Hulio

1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX I 
 

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 



2 

This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of 
new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions. 
See section 4.8 for how to report adverse reactions.  
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Hulio 40 mg/0.8 ml solution for injection  
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
Each 0.8 ml single dose vial contains 40 mg of adalimumab. 
 
Adalimumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. 
 
Excipient(s) with known effect 
Each vial contains 38.2 mg sorbitol (E420). 
 
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Solution for injection (injection). 
 
Clear or slightly opalescent, colourless to pale brownish-yellow solution. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis 
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis 
 
Hulio in combination with methotrexate is indicated for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile 
idiopathic arthritis, in patients from the age of 2 years who have had an inadequate response to one or 
more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Hulio can be given as monotherapy in case 
of intolerance to methotrexate or when continued treatment with methotrexate is inappropriate (for 
the efficacy in monotherapy see section 5.1). Adalimumab has not been studied in patients aged less 
than 2 years. 
 
Enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
Hulio is indicated for the treatment of active enthesitis-related arthritis in patients, 6 years of age and 
older, who have had an inadequate response to, or who are intolerant of, conventional therapy (see 
section 5.1). 
 
Paediatric plaque psoriasis 
 
Hulio is indicated for the treatment of severe chronic plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents 
from 4 years of age who have had an inadequate response to or are inappropriate candidates for topical 
therapy and phototherapies. 
 
 



3 

Paediatric Crohn's disease 
 
Hulio is indicated for the treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn's disease in paediatric 
patients (from 6 years of age) who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including 
primary nutrition therapy and a corticosteroid and/or an immunomodulator, or who are intolerant to or 
have contraindications for such therapies. 
 
Adolescent hidradenitis suppurativa 
 
Hulio is indicated for the treatment of active moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (acne 
inversa) in adolescents from 12 years of age with an inadequate response to conventional systemic HS 
therapy (see sections 5.1 and 5.2). 
 
Paediatric Uveitis 
 
Hulio is indicated for the treatment of paediatric chronic non-infectious anterior uveitis in patients from 
2 years of age who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant to conventional therapy, or in 
whom conventional therapy is inappropriate. 
 
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
Hulio treatment should be initiated and supervised by specialist physicians experienced in the 
diagnosis and treatment of conditions for which Hulio is indicated. Ophthalmologists are advised to 
consult with an appropriate specialist before initiation of treatment with Hulio (see section 4.4). 
Patients treated with Hulio should be given the Patient Reminder Card. 
 
After proper training in injection technique, patients may self-inject with Hulio if their physician 
determines that it is appropriate and with medical follow-up as necessary. 
 
During treatment with Hulio, other concomitant therapies (e.g., corticosteroids and/or 
immunomodulatory agents) should be optimised. 
 
Posology 
 
Paediatric population 
 
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis 
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis from 2 years of age 
 
The recommended dose of Hulio for patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis from 
2 years, of age is based on body weight (Table 1). Hulio is administered every other week via 
subcutaneous injection. 
 
Table 1: Hulio Dose for Patients with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis  
 

Patient Weight Dosing Regimen 
10 kg to < 30 kg 20 mg every other week 

≥ 30 kg 40 mg every other week 
 
Available data suggest that clinical response is usually achieved within 12 weeks of treatment. 
Continued therapy should be carefully reconsidered in a patient not responding within this time 
period. 
 
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in patients aged less than 2 years for this indication. 
 



4 

Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
The recommended dose of Hulio for patients with enthesitis-related arthritis from 6 years of age is 
based on body weight (Table 2). Hulio is administered every other week via subcutaneous injection.  
 
Table 2: Hulio Dose for Patients with Enthesitis-Related Arthritis 

 
  Patient Weight  Dosing Regimen 

15 kg to < 30 kg 20 mg every other week 
≥ 30 kg 40 mg every other week 

 
Adalimumab has not been studied in patients with enthesitis-related arthritis aged less than 6 years. 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Paediatric plaque psoriasis 
 
The recommended Hulio dose for patients with plaque psoriasis from 4 to 17 years of age is based on 
body weight (Table 3). Hulio is administered via subcutaneous injection.  
 
Table 3: Hulio Dose for Paediatric Patients with Plaque Psoriasis 

 
  Patient Weight  Dosing Regimen 

15 kg to < 30 kg Initial dose of 20 mg, followed by 20 mg 
given every other week starting one week 

after the initial dose 

≥ 30 kg Initial dose of 40 mg, followed by 40 mg 
given every other week starting one week 

after the initial dose 
 

Continued therapy beyond 16 weeks should be carefully considered in a patient not responding within 
this time period. 
 
If retreatment with Hulio is indicated, the above guidance on dose and treatment duration should be 
followed. 
 
The safety of adalimumab in paediatric patients with plaque psoriasis has been assessed for a mean of 
13 months. 
 
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in children aged less than 4 years for this indication.  
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Adolescent hidradenitis suppurativa (from 12 years of age, weighing at least 30 kg) 
 
There are no clinical trials with adalimumab in adolescent patients with HS.  
 
The posology of adalimumab in these patients has been determined from pharmacokinetic modelling 
and simulation (see section 5.2). 
 
The recommended Hulio dose is 80 mg at week 0 followed by 40 mg every other week starting at 
week 1 via subcutaneous injection. 
 



5 

In adolescent patients with inadequate response to Hulio 40 mg every other week, an increase in 
dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week may be considered. 
 
Antibiotics may be continued during treatment with Hulio if necessary. It is recommended that the 
patient should use a topical antiseptic wash on their HS lesions on a daily basis during treatment with 
Hulio. 
 
Continued therapy beyond 12 weeks should be carefully reconsidered in a patient with no 
improvement within this time period. 
 
Should treatment be interrupted, Hulio may be re-introduced as appropriate. 
 
The benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be periodically evaluated (see adult data 
in section 5.1). 
 
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in children aged less than 12 years in this indication. 
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Paediatric Crohn's disease 
 
The recommended dose of Hulio for patients with Crohn’s disease from 6 to 17 years of age is based on 
body weight (Table 4). Hulio is administered via subcutaneous injection.   
 
Table 4: Hulio Dose for Paediatric Patients with Crohn’s disease 

 
Patient 
Weight 

Induction Dose Maintenance 
Dose 

Starting at 
week 4 

< 40 kg • 40 mg at week 0 and 20 mg at week 2 
 

In case there is a need for a more rapid response to therapy with the 
awareness that the risk for adverse events may be higher with use 
of the higher induction dose, the following dose may be used: 
• 80 mg at week 0 and 40 mg at week 2 

20 mg every 
other week 

≥ 40 kg • 80 mg at week 0 and 40 mg at week 2 
 

In case there is a need for a more rapid response to therapy with the 
awareness that the risk for adverse events may be higher with use 
of the higher induction dose, the following dose may be used: 
• 160 mg at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2 

40 mg every 
other week 

 
Patients who experience insufficient response may benefit from an increase in dosage: 
• < 40 kg: 20 mg every week 
• ≥ 40 kg: 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week 

 
Continued therapy should be carefully considered in a subject not responding by week 12.  
 
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in children aged less than 6 years for this indication. 
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 



6 

Paediatric Uveitis 
 
The recommended dose of Hulio for paediatric patients with uveitis from 2 years of age is based on body 
weight (Table 5). Hulio is administered via subcutaneous injection.  
 
In paediatric uveitis, there is no experience in the treatment with Hulio without concomitant treatment 
with methotrexate. 
 
Table 5: Hulio Dose for Paediatric Patients with Uveitis 

 
  Patient Weight  Dosing Regimen 

< 30 kg 20 mg every other week in 
combination with methotrexate 

≥ 30 kg 40 mg every other week in 
combination with methotrexate 

 
When Hulio therapy is initiated, a loading dose of 40 mg for patients < 30 kg or 80 mg for patients ≥ 30 kg may 
be administered one week prior to the start of maintenance therapy. No clinical data are available on the use of 
a Hulio loading dose in children < 6 years of age (see section 5.2). 
 
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in children aged less than 2 years in this indication.  
 
It is recommended that the benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be evaluated on a 
yearly basis (see section 5.1). 
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Renal and/or hepatic impairment 
 
Adalimumab has not been studied in these patient populations. No dose recommendations can be 
made.  
 
Method of administration 
 
Hulio is administered by subcutaneous injection. Full instructions for use are provided in the package 
leaflet. 
 
A 40 mg pen and a 40 mg prefilled syringe are also available for patients to administer a full 40 mg 
dose.   
 
4.3 Contraindications 
 
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. 
 
Active tuberculosis or other severe infections such as sepsis, and opportunistic infections (see 
section 4.4). 
 
Moderate to severe heart failure (NYHA class III/IV) (see section 4.4). 
 
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
Traceability 
 
In order to improve traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of 
the administered product should be clearly recorded.  



7 

 
Infections 
 
Patients taking TNF-antagonists are more susceptible to serious infections. Impaired lung function 
may increase the risk for developing infections. Patients must therefore be monitored closely for 
infections, including tuberculosis, before, during and after treatment with Hulio. Because the 
elimination of adalimumab may take up to four months, monitoring should be continued throughout 
this period. 
 
Treatment with Hulio should not be initiated in patients with active infections including chronic or 
localised infections until infections are controlled. In patients who have been exposed to tuberculosis 
and patients who have travelled in areas of high risk of tuberculosis or endemic mycoses, such as 
histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis, the risk and benefits of treatment with Hulio 
should be considered prior to initiating therapy (see Other opportunistic infections). 
 
Patients who develop a new infection while undergoing treatment with Hulio, should be monitored 
closely and undergo a complete diagnostic evaluation. Administration of Hulio should be discontinued 
if a patient develops a new serious infection or sepsis, and appropriate antimicrobial or antifungal 
therapy should be initiated until the infection is controlled. Physicians should exercise caution when 
considering the use of Hulio in patients with a history of recurring infection or with underlying 
conditions which may predispose patients to infections, including the use of concomitant 
immunosuppressive medications. 
 
Serious infections 
 
Serious infections, including sepsis, due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, parasitic, viral, or 
other opportunistic infections such as listeriosis, legionellosis and pneumocystis have been reported in 
patients receiving adalimumab.  
 
Other serious infections seen in clinical trials include pneumonia, pyelonephritis, septic arthritis and 
septicaemia. Hospitalisation or fatal outcomes associated with infections have been reported.  
 
Tuberculosis 
 
Tuberculosis, including reactivation and new onset of tuberculosis, has been reported in patients 
receiving adalimumab. Reports included cases of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary (i.e. disseminated) 
tuberculosis.  
 
Before initiation of therapy with Hulio, all patients must be evaluated for both active or inactive 
(“latent”) tuberculosis infection. This evaluation should include a detailed medical assessment of 
patient history of tuberculosis or possible previous exposure to people with active tuberculosis and 
previous and/or current immunosuppressive therapy. Appropriate screening tests (i.e. tuberculin skin 
test and chest X-ray) should be performed in all patients (local recommendations may apply). It is 
recommended that the conduct and results of these tests are recorded in the Patient Reminder Card. 
Prescribers are reminded of the risk of false negative tuberculin skin test results, especially in patients 
who are severely ill or immunocompromised.  
 
If active tuberculosis is diagnosed, Hulio therapy must not be initiated (see section 4.3).  
 
In all situations described below, the benefit/risk balance of therapy should be very carefully 
considered. 
 
If latent tuberculosis is suspected, a physician with expertise in the treatment of tuberculosis should be 
consulted.  
 
If latent tuberculosis is diagnosed, appropriate treatment must be started with anti-tuberculosis 
prophylaxis treatment before the initiation of Hulio, and in accordance with local recommendations.  



8 

 
Use of anti-tuberculosis prophylaxis treatment should also be considered before the initiation of Hulio 
in patients with several or significant risk factors for tuberculosis despite a negative test for 
tuberculosis and in patients with a past history of latent or active tuberculosis in whom an adequate 
course of treatment cannot be confirmed.  
 
Despite prophylactic treatment for tuberculosis, cases of reactivated tuberculosis have occurred in 
patients treated with adalimumab. Some patients who have been successfully treated for active 
tuberculosis have redeveloped tuberculosis while being treated with adalimumab. 
 
Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if signs/symptoms suggestive of a tuberculosis 
infection (e.g., persistent cough, wasting/weight loss, low grade fever, listlessness) occur during or 
after therapy with Hulio.  
 
Other opportunistic infections 
 
Opportunistic infections, including invasive fungal infections have been observed in patients receiving 
adalimumab. These infections have not consistently been recognised in patients taking TNF-
antagonists and this has resulted in delays in appropriate treatment, sometimes resulting in fatal 
outcomes.  
 
For patients who develop the signs and symptoms such as fever, malaise, weight loss, sweats, cough, 
dyspnoea, and/or pulmonary infiltrates or other serious systemic illness with or without concomitant 
shock an invasive fungal infection should be suspected and administration of Hulio should be 
promptly discontinued. Diagnosis and administration of empiric antifungal therapy in these patients 
should be made in consultation with a physician with expertise in the care of patients with invasive 
fungal infections.  
 
Hepatitis B reactivation 
 
Reactivation of hepatitis B has occurred in patients receiving a TNF-antagonist including adalimumab, 
who are chronic carriers of this virus (i.e. surface antigen positive). Some cases have had a fatal 
outcome. Patients should be tested for HBV infection before initiating treatment with Hulio. For 
patients who test positive for hepatitis B infection, consultation with a physician with expertise in the 
treatment of hepatitis B is recommended. 
 
Carriers of HBV who require treatment with Hulio should be closely monitored for signs and 
symptoms of active HBV infection throughout therapy and for several months following termination 
of therapy. Adequate data from treating patients who are carriers of HBV with anti-viral therapy in 
conjunction with TNF-antagonist therapy to prevent HBV reactivation are not available. In patients 
who develop HBV reactivation, Hulio should be stopped and effective anti-viral therapy with 
appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated.  
 
Neurological events 
 
TNF-antagonists including adalimumab have been associated in rare instances with new onset or 
exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of central nervous system 
demyelinating disease including multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis, and peripheral demyelinating 
disease, including Guillain-Barré syndrome. Prescribers should exercise caution in considering the use 
of Hulio in patients with pre-existing or recent-onset central or peripheral nervous system 
demyelinating disorders; discontinuation of Hulio should be considered if any of these disorders 
develop. There is a known association between intermediate uveitis and central demyelinating 
disorders. Neurologic evaluation should be performed in patients with non-infectious intermediate 
uveitis prior to the initiation of Hulio therapy and regularly during treatment to assess for pre-existing 
or developing central demyelinating disorders.  
 



9 

Allergic reactions 
 
Serious allergic reactions associated with adalimumab were rare during clinical trials. Non-serious 
allergic reactions associated with adalimumab were uncommon during clinical trials. Reports of 
serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been received following adalimumab 
administration. If an anaphylactic reaction or other serious allergic reaction occurs, administration of 
Hulio should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy initiated.  
 
Immunosuppression 
 
In a study of 64 patients with rheumatoid arthritis that were treated with adalimumab, there was no 
evidence of depression of delayed-type hypersensitivity, depression of immunoglobulin levels, or 
change in enumeration of effector T-, B-, NK-cells, monocyte/macrophages, and neutrophils. 
 
Malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorders 
 
In the controlled portions of clinical trials of TNF-antagonists, more cases of malignancies including 
lymphoma have been observed among patients receiving a TNF-antagonist compared with control 
patients. However, the occurrence was rare. In the post marketing setting, cases of leukaemia have 
been reported in patients treated with a TNF-antagonist. There is an increased background risk for 
lymphoma and leukaemia in rheumatoid arthritis patients with long-standing highly active, 
inflammatory disease, which complicates the risk estimation. With the current knowledge, a possible 
risk for the development of lymphomas, leukaemia, and other malignancies in patients treated with a 
TNF-antagonist cannot be excluded. 
 
Malignancies, some fatal, have been reported among children, adolescents and young adults (up to 
22 years of age) treated with TNF-antagonists (initiation of therapy ≤ 18 years of age), including 
adalimumab in the post marketing setting. Approximately half the cases were lymphomas. The other 
cases represented a variety of different malignancies and included rare malignancies usually associated 
with immunosuppression. A risk for the development of malignancies in children and adolescents 
treated with TNF-antagonists cannot be excluded.  
 
Rare postmarketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma have been identified in patients treated 
with adalimumab. This rare type of T-cell lymphoma has a very aggressive disease course and is 
usually fatal. Some of these hepatosplenic T-cell lymphomas with adalimumab have occurred in 
young adult patients on concomitant treatment with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine used for 
inflammatory bowel disease. The potential risk with the combination of azathioprine or 
6-mercaptopurine and adalimumab should be carefully considered. A risk for the development of 
hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in patients treated with Hulio cannot be excluded (see section 4.8). 
 
No studies have been conducted that include patients with a history of malignancy or in whom 
treatment with adalimumab is continued following development of malignancy. Thus, additional 
caution should be exercised in considering adalimumab treatment of these patients (see section 4.8). 
 
All patients, and in particular patients with a medical history of extensive immunosuppressant therapy 
or psoriasis patients with a history of PUVA treatment should be examined for the presence of non-
melanoma skin cancer prior to and during treatment with Hulio. Melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma 
have also been reported in patients treated with TNF-antagonists including adalimumab (see 
section 4.8). 
 
In an exploratory clinical trial evaluating the use of another TNF-antagonist, infliximab, in patients 
with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), more malignancies, mostly in 
the lung or head and neck, were reported in infliximab-treated patients compared with control patients. 
All patients had a history of heavy smoking. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using any 
TNF-antagonist in COPD patients, as well as in patients with increased risk for malignancy due to 
heavy smoking. 
 



10 

With current data it is not known if adalimumab treatment influences the risk for developing dysplasia 
or colon cancer. All patients with ulcerative colitis who are at increased risk for dysplasia or colon 
carcinoma (for example, patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis or primary sclerosing 
cholangitis), or who had a prior history of dysplasia or colon carcinoma should be screened for 
dysplasia at regular intervals before therapy and throughout their disease course. This evaluation 
should include colonoscopy and biopsies per local recommendations. 
 
Haematologic reactions 
 
Rare reports of pancytopenia including aplastic anaemia have been reported with TNF-antagonists. 
Adverse events of the haematologic system, including medically significant cytopenia (e.g. 
thrombocytopenia, leukopenia) have been reported with adalimumab. All patients should be advised to 
seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias 
(e.g. persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, pallor) while on Hulio. Discontinuation of Hulio therapy 
should be considered in patients with confirmed significant haematologic abnormalities. 
 
Vaccinations 
 
Similar antibody responses to the standard 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine and the influenza trivalent 
virus vaccination were observed in a study in 226 adult subjects with rheumatoid arthritis who were 
treated with adalimumab or placebo. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection 
by live vaccines in patients receiving adalimumab.  
 
It is recommended that paediatric patients, if possible, be brought up to date with all immunisations in 
agreement with current immunisation guidelines prior to initiating adalimumab therapy. 
 
Patients on adalimumab may receive concurrent vaccinations, except for live vaccines. Administration 
of live vaccines (e.g., BCG vaccine) to infants exposed to adalimumab in utero is not recommended 
for 5 months following the mother's last adalimumab injection during pregnancy. 
 
Congestive heart failure 
 
In a clinical trial with another TNF-antagonist worsening congestive heart failure and increased 
mortality due to congestive heart failure have been observed. Cases of worsening congestive heart 
failure have also been reported in patients receiving adalimumab. Hulio should be used with caution in 
patients with mild heart failure (NYHA class I/II). Hulio is contraindicated in moderate to severe heart 
failure (see section 4.3). Treatment with Hulio must be discontinued in patients who develop new or 
worsening symptoms of congestive heart failure. 
 
Autoimmune processes 
 
Treatment with Hulio may result in the formation of autoimmune antibodies. The impact of long-term 
treatment with adalimumab on the development of autoimmune diseases is unknown. If a patient 
develops symptoms suggestive of a lupus-like syndrome following treatment with Hulio and is 
positive for antibodies against double-stranded DNA, further treatment with Hulio should not be given 
(see section 4.8). 
 
Concurrent administration of biologic DMARDS or TNF-antagonists 
 
Serious infections were seen in clinical studies with concurrent use of anakinra and another TNF-
antagonist, etanercept, with no added clinical benefit compared to etanercept alone. Because of the 
nature of the adverse events seen with the combination of etanercept and anakinra therapy, similar 
toxicities may also result from the combination of anakinra and other TNF-antagonists. Therefore, the 
combination of adalimumab and anakinra is not recommended. (See section 4.5). 
 
Concomitant administration of adalimumab with other biologic DMARDS (e.g, anakinra and 
abatacept) or other TNF-antagonists is not recommended based upon the possible increased risk for 



11 

infections, including serious infections and other potential pharmacological interactions. (See 
section 4.5). 
 
Surgery 
 
There is limited safety experience of surgical procedures in patients treated with adalimumab. The 
long half-life of adalimumab should be taken into consideration if a surgical procedure is planned. A 
patient who requires surgery while on Hulio should be closely monitored for infections, and 
appropriate actions should be taken. There is limited safety experience in patients undergoing 
arthroplasty while receiving adalimumab.  
 
Small bowel obstruction 
 
Failure to respond to treatment for Crohn's disease may indicate the presence of fixed fibrotic stricture 
that may require surgical treatment. Available data suggest that adalimumab does not worsen or cause 
strictures. 
 
Elderly 
 
The frequency of serious infections among adalimumab treated subjects over 65 years of age (3.7%) 
was higher than for those under 65 years of age (1.5%). Some of those had a fatal outcome. Particular 
attention regarding the risk for infection should be paid when treating the elderly. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
See Vaccinations above. 
 
Excipients with known effect 
 
Sorbitol 
This medicinal product contains sorbitol (E420). Patients with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) 
should not take/be given this medicinal product. 
 
Sodium 
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per 0.8 ml dose, i.e. essentially 
‘sodium-free’. 
 
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
Adalimumab has been studied in rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and 
psoriatic arthritis patients taking adalimumab as monotherapy and those taking concomitant 
methotrexate. Antibody formation was lower when adalimumab was given together with methotrexate 
in comparison with use as monotherapy. Administration of adalimumab without methotrexate resulted 
in increased formation of antibodies, increased clearance and reduced efficacy of adalimumab (see 
section 5.1).  
 
The combination of Hulio and anakinra is not recommended (see section 4.4 “Concurrent 
administration of biologic DMARDs or TNF-antagonists”).  
 
The combination of Hulio and abatacept is not recommended (see section 4.4 “Concurrent 
administration of biologic DMARDs or TNF-antagonists”). 
 



12 

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
 
Women of child bearing potential 
 
Women of childbearing potential should consider the use of adequate contraception to prevent 
pregnancy and continue its use for at least five months after the last Hulio treatment. 
 
Pregnancy 
 
A large number (approximately 2,100) of prospectively collected pregnancies exposed to adalimumab 
resulting in live birth with known outcomes, including more than 1,500 exposed during the first 
trimester, does not indicate an increase in the rate of malformation in the newborn. 
 
In a prospective cohort registry, 257 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or Crohn’s disease (CD) 
treated with adalimumab at least during the first trimester and 120 women with RA or CD not treated 
with adalimumab were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the birth prevalence of major birth defects. 
The rate of pregnancies ending with at least one live born infant with a major birth defect was 6/69 
(8.7%) in the adalimumab-treated women with RA and 5/74 (6.8%) in the untreated women with RA 
(unadjusted OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.38-4.52) and 16/152 (10.5%) in the adalimumab-treated women with 
CD and 3/32 (9.4%) in the untreated women with CD (unadjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.31-4.16). The 
adjusted OR (accounting for baseline differences) was 1.10 (95% CI 0.45-2.73) with RA and CD 
combined. There were no distinct differences between adalimumab-treated and untreated women for 
the secondary endpoints spontaneous abortions, minor birth defects, preterm delivery, birth size and 
serious or opportunistic infections and no stillbirths or malignancies were reported. The interpretation 
of data may be impacted due to methodological limitations of the study, including small sample size 
and non-randomized design. 
 
In a developmental toxicity study conducted in monkeys, there was no indication of maternal toxicity, 
embryotoxicity or teratogenicity. Preclinical data on postnatal toxicity of adalimumab are not 
available (see section 5.3). 
 
Due to its inhibition of TNF, adalimumab administered during pregnancy could affect normal 
immune responses in the newborn. Adalimumab should only be used during pregnancy if clearly 
needed.  
 
