 40 milligrams every week or 80 milligrams every other week. Your doctor will decide which schedule is right for you.

What tests or monitoring are needed with Abrilada for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Before starting Abrilada, your doctor will check you for TB. This includes testing for active TB and hidden TB. Your doctor may also test for hepatitis B, which is a virus that affects the liver, especially if you are at risk. During treatment, your doctor will monitor you for signs of infection or other side effects.