Amjevita (Adalimumab-Atto) for Psoriasis

Amjevita (adalimumab-atto) 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 Amjevita Works and How It’s Taken

Amjevita is a type of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker that targets TNF-alpha, a protein that helps drive inflammation in the body. In plaque psoriasis, this action may help reduce thickened skin and the buildup of inflammatory cells.

Doctors prescribe Amjevita 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. Phototherapy uses light to treat psoriasis.

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

Amjevita is given as an injection under the skin. 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 starting dose of Amjevita for plaque psoriasis is 80 milligrams. One week later, treatment continues with 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.

Amjevita Side Effects

In clinical studies, the most common side effects of Amjevita 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

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

Serious infections — Because Amjevita 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 Amjevita.
Severe allergic reactions — 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 (conditions that damage the protective covering of nerves), 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 — Lupuslike syndrome or autoimmune hepatitis can occur.

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, coinsurance, and copay 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) 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 Amjevita, if possible. Do not get live vaccines while using Amjevita.

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

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 Amjevita if you have an active infection.

Amjevita 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 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 plaque psoriasis?

In a study of adults with plaque psoriasis, people received adalimumab or placebo (an inactive treatment).

At week 16, 71 percent of people treated with adalimumab reached PASI 75 (at least a 75 percent improvement in psoriasis severity), compared with 7 percent of those who took placebo. At the same time point, 62 percent of people treated with adalimumab were rated clear or minimal, compared with 4 percent of those who took placebo.

How effective is Amjevita for psoriatic arthritis?

In a clinical study of adults with psoriatic arthritis, people received adalimumab or placebo.

Researchers measured improvement using ACR scores, which consider arthritis signs and symptoms such as joint pain, swollen joints, and physical function.

At week 24, 57 percent of people treated with adalimumab achieved an ACR20 response (at least a 20 percent improvement), compared with 15 percent of those who took placebo. Thirty-nine percent achieved ACR50 (at least a 50 percent improvement), and 23 percent achieved ACR70 (at least a 70 percent improvement), compared with 6 percent and 1 percent of those who took placebo, respectively.

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

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

Do not start Amjevita if you have an active infection, including a localized infection. Amjevita 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 watch you closely and may stop Amjevita if the infection becomes serious.