Adalimumab may cross the placenta into the serum of infants born to women treated with adalimumab 
during pregnancy. Consequently, these infants may be at increased risk for infection. Administration 
of live vaccines (e.g., BCG vaccine) to infants exposed to adalimumab in utero is not recommended for 
5 months following the mother’s last adalimumab injection during pregnancy. 
 
Breast feeding 
 
 Limited information from the published literature indicates that adalimumab is excreted in breast milk 
at very low concentrations with the presence of adalimumab in human milk at concentrations of 0.1% 
to 1% of the maternal serum level. Given orally, immunoglobulin G proteins undergo intestinal 
proteolysis and have poor bioavailability. No effects on the breastfed newborns/infants are anticipated. 
Consequently, adalimumab can be used during breastfeeding. 
 
Fertility 
 
Preclinical data on fertility effects of adalimumab are not available. 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 
Hulio may have a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Vertigo and visual 
impairment may occur following administration of Hulio (see section 4.8). 



13 

 
4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Summary of the safety profile 
 
Adalimumab was studied in 9,506 patients in pivotal controlled and open label trials for up to 
60 months or more. These trials included rheumatoid arthritis patients with short term and long 
standing disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis-
related arthritis) as well as axial spondyloarthritis (ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis 
without radiographic evidence of AS), psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, 
hidradenitis suppurativa and uveitis patients. The pivotal controlled studies involved 6,089 patients 
receiving adalimumab and 3,801 patients receiving placebo or active comparator during the controlled 
period. 
 
The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse events during the double-blind, 
controlled portion of pivotal studies was 5.9% for patients taking adalimumab and 5.4% for control 
treated patients. 
 
The most commonly reported adverse reactions are infections (such as nasopharyngitis, upper 
respiratory tract infection and sinusitis), injection site reactions (erythema, itching, haemorrhage, pain 
or swelling), headache and musculoskeletal pain. 
 
Serious adverse reactions have been reported for adalimumab. TNF-antagonists, such as adalimumab 
affect the immune system and their use may affect the body's defence against infection and cancer. 
 
Fatal and life-threatening infections (including sepsis, opportunistic infections and TB), HBV 
reactivation and various malignancies (including leukaemia, lymphoma and HSTCL) have also been 
reported with use of adalimumab. 
 
Serious haematological, neurological and autoimmune reactions have also been reported. These 
include rare reports of pancytopenia, aplastic anaemia, central and peripheral demyelinating events 
and reports of lupus, lupus-related conditions and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
In general, the adverse events in paediatric patients were similar in frequency and type to those seen in 
adult patients. 
 
Tabulated list of adverse reactions 
 
The following list of adverse reactions is based on experience from clinical trials and on 
postmarketing experience and are displayed by system organ class and frequency in Table 6 below: 
very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare 
(≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each 
frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. The highest 
frequency seen among the various indications has been included. An asterisk (*) appears in the System 
Organ Class (SOC) column if further information is found elsewhere in sections 4.3, 4.4 and 4.8. 



14 

 
Table 6: Undesirable Effects 
 

System Organ Class Frequency Adverse Reaction 

Infections and 
infestations* 

Very common Respiratory tract infections (including lower and 
upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, 
sinusitis, pharyngitis, nasopharyngitis and 
pneumonia herpes viral) 
 

Common  Systemic infections (including sepsis, candidiasis 
and influenza),  
intestinal infections (including gastroenteritis 
viral),  
skin and soft tissue infections (including 
paronychia, cellulitis, impetigo, necrotising 
fasciitis and herpes zoster), 
ear infections,  
oral infections (including herpes simplex, oral 
herpes and tooth infections),  
reproductive tract infections (including 
vulvovaginal mycotic infection),  
urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis), 
fungal infections, joint infections 
 

Uncommon  Neurological infections (including viral 
meningitis),  
opportunistic infections and tuberculosis 
(including coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis 
and mycobacterium avium complex infection), 
bacterial infections, eye infections,  
diverticulitis1) 
 

Neoplasms benign, 
malignant and 
unspecified (including 
cysts and polyps)* 

Common  Skin cancer excluding melanoma (including basal 
cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma),  
benign neoplasm  
 

Uncommon  Lymphoma**,  
solid organ neoplasm (including breast cancer, 
lung neoplasm and thyroid neoplasm),  
melanoma**  
 

Rare  Leukaemia1) 
 

Not known  Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma1) 
Merkel cell carcinoma (neuroendocrine 
carcinoma of the skin)1) 
 

Blood and the lymphatic 
system disorders* 

Very common  Leukopenia (including neutropenia and 
agranulocytosis),  
anaemia  
 

Common  Leucocytosis,  
thrombocytopenia  
 



15 

System Organ Class Frequency Adverse Reaction 

Uncommon  Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura  
 

Rare  Pancytopenia  
 

Immune system 
disorders* 

Common  Hypersensitivity,  
allergies (including seasonal allergy)  
 

Uncommon  Sarcoidosis1),  
vasculitis  
 

Rare  Anaphylaxis 1) 
 

Metabolism and nutrition 
disorders 

Very common  Lipids increased  
 

Common  Hypokalaemia,  
uric acid increased,  
blood sodium abnormal,  
hypocalcaemia,  
hyperglycaemia,  
hypophosphatemia,  
dehydration  
 

Psychiatric disorders  Common  Mood alterations (including depression),  
anxiety,  
insomnia  
 

Nervous system 
disorders* 

Very common  Headache  
 

Common  Paraesthesias (including hypoesthesia),  
migraine,  
nerve root compression  

Uncommon  Cerebrovascular accident 1),  
tremor,  
neuropathy  
 

Rare  Multiple sclerosis,  
demyelinating disorders (e.g. optic neuritis, 
Guillain-Barré syndrome) 1) 
 

Eye disorders Common  Visual impairment,  
conjunctivitis,  
blepharitis,  
eye swelling  
 

Uncommon  Diplopia  
 

Ear and labyrinth 
disorders 

Common  Vertigo  
 

Uncommon  Deafness,  
tinnitus  
 

Cardiac disorders* Common  Tachycardia  



16 

System Organ Class Frequency Adverse Reaction 

 
Uncommon  Myocardial infarction1),  

arrhythmia,  
congestive heart failure  
 

Rare  Cardiac arrest  
 

Vascular disorders Common  Hypertension,  
flushing,  
haematoma  
 

Uncommon  Aortic aneurysm,  
vascular arterial occlusion,  
thrombophlebitis  
 

Respiratory, thoracic and 
mediastinal disorders* 

Common  Asthma,  
dyspnoea,  
cough  
 

Uncommon  Pulmonary embolism1),  
interstitial lung disease,  
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,  
pneumonitis, 
pleural effusion1) 
 

Rare  Pulmonary fibrosis1) 
 

Gastrointestinal disorders Very common  Abdominal pain,  
nausea and vomiting  
 

Common  GI haemorrhage,  
dyspepsia,  
gastroesophageal reflux disease,  
sicca syndrome  
 

Uncommon  Pancreatitis,  
dysphagia,  
face oedema  
 

Rare  Intestinal perforation1) 
 

Hepato-biliary disorders* Very common  Elevated liver enzymes  
 

Uncommon  Cholecystitis and cholelithiasis,  
hepatic steatosis,  
bilirubin increased  
 

Rare  Hepatitis,  
reactivation of hepatitis B1), 
autoimmune hepatitis1) 
 

Not known  Liver failure1) 



17 

System Organ Class Frequency Adverse Reaction 

 
Skin and subcutaneous 
tissue disorders 

Very common  Rash (including exfoliative rash),  
 

Common  Worsening or new onset of psoriasis (including 
palmoplantar pustular psoriasis)1),  
urticaria,  
bruising (including purpura),  
dermatitis (including eczema),  
onychoclasis,  
hyperhydrosis,  
alopecia 1),  
pruritus  
 

Uncommon  Night sweats,  
scar  
 

Rare  Erythema multiforme1),  
Stevens-Johnson syndrome1),  
angioedema1),  
cutaneous vasculitis1), 
lichenoid skin reaction1) 
 

Not known  Worsening of symptoms of dermatomyositis1) 
 

Musculoskeletal and 
connective tissue 
disorders 

Very common  Musculoskeletal pain  
 

Common  Muscle spasms (including blood creatine 
phosphokinase increased)  
 

Uncommon  Rhabdomyolysis,  
systemic lupus erythematosus  
 

Rare  Lupus-like syndrome1) 
 

Renal and urinary 
disorders 

Common  Renal impairment,  
haematuria  
 

Uncommon  Nocturia  
 

Reproductive system and 
breast disorders  

Uncommon  Erectile dysfunction   

General disorders and 
administration site 
conditions* 

Very common  Injection site reaction (including injection site 
erythema)  
 

Common  Chest pain,  
oedema,  
pyrexia1) 
 

Uncommon  Inflammation  
 

Investigations* Common  Coagulation and bleeding disorders (including 
activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged),  



18 

System Organ Class Frequency Adverse Reaction 

autoantibody test positive (including double 
stranded DNA antibody),  
blood lactate dehydrogenase increased  
 

Injury, poisoning and 
procedural complications  

Common  Impaired healing  
 

* further information is found elsewhere in sections 4.3, 4.4 and 4.8 
** including open label extension studies 
1) including spontaneous reporting data  
 
Hidradenitis suppurativa 
 
The safety profile for patients with HS treated with adalimumab weekly was consistent with the 
known safety profile of adalimumab. 
 
Uveitis 
 
The safety profile for patients with uveitis treated with adalimumab every other week was consistent 
with the known safety profile of adalimumab. 
 
Description of selected adverse reactions 
 
Injection site reactions 
 
In the pivotal controlled trials in adults and children, 12.9% of patients treated with adalimumab 
developed injection site reactions (erythema and/or itching, haemorrhage, pain or swelling), compared 
to 7.2% of patients receiving placebo or active control. Injection site reactions generally did not 
necessitate discontinuation of the medicinal product.  
 
Infections 
 
In the pivotal controlled trials in adults and children, the rate of infection was 1.51 per patient year in 
the adalimumab treated patients and 1.46 per patient year in the placebo and active control-treated 
patients. The infections consisted primarily of nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and 
sinusitis. Most patients continued on adalimumab after the infection resolved.  
 
The incidence of serious infections was 0.04 per patient year in adalimumab treated patients and 
0.03 per patient year in placebo and active control - treated patients.  
 
In controlled and open label adult and paediatric studies with adalimumab, serious infections 
(including fatal infections, which occurred rarely) have been reported, which include reports of 
tuberculosis (including miliary and extra-pulmonary locations) and invasive opportunistic infections 
(e.g. disseminated or extrapulmonary histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, 
pneumocystis candidiasis, aspergillosis and listeriosis). Most of the cases of tuberculosis occurred 
within the first eight months after initiation of therapy and may reflect recrudescence of latent disease. 
 
Malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorders 
 
No malignancies were observed in 249 paediatric patients with an exposure of 655.6 patient years 
during adalimumab trials in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic 
arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis). In addition, no malignancies were observed in 
192 paediatric patients with an exposure of 498.1 patient years during adalimumab trials in paediatric 
patients with Crohn's disease. No malignancies were observed in 77 paediatric patients with an 
exposure of 80.0 patient years during an adalimumab trial in paediatric patients with chronic plaque 



19 

psoriasis. No malignancies were observed in 60 paediatric patients with an exposure of 58.4 patient 
years during an adalimumab trial in paediatric patients with uveitis. 
 
During the controlled portions of pivotal adalimumab trials in adults of at least 12 weeks in duration in 
patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, axial 
spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of AS, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, hidradenitis 
suppurativa, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and uveitis, malignancies, other than lymphoma and 
non-melanoma skin cancer, were observed at a rate (95% confidence interval) of 6.8 (4.4, 10.5) per 
1,000 patient-years among 5,291 adalimumab treated patients versus a rate of 6.3 (3.4, 11.8) per 
1,000 patient-years among 3,444 control patients (median duration of treatment was 4.0 months for 
adalimumab and 3.8 months for control-treated patients). The rate (95% confidence interval) of non-
melanoma skin cancers was 8.8 (6.0, 13.0) per 1,000 patient-years among adalimumab-treated patients 
and 3.2 (1.3, 7.6) per 1,000 patient-years among control patients. Of these skin cancers, squamous cell 
carcinomas occurred at rates (95% confidence interval) of 2.7 (1.4, 5.4) per 1,000 patient-years among 
adalimumab-treated patients and 0.6 (0.1, 4.5) per 1,000 patient-years among control patients. The rate 
(95% confidence interval) of lymphomas was 0.7 (0.2, 2.7) per 1,000 patient-years among 
adalimumab-treated patients and 0.6 (0.1, 4.5) per 1,000 patient-years among control patients. 
 
When combining controlled portions of these trials and ongoing and completed open label extension 
studies with a median duration of approximately 3.3 years including 6,427 patients and over 
26,439 patient-years of therapy, the observed rate of malignancies, other than lymphoma and non-
melanoma skin cancers is approximately 8.5 per 1,000 patient years. The observed rate of non-
melanoma skin cancers is approximately 9.6 per 1,000 patient years, and the observed rate of 
lymphomas is approximately 1.3 per 1,000 patient years. 
 
In post-marketing experience from January 2003 to December 2010, predominantly in patients with 
rheumatoid arthritis, the reported rate of malignancies is approximately 2.7 per 1,000 patient treatment 
years. The reported rates for non-melanoma skin cancers and lymphomas are approximately 0.2 and 
0.3 per 1,000 patient treatment years, respectively (see section 4.4). 
 
Rare post-marketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma have been reported in patients treated 
with adalimumab (see section 4.4). 
 
Autoantibodies 
 
Patients had serum samples tested for autoantibodies at multiple time points in rheumatoid arthritis 
studies I − V. In these trials, 11.9% of patients treated with adalimumab and 8.1% of placebo and 
active control − treated patients that had negative baseline anti-nuclear antibody titres reported 
positive titres at week 24. Two patients out of 3,441 treated with adalimumab in all rheumatoid 
arthritis and psoriatic arthritis studies developed clinical signs suggestive of new-onset lupus-like 
syndrome. The patients improved following discontinuation of therapy. No patients developed lupus 
nephritis or central nervous system symptoms. 
 
Hepato-biliary events 
 
In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis 
with a control period duration ranging from 4 to 104 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 
3.7% of adalimumab-treated patients and 1.6% of control-treated patients.  
 
In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis 
who were 4 to 17 years and enthesitis-related arthritis who were 6 to 17 years, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x 
ULN occurred in 6.1% of adalimumab-treated patients and 1.3% of control-treated patients. Most ALT 
elevations occurred with concomitant methotrexate use. No ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in the 
Phase 3 trial of adalimumab in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis who were 
2 to <4 years. 
 



20 

In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis with a 
control period ranging from 4 to 52 weeks. ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 0.9% of 
adalimumab-treated patients and 0.9% of controlled-treated patients. 
 
In the Phase 3 trial of adalimumab in patients with paediatric Crohn's disease which evaluated efficacy 
and safety of two body weight adjusted maintenance dose regimens following body weight adjusted 
induction therapy up to 52 weeks of treatment, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 2.6% (5/192) of 
patients of whom 4 were receiving concomitant immunosuppressants at baseline. 
 
In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with plaque psoriasis with a control period 
duration ranging from 12 to 24 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 1.8% of adalimumab-
treated patients and 1.8% of control-treated patients.  
 
No ALT elevations ≥3 X ULN occurred in the Phase 3 trial of adalimumab in paediatric patients with 
plaque psoriasis. 
 
In controlled trials of adalimumab (initial doses of 160 mg at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2, followed 
by 40 mg every week starting at week 4), in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa with a control 
period duration ranging from 12 to 16 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 0.3% of 
adalimumab-treated patients and 0.6% of control-treated patients. 
 
In controlled trials of adalimumab (initial doses of 80 mg at week 0 followed by 40 mg every other 
week starting at week 1) in adult patients with uveitis up to 80 weeks with a median exposure of 166.5 
days and 105.0 days in adalimumab-treated and control-treated patients, respectively, ALT elevations 
≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 2.4% of adalimumab-treated patients and 2.4% of control-treated patients. 
 
Across all indications in clinical trials patients with raised ALT were asymptomatic and in most cases 
elevations were transient and resolved on continued treatment. However, there have also been post-
marketing reports of liver failure as well as less severe liver disorders that may precede liver failure, 
such as hepatitis including autoimmune hepatitis in patients receiving adalimumab. 
 
Concurrent treatment with azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine 
 
In adult Crohn's disease studies, higher incidences of malignant and serious infection-related adverse 
events were seen with the combination of adalimumab and azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine compared 
with adalimumab alone. 
 

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 
 
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. 
 
4.9 Overdose 
 
No dose-limiting toxicity was observed during clinical trials. The highest dose level evaluated has 
been multiple intravenous doses of 10 mg/kg, which is approximately 15 times the recommended 
dose. 
 
 
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1  Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Immunosuppressants, Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors. 
ATC code: L04AB04 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


21 

 
Hulio is a biosimilar medicinal product. Detailed information is available on the website of the 
European Medicines Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu. 
 
Mechanism of action 
 
Adalimumab binds specifically to TNF and neutralises the biological function of TNF by blocking its 
interaction with the p55 and p75 cell surface TNF receptors. 
 
Adalimumab also modulates biological responses that are induced or regulated by TNF, including 
changes in the levels of adhesion molecules responsible for leukocyte migration (ELAM-1, VCAM-1, 
and ICAM-1 with an IC50 of 0.1-0.2 nM). 
 
Pharmacodynamic effects 
 
After treatment with adalimumab, a rapid decrease in levels of acute phase reactants of inflammation 
(C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)) and serum cytokines (IL-6) was 
observed, compared to baseline in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Serum levels of matrix 
metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-3) that produce tissue remodelling responsible for cartilage 
destruction were also decreased after adalimumab administration. Patients treated with adalimumab 
usually experienced improvement in haematological signs of chronic inflammation. 
 
A rapid decrease in CRP levels was also observed in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic 
arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and hidradenitis suppurativa after treatment with 
adalimumab. In patients with Crohn’s disease, a reduction of the number of cells expressing 
inflammatory markers in the colon including a significant reduction of expression of TNFα was seen. 
Endoscopic studies in intestinal mucosa have shown evidence of mucosal healing in adalimumab 
treated patients. 
 
Clinical efficacy and safety 
 
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) 
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab was assessed in two studies (pJIA I and II) in children with 
active polyarticular or polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis, who had a variety of JIA onset 
types (most frequently rheumatoid-factor negative or positive polyarthritis and extended 
oligoarthritis). 
 
pJIA I 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, 
parallel-group study in 171 children (4-17 years old) with polyarticular JIA. In the open-label lead in 
phase (OL LI) patients were stratified into two groups, MTX (methotrexate)-treated or non-MTX-
treated. Patients who were in the non-MTX stratum were either naïve to or had been withdrawn from 
MTX at least two weeks prior to study drug administration. Patients remained on stable doses of 
NSAIDs and or prednisone (≤ 0.2 mg /kg/day or 10 mg/day maximum). In the OL LI phase all patients 
received 24 mg/m2 up to a maximum of 40 mg adalimumab every other week for 16 weeks. The 
distribution of patients by age and minimum, median and maximum dose received during the OL LI 
phase is presented in Table 7. 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/
http://www.ema.europa.eu/


22 

Table 7: Distribution of patients by age and adalimumab dose received during the OL LI 
phase 

 
Age Group  Number of patients at 

Baseline n (%)  
Minimum, median and 
maximum dose  

4 to 7 years  31 (18.1)  10, 20 and 25 mg  
8 to 12 years  71 (41.5)  20, 25 and 40 mg  
13 to 17 years  69 (40.4)  25, 40 and 40 mg  
 
Patients demonstrating a Pediatric ACR 30 response at week 16 were eligible to be randomised into 
the double blind (DB) phase and received either adalimumab 24 mg/m2 up to a maximum of 40 mg, 
or placebo every other week for an additional 32 weeks or until disease flare. Disease flare criteria 
were defined as a worsening of ≥ 30% from baseline in ≥ 3 of 6 Pediatric ACR core criteria, ≥ 2 active 
joints, and improvement of > 30% in no more than 1 of the 6 criteria. After 32 weeks or at disease 
flare, patients were eligible to enrol into the open label extension phase. 
 
Table 8: Ped ACR 30 Responses in the JIA study 
 
Stratum  MTX Without MTX 
Phase    
OL-LI 16 weeks    

Ped ACR 30 response 
(n/N)  

94.1% (80/85) 74.4% (64/86) 

Efficacy Outcomes 
Double Blind 32 weeks  Adalimumab /MTX  

(N = 38)  
Placebo / MTX  
(N = 37)  

Adalimumab  
(N = 30)  

Placebo  
(N = 28)  

Disease flares at the 
end of 32 weeksa 
(n/N)  

36.8% (14/38)  64.9% (24/37)b 43.3% (13/30)  71.4% (20/28)c 

Median time to 
disease flare  

>32 weeks  20 weeks  >32 weeks  14 weeks  

a Ped ACR 30/50/70 responses week 48 significantly greater than those of placebo treated patients  
b p = 0.015 
c p = 0.031 
 
Amongst those who responded at week 16 (n=144), the Pediatric ACR 30/50/70/90 responses were 
maintained for up to six years in the OLE phase in patients who received adalimumab throughout the 
study. Over all 19 subjects, of which 11 of the baseline age group 4 to 12 and 8 of the baseline age 
group 13 to 17 years were treated 6 years or longer. 
 
Overall responses were generally better and, fewer patients developed antibodies when treated with 
the combination of adalimumab and MTX compared to adalimumab alone. Taking these results into 
consideration, adalimumab is recommended for use in combination with MTX and for use as 
monotherapy in patients for whom MTX use is not appropriate (see section 4.2). 
 
pJIA II 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab was assessed in an open-label, multicentre study in 32 children 
(2 - <4 years old or aged 4 and above weighing < 15 kg) with moderately to severely active 
polyarticular JIA. The patients received 24 mg/m2 body surface area (BSA) of adalimumab up to a 
maximum of 20 mg every other week as a single dose via SC injection for at least 24 weeks. During 
the study, most subjects used concomitant MTX, with fewer reporting use of corticosteroids or 
NSAIDs. 
 



23 

At week 12 and week 24, PedACR30 response was 93.5% and 90.0%, respectively, using the observed 
data approach. The proportions of subjects with PedACR50/70/90 at week 12 and week 24 were 
90.3%/61.3%/38.7% and 83.3%/73.3%/36.7%, respectively. Amongst those who responded (Pediatric 
ACR 30) at week 24 (n=27 out of 30 patients), the Pediatric ACR 30 responses were maintained for up 
to 60 weeks in the OLE phase in patients who received adalimumab throughout this time period. 
Overall, 20 subjects were treated for 60 weeks or longer. 
 
Enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in a multicentre, randomised, double-blind study 
in 46 paediatric patients (6 to 17 years old) with moderate enthesitis-related arthritis. Patients were 
randomised to receive either 24 mg/m2 body surface area (BSA) of adalimumab up to a maximum of 
40 mg, or placebo every other week for 12 weeks. The double-blind period is followed by an open-
label (OL) period during which patients received 24 mg/m2 BSA of adalimumab up to a maximum of 
40 mg every other week subcutaneously for up to an additional 192 weeks. The primary endpoint was 
the percent change from Baseline to week 12 in the number of active joints with arthritis (swelling not 
due to deformity or joints with loss of motion plus pain and/or tenderness), which was achieved with 
mean percent decrease of -62.6% (median percent change -88.9%) in patients in the adalimumab 
group compared to -11.6% (median percent change -50.0%) in patients in the placebo group. 
Improvement in number of active joints with arthritis was maintained during the OL period through 
week 156 for the 26 of 31 (84%) patients in the adalimumab group who remained in the study. 
Although not statistically significant, the majority of patients demonstrated clinical improvement in 
secondary endpoints such as number of sites of enthesitis, tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count 
(SJC), Pediatric ACR 50 response, and Pediatric ACR 70 response. 
 
Adults with rheumatoid arthritis 
 
Adalimumab was evaluated in over 3,000 patients in all rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials. The 
efficacy and safety of adalimumab were assessed in five randomised, double-blind and well-controlled 
studies. Some patients were treated for up to 120 months duration.  
 
