Hadlima (Adalimumab-Bwwd) for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

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

How Hadlima Works and How It’s Taken

Hadlima is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. TNF-alpha is a protein in the body that can increase inflammation. Hadlima blocks TNF-alpha and affects other signals in the body that cause inflammation.

The full way Hadlima works is not completely known.

Doctors prescribe Hadlima when someone has moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. The medication is given as an injection under the skin. For this condition, the dosing starts with 160 milligrams on day 1, then 80 milligrams on day 15, then 40 milligrams every week or 80 milligrams every other week starting on day 29.

If the doctor says it is appropriate, the person or caregiver may give the injections at home after proper training.

Hadlima Side Effects

In clinical studies of Hadlima (adalimumab-bwwd) for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults, the most common side effects included:

Injection site reactions (such as discoloration and itching, bleeding, pain, or swelling where you inject)
Infections (such as upper respiratory infections and sinus infections)
Headache
Rash

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Hadlima 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, invasive fungal infections, and other opportunistic infections that can lead to hospitalization or death.
Cancer — These include lymphoma and other malignancies.
Severe allergic reactions — These include anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can cause trouble breathing, swelling, or hives.
Hepatitis B virus reactivation — The virus can become active again in people who carry it.
Nervous system problems — These include rare demyelinating disorders, such as optic neuritis, multiple sclerosis, or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Blood disorders — Low blood cell counts can include pancytopenia or aplastic anemia, which can cause easy bruising, bleeding, or persistent fever.
Heart failure — New or worsening congestive heart failure can occur.
Lupus-like syndrome or autoimmune hepatitis — Immune system reactions can cause symptoms like joint pain, rash, or liver inflammation.

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

How To Save on Hadlima

Organon, the manufacturer of Hadlima, offers the Hadlima For You program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0.

The Hadlima For You program also offers dedicated Nurse Coaches, injection support, additional educational resources, and copay assistance. To learn more, visit the Hadlima For You page or call 833-442-3546.

What To Know Before Taking Hadlima

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

While taking Hadlima, you can get most vaccines, but you should not get live vaccines.

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to adalimumab-bwwd or any ingredients in Hadlima.

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

Also let your doctor know if you have had infections, plan to travel to areas where certain infections are common, or have had cancer or nerve problems in the past.

Hadlima is also FDA approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic plaque psoriasis, and noninfectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis.

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 Hadlima, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Hadlima in hidradenitis suppurativa?
In clinical studies, adalimumab, the reference product for Hadlima, 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 these studies, about 22 out of 100 people who stopped treatment after the main study period experienced a flare, which means their condition got worse.

These results suggest that continuing treatment may help keep symptoms under control for some people.

How often is Hadlima taken for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Hadlima is given as an injection under the skin. In adults, the dosing starts with 160 milligrams on day 1. This can be given in one day or split over two days. Then 80 milligrams is given on day 15.

Starting on day 29, the dose is 40 milligrams every week or 80 milligrams every other week.

Should I take Hadlima if I have an infection?
No. Do not start Hadlima if you have an active infection.

Hadlima can increase the risk of serious infections. If you get an infection during treatment, your doctor will monitor you and may stop the medicine if the infection becomes serious. Before starting treatment, your doctor will check for infections such as active TB, latent (hidden) TB, and may also test for hepatitis B (virus that affects the liver).

During treatment, tell your doctor if you have signs of infection such as fever, cough, or feeling unwell.