Abrilada (Adalimumab-Afzb) for Psoriasis

Abrilada (adalimumab-afzb) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

How Abrilada Works and How It’s Taken

Abrilada is a biologic medication called a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. It blocks TNF-alpha, a protein that helps drive inflammation in the body. In plaque psoriasis, blocking TNF-alpha may help reduce thickened skin and the buildup of inflammatory cells.

Doctors prescribe Abrilada when adults have moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis, are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, and other systemic treatments are medically less appropriate. Systemic therapy works throughout the body, whereas phototherapy uses light to treat psoriasis.

Abrilada is a biosimilar of Humira. This means it is made from living cells and is designed to work like the original medicine. The FDA requires biosimilars to have no meaningful differences in safety or how well they work.

Abrilada is given as an injection under the skin, usually every other week after the starting dose. With proper training and a doctor’s guidance, a person or caregiver may give the injections at home.

Typical Dosing for Plaque Psoriasis

The recommended dosage for adults with plaque psoriasis is:

Initial dose — 80 milligrams
Starting one week later — 40 milligrams every other week

This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.

Abrilada Side Effects

In clinical studies of Abrilada for moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis 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 may 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 such as Abrilada.
Anaphylaxis and angioedema (severe allergic reactions) — These reactions can cause swelling and trouble breathing.
Hepatitis B reactivation — The hepatitis B virus can become active again in people who carry the virus.
Demyelinating disorders — Rare nervous system problems, such as multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, or Guillain-Barré syndrome, can occur.
Cytopenias (low blood cell counts) — Rare but serious problems, 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 per treatment.

The program also offers support with insurance coverage checks, prior authorization and appeals, nurse-led injection training, patient resources, and Access Counselors who help people navigate access to Abrilada.

To learn more, visit Pfizer enCompass or call 844-722-6672.

What To Know Before Taking Abrilada

Before starting Abrilada, your doctor will check you for active tuberculosis (TB) and test for latent (hidden) TB. If you are at risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, your doctor may evaluate you for prior HBV infection before treatment.

People should be up to date on vaccines before starting Abrilada, if possible. Do not get live vaccines while using Abrilada.

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to adalimumab or any ingredients in Abrilada.

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

Tell your doctor if you:

Have an infection or get infections that keep coming back
Have been exposed to TB or have risk factors for TB
Have had hepatitis B
Have a history of certain nerve problems, such as multiple sclerosis
Live in or have traveled to areas where fungal infections are common
Have heart failure
Have a history of cancer
Use medicines such as Orencia (abatacept), Kineret (anakinra), Rituxan (rituximab), Imuran (azathioprine), or Purinethol (6-mercaptopurine, 6-MP)
Are scheduled to have major surgery

Do not start Abrilada if you have an active infection.

Abrilada is also FDA-approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and certain types of uveitis.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Then return to your regular dosing 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

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

How effective is Abrilada for plaque psoriasis?

In a study of adults with plaque psoriasis, people were treated with adalimumab or placebo (an inactive treatment). At week 16, 71 percent of people treated with adalimumab reached a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 response, meaning their psoriasis severity score improved by at least 75 percent. This happened in 7 percent of people who took placebo.

Also at week 16, 62 percent of people treated with adalimumab were rated clear or minimal. This happened in 4 percent of people who took placebo.

How effective is Abrilada for psoriatic arthritis?

In a clinical study of adults with psoriatic arthritis, people were treated with adalimumab or placebo. Researchers measured improvement using American College of Rheumatology (ACR) scores. These scores look at arthritis signs and symptoms, such as joint pain, swollen joints, and physical function.

At week 24, 57 percent of people treated with adalimumab had at least a 20 percent improvement, called ACR20. This happened in 15 percent of people who took placebo.

Also at week 24, 39 percent had at least a 50 percent improvement, called ACR50, and 23 percent had at least a 70 percent improvement, called ACR70. This happened in 6 percent and 1 percent of people who took placebo.

Among people with psoriasis affecting at least 3 percent of their body surface area, 59 percent reached PASI 75, and 42 percent reached PASI 90. PASI 75 and PASI 90 mean psoriasis severity scores improved by at least 75 percent or 90 percent, respectively.

Should I take Abrilada for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis if I have an infection?

Do not start Abrilada if you have an active infection, including a localized infection. Abrilada can increase the risk of serious infections. These include tuberculosis, fungal infections, and infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or other germs.

Tell your doctor if you have signs of an infection during treatment. Your doctor should monitor you closely and may stop Abrilada if the infection becomes serious.