RA study I evaluated 271 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were 
≥ 18 years old, had failed therapy with at least one disease-modifying, anti rheumatic drug and had 
insufficient efficacy with methotrexate at doses of 12.5 to 25 mg (10 mg if methotrexate-intolerant) 
every week and whose methotrexate dose remained constant at 10 to 25 mg every week. Doses of 20, 
40 or 80 mg of adalimumab or placebo were given every other week for 24 weeks.  
 
RA study II evaluated 544 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were 
≥ 18 years old and had failed therapy with at least one disease-modifying, anti-rheumatic drugs. Doses 
of 20 or 40 mg of adalimumab were given by subcutaneous injection every other week with placebo 
on alternative weeks or every week for 26 weeks; placebo was given every week for the same 
duration. No other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were allowed. 
 
RA study III evaluated 619 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were 
≥ 18 years old, and who had an ineffective response to methotrexate at doses of 12.5 to 25 mg or have 
been intolerant to 10 mg of methotrexate every week. There were three groups in this study. The first 
received placebo injections every week for 52 weeks. The second received 20 mg of adalimumab 
every week for 52 weeks. The third group received 40 mg of adalimumab every other week with 
placebo injections on alternate weeks. Upon completion of the first 52 weeks, 457 patients enrolled in 
an open-label extension phase in which 40 mg of adalimumab/MTX was administered every other 
week up to 10 years. 
 
RA study IV primarily assessed safety in 636 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid 
arthritis who were ≥ 18 years old. Patients were permitted to be either disease-modifying, anti-
rheumatic drug-naïve or to remain on their pre-existing rheumatologic therapy provided that therapy 
was stable for a minimum of 28 days. These therapies include methotrexate, leflunomide, 



24 

hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine and/or gold salts. Patients were randomised to 40 mg of 
adalimumab or placebo every other week for 24 weeks.  
 
RA study V evaluated 799 methotrexate-naïve, adult patients with moderate to severely active early 
rheumatoid arthritis (mean disease duration less than 9 months). This study evaluated the efficacy of 
adalimumab 40 mg every other week/methotrexate combination therapy, adalimumab 40 mg every 
other week monotherapy and methotrexate monotherapy in reducing the signs and symptoms and rate 
of progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis for 104 weeks. Upon completion of the first 
104 weeks, 497 patients enrolled in an open-label extension phase in which 40 mg of adalimumab was 
administered every other week up to 10 years. 
 
The primary end point in RA studies I, II and III and the secondary endpoint in RA study IV was the 
percent of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response at week 24 or 26. The primary endpoint in RA 
study V was the percent of patients who achieved an ACR 50 response at week 52. RA studies III and 
V had an additional primary endpoint at 52 weeks of retardation of disease progression (as detected by 
X-ray results). RA study III also had a primary endpoint of changes in quality of life. 
 
ACR response 
 
The percent of adalimumab-treated patients achieving ACR 20, 50 and 70 responses was consistent 
across RA studies I, II and III. The results for the 40 mg every other week dose are summarised in 
Table 9. 
 
Table 9: ACR Responses in Placebo-Controlled Trials (Percent of Patients) 
 
Response  RA Study Ia** 

 
RA Study IIa** RA Study IIIa** 

 Placebo
/ MTXc 

n=60 

Adalimumabb/ 
MTXc 
n=63 

Placebo 
n=110 

Adalimumabb 
n=113 

Placebo
/ MTXc 
n=200 

Adalimumabb
/ MTXc 
n=207 

ACR 20        
6 months  13.3% 65.1% 19.1% 46.0% 29.5% 63.3% 
12 months  NA NA NA NA 24.0% 58.9% 
ACR  50        
6 months  6.7% 52.4% 8.2% 22.1% 9.5% 39.1% 
12 months  NA NA NA NA 9.5% 41.5% 
ACR  70        
6 months  3.3% 23.8% 1.8% 12.4% 2.5% 20.8% 
12 months  NA NA NA NA 4.5% 23.2% 
a RA study I at 24 weeks, RA study II at 26 weeks , and RA study III at 24 and 52 weeks 
b 40 mg adalimumab administered every other week 
c MTX = methotrexate 
**p < 0.01, adalimumab versus placebo 
 
In RA studies I-IV, all individual components of the ACR response criteria (number of tender and 
swollen joints, physician and patient assessment of disease activity and pain, disability index (HAQ) 
scores and CRP (mg/dl) values) improved at 24 or 26 weeks compared to placebo. In RA study III, 
these improvements were maintained throughout 52 weeks.  
 
In the open-label extension for RA study III, most patients who were ACR responders maintained 
response when followed for up to 10 years. Of 207 patients who were randomised to adalimumab 
40 mg every other week, 114 patients continued on adalimumab 40 mg every other week for 5 years. 
Among those, 86 patients (75.4%) had ACR 20 responses; 72 patients (63.2%) had ACR 50 responses; 
and 41 patients (36%) had ACR 70 responses. Of 207 patients, 81 patients continued on adalimumab 
40 mg every other week for 10 years. Among those, 64 patients (79.0%) had ACR 20 responses; 
56 patients (69.1%) had ACR 50 responses; and 43 patients (53.1%) had ACR 70 responses. 
 



25 

In RA study IV, the ACR 20 response of patients treated with adalimumab plus standard of care was 
statistically significantly better than patients treated with placebo plus standard of care (p < 0.001).  
 
In RA studies I-IV, adalimumab-treated patients achieved statistically significant ACR 20 and 
50 responses compared to placebo as early as one to two weeks after initiation of treatment. 
 
In RA study V with early rheumatoid arthritis patients who were methotrexate naïve, combination 
therapy with adalimumab and methotrexate led to faster and significantly greater ACR responses than 
methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab monotherapy at week 52 and responses were sustained at 
week 104 (see Table 10). 
 
Table 10: ACR Responses in RA Study V (percent of patients) 
 
Response MTX 

n=257 
Adalimumab 

n=274 
Adalimumab /MTX 

n=268 
p-valuea p-valueb p-valuec 

ACR 20        
Week 52  62.6% 54.4% 72.8% 0.013 < 0.001 0.043 
Week 104  56.0% 49.3% 69.4% 0.002 < 0.001 0.140 

ACR  50        
Week 52  45.9% 41.2% 61.6% < 0.001 < 0.001 0.317 
Week 104  42.8% 36.9% 59.0% < 0.001 < 0.001 0.162 

ACR  70        
Week 52  27.2% 25.9% 45.5% < 0.001 < 0.001 0.656 
Week 104  28.4% 28.1% 46.6% < 0.001 < 0.001 0.864 

a p-value is from the pairwise comparison of methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate 
combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test.  
b p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate 
combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test  
c p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and methotrexate monotherapy 
using the Mann-Whitney U test 
 
In the open-label extension for RA study V, ACR response rates were maintained when followed for 
up to 10 years. Of 542 patients who were randomised to adalimumab 40 mg every other week, 
170 patients continued on adalimumab 40 mg every other week for 10 years. Among those, 
154 patients (90.6%) had ACR 20 responses; 127 patients (74.7%) had ACR 50 responses; and 
102 patients (60.0%) had ACR 70 responses. 
 
At week 52, 42.9% of patients who received adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy achieved 
clinical remission (DAS28 (CRP) < 2.6) compared to 20.6% of patients receiving methotrexate 
monotherapy and 23.4% of patients receiving adalimumab monotherapy. Adalimumab/methotrexate 
combination therapy was clinically and statistically superior to methotrexate (p < 0.001) and 
adalimumab monotherapy (p < 0.001) in achieving a low disease state in patients with recently 
diagnosed moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. The response for the two monotherapy arms was 
similar (p = 0.447). Of 342 subjects originally randomised to adalimumab monotherapy or 
adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy who entered the open-label extension study, 
171 subjects completed 10 years of adalimumab treatment. Among those, 109 subjects (63.7%) were 
reported to be in remission at 10 years. 
 
Radiographic response 
 
In RA study III, where adalimumab treated patients had a mean duration of rheumatoid arthritis of 
approximately 11 years, structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as 
change in modified Total Sharp Score (TSS) and its components, the erosion score and joint space 
narrowing score. Adalimumab/methotrexate patients demonstrated significantly less radiographic 
progression than patients receiving methotrexate alone at 6 and 12 months (see Table 11).  
 



26 

In the open-label extension of RA Study III, the reduction in rate of progression of structural damage 
is maintained for 8 and 10 years in a subset of patients. At 8 years, 81 of 207 patients originally treated 
with 40 mg adalimumab every other week were evaluated radiographically. Among those, 48 patients 
showed no progression of structural damage defined by a change from baseline in the mTSS of 0.5 or 
less. At 10 years, 79 of 207 patients originally treated with 40 mg adalimumab every other week were 
evaluated radiographically. Among those, 40 patients showed no progression of structural damage 
defined by a change from baseline in the mTSS of 0.5 or less. 
 
Table 11:  Radiographic Mean Changes Over 12 Months in RA Study III 
 
 Placebo/ MTXa Adalimumab /MTX 

40 mg every other 
week 

Placebo/MTX- 
Adalimumab 
/MTX (95% 
Confidence 
Intervalb) 

p-value 

Total Sharp Score  2.7 0.1 2.6 (1.4, 3.8) < 0.001c 
Erosion score  1.6 0.0 1.6 (0.9, 2.2) < 0.001 
JSNd score  1.0 0.1 0.9 (0.3, 1.4) 0.002 
a methotrexate 
b 95% confidence intervals for the differences in change scores between methotrexate and 
adalimumab.  
c Based on rank analysis  
d Joint Space Narrowing 
 
In RA study V, structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as change in 
modified Total Sharp Score (see Table 12). 
 
Table 12: Radiographic Mean Changes at week 52 in RA Study V 
 
 MTX 

n=257 
(95% 

confidence 
interval) 

Adalimumab 
n=274 
(95% 

confidence 
interval) 

Adalimumab 
/MTX 
n=268 
(95% 

confidence 
interval) 

p-
valuea 

p-
valueb 

p-
valuec 

Total Sharp Score  5.7 (4.2-7.3) 3.0 (1.7-4.3) 1.3 (0.5-2.1) < 0.001 0.0020 < 0.001 
Erosion score  3.7 (2.7-4.7) 1.7 (1.0-2.4) 0.8 (0.4-1.2) < 0.001 0.0082 < 0.001 
JSN score  2.0 (1.2-2.8) 1.3 (0.5-2.1) 0.5 (0-1.0) < 0.001 0.0037 0.151 
a p-value is from the pairwise comparison of methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate 

combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test.  
b p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate 

combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test  
c p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and methotrexate monotherapy 

using the Mann-Whitney U test 
 
Following 52 weeks and 104 weeks of treatment, the percentage of patients without progression 
(change from baseline in modified Total Sharp Score ≤ 0.5) was significantly higher with adalimumab 
/methotrexate combination therapy (63.8% and 61.2% respectively) compared to methotrexate 
monotherapy (37.4% and 33.5% respectively, p < 0.001) and adalimumab monotherapy (50.7%, 
p < 0.002 and 44.5%, p < 0.001 respectively). 
 
In the open-label extension of RA study V, the mean change from baseline at Year 10 in the modified 
Total Sharp Score was 10.8, 9.2 and 3.9 in patients originally randomised to methotrexate 
monotherapy, adalimumab monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy, 
respectively. The corresponding proportions of patients with no radiographic progression were 
31.3%, 23.7% and 36.7% respectively. 



27 

 
Quality of life and physical function 
 
Health-related quality of life and physical function were assessed using the disability index of the 
Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) in the four original adequate and well-controlled trials, 
which was a pre-specified primary endpoint at week 52 in RA study III. All doses/schedules of 
adalimumab in all four studies showed statistically significantly greater improvement in the disability 
index of the HAQ from baseline to Month 6 compared to placebo and in RA study III the same was 
seen at week 52. Results from the Short Form Health Survey (SF 36) for all doses/schedules of 
adalimumab in all four studies support these findings, with statistically significant physical component 
summary (PCS) scores, as well as statistically significant pain and vitality domain scores for the 
40 mg every other week dose. A statistically significant decrease in fatigue as measured by functional 
assessment of chronic illness therapy (FACIT) scores was seen in all three studies in which it was 
assessed (RA studies I, III, IV). 
 
In RA study III, most subjects who achieved improvement in physical function and continued 
treatment maintained improvement through week 520 (120 months) of open-label treatment. 
Improvement in quality of life was measured up to week 156 (36 months) and improvement was 
maintained through that time. 
 
In RA study V, the improvement in the HAQ disability index and the physical component of the SF 36 
showed greater improvement (p < 0.001) for adalimumab /methotrexate combination therapy versus 
methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab monotherapy at week 52, which was maintained through 
week 104. Among the 250 subjects who completed the open-label extension study, improvements in 
physical function were maintained through 10 years of treatment. 
 
Paediatric plaque psoriasis 
 
The efficacy of adalimumab was assessed in a randomised, double-blind, controlled study of 114 
paediatric patients from 4 years of age with severe chronic plaque psoriasis (as defined by a 
Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) ≥ 4 or > 20% BSA involvement or > 10% BSA involvement 
with very thick lesions or Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) ≥ 20 or ≥ 10 with clinically 
relevant facial, genital, or hand/ foot involvement) who were inadequately controlled with topical 
therapy and heliotherapy or phototherapy.  
 
Patients received adalimumab 0.8 mg/kg eow (up to 40 mg), 0.4 mg/kg eow (up to 20 mg), or 
methotrexate 0.1 – 0.4 mg/kg weekly (up to 25 mg). At week 16, more patients randomised to 
adalimumab 0.8 mg/kg had positive efficacy responses (e.g., PASI 75) than those randomised to 
0.4 mg/kg eow or MTX. 
 
Table 13:  Paediatric Plaque Psoriasis Efficacy Results at 16 weeks 
  

MTXa 
N=37 

Adalimumab 0.8 mg/kg eow 
N=38 

 PASI 75b 12 (32.4%) 22 (57.9%) 
 PGA: Clear/minimalc 15 (40.5%) 23 (60.5%) 
a MTX = methotrexate  
b P=0.027, adalimumab 0.8 mg/kg versus MTX  
c P=0.083, adalimumab 0.8 mg/kg versus MTX 
 
Patients who achieved PASI 75 and PGA clear or minimal were withdrawn from treatment for up to 
36 weeks and monitored for loss of disease control (i.e. a worsening of PGA by at least 2 grades). 
Patients were then re-treated with adalimumab 0.8 mg/kg eow for an additional 16 weeks and response 
rates observed during retreatment were similar to the previous double-blind period: PASI 75 response 
of 78.9% (15 of 19 subjects) and PGA clear or minimal of 52.6% (10 of 19 subjects). 



28 

 
In the open label period of the study, PASI 75 and PGA clear or minimal responses were maintained 
for up to an additional 52 weeks with no new safety findings. 
 
Adult plaque psoriasis 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were studied in adult patients with chronic plaque psoriasis 
(≥ 10% BSA involvement and PASI ≥ 12 or ≥ 10) who were candidates for systemic therapy or 
phototherapy in randomised, double-blind studies. 73% of patients enrolled in Psoriasis Studies I and 
II had received prior systemic therapy or phototherapy. The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were 
also studied in adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis with concomitant hand 
and/or foot psoriasis who were candidates for systemic therapy in a randomised double-blind study 
(Psoriasis Study III).  
 
Psoriasis Study I (REVEAL) evaluated 1,212 patients within three treatment periods. In period A, 
patients received placebo or adalimumab at an initial dose of 80 mg followed by 40 mg every other 
week starting one week after the initial dose. After 16 weeks of therapy, patients who achieved at least 
a PASI 75 response (PASI score improvement of at least 75% relative to baseline), entered period B 
and received open-label 40 mg adalimumab every other week. Patients who maintained ≥PASI 75 
response at week 33 and were originally randomised to active therapy in period A, were re-randomised 
in period C to receive 40 mg adalimumab every other week or placebo for an additional 19 weeks. 
Across all treatment groups, the mean baseline PASI score was 18.9 and the baseline PGA score 
ranged from “moderate” (53% of subjects included) to “severe” (41%) to “very severe” (6%). 
 
Psoriasis Study II (CHAMPION) compared the efficacy and safety of adalimumab versus 
methotrexate and placebo in 271 patients. Patients received placebo, an initial dose of MTX 7.5 mg 
and thereafter dose increases up to week 12, with a maximum dose of 25 mg or an initial dose of 
80 mg adalimumab followed by 40 mg every other week (starting one week after the initial dose) for 
16 weeks. There are no data available comparing adalimumab and MTX beyond 16 weeks of therapy. 
Patients receiving MTX who achieved a ≥PASI 50 response at week 8 and/or 12 did not receive 
further dose increases. Across all treatment groups, the mean baseline PASI score was 19.7 and the 
baseline PGA score ranged from “mild” (<1%) to “moderate” (48%) to “severe” (46%) to “very 
severe” (6%). 
 
Patients participating in all Phase 2 and Phase 3 psoriasis studies were eligible to enrol into an open-
label extension trial, where adalimumab was given for at least an additional 108 weeks. 
 
In Psoriasis Studies I and II, a primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved a 
PASI 75 response from baseline at week 16 (see Tables 14 and 15). 
 
Table 14: Ps Study I (REVEAL) - Efficacy Results at 16 weeks 

 
  Placebo 

N=398 
n (%) 

Adalimumab 40 mg eow 
N=814 
n (%) 

≥ PASI 75a 26 (6.5) 578 (70.9)b 
PASI 100 3 (0.8) 163 (20.0)b 
PGA: Clear/minimal 17 (4.3) 506 (62.2)b 
a Percent of patients achieving PASI75 response was calculated as centre-adjusted rate  
b p<0.001, adalimumab vs. placebo  
 



29 

Table 15: Ps Study II (CHAMPION) Efficacy Results at 16 weeks 
 
  Placebo 

N=53 
n (%) 

MTX 
N=110 
n (%) 

Adalimumab 40 mg eow 
N=108 
n (%) 

≥ PASI 75 10 (18.9) 39 (35.5) 86 (79.6) a, b 
PASI 100 1 (1.9) 8 (7.3) 18 (16.7) c, d 
PGA: Clear/minimal 6 (11.3) 33 (30.0) 79 (73.1) a, b 
a p<0.001 adalimumab vs. placebo  
b p<0.001 adalimumab vs. methotrexate  
c p<0.01 adalimumab vs. placebo  
d p<0.05 adalimumab vs. methotrexate  
In Psoriasis Study I, 28% of patients who were PASI 75 responders and were re-randomised to 
placebo at week 33 compared to 5% continuing on adalimumab, p<0.001, experienced “loss of 
adequate response” (PASI score after week 33 and on or before week 52 that resulted in a <PASI 50 
response relative to baseline with a minimum of a 6-point increase in PASI score relative to week 33). 
Of the patients who lost adequate response after re-randomisation to placebo who then enrolled into 
the open-label extension trial, 38% (25/66) and 55% (36/66) regained PASI 75 response after 12 and 
24 weeks of re-treatment, respectively. 
 
A total of 233 PASI 75 responders at week 16 and week 33 received continuous adalimumab therapy 
for 52 weeks in Psoriasis Study I, and continued adalimumab in the open-label extension trial. PASI 
75 and PGA of clear or minimal response rates in these patients were 74.7% and 59.0%, respectively, 
after an additional 108 weeks of open-label therapy (total of 160 weeks). In an analysis in which all 
patients who dropped out of the study for adverse events or lack of efficacy, or who dose-escalated, 
were considered non-responders, PASI 75 and PGA of clear or minimal response rates in these 
patients were 69.6% and 55.7%, respectively, after an additional 108 weeks of open-label therapy 
(total of 160 weeks). 
 
A total of 347 stable responders participated in a withdrawal and retreatment evaluation in an open-
label extension study. During the withdrawal period, symptoms of psoriasis returned over time with a 
median time to relapse (decline to PGA “moderate” or worse) of approximately 5 months. None of 
these patients experienced rebound during the withdrawal period. A total of 76.5% (218/285) of 
patients who entered the retreatment period had a response of PGA “clear” or “minimal” after 
16 weeks of retreatment, irrespective of whether they relapsed during withdrawal (69.1%[123/178] 
and 88.8% [95/107] for patients who relapsed and who did not relapse during the withdrawal period, 
respectively). A similar safety profile was observed during retreatment as before withdrawal. 
 
Significant improvements at week 16 from baseline compared to placebo (Studies I and II) and MTX 
(Study II) were demonstrated in the DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index). In Study I, 
improvements in the physical and mental component summary scores of the SF-36 were also 
significant compared to placebo. 
 
In an open-label extension study, for patients who dose escalated from 40 mg every other week to 
40 mg weekly due to a PASI response below 50%, 26.4% (92/349) and 37.8% (132/349) of patients 
achieved PASI 75 response at week 12 and 24, respectively. 
 
Psoriasis Study III (REACH) compared the efficacy and safety of adalimumab versus placebo in 
72 patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis and hand and/or foot psoriasis. Patients 
received an initial dose of 80 mg adalimumab followed by 40 mg every other week (starting one week 
after the initial dose) or placebo for 16 weeks. At week 16, a statistically significantly greater 
proportion of patients who received adalimumab achieved PGA of 'clear' or 'almost clear' for the hands 
and/or feet compared to patients who received placebo (30.6% versus 4.3%, respectively [P = 0.014]). 
 
Psoriasis Study IV compared efficacy and safety of adalimumab versus placebo in 217 adult patients 
with moderate to severe nail psoriasis. Patients received an initial dose of 80 mg adalimumab followed 



30 

by 40 mg every other week (starting one week after the initial dose) or placebo for 26 weeks followed 
by open-label adalimumab treatment for an additional 26 weeks. Nail psoriasis assessments included 
the Modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI), the Physician’s Global Assessment of 
Fingernail Psoriasis (PGA-F) and the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) (see Table 16). 
Adalimumab demonstrated a treatment benefit in nail psoriasis patients with different extents of skin 
involvement (BSA≥10% (60% of patients) and BSA<10% and ≥5% (40% of patients)). 
 
Table 16:  Ps Study IV Efficacy Results at 16, 26 and 52 weeks 
 

Endpoint Week 16 
Placebo-Controlled 

Week 26 
Placebo-Controlled 

Week 52 
Open-label 

Placebo 
N=108 

Adalimumab 
40 mg eow 

N=109 

Placebo 
N=108 

Adalimumab 
40 mg eow 

N=109 

Adalimumab  
40 mg eow 
N=80 

≥ mNAPSI 75 (%) 2.9 26.0a 3.4 46.6a 65.0 
PGA-F clear/minimal and 
≥2-grade improvement (%) 

2.9 29.7a 6.9 48.9a 61.3 

Percent Change in Total 
Fingernail NAPSI (%) 

-7.8 -44.2 a -11.5 -56.2a -72.2 

a p<0.001, adalimumab vs. placebo 

 
Adalimumab treated patients showed statistically significant improvements at week 26 compared with 
placebo in the DLQI. 
 
Adolescent hidradenitis suppurativa 
 
There are no clinical trials with adalimumab in adolescent patients with HS. Efficacy of adalimumab 
for the treatment of adolescent patients with HS is predicted based on the demonstrated efficacy and 
exposure-response relationship in adult HS patients and the likelihood that the disease course, 
pathophysiology, and drug effects are substantially similar to that of adults at the same exposure 
levels. Safety of the recommended adalimumab dose in the adolescent HS population is based on 
cross-indication safety profile of adalimumab in both adults and paediatric patients at similar or more 
frequent doses (see section 5.2). 
 
Adult hidradenitis suppurativa 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled 
studies and an open-label extension study in adult patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis 
suppurativa (HS) who were intolerant, had a contraindication or an inadequate response to at least a 3-
month trial of systemic antibiotic therapy. The patients in HS-I and HS-II had Hurley Stage II or III 
disease with at least 3 abscesses or inflammatory nodules. 
 
Study HS-I (PIONEER I) evaluated 307 patients with 2 treatment periods. In period A, patients 
received placebo or adalimumab at an initial dose of 160 mg at week 0, 80 mg at week 2, and 40 mg 
every week starting at week 4 to week 11. Concomitant antibiotic use was not allowed during the 
study. After 12 weeks of therapy, patients who had received adalimumab in period A were re-
randomised in period B to 1 of 3 treatment groups (adalimumab 40 mg every week, adalimumab 
40 mg every other week, or placebo from week 12 to week 35). Patients who had been randomised to 
placebo in period A were assigned to receive adalimumab 40 mg every week in period B. 
 
