Idacio (Adalimumab-Aacf) for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

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

How Idacio Works and How It’s Taken

Idacio works by blocking tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), a protein in the body that helps drive inflammation. This lowers some of the immune system signals that can lead to swelling and painful skin lumps. By calming this inflammation, Idacio may help control moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. The exact way it helps is not fully known.

Doctors prescribe Idacio when someone has moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. The medication is given as an injection under the skin. Treatment starts with a higher first dose, followed by another dose two weeks later.

After that, regular doses are given starting two weeks later. If a doctor decides it is appropriate, people or caregivers can give the injections at home after proper training.

Idacio Side Effects

In clinical studies of adults taking Idacio (adalimumab-aacf) for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa, the most common side effects that occurred were:

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

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

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

Serious infections — Idacio can lower your immune system’s ability to fight infections, including tuberculosis, invasive fungal infections, and other bacterial or viral infections that may spread and become life-threatening.
Cancer, including lymphoma and some skin cancers — The chance of certain cancers may increase during treatment.
Severe allergic reactions — These include anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can cause trouble breathing, swelling, or severe hives.
Hepatitis B virus reactivation — The virus can become active again in people who carry hepatitis B.
Nervous system problems — These include rare demyelinating disorders, such as multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barré syndrome, which affect the nerves.
Serious blood problems — These include rare but severe low blood cell counts, including pancytopenia or aplastic anemia, which can cause easy bruising, bleeding, or persistent fever.
Heart failure — This can be new or worsening congestive heart failure.
Lupus-like syndrome — This is an autoimmune reaction that can cause symptoms similar to lupus.

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

How To Save on Idacio

Fresenius Kabi USA, the manufacturer of Idacio, offers the KabiCare Patient Support Program. Eligible people with commercial or private insurance may pay as little as $0 per month, up to an annual maximum. If you do not have insurance, you may qualify for additional help through a patient assistance program or independent nonprofit organizations.

The KabiCare Patient Support Program also offers help with insurance questions, temporary access through a Bridge to Therapy Program while waiting for approval, support from a Patient Support Guide, and nurse support, including virtual injection training. To learn more, visit the KabiCare Patient Support Program website or call 833-522-4227.

What To Know Before Taking Idacio

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

While taking Idacio, you should not receive live vaccines.

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to adalimumab-aacf or any ingredients in Idacio.

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, have traveled or lived in areas where certain fungal infections are common, or have had cancer or nervous system problems.

Idacio 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 you can, then go back to your regular dosing schedule.

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

Community FAQs

How effective is Idacio in hidradenitis suppurativa?
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

In clinical studies, adalimumab, the reference product for Idacio, 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 Idacio taken for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Idacio 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 are given on day 15. Starting on day 29, the dose is 40 milligrams every week or 80 milligrams every other week.

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

Idacio 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 tuberculosis (TB) and hidden (latent) TB. Your doctor may also test for hepatitis B (a virus that affects the liver). During treatment, tell your doctor if you have signs of infection such as fever, cough, or feeling unwell.