Amjevita (Adalimumab-Atto) for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Amjevita (adalimumab-atto) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in people age 12 and older.

How Amjevita Works and How It’s Taken

Amjevita works by blocking a protein called TNF-alpha, which plays a role in inflammation in the body. Amjevita can help reduce inflammation. By calming this inflammation, Amjevita may help control moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. The exact way Amjevita works is not fully known.

Doctors prescribe Amjevita when someone has moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa and is age 12 or older. The medication is given as an injection under the skin. Treatment starts with higher doses at first, followed by regular doses over time. After proper training, people or caregivers may give the injections at home.

Amjevita Side Effects

In clinical studies of Amjevita (adalimumab-atto) for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in people 12 years of age and older, the most common side effects were:

Infections (upper respiratory infections or sinus infections)
Injection site reactions (redness or skin discoloration, itching, pain, bruising, or swelling where the shot is given)
Headache
Rash

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

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

Serious infections — Your immune system may not fight infections as well, including tuberculosis and invasive fungal infections that can spread through the body.
Cancer, including lymphoma and other malignancies — The chance of certain cancers may increase during treatment.
Severe allergic reactions — These include anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can cause trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Hepatitis B virus reactivation — The virus can become active again in people who carry it, and it can be severe.
Nervous system problems — Rare demyelinating disorders, such as optic neuritis or Guillain-Barré syndrome, can affect vision, strength, or sensation.
Blood problems — Low blood cell counts can cause easy bruising, bleeding, or persistent fever.
Heart failure — New or worsening congestive heart failure can cause shortness of breath or swelling.
Immune reactions — These include a lupus-like syndrome or autoimmune hepatitis, where the immune system attacks the body.
Liver problems — These include hepatitis or, rarely, liver failure.
Psoriasis — New or worsening psoriasis, including pustular forms, is a risk.

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

How To Save on Amjevita

Amgen, the manufacturer of Amjevita, offers the Amjevita Co-Pay Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 out of pocket for each dose.

The Amjevita Co-Pay Program can be applied to deductible, co-insurance, and co-payment costs, and support is available regardless of income level. To learn more, visit the Amjevita Co-Pay Program or call 888-826-5384.

What To Know Before Taking Amjevita

Before starting Amjevita, your doctor will check you for active tuberculosis (TB), hidden (latent) TB, and may also test for hepatitis B (virus that affects the liver).

Before starting Amjevita, make sure your vaccines are up to date. Do not get live vaccines while taking Amjevita.

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to adalimumab-atto or any ingredients in Amjevita.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Also let your doctor know about your health history, including infections, travel to areas where certain infections are common, cancer, or nervous system problems.

Amjevita is also FDA approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular 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 you remember. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule.

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

Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Amjevita for hidradenitis suppurativa?
In clinical studies, adalimumab, the reference product for Amjevita, 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 Amjevita taken for hidradenitis suppurativa?
For adults, Amjevita is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. The recommended dose is 160 milligrams on day 1, given in one day or split over two days, then 80 milligrams on day 15. Starting on day 29, the dose is 40 milligrams every week or 80 milligrams every other week. For people ages 12 and older, the dose is based on body weight.

What infection warning should people with hidradenitis suppurativa know about before starting Amjevita?
Amjevita may increase the risk of serious infections that can lead to hospitalization or death. This includes tuberculosis, bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal infections, and infections caused by other opportunistic pathogens. People should be evaluated for active tuberculosis and tested for latent (hidden) tuberculosis before starting treatment. People should be monitored for signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment. Amjevita should not be started during an active infection.