Study HS-II (PIONEER II) evaluated 326 patients with 2 treatment periods. In period A, patients 
received placebo or adalimumab at an initial dose of 160 mg at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2 and 
40 mg every week starting at week 4 to week 11. 19.3% of patients had continued baseline oral 
antibiotic therapy during the study. After 12 weeks of therapy, patients who had received adalimumab 
in period A were re-randomised in period B to 1 of 3 treatment groups (adalimumab 40 mg every 



31 

week, adalimumab 40 mg every other week, or placebo from week 12 to week 35). Patients who had 
been randomised to placebo in period A were assigned to receive placebo in period B. 
 
Patients participating in Studies HS-I and HS-II were eligible to enrol into an open-label extension 
study in which adalimumab 40 mg was administered every week. Mean exposure in all adalimumab 
population was 762 days. Throughout all 3 studies patients used topical antiseptic wash daily. 
 
Clinical Response 
 
Reduction of inflammatory lesions and prevention of worsening of abscesses and draining fistulas was 
assessed using Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR; at least a 50% reduction in total 
abscess and inflammatory nodule count with no increase in abscess count and no increase in draining 
fistula count relative to Baseline). Reduction in HS-related skin pain was assessed using a Numeric 
Rating Scale in patients who entered the study with an initial baseline score of 3 or greater on a 11 
point scale.  
 
At week 12, a significantly higher proportion of patients treated with adalimumab versus placebo 
achieved HiSCR. At week 12, a significantly higher proportion of patients in Study HS-II experienced 
a clinically relevant decrease in HS-related skin pain (see Table 17). Patients treated with adalimumab 
had significantly reduced risk of disease flare during the initial 12 weeks of treatment. 
 
Table 17:  Efficacy Results at 12 weeks, HS Studies I and II 

  
HS Study I HS Study II 

Placebo Adalimumab 
40 mg weekly 

Placebo Adalimumab 
40 mg weekly 

Hidradenitis Suppurativa 
Clinical Response (HiSCR)a 

N = 154 
40 (26.0%) 

N = 153 
64 (41.8%) * 

N=163 
45 (27.6%) 

N=163 
96 (58.9%) *** 

≥30% Reduction in Skin 
Painb 

N = 109 
27 (24.8%) 

N = 122 
34 (27.9%) 

N=111 
23 (20.7%) 

N=105 
48 (45.7%) *** 

* P < 0.05, ***P < 0.001, adalimumab versus placebo  
a Among all randomised patients.  
b Among patients with baseline HS-related skin pain assessment ≥ 3, based on Numeric Rating Scale 0 – 

10; 0 = no skin pain, 10 = skin pain as bad as you can imagine.  
 
Treatment with adalimumab 40 mg every week significantly reduced the risk of worsening of 
abscesses and draining fistulas. Approximately twice the proportion of patients in the placebo group in 
the first 12 weeks of Studies HS-I and HS-II, compared with those in the adalimumab group 
experienced worsening of abscesses (23.0% vs 11.4%, respectively) and draining fistulas (30.0% vs 
13.9%, respectively). 
 
Greater improvements at week 12 from baseline compared to placebo were demonstrated in skin-
specific health-related quality of life, as measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI; 
Studies HS-I and HS-II), patient global satisfaction with medication treatment as measured by the 
Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire - medication (TSQM; Studies HS-I and HS-II), and physical 
health as measured by the physical component summary score of the SF-36 (Study HS-I). 
 
In patients with at least a partial response to adalimumab 40 mg weekly at week 12, the HiSCR rate at 
week 36 was higher in patients who continued weekly adalimumab than in patients in whom dosing 
frequency was reduced to every other week, or in whom treatment was withdrawn (see Table 18). 
 



32 

Table 18:  Proportion of Patientsa Achieving HiSCRb at weeks 24 and 36 After Treatment 
Reassignment from weekly Adalimumab at week 12 

  
Placebo 

(treatment withdrawal) 
N = 73 

Adalimumab 40 mg 
every other week 

N = 70 

Adalimumab 
40 mg weekly 

N = 70 
Week 24  24 (32.9%) 36 (51.4%) 40 (57.1%) 
Week 36  22 (30.1%) 28 (40.0%) 39 (55.7%) 
a Patients with at least a partial response to adalimumab 40 mg weekly after 12 weeks of treatment.  
b Patients meeting protocol-specified criteria for loss of response or no improvement were required to 

discontinue from the studies and were counted as nonresponders.  
 
Among patients who were at least partial responders at week 12, and who received continuous weekly 
adalimumab therapy, the HiSCR rate at week 48 was 68.3% and at week 96 was 65.1%. Longer term 
treatment with adalimumab 40 mg weekly for 96 weeks identified no new safety findings. 
 
Among patients whose adalimumab treatment was withdrawn at week 12 in Studies HS-I and HS-II, 
the HiSCR rate 12 weeks after re-introduction of adalimumab 40 mg weekly returned to levels similar 
to that observed before withdrawal (56.0 %). 
 
Paediatric Crohn's disease 
 
Adalimumab was assessed in a multicentre, randomised, double-blind clinical trial designed to 
evaluate the efficacy and safety of induction and maintenance treatment with doses dependent on body 
weight (< 40 kg or ≥ 40 kg) in 192 paediatric subjects between the ages of 6 and 17 (inclusive) years, 
with moderate to severe Crohn´s disease (CD) defined as Paediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index 
(PCDAI) score > 30. Subjects had to have failed conventional therapy (including a corticosteroid 
and/or an immunomodulator) for CD. Subjects may also have previously lost response or been 
intolerant to infliximab.  
 
All subjects received open-label induction therapy at a dose based on their Baseline body weight: 
160 mg at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2 for subjects ≥ 40 kg, and 80 mg and 40 mg, respectively, for 
subjects < 40 kg. 
 
At week 4, subjects were randomised 1:1 based on their body weight at the time to either the Low 
Dose or Standard Dose maintenance regimens as shown in Table 19. 
 
Table 19: Maintenance regimen 
 

Patient Weight Low dose Standard dose 
< 40 kg 10 mg eow 20 mg eow 
≥ 40 kg 20 mg eow 40 mg eow 

 
Efficacy results 
 
The primary endpoint of the study was clinical remission at week 26, defined as PCDAI score ≤ 10. 
 
Clinical remission and clinical response (defined as reduction in PCDAI score of at least 15 points 
from Baseline) rates are presented in Table 20. Rates of discontinuation of corticosteroids or 
immunomodulators are presented in Table 21. 

 



33 

Table 20: Paediatric CD Study PCDAI Clinical Remission and Response 
 
  Standard Dose 

40/20 mg eow 
N = 93 

Low Dose 
20/10 mg eow 

N = 95 

P value* 

Week 26    
Clinical remission  38.7% 28.4% 0.075 
Clinical response  59.1% 48.4% 0.073 

Week 52    
Clinical remission  33.3% 23.2% 0.100 
Clinical response  41.9% 28.4% 0.038 

* p value for Standard Dose versus Low Dose comparison.  
 
Table 21: Paediatric CD Study Discontinuation of Corticosteroids or Immunomodulators and 

Fistula Remission 
 
  Standard Dose 

40/20 mg eow 
Low Dose 

20/10 mg eow 
P value1 

Discontinued corticosteroids N= 33 N=38 
 

Week 26  84.8% 65.8% 0.066 
Week 52  69.7% 60.5% 0.420 

Discontinuation of Immunomodulators2 N=60 N=57 
 

Week 52  30.0% 29.8% 0.983 
Fistula remission3 N=15 N=21 

 

Week 26  46.7% 38.1% 0.608 
Week 52  40.0% 23.8% 0.303 

1 p value for Standard Dose versus Low Dose comparison.  
2 Immunosuppressant therapy could only be discontinued at or after week 26 at the investigator's 
discretion if the subject met the clinical response criterion  
3 defined as a closure of all fistulas that were draining at Baseline for at least 2 consecutive post-
Baseline visits  
 
Statistically significant increases (improvement) from Baseline to week 26 and 52 in Body Mass Index 
and height velocity were observed for both treatment groups. 
 
Statistically and clinically significant improvements from Baseline were also observed in both 
treatment groups for quality of life parameters (including IMPACT III). 
 
One hundred patients (n=100) from the Paediatric CD Study continued in an open-label long-term 
extension study. After 5 years of adalimumab therapy, 74.0% (37/50) of the 50 patients remaining in 
the study continued to be in clinical remission, and 92.0% (46/50) of patients continued to be in 
clinical response per PCDAI. 
 
Adult Crohn's disease 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in over 1,500 patients with moderately to 
severely active Crohn's disease (Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) ≥ 220 and ≤ 450) in 
randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Concomitant stable doses of aminosalicylates, 
corticosteroids, and/or immunomodulatory agents were permitted and 80% of patients continued to 
receive at least one of these medications.  
 



34 

Induction of clinical remission (defined as CDAI < 150) was evaluated in two studies, CD Study I 
(CLASSIC I) and CD Study II (GAIN). In CD Study I, 299 TNF-antagonist naive patients were 
randomised to one of four treatment groups; placebo at weeks 0 and 2, 160 mg adalimumab at week 0 
and 80 mg at week 2, 80 mg at week 0 and 40 mg at week 2, and 40 mg at week 0 and 20 mg at 
week 2. In CD Study II, 325 patients who had lost response or were intolerant to infliximab were 
randomised to receive either 160 mg adalimumab at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2 or placebo at 
weeks 0 and 2. The primary non-responders were excluded from the studies and therefore these 
patients were not further evaluated. 
 
Maintenance of clinical remission was evaluated in CD Study III (CHARM). In CD Study III, 
854 patients received open-label 80 mg at week 0 and 40 mg at week 2. At week 4 patients were 
randomised to 40 mg every other week, 40 mg every week, or placebo with a total study duration of 
56 weeks. Patients in clinical response (decrease in CDAI ≥ 70) at week 4 were stratified and analysed 
separately from those not in clinical response at week 4. Corticosteroid taper was permitted 
after week 8. 
 
CD Study I and CD Study II induction of remission and response rates are presented in Table 22. 
 
Table 22: Induction of Clinical Remission and Response (Percent of Patients) 
 
 CD Study I: Infliximab Naive Patients CD Study II: Infliximab 

Experienced Patients 
 Placebo 

N=74 
Adalimumab 

80/40 mg 
N = 75 

Adalimumab 
160/80 mg 

N=76 

Placebo 
N=166 

Adalimumab 
160/80 mg 

N=159 
Week 4       
Clinical remission  12% 24% 36%* 7% 21%* 
Clinical response 
(CR-100)  

24% 37% 49%** 25% 38%** 

All p-values are pairwise comparisons of proportions for adalimumab versus placebo  
* p < 0.001  
** p < 0.01  
 
Similar remission rates were observed for the 160/80 mg and 80/40 mg induction regimens by week 8 
and adverse events were more frequently noted in the 160/80 mg group. 
 
In CD Study III, at week 4, 58% (499/854) of patients were in clinical response and were assessed in 
the primary analysis. Of those in clinical response at week 4, 48% had been previously exposed to 
other TNF-antagonists. Maintenance of remission and response rates are presented in Table 23. 
Clinical remission results remained relatively constant irrespective of previous TNF-antagonist 
exposure. 
 
Disease-related hospitalisations and surgeries were statistically significantly reduced with adalimumab 
compared with placebo at week 56. 
 



35 

Table 23: Maintenance of Clinical Remission and Response (Percent of Patients) 
  

Placebo 40 mg 
Adalimumab 

every other week 

40 mg 
Adalimumab 
every week 

Week 26 N=170 N=172 N=157 
Clinical remission  17% 40%* 47%* 
Clinical response (CR-100)  27% 52%* 52%* 

Patients in steroid-free remission  
for >=90 daysa 

3% (2/66) 19% (11/58)** 15% (11/74)** 

Week 56 N=170 N=172 N=157 
Clinical remission  12% 36%* 41%* 
Clinical response (CR-100)  17% 41%* 48%* 

Patients in steroid-free remission  
for >=90 daysa 

5% (3/66) 29% (17/58)* 20% (15/74)** 

*      p < 0.001 for adalimumab versus placebo pairwise comparisons of proportions  
**    p < 0.02 for adalimumab versus placebo pairwise comparisons of proportions  
a          Of those receiving corticosteroids at baseline  
 
Among patients who were not in response at week 4, 43% of adalimumab maintenance patients 
responded by week 12 compared to 30% of placebo maintenance patients. These results suggest that 
some patients who have not responded by week 4 benefit from continued maintenance therapy through 
week 12. Therapy continued beyond 12 weeks did not result in significantly more responses (see 
section 4.2).  
 
117/276 patients from CD study I and 272/777 patients from CD studies II and III were followed 
through at least 3 years of open-label adalimumab therapy. 88 and 189 patients, respectively, 
continued to be in clinical remission. Clinical response (CR-100) was maintained in 102 and 
233 patients, respectively. 
 
Quality of life 
 
In CD Study I and CD Study II, statistically significant improvement in the disease-specific 
inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ) total score was achieved at week 4 in patients 
randomised to adalimumab 80/40 mg and 160/80 mg compared to placebo and was seen at weeks 26 
and 56 in CD Study III as well among the adalimumab treatment groups compared to the placebo 
group. 
 
Paediatric Uveitis  
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab was assessed in a randomized, double-masked, controlled 
study of 90 paediatric patients from 2 to < 18 years of age with active JIA-associated noninfectious 
anterior uveitis who were refractory to at least 12 weeks of methotrexate treatment. Patients received 
either placebo or 20 mg adalimumab (if < 30 kg) or 40 mg adalimumab (if ≥ 30 kg) every other week 
in combination with their baseline dose of methotrexate.  
 
The primary endpoint was ‘time to treatment failure’. The criteria determining treatment failure were 
worsening or sustained non-improvement in ocular inflammation, partial improvement with 
development of sustained ocular co-morbidities or worsening of ocular co-morbidities, non-permitted 
use of concomitant medications, and suspension of treatment for an extended period of time.  
 



36 

Clinical Response  
 
Adalimumab significantly delayed the time to treatment failure, as compared to placebo (See Figure 1, 
P < 0.0001 from log rank test). The median time to treatment failure was 24.1 weeks for subjects 
treated with placebo, whereas the median time to treatment failure was not estimable for subjects 
treated with adalimumab because less than one-half of these subjects experienced treatment failure. 
Adalimumab significantly decreased the risk of treatment failure by 75% relative to placebo, as shown 
by the hazard ratio (HR = 0.25 [95% CI: 0.12, 0.49]).  
 
Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Curves Summarizing Time to Treatment Failure in the Paediatric 

Uveitis Study 
 

 
Note: P = Placebo (Number at Risk); H = adalimumab (Number at Risk). 
 
Adult Uveitis  
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in adult patients with non-infectious 
intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis, excluding patients with isolated anterior uveitis, in two 
randomised, double-masked, placebo-controlled studies (UV I and II). Patients received placebo or 
adalimumab at an initial dose of 80 mg followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week after 
the initial dose. Concomitant stable doses of one non-biologic immunosuppressant were permitted.  
 
Study UV I evaluated 217 patients with active uveitis despite treatment with corticosteroids (oral 
prednisone at a dose of 10 to 60 mg/day). All patients received a 2-week standardised dose of 
prednisone 60 mg/day at study entry followed by a mandatory taper schedule, with complete 
corticosteroid discontinuation by week 15.  
 



37 

Study UV II evaluated 226 patients with inactive uveitis requiring chronic corticosteroid treatment 
(oral prednisone 10 to 35 mg/day) at baseline to control their disease. Patients subsequently underwent 
a mandatory taper schedule, with complete corticosteroid discontinuation by week 19.  
 
The primary efficacy endpoint in both studies was ´time to treatment failure´. Treatment failure was 
defined by a multi-component outcome based on inflammatory chorioretinal and/or inflammatory 
retinal vascular lesions, anterior chamber (AC) cell grade, vitreous haze (VH) grade and best corrected 
visual acuity (BCVA). 
 
Patients who completed Studies UV I and UV II were eligible to enroll in an uncontrolled long-term 
extension study with an originally planned duration of 78 weeks. Patients were allowed to continue on 
study medication beyond Week 78 until they had access to adalimumab. 
 
Clinical Response  
 
Results from both studies demonstrated statistically significant reduction of the risk of treatment 
failure in patients treated with adalimumab versus patients receiving placebo (See Table 24). Both 
studies demonstrated an early and sustained effect of adalimumab on the treatment failure rate versus 
placebo (see Figure 2).  
 
Table 24: Time to Treatment Failure in Studies UV I and UV II 
 
Analysis 
 Treatment 

N Failure N 
(%) 

Median Time to 
Failure (months) 

HRa CI 95% 
for HRa 

P Value b 

Time to Treatment Failure At or After week 6 in Study UV I 
Primary analysis (ITT)       
 Placebo 107 84 (78.5) 3.0 -- -- -- 
 Adalimumab 110 60 (54.5) 5.6 0.50 0.36, 0.70 < 0.001 
Time to Treatment Failure At or After week 2 in Study UV II 
Primary analysis (ITT)       
 Placebo 111 61 (55.0) 8.3 -- -- -- 
 Adalimumab 115 45 (39.1) NEc 0.57 0.39, 0.84 0.004 
Note: Treatment failure at or after week 6 (Study UV I), or at or after week 2 (Study UV II), was 
counted as event. Drop outs due to reasons other than treatment failure were censored at the time of 
dropping out. 
a HR of adalimumab vs placebo from proportional hazards regression with treatment as factor. 
b 2-sided P value from log rank test. 
c NE = not estimable. Fewer than half of at-risk subjects had an event. 
 
Figure 2: Kaplan-Meier Curves Summarizing Time to Treatment Failure on or after week 6 

(Study UV I) or week 2 (Study UV II) 
 



38 

T
R

E
A

T
M

E
N

T
 F

A
IL

U
R

E
 R

A
T

E
 (%

) 

 
 TIME (MONTHS) 
 Study UV I                        Treatment  Placebo  Adalimumab 

T
R

E
A

T
M

E
N

T
 F

A
IL

U
R

E
 R

A
T

E
 (%

) 

 
 TIME (MONTHS) 
 Study UV II                       Treatment  Placebo  Adalimumab 

Note: P# = Placebo (Number of Events/Number at Risk); A# = adalimumab (Number of 
Events/Number at Risk).  
 
In Study UV I statistically significant differences in favour of adalimumab versus placebo were 
observed for each component of treatment failure. In Study UV II, statistically significant differences 
were observed for visual acuity only, but the other components were numerically in favour of 
adalimumab.  
 
Of the 424 subjects included in the uncontrolled long-term extension of Studies UV I and UV II, 60  
subjects were regarded ineligible (e.g. due to deviations or due to complications secondary to diabetic 
retinopathy, due to cataract surgery or vitrectomy) and were excluded from the primary analysis of 
efficacy. Of the 364  remaining patients, 269 evaluable patients (74%) reached 78 weeks of open-label 
adalimumab treatment. Based on the observed data approach, 216 (80.3%) were in quiescence (no 
active inflammatory lesions, AC cell grade ≤ 0.5+, VH grade ≤ 0.5+) with a concomitant steroid dose 
≤ 7.5 mg per day, and 178 (66.2%) were in steroid-free quiescence. BCVA was either improved or 
maintained (< 5 letters deterioration) in 88.6% of the eyes at week 78. Data beyond Week 78 were 
generally consistent with these results but the number of enrolled subjects declined after this time. 
Overall, among the patients who discontinued the study, 18% discontinued due to adverse events, and 
8% due to insufficient response to adalimumab treatment. 
 



39 

Quality of Life  
 
Patient reported outcomes regarding vision-related functioning were measured in both clinical studies, 
using the NEI VFQ-25. Adalimumab was numerically favoured for the majority of subscores with 
statistically significant mean differences for general vision, ocular pain, near vision, mental health, and 
total score in Study UV I, and for general vision and mental health in Study UV II. Vision related 
effects were not numerically in favour of adalimumab for colour vision in Study UVI and for colour 
vision, peripheral vision and near vision in Study UV II. 
 
Immunogenicity  
 
Anti-adalimumab antibodies may develop during adalimumab treatment. 
Formation of anti-adalimumab antibodies is associated with increased clearance and reduced efficacy 
of adalimumab. There is no apparent correlation between the presence of anti-adalimumab antibodies 
and the occurrence of adverse events. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
The European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of the studies with 
the reference medicinal product containing adalimumab in one or more subsets of the paediatric 
population in ulcerative colitis, see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use. 
 
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Absorption and distribution 
 
Following the administration of 24 mg/m2 (up to a maximum of 40 mg) subcutaneously every other 
week to patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who were 4 to 17 years the mean 
trough steady-state (values measured from week 20 to 48) serum adalimumab concentration was 5.6 
± 5.6 μg/ml (102% CV) for adalimumab without concomitant methotrexate and 10.9 ± 5.2 μg/ml 
(47.7% CV) with concomitant methotrexate. 
 
In patients with polyarticular JIA who were 2 to <4 years old or aged 4 and above weighing <15 kg 
dosed with adalimumab 24 mg/m2, the mean trough steady-state serum adalimumab concentrations 
was 6.0 ± 6.1 μg/ml (101% CV) for adalimumab without concomitant methotrexate and 7.9 ± 
5.6 μg/ml (71.2% CV) with concomitant methotrexate. 
 
Following the administration of 24 mg/m2 (up to a maximum of 40 mg) subcutaneously every other 
week to patients with enthesitis-related arthritis who were 6 to 17 years, the mean trough steady-state 
(values measured at week 24) serum adalimumab concentrations were 8.8 ± 6.6 μg/ml for adalimumab 
without concomitant methotrexate and 11.8 ± 4.3 μg/ml with concomitant methotrexate. 
 
Following the administration of 0.8 mg/kg (up to a maximum of 40 mg) subcutaneously every other 
week to paediatric patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, the mean ± SD steady-state adalimumab 
trough concentration was approximately 7.4 ± 5.8 μg/ml (79% CV). 
 
Adalimumab exposure in adolescent HS patients was predicted using population pharmacokinetic 
modelling and simulation based on cross-indication pharmacokinetics in other paediatric patients 
(paediatric psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, paediatric Crohn’s disease, and enthesitis-related 
arthritis). The recommended adolescent HS dosing schedule is 40 mg every other week. Since 
exposure to adalimumab can be affected by body size, adolescents with higher body weight and 
inadequate response may benefit from receiving the recommended adult dose of 40 mg every week. 
 
In paediatric patients with moderate to severe CD, the open-label adalimumab induction dose was 
160/80 mg or 80/40 mg at weeks 0 and 2, respectively, dependent on a body weight cut-off of 40 kg. 
At week 4, patients were randomised 1:1 to either the Standard Dose (40/20 mg eow) or Low Dose 
(20/10 mg eow) maintenance treatment groups based on their body weight. The mean (±SD) serum 



40 

adalimumab trough concentrations achieved at week 4 were 15.7 ± 6.6 μg/ml for patients ≥ 40 kg 
(160/80 mg) and 10.6 ± 6.1 μg/ml for patients < 40 kg (80/40 mg). 
 
For patients who stayed on their randomised therapy, the mean (±SD) adalimumab trough 
concentrations at week 52 were 9.5 ± 5.6 μg/ml for the Standard Dose group and 3.5 ± 2.2 μg/ml for 
the Low Dose group. The mean trough concentrations were maintained in patients who continued to 
receive adalimumab treatment eow for 52 weeks. For patients who dose escalated from eow to weekly 
regimen, the mean (±SD) serum concentrations of adalimumab at week 52 were 15.3 ± 11.4 μg/ml 
(40/20 mg, weekly) and 6.7 ± 3.5 μg/ml (20/10 mg, weekly). 
 
Adalimumab exposure in paediatric uveitis patients was predicted using population pharmacokinetic 
modelling and simulation based on cross-indication pharmacokinetics in other paediatric patients 
(paediatric psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, paediatric Crohn’s disease, and enthesitis-related 
arthritis). No clinical exposure data are available on the use of a loading dose in children < 6 years. 
The predicted exposures indicate that in the absence of methotrexate, a loading dose may lead to an 
initial increase in systemic exposure. 
 
Exposure-response relationship in paediatric population 
 
On the basis of clinical trial data in patients with JIA (pJIA and ERA), an exposure-response 
relationship was established between plasma concentrations and PedACR 50 response. The apparent 
adalimumab plasma concentration that produces half the maximum probability of PedACR 50 
response (EC50) was 3 μg/ml (95% CI: 1-6 μg/ml). 
 
Exposure-response relationships between adalimumab concentration and efficacy in paediatric patients 
with severe chronic plaque psoriasis were established for PASI 75 and PGA clear or minimal, 
respectively. PASI 75 and PGA clear or minimal increased with increasing adalimumab 
concentrations, both with a similar apparent EC50 of approximately 4.5 μg/ml (95% CI 0.4-47.6 and 
1.9-10.5, respectively). 
 
Adults  
 
After subcutaneous administration of a single 40 mg dose, absorption and distribution of adalimumab 
was slow, with peak serum concentrations being reached about 5 days after administration. The 
average absolute bioavailability of adalimumab estimated from three studies following a single 40 mg 
subcutaneous dose was 64%. After single intravenous doses ranging from 0.25 to 10 mg/kg, 
concentrations were dose proportional. After doses of 0.5 mg/kg (~40 mg), clearances ranged from 11 
to 15 ml/hour, the distribution volume (Vss) ranged from 5 to 6 litres and the mean terminal phase 
half-life was approximately two weeks. Adalimumab concentrations in the synovial fluid from several 
rheumatoid arthritis patients ranged from 31-96% of those in serum. 
 
Following subcutaneous administration of 40 mg of adalimumab every other week in adult rheumatoid 
arthritis (RA) patients the mean steady-state trough concentrations were approximately 
5 μg/ml (without concomitant methotrexate) and 8 to 9 μg/ml (with concomitant methotrexate), 
respectively. The serum adalimumab trough levels at steady-state increased roughly proportionally 
with dose following 20, 40 and 80 mg subcutaneous dosing every other week and every week. 
 
In adult patients with psoriasis, the mean steady-state trough concentration was 5 μg/ml during 
adalimumab 40 mg every other week monotherapy treatment. 
 
In adult patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, a dose of 160 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 
80 mg on week 2 achieved serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 7 to 8 μg/ml at 
week 2 and week 4. The mean steady-state trough concentration at week 12 through week 36 were 
approximately 8 to 10 μg/ml during adalimumab 40 mg every week treatment. 
 
In patients with Crohn’s disease, the loading dose of 80 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 40 mg 
adalimumab on week 2 achieves serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 5.5 μg/ml 



41 

during the induction period. A loading dose of 160 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 80 mg 
adalimumab on week 2 achieves serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 12 μg/ml 
during the induction period. Mean steady-state trough levels of approximately 7 μg/ml were observed 
in Crohn’s disease patients who received a maintenance dose of 40 mg adalimumab every other week. 
 
In adult patients with uveitis, a loading dose of 80 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 40 mg 
adalimumab every other week starting at week 1, resulted in mean steady-state concentrations of 
approximately 8 to 10 μg/ml.  
 
Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling and simulation 
predicted comparable adalimumab exposure and efficacy in patients treated with 80 mg every other 
week when compared with 40 mg every week (including adult patients with RA, HS, UC, CD or Ps, 
patients with adolescent HS, and paediatric patients ≥ 40 kg with CD). 
 
Elimination 
 
Population pharmacokinetic analyses with data from over 1,300 RA patients revealed a trend toward 
higher apparent clearance of adalimumab with increasing body weight. After adjustment for weight 
differences, gender and age appeared to have a minimal effect on adalimumab clearance. The serum 
levels of free adalimumab (not bound to anti-adalimumab antibodies, AAA) were observed to be 
lower in patients with measurable AAA.  
 
Hepatic or renal impairment 
 
Adalimumab has not been studied in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. 
 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on studies of single dose toxicity, 
repeated dose toxicity, and genotoxicity.  
 
An embryo-foetal developmental toxicity/perinatal developmental study has been performed in 
cynomolgus monkeys at 0, 30 and 100 mg/kg (9-17 monkeys/group) and has revealed no evidence of 
harm to the foetuses due to adalimumab. Neither carcinogenicity studies, nor a standard assessment of 
fertility and postnatal toxicity, were performed with adalimumab due to the lack of appropriate models 
for an antibody with limited cross-reactivity to rodent TNF and to the development of neutralising 
antibodies in rodents. 
 
 
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Monosodium glutamate 
Sorbitol (E420) 
Methionine 
Polysorbate 80  
Hydrochloric acid (for pH-adjustment) 
Water for injections 
 
6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal 
products. 
 
6.3 Shelf life 
 



42 

2 years 
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
Store in a refrigerator (2C – 8C). Do not freeze. Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect 
from light. 
 
6.5 Nature and contents of container  
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in single-use vial (type I glass), fitted with rubber stoppers 
(fluoropolymer-laminated butyl rubber), aluminium crimps and flip-off seals. 
 
Each single pack containing 1 vial (0.8 ml sterile solution), 1 empty sterile injection syringe, 1 sterile 
needle, 1 sterile vial adapter and 2 alcohol pads. 
 
Multipack containing 2 (2 packs of 1) vials. 
 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.  
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal  
 
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements.  
 
 
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Mylan S.A.S. 
117 allée des Parcs 
69800 Saint-Priest 
France  
 
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/18/1319/007 
EU/1/18/1319/008 
 
 
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 17 September 2018 
 
 
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu. 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/
http://www.ema.europa.eu/


43 

This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of 
new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions. 
See section 4.8 for how to report adverse reactions.  
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
Each 0.8 ml single dose pre-filled syringe contains 40 mg of adalimumab. 
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen 
Each 0.8 ml single dose pre-filled pen contains 40 mg of adalimumab. 
 
Adalimumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells. 
 
Excipient with known effect: 
Each pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen contains 38.2 mg sorbitol (E420). 
 
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Solution for injection (injection).  
 
Clear or slightly opalescent, colourless to pale brownish-yellow solution. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
Rheumatoid arthritis 
 
Hulio in combination with methotrexate, is indicated for: 
 
• the treatment of moderate to severe, active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients when the 

response to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs including methotrexate has been 
inadequate. 

• the treatment of severe, active and progressive rheumatoid arthritis in adults not previously 
treated with methotrexate. 

 
Hulio can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to methotrexate or when continued treatment 
with methotrexate is inappropriate. 
 
Adalimumab has been shown to reduce the rate of progression of joint damage as measured by X-ray 
and to improve physical function, when given in combination with methotrexate. 
 



44 

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis 
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis 
 
Hulio in combination with methotrexate is indicated for the treatment of active polyarticular juvenile 
idiopathic arthritis, in patients from the age of 2 years who have had an inadequate response to one or 
more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Hulio can be given as monotherapy in case 
of intolerance to methotrexate or when continued treatment with methotrexate is inappropriate (for 
the efficacy in monotherapy see section 5.1). Adalimumab has not been studied in patients aged less 
than 2 years. 
 
Enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
Hulio is indicated for the treatment of active enthesitis-related arthritis in patients, 6 years of age and 
older, who have had an inadequate response to, or who are intolerant of, conventional therapy (see 
section 5.1). 
 
Axial spondyloarthritis 
 
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) 
 
Hulio is indicated for the treatment of adults with severe active ankylosing spondylitis who have had 
an inadequate response to conventional therapy. 
 
Axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of AS 
 
Hulio is indicated for the treatment of adults with severe axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic 
evidence of AS but with objective signs of inflammation by elevated CRP and/or MRI, who have had 
an inadequate response to, or are intolerant to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 
 
Psoriatic arthritis 
 
Hulio is indicated for the treatment of active and progressive psoriatic arthritis in adults when the 
response to previous disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug therapy has been inadequate. Adalimumab 
has been shown to reduce the rate of progression of peripheral joint damage as measured by X-ray in 
patients with polyarticular symmetrical subtypes of the disease (see Section 5.1) and to improve 
physical function. 
 
Psoriasis 
 
Hulio is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in adult patients 
who are candidates for systemic therapy. 
 
Paediatric plaque psoriasis 
 
Hulio is indicated for the treatment of severe chronic plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents 
from 4 years of age who have had an inadequate response to or are inappropriate candidates for topical 
therapy and phototherapies. 
 
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) 
 
Hulio is indicated for the treatment of active moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (acne 
inversa) in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with an inadequate response to conventional 
systemic HS therapy (see sections 5.1 and 5.2). 
 



45 

Crohn’s disease 
 
Hulio is indicated for treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease, in adult patients 
who have not responded despite a full and adequate course of therapy with a corticosteroid and/or an 
immunosuppressant; or who are intolerant to or have medical contraindications for such therapies. 
 
Paediatric Crohn's disease 
 
Hulio is indicated for the treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn's disease in paediatric 
patients (from 6 years of age) who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including 
primary nutrition therapy and a corticosteroid and/or an immunomodulator, or who are intolerant to or 
have contraindications for such therapies. 
 
Ulcerative colitis 
 
Hulio is indicated for treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adult patients 
who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including corticosteroids and 
6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) or azathioprine (AZA), or who are intolerant to or have medical 
contraindications for such therapies. 
 
Uveitis 
 
Hulio is indicated for the treatment of non-infectious intermediate, posterior and panuveitis in adult 
patients who have had an inadequate response to corticosteroids, in patients in need of corticosteroid 
sparing, or in whom corticosteroid treatment is inappropriate. 
 
Paediatric Uveitis  
 
Hulio is indicated for the treatment of paediatric chronic non-infectious anterior uveitis in patients 
from 2 years of age who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant to conventional therapy, 
or in whom conventional therapy is inappropriate. 
 
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
Hulio treatment should be initiated and supervised by specialist physicians experienced in the 
diagnosis and treatment of conditions for which Hulio is indicated. Ophthalmologists are advised to 
consult with an appropriate specialist before initiation of treatment with Hulio (see section 4.4). 
Patients treated with Hulio should be given the Patient Reminder Card. 
 
After proper training in injection technique, patients may self-inject with Hulio if their physician 
determines that it is appropriate and with medical follow-up as necessary. 
 
During treatment with Hulio, other concomitant therapies (e.g., corticosteroids and/or 
immunomodulatory agents) should be optimised. 
 
Posology 
 
Rheumatoid arthritis 
 
The recommended dose of Hulio for adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis is 40 mg adalimumab 
administered every other week as a single dose via subcutaneous injection. Methotrexate should be 
continued during treatment with Hulio. 
 
Glucocorticoids, salicylates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or analgesics can be continued 
during treatment with Hulio. Regarding combination with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs 
other than methotrexate see sections 4.4 and 5.1. 



46 

 
In monotherapy, some patients who experience a decrease in their response to Hulio 40 mg every other 
week may benefit from an increase in dosage to 40 mg adalimumab every week or 80 mg every other 
week. 
 
Available data suggest that the clinical response is usually achieved within 12 weeks of treatment. 
Continued therapy should be reconsidered in a patient not responding within this time period. 
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Dose interruption 
 
There may be a need for dose interruption, for instance before surgery or if a serious infection occurs. 
 
Available data suggest that re-introduction of adalimumab after discontinuation for 70 days or longer 
resulted in the same magnitudes of clinical response and similar safety profile as before dose 
interruption. 
 
Ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of AS and psoriatic 
arthritis 
 
The recommended dose of Hulio for patients with ankylosing spondylitis axial spondyloarthritis 
without radiographic evidence of AS and for patients with psoriatic arthritis is 40 mg adalimumab 
administered every other week as a single dose via subcutaneous injection. 
 
Available data suggest that the clinical response is usually achieved within 12 weeks of treatment. 
Continued therapy should be reconsidered in a patient not responding within this time period. 
 
Psoriasis 
 
The recommended dose of Hulio for adult patients is an initial dose of 80 mg administered 
subcutaneously, followed by 40 mg subcutaneously given every other week starting one week after the 
initial dose. 
 
Continued therapy beyond 16 weeks should be carefully reconsidered in a patient not responding 
within this time period. 
 
Beyond 16 weeks, patients with inadequate response to Hulio 40 mg every other week may benefit 
from an increase in dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. The benefits and risks of 
continued 40 mg weekly or 80 mg every other week therapy should be carefully reconsidered in a 
patient with an inadequate response after the increase in dosage (see section 5.1). If adequate response 
is achieved with 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week, the dosage may subsequently be 
reduced to 40 mg every other week. 
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Hidradenitis suppurativa 
 
The recommended Hulio dose regimen for adult patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is 160 mg 
initially at Day 1 (given as four 40 mg injections in one day or as two 40 mg injections per day for two 
consecutive days), followed by 80 mg two weeks later at Day 15 (given as two 40 mg injections in one 
day). Two weeks later (Day 29) continue with a dose of 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week 
(given as two 40 mg injections in one day). Antibiotics may be continued during treatment with Hulio 
if necessary. It is recommended that the patient should use a topical antiseptic wash on their HS 
lesions on a daily basis during treatment with Hulio. 
 



47 

Continued therapy beyond 12 weeks should be carefully reconsidered in a patient with no 
improvement within this time period. 
 
Should treatment be interrupted, Hulio 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week may be re-
introduced (see section 5.1). 
 
The benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be periodically evaluated (see 
section 5.1). 
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Crohn’s disease 
 
The recommended Hulio induction dose regimen for adult patients with moderately to severely active 
Crohn’s disease is 80 mg at week 0 followed by 40 mg at week 2. In case there is a need for a more 
rapid response to therapy, the regimen 160 mg at week 0 (given as four 40 mg injections in one day or 
as two injections per day for two consecutive days), 80 mg at week 2 (given as two 40 mg injections in 
one day), can be used with the awareness that the risk for adverse events is higher during induction. 
 
After induction treatment, the recommended dose is 40 mg every other week via subcutaneous 
injection. Alternatively, if a patient has stopped Hulio and signs and symptoms of disease recur, Hulio 
may be re-administered. There is little experience from re-administration after more than 8 weeks since 
the previous dose. 
 
During maintenance treatment, corticosteroids may be tapered in accordance with clinical practice 
guidelines. 
 
Some patients who experience decrease in their response to Hulio 40 mg every other week may benefit 
from an increase in dosage to 40 mg Hulio every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 
Some patients who have not responded by week 4 may benefit from continued maintenance therapy 
through week 12. Continued therapy should be carefully reconsidered in a patient not responding 
within this time period. 
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Ulcerative colitis 
 
The recommended Hulio induction dose regimen for adult patients with moderate to severe ulcerative 
colitis is 160 mg at week 0 (given as four 40 mg injections in one day or as two 40 mg injections per 
day for two consecutive days) and 80 mg at week 2 (given as two 40 mg injections in one day). After 
induction treatment, the recommended dose is 40 mg every other week via subcutaneous injection. 
 
During maintenance treatment, corticosteroids may be tapered in accordance with clinical practice 
guidelines. 
 
Some patients who experience decrease in their response to Hulio 40 mg every other week may benefit 
from an increase in dosage to 40 mg Hulio every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 
Available data suggest that clinical response is usually achieved within 2-8 weeks of treatment. Hulio 
therapy should not be continued in patients failing to respond within this time period. 
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 



48 

Uveitis 
 
The recommended dose of Hulio for adult patients with uveitis is an initial dose of 80 mg, followed by 
40 mg given every other week starting one week after the initial dose. There is limited experience in 
the initiation of treatment with adalimumab alone. Treatment with Hulio can be initiated in 
combination with corticosteroids and/or with other non-biologic immunomodulatory agents. 
Concomitant corticosteroids may be tapered in accordance with clinical practice starting two weeks 
after initiating treatment with Hulio. 
 
It is recommended that the benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be evaluated on a 
yearly basis (see section 5.1). 
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Special populations 
 
Elderly 
 
No dose adjustment is required.  
 
Renal and/or hepatic impairment 
 
Adalimumab has not been studied in these patient populations. No dose recommendations can be 
made.  
 
Paediatric population 
 
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis 
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis from 2 years of age 
 
The recommended dose of Hulio for patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, aged from 
2 years of age is based on body weight (Table 1). Hulio is administered every other week via 
subcutaneous injection.  
 
Table 1: Hulio Dose for Patients with Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis  
 

Patient Weight Dosing Regimen 
10 kg to < 30 kg 20 mg every other week 

≥ 30 kg 40 mg every other week 
 

Available data suggest that clinical response is usually achieved within 12 weeks of treatment. 
Continued therapy should be carefully reconsidered in a patient not responding within this time 
period. 
 
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in patients aged less than 2 years for this indication. 
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
The recommended dose of Hulio for patients with enthesitis-related arthritis from 6 years of age is 
based on body weight (Table 2). Hulio is administered every other week via subcutaneous injection. 
 



49 

Table 2: Hulio Dose for Patients with Enthesitis-Related Arthritis 
 

  Patient Weight  Dosing Regimen 
15 kg to < 30 kg 20 mg every other week 

≥ 30 kg 40 mg every other week 
 

 
Adalimumab has not been studied in patients with enthesitis-related arthritis aged less than 6 years. 
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Paediatric plaque psoriasis 
 
The recommended Hulio dose for patients with plaque psoriasis from 4 to 17 years of age is based on 
body weight (Table 3). Hulio is administered via subcutaneous injection.  
 
Table 3: Hulio Dose for Paediatric Patients with Plaque Psoriasis 

 
  Patient Weight  Dosing Regimen 

15 kg to < 30 kg Initial dose of 20 mg, followed by 20 mg 
given every other week starting one week 

after the initial dose 

≥ 30 kg Initial dose of 40 mg, followed by 40 mg 
given every other week starting one week 

after the initial dose 
 

 
Continued therapy beyond 16 weeks should be carefully considered in a patient not responding within 
this time period. 
 
If retreatment with Hulio is indicated, the above guidance on dose and treatment duration should be 
followed. 
 
The safety of adalimumab in paediatric patients with plaque psoriasis has been assessed for a mean of 
13 months. 
 
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in children aged less than 4 years for this indication.  
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Adolescent hidradenitis suppurativa (from 12 years of age, weighing at least 30 kg) 
 
There are no clinical trials with adalimumab in adolescent patients with HS. The posology of 
adalimumab in these patients has been determined from pharmacokinetic modelling and simulation (see 
section 5.2). 
 
The recommended Hulio dose is 80 mg at week 0 followed by 40 mg every other week starting at week 
1 via subcutaneous injection.  
 
In adolescent patients with inadequate response to Hulio 40 mg every other week, an increase in dosage 
to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week may be considered. 
 



50 

Antibiotics may be continued during treatment with Hulio if necessary. It is recommended that the 
patient should use a topical antiseptic wash on their HS lesions on a daily basis during treatment with 
Hulio. 
 
Continued therapy beyond 12 weeks should be carefully reconsidered in a patient with no improvement 
within this time period. 
 
Should treatment be interrupted, Hulio may be re-introduced as appropriate. 
 
The benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be periodically evaluated (see adult data 
in section 5.1) 
 
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in children aged less than 12 years in this indication. 
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Paediatric Crohn's disease 
 
The recommended dose of Hulio for patients with Crohn’s disease from 6 to 17 years of age is based on 
body weight (Table 4). Hulio is administered via subcutaneous injection.  
 
Table 4: Hulio Dose for Paediatric Patients with Crohn’s disease 

 
Patient 
Weight 

Induction Dose Maintenance 
Dose 

Starting at 
week 4 

< 40 kg • 40 mg at week 0 and 20 mg at week 2 
 

In case there is a need for a more rapid response to therapy with the 
awareness that the risk for adverse events may be higher with use 
of the higher induction dose, the following dose may be used: 
• 80 mg at week 0 and 40 mg at week 2 

20 mg every 
other week 

≥ 40 kg • 80 mg at week 0 and 40 mg at week 2 
 

In case there is a need for a more rapid response to therapy with the 
awareness that the risk for adverse events may be higher with use 
of the higher induction dose, the following dose may be used: 
• 160 mg at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2 

40 mg every 
other week 

 
Patients who experience insufficient response may benefit from an increase in dosage: 
• < 40 kg: 20 mg every week 
• ≥ 40 kg: 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. 

 
Continued therapy should be carefully considered in a subject not responding by week 12.  
 
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in children aged less than 6 years for this indication. 
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Paediatric Uveitis 
 
The recommended dose of Hulio for paediatric patients with uveitis from 2 years of age is based on body 
weight (Table 5). Hulio is administered via subcutaneous injection.  
 



51 

In paediatric uveitis, there is no experience in the treatment with Hulio without concomitant treatment 
with methotrexate. 
 
Table 5: Hulio Dose for Paediatric Patients with Uveitis 

 
  Patient Weight  Dosing Regimen 

< 30 kg 20 mg every other week in 
combination with methotrexate 

≥ 30 kg 40 mg every other week in 
combination with methotrexate 

 
When Hulio therapy is initiated, a loading dose of 40 mg for patients < 30 kg or 80 mg for patients ≥ 30 kg may 
be administered one week prior to the start of maintenance therapy. No clinical data are available on the use of 
a Hulio loading dose in children < 6 years of age (see section 5.2). 
 
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in children aged less than 2 years in this indication.  
 
It is recommended that the benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be evaluated on a 
yearly basis (see section 5.1). 
 
Hulio may be available in other presentations depending on the individual treatment needs. 
 
Paediatric ulcerative colitis 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab in children aged 4-17 years have not yet been established. No 
data are available. There is no relevant use of adalimumab in children aged less than 4 years for this 
indication. 
 
Psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis including ankylosing spondylitis 
 
There is no relevant use of adalimumab in the paediatric population for the indications of ankylosing 
spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. 
 
Method of administration 
 
Hulio is administered by subcutaneous injection. Full instructions for use are provided in the package 
leaflet. 
 
A 40 mg paediatric vial is available for patients who need to administer less than the full 40 mg dose.   
 
4.3 Contraindications 
 
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. 
 
Active tuberculosis or other severe infections such as sepsis, and opportunistic infections (see 
section 4.4). 
 
Moderate to severe heart failure (NYHA class III/IV) (see section 4.4). 
 
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
Traceability 
 
In order to improve traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of 
the administered product should be clearly recorded.  



52 

 
Infections 
 
Patients taking TNF-antagonists are more susceptible to serious infections. Impaired lung function 
may increase the risk for developing infections. Patients must therefore be monitored closely for 
infections, including tuberculosis, before, during and after treatment with Hulio. Because the 
elimination of adalimumab may take up to four months, monitoring should be continued throughout 
this period. 
 
Treatment with Hulio should not be initiated in patients with active infections including chronic or 
localised infections until infections are controlled. In patients who have been exposed to tuberculosis 
and patients who have travelled in areas of high risk of tuberculosis or endemic mycoses, such as 
histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis, the risk and benefits of treatment with Hulio 
should be considered prior to initiating therapy (see Other opportunistic infections). 
 
Patients who develop a new infection while undergoing treatment with Hulio, should be monitored 
closely and undergo a complete diagnostic evaluation. Administration of Hulio should be discontinued 
if a patient develops a new serious infection or sepsis, and appropriate antimicrobial or antifungal 
therapy should be initiated until the infection is controlled. Physicians should exercise caution when 
considering the use of Hulio in patients with a history of recurring infection or with underlying 
conditions which may predispose patients to infections, including the use of concomitant 
immunosuppressive medications. 
 
Serious infections 
 
Serious infections, including sepsis, due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, parasitic, viral, or 
other opportunistic infections such as listeriosis, legionellosis and pneumocystis have been reported in 
patients receiving adalimumab.  
 
Other serious infections seen in clinical trials include pneumonia, pyelonephritis, septic arthritis and 
septicaemia. Hospitalisation or fatal outcomes associated with infections have been reported.  
 
Tuberculosis 
 
Tuberculosis, including reactivation and new onset of tuberculosis, has been reported in patients 
receiving adalimumab. Reports included cases of pulmonary and extra-pulmonary (i.e. disseminated) 
tuberculosis.  
 
Before initiation of therapy with Hulio, all patients must be evaluated for both active or inactive 
(“latent”) tuberculosis infection. This evaluation should include a detailed medical assessment of 
patient history of tuberculosis or possible previous exposure to people with active tuberculosis and 
previous and/or current immunosuppressive therapy. Appropriate screening tests (i.e. tuberculin skin 
test and chest X-ray) should be performed in all patients (local recommendations may apply). It is 
recommended that the conduct and results of these tests are recorded in the Patient Reminder Card. 
Prescribers are reminded of the risk of false negative tuberculin skin test results, especially in patients 
who are severely ill or immunocompromised.  
 
If active tuberculosis is diagnosed, Hulio therapy must not be initiated (see section 4.3).  
 
In all situations described below, the benefit/risk balance of therapy should be very carefully 
considered. 
 
If latent tuberculosis is suspected, a physician with expertise in the treatment of tuberculosis should be 
consulted.  
 
If latent tuberculosis is diagnosed, appropriate treatment must be started with anti-tuberculosis 
prophylaxis treatment before the initiation of Hulio, and in accordance with local recommendations.  



53 

 
Use of anti-tuberculosis prophylaxis treatment should also be considered before the initiation of Hulio 
in patients with several or significant risk factors for tuberculosis despite a negative test for 
tuberculosis and in patients with a past history of latent or active tuberculosis in whom an adequate 
course of treatment cannot be confirmed.  
 
Despite prophylactic treatment for tuberculosis, cases of reactivated tuberculosis have occurred in 
patients treated with adalimumab. Some patients who have been successfully treated for active 
tuberculosis have redeveloped tuberculosis while being treated with adalimumab. 
 
Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if signs/symptoms suggestive of a tuberculosis 
infection (e.g., persistent cough, wasting/weight loss, low grade fever, listlessness) occur during or 
after therapy with Hulio.  
 
Other opportunistic infections 
 
Opportunistic infections, including invasive fungal infections have been observed in patients receiving 
adalimumab. These infections have not consistently been recognised in patients taking TNF-
antagonists and this has resulted in delays in appropriate treatment, sometimes resulting in fatal 
outcomes.  
 
For patients who develop the signs and symptoms such as fever, malaise, weight loss, sweats, cough, 
dyspnoea, and/or pulmonary infiltrates or other serious systemic illness with or without concomitant 
shock an invasive fungal infection should be suspected and administration of Hulio should be 
promptly discontinued. Diagnosis and administration of empiric antifungal therapy in these patients 
should be made in consultation with a physician with expertise in the care of patients with invasive 
fungal infections.  
 
Hepatitis B reactivation 
 
Reactivation of hepatitis B has occurred in patients receiving a TNF-antagonist including adalimumab, 
who are chronic carriers of this virus (i.e. surface antigen positive). Some cases have had a fatal 
outcome. Patients should be tested for HBV infection before initiating treatment with Hulio. For 
patients who test positive for hepatitis B infection, consultation with a physician with expertise in the 
treatment of hepatitis B is recommended. 
 
Carriers of HBV who require treatment with Hulio should be closely monitored for signs and 
symptoms of active HBV infection throughout therapy and for several months following termination 
of therapy. Adequate data from treating patients who are carriers of HBV with anti-viral therapy in 
conjunction with TNF-antagonist therapy to prevent HBV reactivation are not available. In patients 
who develop HBV reactivation, Hulio should be stopped and effective anti-viral therapy with 
appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated.  
 
Neurological events 
 
TNF-antagonists including adalimumab have been associated in rare instances with new onset or 
exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of central nervous system 
demyelinating disease including multiple sclerosis and optic neuritis, and peripheral demyelinating 
disease, including Guillain-Barré syndrome. Prescribers should exercise caution in considering the use 
of Hulio in patients with pre-existing or recent-onset central or peripheral nervous system 
demyelinating disorders; discontinuation of Hulio should be considered if any of these disorders 
develop. There is a known association between intermediate uveitis and central demyelinating 
disorders. Neurologic evaluation should be performed in patients with non-infectious intermediate 
uveitis prior to the initiation of Hulio therapy and regularly during treatment to assess for pre-existing 
or developing central demyelinating disorders.  
 



54 

Allergic reactions 
 
Serious allergic reactions associated with adalimumab were rare during clinical trials. Non-serious 
allergic reactions associated with adalimumab were uncommon during clinical trials. Reports of 
serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been received following adalimumab 
administration. If an anaphylactic reaction or other serious allergic reaction occurs, administration of 
Hulio should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy initiated.  
 
Immunosuppression 
 
In a study of 64 patients with rheumatoid arthritis that were treated with adalimumab, there was no 
evidence of depression of delayed-type hypersensitivity, depression of immunoglobulin levels, or 
change in enumeration of effector T-, B-, NK-cells, monocyte/macrophages, and neutrophils. 
 
Malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorders 
 
In the controlled portions of clinical trials of TNF-antagonists, more cases of malignancies including 
lymphoma have been observed among patients receiving a TNF-antagonist compared with control 
patients. However, the occurrence was rare. In the post marketing setting, cases of leukaemia have 
been reported in patients treated with a TNF-antagonist. There is an increased background risk for 
lymphoma and leukaemia in rheumatoid arthritis patients with long-standing highly active, 
inflammatory disease, which complicates the risk estimation. With the current knowledge, a possible 
risk for the development of lymphomas, leukaemia, and other malignancies in patients treated with a 
TNF-antagonist cannot be excluded. 
 
Malignancies, some fatal, have been reported among children, adolescents and young adults (up to 
22 years of age) treated with TNF-antagonists (initiation of therapy ≤ 18 years of age), including 
adalimumab in the post marketing setting. Approximately half the cases were lymphomas. The other 
cases represented a variety of different malignancies and included rare malignancies usually associated 
with immunosuppression. A risk for the development of malignancies in children and adolescents 
treated with TNF-antagonists cannot be excluded.  
 
Rare postmarketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma have been identified in patients treated 
with adalimumab. This rare type of T-cell lymphoma has a very aggressive disease course and is 
usually fatal. Some of these hepatosplenic T-cell lymphomas with adalimumab have occurred in 
young adult patients on concomitant treatment with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine used for 
inflammatory bowel disease. The potential risk with the combination of azathioprine or 
6-mercaptopurine and adalimumab should be carefully considered. A risk for the development of 
hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in patients treated with Hulio cannot be excluded (see section 4.8). 
 
No studies have been conducted that include patients with a history of malignancy or in whom 
treatment with adalimumab is continued following development of malignancy. Thus additional 
caution should be exercised in considering adalimumab treatment of these patients (see section 4.8). 
 
All patients, and in particular patients with a medical history of extensive immunosuppressant therapy 
or psoriasis patients with a history of PUVA treatment should be examined for the presence of non-
melanoma skin cancer prior to and during treatment with Hulio. Melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma 
have also been reported in patients treated with TNF-antagonists including adalimumab (see 
section 4.8). 
 
In an exploratory clinical trial evaluating the use of another TNF-antagonist, infliximab, in patients 
with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), more malignancies, mostly in 
the lung or head and neck, were reported in infliximab-treated patients compared with control patients. 
All patients had a history of heavy smoking. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using any 
TNF-antagonist in COPD patients, as well as in patients with increased risk for malignancy due to 
heavy smoking. 
 



55 

With current data it is not known if adalimumab treatment influences the risk for developing dysplasia 
or colon cancer. All patients with ulcerative colitis who are at increased risk for dysplasia or colon 
carcinoma (for example, patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis or primary sclerosing 
cholangitis), or who had a prior history of dysplasia or colon carcinoma should be screened for 
dysplasia at regular intervals before therapy and throughout their disease course. This evaluation 
should include colonoscopy and biopsies per local recommendations. 
 
Haematologic reactions 
 
Rare reports of pancytopenia including aplastic anaemia have been reported with TNF-antagonists. 
Adverse events of the haematologic system, including medically significant cytopenia (e.g. 
thrombocytopenia, leukopenia) have been reported with adalimumab. All patients should be advised to 
seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias 
(e.g. persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, pallor) while on Hulio. Discontinuation of Hulio therapy 
should be considered in patients with confirmed significant haematologic abnormalities. 
 
Vaccinations 
 
Similar antibody responses to the standard 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine and the influenza trivalent 
virus vaccination were observed in a study in 226 adult subjects with rheumatoid arthritis who were 
treated with adalimumab or placebo. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection 
by live vaccines in patients receiving adalimumab.  
 
It is recommended that paediatric patients, if possible, be brought up to date with all immunisations in 
agreement with current immunisation guidelines prior to initiating adalimumab therapy. 
 
Patients on adalimumab may receive concurrent vaccinations, except for live vaccines. Administration 
of live vaccines (e.g., BCG vaccine) to infants exposed to adalimumab in utero is not recommended 
for 5 months following the mother's last adalimumab injection during pregnancy. 
 
Congestive heart failure 
 
In a clinical trial with another TNF-antagonist worsening congestive heart failure and increased 
mortality due to congestive heart failure have been observed. Cases of worsening congestive heart 
failure have also been reported in patients receiving adalimumab. Hulio should be used with caution in 
patients with mild heart failure (NYHA class I/II). Hulio is contraindicated in moderate to severe heart 
failure (see section 4.3). Treatment with Hulio must be discontinued in patients who develop new or 
worsening symptoms of congestive heart failure. 
 
Autoimmune processes 
 
Treatment with Hulio may result in the formation of autoimmune antibodies. The impact of long-term 
treatment with adalimumab on the development of autoimmune diseases is unknown. If a patient 
develops symptoms suggestive of a lupus-like syndrome following treatment with Hulio and is 
positive for antibodies against double-stranded DNA, further treatment with Hulio should not be given 
(see section 4.8). 
 
Concurrent administration of biologic DMARDS or TNF-antagonists 
 
Serious infections were seen in clinical studies with concurrent use of anakinra and another TNF-
antagonist, etanercept, with no added clinical benefit compared to etanercept alone. Because of the 
nature of the adverse events seen with the combination of etanercept and anakinra therapy, similar 
toxicities may also result from the combination of anakinra and other TNF-antagonists. Therefore, the 
combination of adalimumab and anakinra is not recommended. (See section 4.5). 
 
Concomitant administration of adalimumab with other biologic DMARDS (e.g, anakinra and 
abatacept) or other TNF-antagonists is not recommended based upon the possible increased risk for 



56 

infections, including serious infections and other potential pharmacological interactions. (See 
section 4.5). 
 
Surgery 
 
There is limited safety experience of surgical procedures in patients treated with adalimumab. The 
long half-life of adalimumab should be taken into consideration if a surgical procedure is planned. A 
patient who requires surgery while on Hulio should be closely monitored for infections, and 
appropriate actions should be taken. There is limited safety experience in patients undergoing 
arthroplasty while receiving adalimumab.  
 
Small bowel obstruction 
 
Failure to respond to treatment for Crohn's disease may indicate the presence of fixed fibrotic stricture 
that may require surgical treatment. Available data suggest that adalimumab does not worsen or cause 
strictures. 
 
Elderly 
 
The frequency of serious infections among adalimumab treated subjects over 65 years of age (3.7%) 
was higher than for those under 65 years of age (1.5%). Some of those had a fatal outcome. Particular 
attention regarding the risk for infection should be paid when treating the elderly. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
See Vaccinations above. 
 
Excipients with known effect 
 
Sorbitol 
This medicinal product contains sorbitol (E420). Patients with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI) 
should not take/be given this medicinal product. 
 
Sodium 
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per 0.8 ml dose, i.e. essentially 
‘sodium-free’. 
 
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
Adalimumab has been studied in rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and 
psoriatic arthritis patients taking adalimumab as monotherapy and those taking concomitant 
methotrexate. Antibody formation was lower when adalimumab was given together with methotrexate 
in comparison with use as monotherapy. Administration of adalimumab without methotrexate resulted 
in increased formation of antibodies, increased clearance and reduced efficacy of adalimumab (see 
section 5.1).  
 
The combination of Hulio and anakinra is not recommended (see section 4.4 “Concurrent 
administration of biologic DMARDs or TNF-antagonists”).  
 
The combination of Hulio and abatacept is not recommended (see section 4.4 “Concurrent 
administration of biologic DMARDs or TNF-antagonists”). 
 



57 

4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
 
Women of child bearing potential 
 
Women of childbearing potential should consider the use of adequate contraception to prevent 
pregnancy and continue its use for at least five months after the last Hulio treatment. 
 
Pregnancy 
 
A large number (approximately 2,100) of prospectively collected pregnancies exposed to adalimumab 
resulting in live birth with known outcomes, including more than 1,500 exposed during the first 
trimester, does not indicate an increase in the rate of malformation in the newborn. 
 
In a prospective cohort registry, 257 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or Crohn’s disease (CD) 
treated with adalimumab at least during the first trimester and 120 women with RA or CD not treated 
with adalimumab were enrolled. The primary endpoint was the birth prevalence of major birth defects. 
The rate of pregnancies ending with at least one live born infant with a major birth defect was 6/69 
(8.7%) in the adalimumab-treated women with RA and 5/74 (6.8%) in the untreated women with RA 
(unadjusted OR 1.31, 95% CI 0.38-4.52) and 16/152 (10.5%) in the adalimumab-treated women with 
CD and 3/32 (9.4%) in the untreated women with CD (unadjusted OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.31-4.16). The 
adjusted OR (accounting for baseline differences) was 1.10 (95% CI 0.45-2.73) with RA and CD 
combined. There were no distinct differences between adalimumab-treated and untreated women for 
the secondary endpoints spontaneous abortions, minor birth defects, preterm delivery, birth size and 
serious or opportunistic infections and no stillbirths or malignancies were reported. The interpretation 
of data may be impacted due to methodological limitations of the study, including small sample size 
and non-randomized design. 
 
In a developmental toxicity study conducted in monkeys, there was no indication of maternal toxicity, 
embryotoxicity or teratogenicity. Preclinical data on postnatal toxicity of adalimumab are not 
available (see section 5.3). 
 
Due to its inhibition of TNF, adalimumab administered during pregnancy could affect normal 
immune responses in the newborn. Adalimumab should only be used during pregnancy if clearly 
needed. 
 
Adalimumab may cross the placenta into the serum of infants born to women treated with adalimumab 
during pregnancy. Consequently, these infants may be at increased risk for infection. Administration 
of live vaccines (e.g., BCG vaccine) to infants exposed to adalimumab in utero is not recommended for 
5 months following the mother’s last adalimumab injection during pregnancy. 
 
Breast feeding 
 
Limited information from the published literature indicates that adalimumab is excreted in breast milk 
at very low concentrations with the presence of adalimumab in human milk at concentrations of 0.1% 
to 1% of the maternal serum level. Given orally, immunoglobulin G proteins undergo intestinal 
proteolysis and have poor bioavailability. No effects on the breastfed newborns/infants are anticipated. 
Consequently, adalimumab can be used during breastfeeding. 
 
Fertility 
 
Preclinical data on fertility effects of adalimumab are not available. 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 
Hulio may have a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Vertigo and visual 
impairment may occur following administration of Hulio (see section 4.8). 



58 

 
4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Summary of the safety profile 
 
Adalimumab was studied in 9,506 patients in pivotal controlled and open label trials for up to 
60 months or more. These trials included rheumatoid arthritis patients with short term and long 
standing disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis-
related arthritis) as well as axial spondyloarthritis (ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis 
without radiographic evidence of AS), psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, 
hidradenitis suppurativa and uveitis patients. The pivotal controlled studies involved 6,089 patients 
receiving adalimumab and 3,801 patients receiving placebo or active comparator during the controlled 
period. 
 
The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse events during the double-blind, 
controlled portion of pivotal studies was 5.9% for patients taking adalimumab and 5.4% for control 
treated patients. 
 
The most commonly reported adverse reactions are infections (such as nasopharyngitis, upper 
respiratory tract infection and sinusitis), injection site reactions (erythema, itching, haemorrhage, pain 
or swelling), headache and musculoskeletal pain. 
 
Serious adverse reactions have been reported for adalimumab. TNF-antagonists, such as adalimumab 
affect the immune system and their use may affect the body's defence against infection and cancer. 
Fatal and life-threatening infections (including sepsis, opportunistic infections and TB), HBV 
reactivation and various malignancies (including leukaemia, lymphoma and HSTCL) have also been 
reported with use of adalimumab. 
 
Serious haematological, neurological and autoimmune reactions have also been reported. These 
include rare reports of pancytopenia, aplastic anaemia, central and peripheral demyelinating events 
and reports of lupus, lupus-related conditions and Stevens-Johnson syndrome. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
In general, the adverse events in paediatric patients were similar in frequency and type to those seen in 
adult patients. 
 
Tabulated list of adverse reactions 
 
The following list of adverse reactions is based on experience from clinical trials and on 
postmarketing experience and are displayed by system organ class and frequency in Table 6 below: 
very common (≥ 1/10); common (≥ 1/100 to < 1/10); uncommon (≥ 1/1,000 to < 1/100); rare 
(≥ 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000); and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each 
frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness. The highest 
frequency seen among the various indications has been included. An asterisk (*) appears in the System 
Organ Class (SOC) column if further information is found elsewhere in sections 4.3, 4.4 and 4.8. 
 



59 

Table 6: Undesirable Effects 
 

System Organ Class Frequency Adverse Reaction 

Infections and 
infestations* 

Very common Respiratory tract infections (including lower and 
upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, 
sinusitis, pharyngitis, nasopharyngitis and 
pneumonia herpes viral) 
 

Common  Systemic infections (including sepsis, candidiasis 
and influenza),  
intestinal infections (including gastroenteritis 
viral),  
skin and soft tissue infections (including 
paronychia, cellulitis, impetigo, necrotising 
fasciitis and herpes zoster), 
ear infections,  
oral infections (including herpes simplex, oral 
herpes and tooth infections),  
reproductive tract infections (including 
vulvovaginal mycotic infection),  
urinary tract infections (including pyelonephritis), 
fungal infections,  
joint infections 
 

Uncommon  Neurological infections (including viral 
meningitis),  
opportunistic infections and tuberculosis 
(including coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis 
and mycobacterium avium complex infection), 
bacterial infections,  
eye infections,  
diverticulitis1) 
 

Neoplasms benign, 
malignant and 
unspecified (including 
cysts and polyps)* 

Common  Skin cancer excluding melanoma (including basal 
cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma),  
benign neoplasm  
 

Uncommon  Lymphoma**,  
solid organ neoplasm (including breast cancer, 
lung neoplasm and thyroid neoplasm),  
melanoma**  
 

Rare  Leukaemia1) 
 

Not known  Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma1) 
Merkel cell carcinoma (neuroendocrine 
carcinoma of the skin)1) 
 

Blood and the lymphatic 
system disorders* 

Very common  Leukopenia (including neutropenia and 
agranulocytosis),  
anaemia  
 

Common  Leucocytosis,  
thrombocytopenia  



60 

System Organ Class Frequency Adverse Reaction 

 
Uncommon  Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura  

 
Rare  Pancytopenia  

 
Immune system 
disorders* 

Common  Hypersensitivity,  
allergies (including seasonal allergy)  
 

Uncommon  Sarcoidosis1),  
vasculitis  
 

Rare  Anaphylaxis1) 
 

Metabolism and nutrition 
disorders 

Very common  Lipids increased  
 

Common  Hypokalaemia,  
uric acid increased,  
blood sodium abnormal,  
hypocalcaemia,  
hyperglycaemia,  
hypophosphataemia,  
dehydration  
 

Psychiatric disorders  Common  Mood alterations (including depression),  
anxiety,  
insomnia  
 

Nervous system 
disorders* 

Very common  Headache  
 

Common  Paraesthesias (including hypoesthesia),  
migraine,  
nerve root compression  
 

Uncommon  Cerebrovascular accident 1),  
tremor,  
neuropathy  
 

Rare  Multiple sclerosis,  
demyelinating disorders (e.g. optic neuritis, 
Guillain-Barré syndrome) 1) 
 

Eye disorders Common  Visual impairment,  
conjunctivitis,  
blepharitis,  
eye swelling  
 

Uncommon  Diplopia  
 

Ear and labyrinth 
disorders 

Common  Vertigo  
 

Uncommon  Deafness,  
tinnitus  



61 

System Organ Class Frequency Adverse Reaction 

 
Cardiac disorders* Common  Tachycardia  

 
Uncommon  Myocardial infarction1),  

arrhythmia,  
congestive heart failure  
 

Rare  Cardiac arrest  
 

Vascular disorders Common  Hypertension,  
flushing,  
haematoma  
 

Uncommon  Aortic aneurysm,  
vascular arterial occlusion,  
thrombophlebitis  
 

Respiratory, thoracic and 
mediastinal disorders* 

Common  Asthma,  
dyspnoea,  
cough  
 

Uncommon  Pulmonary embolism1),  
interstitial lung disease,  
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,  
pneumonitis  
pleural effusion1) 
 

Rare  Pulmonary fibrosis1) 
 

Gastrointestinal disorders Very common  Abdominal pain,  
nausea and vomiting  
 

Common  GI haemorrhage,  
dyspepsia,  
gastroesophageal reflux disease,  
sicca syndrome  
 

Uncommon  Pancreatitis,  
dysphagia,  
face oedema  
 

Rare  Intestinal perforation1) 
Hepato-biliary disorders* Very common  Elevated liver enzymes  

 
Uncommon  Cholecystitis and cholelithiasis,  

hepatic steatosis,  
bilirubin increased  
 

Rare  Hepatitis,  
reactivation of hepatitis B1), 
autoimmune hepatitis1) 
 



62 

System Organ Class Frequency Adverse Reaction 

Not known  Liver failure1) 
 

Skin and subcutaneous 
tissue disorders 

Very common  Rash (including exfoliative rash),  
 

Common  Worsening or new onset of psoriasis (including 
palmoplantar pustular psoriasis)1),  
urticaria,  
bruising (including purpura),  
dermatitis (including eczema),  
onychoclasis,  
hyperhydrosis,  
alopecia 1),  
pruritus  
 

Uncommon  Night sweats,  
scar  
 

Rare  Erythema multiforme1),  
Stevens-Johnson syndrome1),  
angioedema1),  
cutaneous vasculitis1), 
lichenoid skin reaction1) 
 

Not known  Worsening of symptoms of dermatomyositis1) 
 

Musculoskeletal and 
connective tissue 
disorders 

Very common  Musculoskeletal pain  
 

Common  Muscle spasms (including blood creatine 
phosphokinase increased)  
 

Uncommon  Rhabdomyolysis,  
systemic lupus erythematosus  
 

Rare  Lupus-like syndrome1) 
 

Renal and urinary 
disorders 

Common  Renal impairment,  
haematuria  
 

Uncommon  Nocturia  
 

Reproductive system and 
breast disorders  

Uncommon  Erectile dysfunction   

General disorders and 
administration site 
conditions* 

Very common  Injection site reaction (including injection site 
erythema)  
 

Common  Chest pain,  
oedema,  
pyrexia1) 
 

Uncommon  Inflammation  
 

Investigations* Common  Coagulation and bleeding disorders (including 



63 

System Organ Class Frequency Adverse Reaction 

activated partial thromboplastin time prolonged),  
autoantibody test positive (including double 
stranded DNA antibody),  
blood lactate dehydrogenase increased  
 

Injury, poisoning and 
procedural complications  

Common  Impaired healing  
 

* further information is found elsewhere in sections 4.3, 4.4 and 4.8 
** including open label extension studies 
1) including spontaneous reporting data 
 
Hidradenitis suppurativa 
 
The safety profile for patients with HS treated with adalimumab weekly was consistent with the 
known safety profile of adalimumab. 
 
Uveitis 
 
The safety profile for patients with uveitis treated with adalimumab every other week was consistent 
with the known safety profile of adalimumab.  
 
Description of selected adverse reactions 
 
Injection site reactions 
 
In the pivotal controlled trials in adults and children, 12.9% of patients treated with adalimumab 
developed injection site reactions (erythema and/or itching, haemorrhage, pain or swelling), compared 
to 7.2% of patients receiving placebo or active control. Injection site reactions generally did not 
necessitate discontinuation of the medicinal product.  
 
Infections 
 
In the pivotal controlled trials in adults and children, the rate of infection was 1.51 per patient year in 
the adalimumab treated patients and 1.46 per patient year in the placebo and active control-treated 
patients. The infections consisted primarily of nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, and 
sinusitis. Most patients continued on adalimumab after the infection resolved.  
 
The incidence of serious infections was 0.04 per patient year in adalimumab treated patients and 
0.03 per patient year in placebo and active control-treated patients.  
 
In controlled and open label adult and paediatric studies with adalimumab, serious infections 
(including fatal infections, which occurred rarely) have been reported, which include reports of 
tuberculosis (including miliary and extra-pulmonary locations) and invasive opportunistic infections 
(e.g. disseminated or extrapulmonary histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, 
pneumocystis candidiasis, aspergillosis and listeriosis). Most of the cases of tuberculosis occurred 
within the first eight months after initiation of therapy and may reflect recrudescence of latent disease. 
 
Malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorders 
 
No malignancies were observed in 249 paediatric patients with an exposure of 655.6 patient years 
during adalimumab trials in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic 
arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis). In addition, no malignancies were observed in 
192 paediatric patients with an exposure of 498.1 patient years during adalimumab trials in paediatric 
patients with Crohn's disease. No malignancies were observed in 77 paediatric patients with an 
exposure of 80.0 patient years during an adalimumab trial in paediatric patients with chronic plaque 



64 

psoriasis. No malignancies were observed in 60 paediatric patients with an exposure of 58.4 patient 
years during an adalimumab trial in paediatric patients with uveitis. 
 
During the controlled portions of pivotal adalimumab trials in adults of at least 12 weeks in duration in 
patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, axial 
spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of AS, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, hidradenitis 
suppurativa, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and uveitis, malignancies, other than lymphoma and 
non-melanoma skin cancer, were observed at a rate (95% confidence interval) of 6.8 (4.4, 10.5) per 
1,000 patient-years among 5,291 adalimumab treated patients versus a rate of 6.3 (3.4, 11.8) per 
1,000 patient-years among 3,444 control patients (median duration of treatment was 4.0 months for 
adalimumab and 3.8 months for control-treated patients). The rate (95% confidence interval) of non-
melanoma skin cancers was 8.8 (6.0, 13.0) per 1,000 patient-years among adalimumab-treated patients 
and 3.2 (1.3, 7.6) per 1,000 patient-years among control patients. Of these skin cancers, squamous cell 
carcinomas occurred at rates (95% confidence interval) of 2.7 (1.4, 5.4) per 1,000 patient-years among 
adalimumab-treated patients and 0.6 (0.1, 4.5) per 1,000 patient-years among control patients. The rate 
(95% confidence interval) of lymphomas was 0.7 (0.2, 2.7) per 1,000 patient-years among 
adalimumab-treated patients and 0.6 (0.1, 4.5) per 1,000 patient-years among control patients. 
 
When combining controlled portions of these trials and ongoing and completed open label extension 
studies with a median duration of approximately 3.3 years including 6,427 patients and over 
26,439 patient-years of therapy, the observed rate of malignancies, other than lymphoma and non-
melanoma skin cancers is approximately 8.5 per 1,000 patient years. The observed rate of non-
melanoma skin cancers is approximately 9.6 per 1,000 patient years, and the observed rate of 
lymphomas is approximately 1.3 per 1,000 patient years. 
 
In post-marketing experience from January 2003 to December 2010, predominantly in patients with 
rheumatoid arthritis, the reported rate of malignancies is approximately 2.7 per 1,000 patient treatment 
years. The reported rates for non-melanoma skin cancers and lymphomas are approximately 0.2 and 
0.3 per 1,000 patient treatment years, respectively (see section 4.4). 
 
Rare post-marketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma have been reported in patients treated 
with adalimumab (see section 4.4). 
 
Autoantibodies 
 
Patients had serum samples tested for autoantibodies at multiple time points in rheumatoid arthritis 
studies I − V. In these trials, 11.9% of patients treated with adalimumab and 8.1% of placebo and 
active control − treated patients that had negative baseline anti-nuclear antibody titres reported 
positive titres at week 24. Two patients out of 3,441 treated with adalimumab in all rheumatoid 
arthritis and psoriatic arthritis studies developed clinical signs suggestive of new-onset lupus-like 
syndrome. The patients improved following discontinuation of therapy. No patients developed lupus 
nephritis or central nervous system symptoms. 
 
Hepato-biliary events 
 
In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis 
with a control period duration ranging from 4 to 104 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 
3.7% of adalimumab-treated patients and 1.6% of control-treated patients.  
 
In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis 
who were 4 to 17 years and enthesitis-related arthritis who were 6 to 17 years, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x 
ULN occurred in 6.1% of adalimumab-treated patients and 1.3% of control-treated patients. Most ALT 
elevations occurred with concomitant methotrexate use. No ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in the 
Phase 3 trial of adalimumab in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis who were 2 to 
<4 years. 
 



65 

In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis with a 
control period ranging from 4 to 52 weeks. ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 0.9% of 
adalimumab-treated patients and 0.9% of controlled-treated patients. 
 
In the Phase 3 trial of adalimumab in patients with paediatric Crohn's disease which evaluated efficacy 
and safety of two body weight adjusted maintenance dose regimens following body weight adjusted 
induction therapy up to 52 weeks of treatment, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 2.6% (5/192) of 
patients of whom 4 were receiving concomitant immunosuppressants at baseline. 
 
In controlled Phase 3 trials of adalimumab in patients with plaque Psoriasis with a control period 
duration ranging from 12 to 24 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 1.8% of adalimumab-
treated patients and 1.8% of control-treated patients.  
 
No ALT elevations ≥3 X ULN occurred in the Phase 3 trial of adalimumab in paediatric patients with 
plaque psoriasis. 
 
In controlled trials of adalimumab (initial doses of 160 mg at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2, followed 
by 40 mg every week starting at week 4), in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa with a control 
period duration ranging from 12 to 16 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 0.3% of 
adalimumab-treated patients and 0.6% of control-treated patients. 
 
In controlled trials of adalimumab (initial doses of 80 mg at week 0 followed by 40 mg every other 
week starting at week 1) in adult patients with uveitis up to 80 weeks with a median exposure of 
166.5 days and 105.0 days in adalimumab-treated and control-treated patients, respectively, ALT 
elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 2.4% of adalimumab-treated patients and 2.4% of control-treated 
patients.  
 
Across all indications in clinical trials patients with raised ALT were asymptomatic and in most cases 
elevations were transient and resolved on continued treatment. However, there have also been post-
marketing reports of liver failure as well as less severe liver disorders that may precede liver failure, 
such as hepatitis including autoimmune hepatitis in patients receiving adalimumab. 
 
Concurrent treatment with azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine 
 
In adult Crohn's disease studies, higher incidences of malignant and serious infection-related adverse 
events were seen with the combination of adalimumab and azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine compared 
with adalimumab alone. 
 

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 
 
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. 
 
4.9 Overdose 
 
No dose-limiting toxicity was observed during clinical trials. The highest dose level evaluated has 
been multiple intravenous doses of 10 mg/kg, which is approximately 15 times the recommended 
dose. 
 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


66 

5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1  Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Immunosuppressants, Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors. 
ATC code: L04AB04 
 
Hulio is a biosimilar medicinal product. Detailed information is available on the website of the 
European Medicines Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu. 
 
Mechanism of action 
 
Adalimumab binds specifically to TNF and neutralises the biological function of TNF by blocking its 
interaction with the p55 and p75 cell surface TNF receptors. 
 
Adalimumab also modulates biological responses that are induced or regulated by TNF, including 
changes in the levels of adhesion molecules responsible for leukocyte migration (ELAM-1, VCAM-1, 
and ICAM-1 with an IC50 of 0.1-0.2 nM). 
 
Pharmacodynamic effects 
 
After treatment with adalimumab, a rapid decrease in levels of acute phase reactants of inflammation 
(C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)) and serum cytokines (IL-6) was 
observed, compared to baseline in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Serum levels of matrix 
metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-3) that produce tissue remodelling responsible for cartilage 
destruction were also decreased after adalimumab administration. Patients treated with adalimumab 
usually experienced improvement in haematological signs of chronic inflammation. 
 
A rapid decrease in CRP levels was also observed in patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic 
arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and hidradenitis suppurativa after treatment with 
adalimumab. In patients with Crohn’s disease, a reduction of the number of cells expressing 
inflammatory markers in the colon including a significant reduction of expression of TNFα was seen. 
Endoscopic studies in intestinal mucosa have shown evidence of mucosal healing in adalimumab 
treated patients. 
 
Clinical efficacy and safety 
 
Rheumatoid arthritis 
 
Adalimumab was evaluated in over 3,000 patients in all rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials. The 
efficacy and safety of adalimumab were assessed in five randomised, double-blind and well-controlled 
studies. Some patients were treated for up to 120 months duration.  
 
RA study I evaluated 271 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were 
≥ 18 years old, had failed therapy with at least one disease-modifying, anti rheumatic drug and had 
insufficient efficacy with methotrexate at doses of 12.5 to 25 mg (10 mg if methotrexate-intolerant) 
every week and whose methotrexate dose remained constant at 10 to 25 mg every week. Doses of 20, 
40 or 80 mg of adalimumab or placebo were given every other week for 24 weeks.  
 
RA study II evaluated 544 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were 
≥ 18 years old and had failed therapy with at least one disease-modifying, anti-rheumatic drugs. Doses 
of 20 or 40 mg of adalimumab were given by subcutaneous injection every other week with placebo 
on alternative weeks or every week for 26 weeks; placebo was given every week for the same 
duration. No other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs were allowed. 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/
http://www.ema.europa.eu/


67 

RA study III evaluated 619 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis who were 
≥ 18 years old, and who had an ineffective response to methotrexate at doses of 12.5 to 25 mg or have 
been intolerant to 10 mg of methotrexate every week. There were three groups in this study. The first 
received placebo injections every week for 52 weeks. The second received 20 mg of adalimumab 
every week for 52 weeks. The third group received 40 mg of adalimumab every other week with 
placebo injections on alternate weeks. Upon completion of the first 52 weeks, 457 patients enrolled in 
an open-label extension phase in which 40 mg of adalimumab/MTX was administered every other 
week up to 10 years. 
 
RA study IV primarily assessed safety in 636 patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid 
arthritis who were ≥ 18 years old. Patients were permitted to be either disease-modifying, anti-
rheumatic drug-naïve or to remain on their pre-existing rheumatologic therapy provided that therapy 
was stable for a minimum of 28 days. These therapies include methotrexate, leflunomide, 
hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine and/or gold salts. Patients were randomised to 40 mg of 
adalimumab or placebo every other week for 24 weeks.  
 
RA study V evaluated 799 methotrexate-naïve, adult patients with moderate to severely active early 
rheumatoid arthritis (mean disease duration less than 9 months). This study evaluated the efficacy of 
adalimumab 40 mg every other week/methotrexate combination therapy, adalimumab 40 mg every 
other week monotherapy and methotrexate monotherapy in reducing the signs and symptoms and rate 
of progression of joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis for 104 weeks. Upon completion of the first 
104 w e e k s , 497 patients enrolled in an open-label extension phase in which 40 mg of 
adalimumab was administered every other week up to 10 years. 
 
The primary end point in RA studies I, II and III and the secondary endpoint in RA study IV was the 
percent of patients who achieved an ACR 20 response at week 24 or 26. The primary endpoint in RA 
study V was the percent of patients who achieved an ACR 50 response at week 52. RA studies III and 
V had an additional primary endpoint at 52 weeks of retardation of disease progression (as detected by 
X-ray results). RA study III also had a primary endpoint of changes in quality of life. 
 
ACR response 
 
The percent of adalimumab-treated patients achieving ACR 20, 50 and 70 responses was consistent 
across RA studies I, II and III. The results for the 40 mg every other week dose are summarised in 
Table 7. 
 
Table 7: ACR Responses in Placebo-Controlled Trials (Percent of Patients) 
 
Response  RA Study Ia** 

 
RA Study IIa** RA Study IIIa** 

 Placebo
/ MTXc 

n=60 

Adalimumabb/ 
MTXc 
n=63 

Placebo 
n=110 

Adalimumabb 
n=113 

Placebo
/ MTXc 
n=200 

Adalimumabb/ 
MTXc 
n=207 

ACR 20        
  6 months  13.3% 65.1% 19.1% 46.0% 29.5% 63.3% 
12 months  NA NA NA NA 24.0% 58.9% 
ACR  50        
  6 months  6.7% 52.4% 8.2% 22.1% 9.5% 39.1% 
12 months  NA NA NA NA 9.5% 41.5% 
ACR  70        
  6 months  3.3% 23.8% 1.8% 12.4% 2.5% 20.8% 
12 months  NA NA NA NA 4.5% 23.2% 
a RA study I at 24 weeks, RA study II at 26 weeks , and RA study III at 24 and 52 weeks 
b 40 mg adalimumab administered every other week 
c MTX = methotrexate 
**p < 0.01, adalimumab versus placebo 
 



68 

In RA studies I-IV, all individual components of the ACR response criteria (number of tender and 
swollen joints, physician and patient assessment of disease activity and pain, disability index (HAQ) 
scores and CRP (mg/dl) values) improved at 24 or 26 weeks compared to placebo. In RA study III, 
these improvements were maintained throughout 52 weeks.  
 
In the open-label extension for RA study III, most patients who were ACR responders maintained 
response when followed for up to 10 years. Of 207 patients who were randomised to adalimumab 
40 mg every other week, 114 patients continued on adalimumab 40 mg every other week for 5 years. 
Among those, 86 patients (75.4%) had ACR 20 responses; 72 patients (63.2%) had ACR 50 responses; 
and 41 patients (36%) had ACR 70 responses. Of 207 patients, 81 patients continued on adalimumab 
40 mg every other week for 10 years. Among those, 64 patients (79.0%) had ACR 20 responses; 
56 patients (69.1%) had ACR 50 responses; and 43 patients (53.1%) had ACR 70 responses. 
 
In RA study IV, the ACR 20 response of patients treated with adalimumab plus standard of care was 
statistically significantly better than patients treated with placebo plus standard of care (p < 0.001).  
 
In RA studies I-IV, adalimumab-treated patients achieved statistically significant ACR 20 and 
50 responses compared to placebo as early as one to two weeks after initiation of treatment. 
 
In RA study V with early rheumatoid arthritis patients who were methotrexate naïve, combination 
therapy with adalimumab and methotrexate led to faster and significantly greater ACR responses than 
methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab monotherapy at week 52 and responses were sustained at 
week 104 (see Table 8). 
 
Table 8: ACR Responses in RA Study V (percent of patients) 
 
Response MTX 

n=257 
Adalimumab 

n=274 
Adalimumab 

/MTX 
n=268 

p-valuea p-valueb p-valuec 

ACR 20        
Week 52  62.6% 54.4% 72.8% 0.013 < 0.001 0.043 
Week 104  56.0% 49.3% 69.4% 0.002 < 0.001 0.140 
ACR  50        
Week 52  45.9% 41.2% 61.6% < 0.001 < 0.001 0.317 
Week 104  42.8% 36.9% 59.0% < 0.001 < 0.001 0.162 
ACR  70        
Week 52  27.2% 25.9% 45.5% < 0.001 < 0.001 0.656 
Week 104  28.4% 28.1% 46.6% < 0.001 < 0.001 0.864 
a p-value is from the pairwise comparison of methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate 
combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test.  
b p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate 
combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test  
c p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and methotrexate monotherapy 
using the Mann-Whitney U test 
 
In the open-label extension for RA study V, ACR response rates were maintained when followed for 
up to 10 years. Of 542 patients who were randomised to adalimumab 40 mg every other week, 
170 patients continued on adalimumab 40 mg every other week for 10 years. Among those, 
154 patients (90.6%) had ACR 20 responses; 127 patients (74.7%) had ACR 50 responses; and 
102 patients (60.0%) had ACR 70 responses. 
 
At week 52, 42.9% of patients who received adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy achieved 
clinical remission (DAS28 (CRP) < 2.6) compared to 20.6% of patients receiving methotrexate 
monotherapy and 23.4% of patients receiving adalimumab monotherapy. Adalimumab/methotrexate 
combination therapy was clinically and statistically superior to methotrexate (p < 0.001) and 
adalimumab monotherapy (p < 0.001) in achieving a low disease state in patients with recently 
diagnosed moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. The response for the two monotherapy arms was 



69 

similar (p = 0.447). Of 342 subjects originally randomized to adalimumab monotherapy or 
adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy who entered the open-label extension study, 
171 subjects completed 10 years of adalimumab treatment. Among those, 109 subjects (63.7%) were 
reported to be in remission at 10 years. 
 
Radiographic response 
 
In RA study III, where adalimumab treated patients had a mean duration of rheumatoid arthritis of 
approximately 11 years, structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as 
change in modified Total Sharp Score (TSS) and its components, the erosion score and joint space 
narrowing score. adalimumab/methotrexate patients demonstrated significantly less radiographic 
progression than patients receiving methotrexate alone at 6 and 12 months (see Table 9).  
 
In the open-label extension of RA Study III, the reduction in rate of progression of structural damage 
is maintained for 8 and 10 years in a subset of patients. At 8 years, 81 of 207 patients originally treated 
with 40 mg adalimumab every other week were evaluated radiographically. Among those, 48 patients 
showed no progression of structural damage defined by a change from baseline in the mTSS of 0.5 or 
less. At 10 years, 79 of 207 patients originally treated with 40 mg adalimumab every other week were 
evaluated radiographically. Among those, 40 patients showed no progression of structural damage 
defined by a change from baseline in the mTSS of 0.5 or less. 
 
Table 9:  Radiographic Mean Changes Over 12 Months in RA Study III 
 
 Placebo/ 

MTXa 
Adalimumab 

/MTX 40 mg every 
other week 

Placebo/MTX- 
Adalimumab /MTX 

(95% Confidence 
Intervalb) 

p-value 

Total Sharp Score  2.7 0.1 2.6 (1.4, 3.8) < 0.001c 
Erosion score  1.6 0.0 1.6 (0.9, 2.2) < 0.001 
JSNd score  1.0 0.1 0.9 (0.3, 1.4) 0.002 
a methotrexate 
b 95% confidence intervals for the differences in change scores between methotrexate and 
adalimumab.  
c Based on rank analysis  
d Joint Space Narrowing 
 
In RA study V, structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as change in 
modified Total Sharp Score (see Table 10). 
 
Table 10: Radiographic Mean Changes at week 52 in RA Study V 
 
 MTX 

n=257 
(95% 

confidence 
interval) 

Adalimumab 
n=274 
(95% 

confidence 
interval) 

Adalimumab 
/MTX 
n=268 

(95% confidence 
interval) 

p-valuea p-
valueb 

p-
valuec 

Total Sharp 
Score  

5.7 (4.2-7.3) 3.0 (1.7-4.3) 1.3 (0.5-2.1) < 0.001 0.0020 < 0.001 

Erosion score  3.7 (2.7-4.7) 1.7 (1.0-2.4) 0.8 (0.4-1.2) < 0.001 0.0082 < 0.001 
JSN score  2.0 (1.2-2.8) 1.3 (0.5-2.1) 0.5 (0-1.0) < 0.001 0.0037 0.151 
a p-value is from the pairwise comparison of methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate 

combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test.  
b p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate 

combination therapy using the Mann-Whitney U test  
c p-value is from the pairwise comparison of adalimumab monotherapy and methotrexate monotherapy 

using the Mann-Whitney U test 



70 

 
Following 52 weeks and 104 weeks of treatment, the percentage of patients without progression 
(change from baseline in modified Total Sharp Score ≤ 0.5) was significantly higher with adalimumab 
/methotrexate combination therapy (63.8% and 61.2% respectively) compared to methotrexate 
monotherapy (37.4% and 33.5% respectively, p < 0.001) and adalimumab monotherapy (50.7%, 
p < 0.002 and 44.5%, p < 0.001 respectively). 
 
In the open-label extension of RA study V, the mean change from baseline at Year 10 in the modified 
Total Sharp Score was 10.8, 9.2 and 3.9 in patients originally randomized to methotrexate 
monotherapy, adalimumab monotherapy and adalimumab/methotrexate combination therapy, 
respectively. The corresponding proportions of patients with no radiographic progression were 
31.3%, 23.7% and 36.7% respectively. 
 
Quality of life and physical function 
 
Health-related quality of life and physical function were assessed using the disability index of the 
Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) in the four original adequate and well-controlled trials, 
which was a pre-specified primary endpoint at week 52 in RA study III. All doses/schedules of 
adalimumab in all four studies showed statistically significantly greater improvement in the disability 
index of the HAQ from baseline to Month 6 compared to placebo and in RA study III the same was 
seen at week 52. Results from the Short Form Health Survey (SF 36) for all doses/schedules of 
adalimumab in all four studies support these findings, with statistically significant physical component 
summary (PCS) scores, as well as statistically significant pain and vitality domain scores for the 
40 mg every other week dose. A statistically significant decrease in fatigue as measured by functional 
assessment of chronic illness therapy (FACIT) scores was seen in all three studies in which it was 
assessed (RA studies I, III, IV). 
 
In RA study III, most subjects who achieved improvement in physical function and continued 
treatment maintained improvement through week 520 (120 months) of open-label treatment. 
Improvement in quality of life was measured up to week 156 (36 months) and improvement was 
maintained through that time. 
 
In RA study V, the improvement in the HAQ disability index and the physical component of the SF 36 
showed greater improvement (p < 0.001) for adalimumab /methotrexate combination therapy versus 
methotrexate monotherapy and adalimumab monotherapy at week 52, which was maintained through 
week 104. Among the 250 subjects who completed the open-label extension study, improvements in 
physical function were maintained through 10 years of treatment. 
 
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) 
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab was assessed in two studies (pJIA I and II) in children with 
active polyarticular or polyarticular course juvenile idiopathic arthritis, who had a variety of JIA onset 
types (most frequently rheumatoid-factor negative or positive polyarthritis and extended 
oligoarthritis). 
 
pJIA I 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, 
parallel-group study in 171 children (4-17 years old) with polyarticular JIA. In the open-label lead in 
phase (OL LI) patients were stratified into two groups, MTX (methotrexate)-treated or non-MTX-
treated. Patients who were in the non-MTX stratum were either naïve to or had been withdrawn from 
MTX at least two weeks prior to study drug administration. Patients remained on stable doses of 
NSAIDs and or prednisone (≤ 0.2 mg /kg/day or 10 mg/day maximum). In the OL LI phase all patients 
received 24 mg/m2 up to a maximum of 40 mg adalimumab every other week for 16 weeks. The 



71 

distribution of patients by age and minimum, median and maximum dose received during the OL LI 
phase is presented in Table 11. 
 
Table 11: Distribution of patients by age and adalimumab dose received during the OL LI 

phase 
 

Age Group Number of patients at 
Baseline n (%) 

Minimum, median and 
maximum dose 

4 to 7 years 31 (18.1) 10, 20 and 25 mg 
8 to 12 years 71 (41.5) 20, 25 and 40 mg 

13 to 17 years 69 (40.4) 25, 40 and 40 mg 
 
Patients demonstrating a Pediatric ACR 30 response at week 16 were eligible to be randomised into 
the double blind (DB) phase and received either adalimumab 24 mg/m2 up to a maximum of 40 mg, 
or placebo every other week for an additional 32 weeks or until disease flare. Disease flare criteria 
were defined as a worsening of ≥ 30% from baseline in ≥ 3 of 6 Pediatric ACR core criteria, ≥ 2 active 
joints, and improvement of > 30% in no more than 1 of the 6 criteria. After 32 weeks or at disease 
flare, patients were eligible to enrol into the open label extension phase. 
 
Table 12: Ped ACR 30 Responses in the JIA study 
 
Stratum  MTX Without MTX 
Phase    
OL-LI 16 weeks    

Ped ACR 30 response 
(n/N)  

94.1% (80/85) 74.4% (64/86) 

Efficacy Outcomes 
Double Blind 32 weeks  Adalimumab /MTX  

(N = 38)  
Placebo / MTX  
(N = 37)  

Adalimumab  
(N = 30)  

Placebo  
(N = 28)  

Disease flares at the 
end of 32 weeksa 
(n/N)  

36.8% (14/38)  64.9% (24/37)b 43.3% (13/30)  71.4% (20/28)c 

Median time to 
disease flare  

>32 weeks  20 weeks  >32 weeks  14 weeks  

a Ped ACR 30/50/70 responses week 48 significantly greater than those of placebo treated patients  
b p = 0.015 
c p = 0.031 
 
Amongst those who responded at week 16 (n=144), the Pediatric ACR 30/50/70/90 responses were 
maintained for up to six years in the OLE phase in patients who received adalimumab throughout the 
study. Over all 19 subjects, of which 11 of the baseline age group 4 to 12 and 8 of the baseline age 
group 13 to 17 years were treated 6 years or longer. 
 
Overall responses were generally better and, fewer patients developed antibodies when treated with 
the combination of adalimumab and MTX compared to adalimumab alone. Taking these results into 
consideration, adalimumab is recommended for use in combination with MTX and for use as 
monotherapy in patients for whom MTX use is not appropriate (see section 4.2). 
 
pJIA II 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab was assessed in an open-label, multicentre study in 32 children 
(2 - <4 years old or aged 4 and above weighing < 15 kg) with moderately to severely active 
polyarticular JIA. The patients received 24 mg/m2 body surface area (BSA) of adalimumab up to a 
maximum of 20 mg every other week as a single dose via SC injection for at least 24 weeks. During 



72 

the study, most subjects used concomitant MTX, with fewer reporting use of corticosteroids or 
NSAIDs. 
 
At week 12 and week 24, PedACR30 response was 93.5% and 90.0%, respectively, using the observed 
data approach. The proportions of subjects with PedACR50/70/90 at week 12 and week 24 were 
90.3%/61.3%/38.7% and 83.3%/73.3%/36.7%, respectively. Amongst those who responded (Pediatric 
ACR 30) at week 24 (n=27 out of 30 patients), the Pediatric ACR 30 responses were maintained for up 
to 60 weeks in the OLE phase in patients who received adalimumab throughout this time period. 
Overall, 20 subjects were treated for 60 weeks or longer. 
 
Enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in a multicentre, randomised, double-blind study 
in 46 paediatric patients (6 to 17 years old) with moderate enthesitis-related arthritis. Patients were 
randomised to receive either 24 mg/m2 body surface area (BSA) of adalimumab up to a maximum of 
40 mg, or placebo every other week for 12 weeks. The double-blind period is followed by an open-
label (OL) period during which patients received 24 mg/m2 BSA of adalimumab up to a maximum of 
40 mg every other week subcutaneously for up to an additional 192 weeks. The primary endpoint was 
the percent change from Baseline to week 12 in the number of active joints with arthritis (swelling not 
due to deformity or joints with loss of motion plus pain and/or tenderness), which was achieved with 
mean percent decrease of -62.6% (median percent change -88.9%) in patients in the adalimumab 
group compared to -11.6% (median percent change -50.0%) in patients in the placebo group. 
Improvement in number of active joints with arthritis was maintained during the OL period through 
week 156 for the 26 of 31 (84%) patients in the adalimumab group who remained in the study. 
Although not statistically significant, the majority of patients demonstrated clinical improvement in 
secondary endpoints such as number of sites of enthesitis, tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count 
(SJC), Pediatric ACR 50 response, and Pediatric ACR 70 response. 
 
Axial spondyloarthritis 
 
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)  
 
Adalimumab 40 mg every other week was assessed in 393 patients in two randomised, 24 week 
double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (mean baseline 
score of disease activity [Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI)] was 6.3 in 
all groups) who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy. Seventy-nine (20.1%) 
patients were treated concomitantly with disease modifying anti − rheumatic drugs, and 37 (9.4%) 
patients with glucocorticoids. The blinded period was followed by an open − label period during 
which patients received adalimumab 40 mg every other week subcutaneously for up to an additional 
28 weeks. Subjects (n=215, 54.7%) who failed to achieve ASAS 20 at weeks 12, or 16 or 20 received 
early escape open-label adalimumab 40 mg every other week subcutaneously and were subsequently 
treated as non-responders in the double-blind statistical analyses. 
 
In the larger AS study I with 315 patients, results showed statistically significant improvement of the 
signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis in patients treated with adalimumab compared to 
placebo. Significant response was first observed at week 2 and maintained through 24 weeks 
(Table 13). 
 



73 

Table 13: Efficacy Responses in Placebo-Controlled AS Study – Study I Reduction of Signs 
and Symptoms 

 
Response Placebo 

N=107 
Adalimumab 

N=208 
ASASa 20    

Week 2  16% 42%*** 
Week 12  21% 58%*** 
Week 24  19% 51%*** 

ASAS 50    
Week 2  3% 16%*** 
Week 12  10% 38%*** 
Week 24  11% 35%*** 

ASAS 70    
Week 2  0% 7%** 
Week 12  5% 23%*** 
Week 24  8% 24%*** 

BASDAIb 50    
Week 2  4% 20%*** 
Week 12  16% 45%*** 
Week 24  15% 42%*** 

***,** Statistically significant at p < 0.001, < 0.01 for all comparisons between adalimumab and 
placebo at weeks 2, 12 and 24 
a Assessments in Ankylosing Spondylitis 
b Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index 
 
Adalimumab treated patients had significantly greater improvement at week 12 which was maintained 
through week 24 in both the SF36 and Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire 
(ASQoL). 
 
Similar trends (not all statistically significant) were seen in the smaller randomised, double − blind, 
placebo controlled AS study II of 82 adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis. 
 
Axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of AS 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in two randomized, double-blind placebo 
controlled studies in patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA). Study nr-
axSpA I evaluated patients with active nr-axSpA. Study nr-axSpA II was a treatment withdrawal study 
in nr-axSpA patients who achieved remission during open-label treatment with adalimumab. 
 
Study nr-axSpA I 
 
In Study nr-axSpA I, adalimumab 40 mg every other week was assessed in 185 patients in a 
randomised, 12 week double - blind, placebo - controlled study in patients with active nr-axSpA (mean 
baseline score of disease activity [Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI)] 
was 6.4 for patients treated with adalimumab and 6.5 for those on placebo) who have had an 
inadequate response to or intolerance to ≥ 1 NSAIDs, or a contraindication for NSAIDs. 
 
Thirty-three (18%) patients were treated concomitantly with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, 
and 146 (79%) patients with NSAIDs at baseline. The double-blind period was followed by an open-
label period during which patients receive adalimumab 40 mg every other week subcutaneously for up 
to an additional 144 weeks. week 12 results showed statistically significant improvement of the signs 



74 

and symptoms of active nr-axSpA in patients treated with adalimumab compared to placebo 
(Table 14). 
 
Table 14: Efficacy Response in Placebo-Controlled Study nr-axSpA I 
 
Double-Blind 
Response at week 12 

Placebo 
N=94 

Adalimumab 
N=91 

ASASa 40  15% 36%*** 
ASAS 20  31% 52%** 
ASAS 5/6  6% 31%*** 
ASAS Partial Remission  5% 16%* 
BASDAIb 50  15% 35%** 
ASDASc,d,e -0.3 -1.0*** 
ASDAS Inactive Disease  4% 24%*** 
hs-CRPd,f,g -0.3 -4.7*** 
SPARCCh MRI Sacroiliac Jointsd,i -0.6 -3.2** 
SPARCC MRI Spined,j -0.2 -1.8** 
a Assessment of Spondyloarthritis International Society  
b Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index  
c Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score  
d mean change from baseline  
e n=91 placebo and n=87 adalimumab  
f high sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (mg/L)  
g n=73 placebo and n=70 adalimumab  
h Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada  
i n=84 placebo and adalimumab  
j n=82 placebo and n=85 adalimumab  
***, **, * Statistically significant at p < 0.001, < 0.01, and < 0.05, respectively, for all comparisons 
between adalimumab and placebo.  
 
In the open-label extension, improvement in the signs and symptoms was maintained with 
adalimumab therapy through week 156. 
 
Inhibition of inflammation 
 
Significant improvement of signs of inflammation as measured by hs-CRP and MRI of both Sacroiliac 
Joints and the Spine was maintained in adalimumab-treated patients through week 156 and week 104, 
respectively. 
 
Quality of life and physical function  
 
Health-related quality of life and physical function were assessed using the HAQ-S and the SF-36 
questionnaires. Adalimumab showed statistically significantly greater improvement in the HAQ-S 
total score and the SF-36 Physical Component Score (PCS) from baseline to week 12 compared to 
placebo. Improvement in health-related quality of life and physical function was maintained during the 
open-label extension through week 156. 
 
Study nr-axSpA II 
 
673 patients with active nr-axSpA (mean baseline disease activity [BASDAI] was 7.0) who had an 
inadequate response to  2 NSAIDs, or an intolerance to or a contraindication for NSAIDs enrolled 
into the open-label period of Study nr-axSpA II during which they received adalimumab 40 mg eow 
for 28 weeks. These patients also had objective evidence of inflammation in the sacroiliac joints or 
spine on MRI or elevated hs-CRP. Patients who achieved sustained remission for at least 12 weeks 



75 

(N=305) (ASDAS < 1.3 at weeks 16, 20, 24, and 28) during the open-label period were then 
randomized to receive either continued treatment with adalimumab 40 mg eow (N=152) or placebo 
(N=153) for an additional 40 weeks in a double-blind, placebo-controlled period (total study duration 
68 weeks). Subjects who flared during the double-blind period were allowed adalimumab 40 mg eow 
rescue therapy for at least 12 weeks. 
 

The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with no flare by week 68 of the study. 
Flare was defined as ASDAS ≥ 2.1 at two consecutive visits four weeks apart. A greater proportion of 
patients on adalimumab had no disease flare during the double-blind period, when compared with 
those on placebo (70.4% vs. 47.1%, p<0.001) (Figure 1). 
 
Figure 1: Kaplan-Meier Curves Summarizing Time to Flare in Study nr-axSpA II 
 

   
   

   
   

   
   

 P
R

O
B

A
B

IL
IT

Y
 O

F 
N

O
 F

L
A

R
E

 

 
 TIME (WEEKS) 
                                  Treatment        Placebo      Adalimumab     ∆ Censored 
 
Note: P = Placebo (Number at Risk (flared)); A = Adalimumab (Number at Risk (flared)). 
 
Among the 68 patients who flared in the group allocated to treatment withdrawal, 65 completed 
12 weeks of rescue therapy with adalimumab, out of which 37 (56.9%) had regained remission 
(ASDAS < 1.3) after 12 weeks of restarting the open-label treatment.  
 
By week 68, patients receiving continuous adalimumab treatment showed statistically significant 
greater improvement of the signs and symptoms of active nr-axSpA as compared to patients allocated 
to treatment withdrawal during the double-blind period of the study (Table 15). 
 



76 

Table 15: Efficacy Response in Placebo-Controlled Period for Study nr-axSpA II 
 

Double-Blind 
Response at week 68 

Placebo 
N=153 

Adalimumab 
N=152 

ASASa,b 20 47.1% 70.4%*** 
ASASa,b 40 45.8% 65.8%*** 
ASASa Partial Remission 26.8% 42.1%** 
ASDASc Inactive Disease 33.3% 57.2%*** 
Partial Flared 64.1% 40.8%*** 
a Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society 
b Baseline is defined as open label baseline when patients have active disease. 
c Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score 
d Partial flare is defined as ASDAS ≥ 1.3 but < 2.1 at 2 consecutive visits. 
***, ** Statistically significant at p < 0.001 and < 0.01, respectively, for all comparisons between 
adalimumab and placebo. 
 
Psoriatic arthritis 
 
Adalimumab, 40 mg every other week, was studied in patients with moderately to severely active 
psoriatic arthritis in two placebo-controlled studies, PsA studies I and II. PsA study I with 24 week 
duration, treated 313 adult patients who had an inadequate response to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory 
drug therapy and of these, approximately 50% were taking methotrexate. PsA study II with 12-week 
duration, treated 100 patients who had an inadequate response to DMARD therapy. Upon completion 
of both studies, 383 patients enrolled in an open-label extension study, in which 40 mg adalimumab 
was administered every other week. 
 
There is insufficient evidence of the efficacy of adalimumab in patients with ankylosing spondylitis-
like psoriatic arthropathy due to the small number of patients studied. 
 
Table 16: ACR Response in Placebo-Controlled Psoriatic Arthritis Studies 

(Percent of Patients) 
  

PsA Study I PsA Study II 
Response  Placebo 

N=162 
Adalimumab 

N=151 
Placebo 

N=49 
Adalimumab 

N=51 
ACR 20      
          week 12  14% 58%*** 16% 39%* 
          week 24  15% 57%*** N/A N/A 
ACR 50      
          week 12  4% 36%*** 2% 25%*** 
          week 24  6% 39%*** N/A N/A 
ACR 70      
          week 12  1% 20%*** 0% 14% * 
          week 24  1% 23%*** N/A N/A 
*** p < 0.001 for all comparisons between adalimumab and placebo  
* p < 0.05 for all comparisons between adalimumab and placebo  
N/A not applicable  
 
ACR responses in PsA study I were similar with and without concomitant methotrexate therapy. 
ACR responses were maintained in the open-label extension study for up to 136 weeks. 
 
Radiographic changes were assessed in the psoriatic arthritis studies. Radiographs of hands, wrists, 
and feet were obtained at baseline and week 24 during the double-blind period when patients were on 



77 

adalimumab or placebo and at week 48 when all patients were on open-label adalimumab. A modified 
Total Sharp Score (mTSS), which included distal interphalangeal joints (i.e. not identical to the TSS 
used for rheumatoid arthritis), was used. 
 
Adalimumab treatment reduced the rate of progression of peripheral joint damage compared with 
placebo treatment as measured by change from baseline in mTSS (mean ± SD) 0.8 ± 2.5 in the placebo 
group (at week 24) compared with 0.0 ± 1.9; (p< 0.001) in the adalimumab group (at week 48). 
 
In subjects treated with adalimumab with no radiographic progression from baseline to week 48 
(n=102), 84% continued to show no radiographic progression through 144 weeks of treatment. 
Adalimumab treated patients demonstrated statistically significant improvement in physical function 
as assessed by HAQ and Short Form Health Survey (SF 36) compared to placebo at week 24. 
Improved physical function continued during the open label extension up to week 136. 
 
Psoriasis 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were studied in adult patients with chronic plaque psoriasis 
(≥ 10% BSA involvement and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) ≥ 12 or ≥ 10) who were 
candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy in randomised, double-blind studies. 73% of patients 
enrolled in Psoriasis Studies I and II had received prior systemic therapy or phototherapy. The safety 
and efficacy of adalimumab were also studied in adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque 
psoriasis with concomitant hand and/or foot psoriasis who were candidates for systemic therapy in a 
randomised double-blind study (Psoriasis Study III).  
 
Psoriasis Study I (REVEAL) evaluated 1,212 patients within three treatment periods. In period A, 
patients received placebo or adalimumab at an initial dose of 80 mg followed by 40 mg every other 
week starting one week after the initial dose. After 16 weeks of therapy, patients who achieved at least 
a PASI 75 response (PASI score improvement of at least 75% relative to baseline), entered period B 
and received open-label 40 mg adalimumab every other week. Patients who maintained ≥PASI 75 
response at week 33 and were originally randomised to active therapy in Period A, were re-
randomised in period C to receive 40 mg adalimumab every other week or placebo for an additional 
19 weeks. Across all treatment groups, the mean baseline PASI score was 18.9 and the baseline 
Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) score ranged from “moderate” (53% of subjects included) to 
“severe” (41%) to “very severe” (6%). 
 
Psoriasis Study II (CHAMPION) compared the efficacy and safety of adalimumab versus 
methotrexate and placebo in 271 patients. Patients received placebo, an initial dose of MTX 7.5 mg 
and thereafter dose increases up to week 12, with a maximum dose of 25 mg or an initial dose of 
80 mg adalimumab followed by 40 mg every other week (starting one week after the initial dose) for 
16 weeks. There are no data available comparing adalimumab and MTX beyond 16 weeks of therapy. 
Patients receiving MTX who achieved a ≥PASI 50 response at week 8 and/or 12 did not receive 
further dose increases. Across all treatment groups, the mean baseline PASI score was 19.7 and the 
baseline PGA score ranged from “mild” (<1%) to “moderate” (48%) to “severe” (46%) to “very 
severe” (6%). 
 
Patients participating in all Phase 2 and Phase 3 psoriasis studies were eligible to enrol into an open-
label extension trial, where adalimumab was given for at least an additional 108 weeks. 
 
In Psoriasis Studies I and II, a primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved a 
PASI 75 response from baseline at week 16 (see Tables 17 and 18). 
 



78 

Table 17: Ps Study I (REVEAL) - Efficacy Results at 16 weeks 
 

  Placebo 
N=398 
n (%) 

Adalimumab 40 mg eow 
N=814 
n (%) 

≥ PASI 75a 26 (6.5) 578 (70.9)b 
PASI 100 3 (0.8) 163 (20.0)b 
PGA: Clear/minimal 17 (4.3) 506 (62.2)b 
a Percent of patients achieving PASI75 response was calculated as centre-adjusted rate  
b p<0.001, adalimumab vs. placebo  
 
Table 18: Ps Study II (CHAMPION) Efficacy Results at 16 weeks 
 
  Placebo 

N=53 
n (%) 

MTX 
N=110 
n (%) 

Adalimumab 40 mg eow 
N=108 
n (%) 

≥ PASI 75 10 (18.9) 39 (35.5) 86 (79.6) a, b 
PASI 100 1 (1.9) 8 (7.3) 18 (16.7) c, d 
PGA: Clear/minimal 6 (11.3) 33 (30.0) 79 (73.1) a, b 
a p<0.001 adalimumab vs. placebo  
b p<0.001 adalimumab vs. methotrexate  
c p<0.01 adalimumab vs. placebo  
d p<0.05 adalimumab vs. methotrexate 
 
In Psoriasis Study I, 28% of patients who were PASI 75 responders and were re-randomised to 
placebo at week 33 compared to 5% continuing on adalimumab, p<0.001, experienced “loss of 
adequate response” (PASI score after week 33 and on or before week 52 that resulted in a <PASI 50 
response relative to baseline with a minimum of a 6-point increase in PASI score relative to week 33). 
Of the patients who lost adequate response after re-randomisation to placebo who then enrolled into 
the open-label extension trial, 38% (25/66) and 55% (36/66) regained PASI 75 response after 12 and 
24 weeks of re-treatment, respectively. 
 
A total of 233 PASI 75 responders at week 16 and week 33 received continuous adalimumab therapy 
for 52 weeks in Psoriasis Study I, and continued adalimumab in the open-label extension trial. PASI 
75 and PGA of clear or minimal response rates in these patients were 74.7% and 59.0%, respectively, 
after an additional 108 weeks of open-label therapy (total of 160 weeks). In an analysis in which all 
patients who dropped out of the study for adverse events or lack of efficacy, or who dose-escalated, 
were considered non-responders, PASI 75 and PGA of clear or minimal response rates in these 
patients were 69.6% and 55.7%, respectively, after an additional 108 weeks of open-label therapy 
(total of 160 weeks). 
 
A total of 347 stable responders participated in a withdrawal and retreatment evaluation in an open-
label extension study. During the withdrawal period, symptoms of psoriasis returned over time with a 
median time to relapse (decline to PGA “moderate” or worse) of approximately 5 months. None of 
these patients experienced rebound during the withdrawal period. A total of 76.5% (218/285) of 
patients who entered the retreatment period had a response of PGA “clear” or “minimal” after 
16 weeks of retreatment, irrespective of whether they relapsed during withdrawal (69.1%[123/178] 
and 88.8% [95/107] for patients who relapsed and who did not relapse during the withdrawal period, 
respectively). A similar safety profile was observed during retreatment as before withdrawal. 
 
Significant improvements at week 16 from baseline compared to placebo (Studies I and II) and MTX 
(Study II) were demonstrated in the DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index). In Study I, 
improvements in the physical and mental component summary scores of the SF-36 were also 
significant compared to placebo. 



79 

 
In an open-label extension study, for patients who dose escalated from 40 mg every other week to 
40 mg weekly due to a PASI response below 50%, 26.4% (92/349) and 37.8% (132/349) of patients 
achieved PASI 75 response at week 12 and 24, respectively. 
 
Psoriasis Study III (REACH) compared the efficacy and safety of adalimumab versus placebo in 72 
patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis and hand and/or foot psoriasis. Patients 
received an initial dose of 80 mg adalimumab followed by 40 mg every other week (starting one week 
after the initial dose) or placebo for 16 weeks. At week 16, a statistically significantly greater 
proportion of patients who received adalimumab achieved PGA of 'clear' or 'almost clear' for the hands 
and/or feet compared to patients who received placebo (30.6% versus 4.3%, respectively [P = 0.014]). 
 
Psoriasis Study IV compared efficacy and safety of adalimumab versus placebo in 217 adult patients 
with moderate to severe nail psoriasis. Patients received an initial dose of 80 mg adalimumab followed 
by 40 mg every other week (starting one week after the initial dose) or placebo for 26 weeks followed 
by open-label adalimumab treatment for an additional 26 weeks. Nail psoriasis assessments included 
the Modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI), the Physician’s Global Assessment of 
Fingernail Psoriasis (PGA-F) and the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) (see Table 19). 
Adalimumab demonstrated a treatment benefit in nail psoriasis patients with different extents of skin 
involvement (BSA≥10% (60% of patients) and BSA<10% and ≥5% (40% of patients)). 
 
Table 19:  Ps Study IV Efficacy Results at 16, 26 and 52 weeks 
 

Endpoint Week 16 
Placebo-Controlled 

 26 Placebo-
Controlled 

Week 52 
Open-label 

Placebo 
N=108 

Adalimumab 
40 mg eow 

N=109 

Placebo 
N=108 

Adalimumab 
40 mg eow 

N=109 

Adalimumab 
40 mg eow 

N=80 
≥ mNAPSI 75 (%) 2.9 26.0a 3.4 46.6a 65.0 
PGA-F clear/minimal and 
≥2-grade improvement (%) 

2.9 29.7a 6.9 48.9a 61.3 

Percent Change in 
Total Fingernail 
NAPSI (%) 

-7.8 -44.2 a -11.5 -56.2a -72.2 

a p<0.001, adalimumab vs. placebo 

Adalimumab treated patients showed statistically significant improvements at week 26 compared with 
placebo in the DLQI. 
 
Paediatric plaque psoriasis 
 
The efficacy of adalimumab was assessed in a randomised, double-blind, controlled study of 114 
paediatric patients from 4 years of age with severe chronic plaque psoriasis (as defined by a PGA ≥ 4 
or > 20% BSA involvement or > 10% BSA involvement with very thick lesions or PASI ≥ 20 or ≥ 10 
with clinically relevant facial, genital, or hand/ foot involvement) who were inadequately controlled 
with topical therapy and heliotherapy or phototherapy.  
 
Patients received adalimumab 0.8 mg/kg eow (up to 40 mg), 0.4 mg/kg eow (up to 20 mg), or 
methotrexate 0.1 – 0.4 mg/kg weekly (up to 25 mg). At week 16, more patients randomised to 
adalimumab 0.8 mg/kg had positive efficacy responses (e.g., PASI 75) than those randomised to 
0.4 mg/kg eow or MTX. 
 



80 

Table 20:  Paediatric Plaque Psoriasis Efficacy Results at 16 weeks 
  

MTXa 
N=37 

Adalimumab 0.8 mg/kg eow 
N=38 

 PASI 75b 12 (32.4%) 22 (57.9%) 
 PGA: Clear/minimalc 15 (40.5%) 23 (60.5%) 
a MTX = methotrexate  
b P=0.027, adalimumab 0.8 mg/kg versus MTX  
c P=0.083, adalimumab 0.8 mg/kg versus MTX 

 
Patients who achieved PASI 75 and PGA clear or minimal were withdrawn from treatment for up to 
36 weeks and monitored for loss of disease control (i.e. a worsening of PGA by at least 2 grades). 
Patients were then re-treated with adalimumab 0.8 mg/kg eow for an additional 16 weeks and response 
rates observed during retreatment were similar to the previous double-blind period: PASI 75 response 
of 78.9% (15 of 19 subjects) and PGA clear or minimal of 52.6% (10 of 19 subjects). 
 
In the open label period of the study, PASI 75 and PGA clear or minimal responses were maintained 
for up to an additional 52 weeks with no new safety findings. 
 
Hidradenitis suppurativa 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled 
studies and an open-label extension study in adult patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis 
suppurativa (HS) who were intolerant, had a contraindication or an inadequate response to at least a 3-
month trial of systemic antibiotic therapy. The patients in HS-I and HS-II had Hurley Stage II or III 
disease with at least 3 abscesses or inflammatory nodules. 
 
Study HS-I (PIONEER I) evaluated 307 patients with 2 treatment periods. In Period A, patients 
received placebo or adalimumab at an initial dose of 160 mg at week 0, 80 mg at week 2, and 40 mg 
every week starting at week 4 to week 11. Concomitant antibiotic use was not allowed during the 
study. After 12 weeks of therapy, patients who had received adalimumab in period A were re-
randomised in period B to 1 of 3 treatment groups (adalimumab 40 mg every week, adalimumab 
40 mg every other week, or placebo from week 12 to week 35). Patients who had been randomised to 
placebo in Period A were assigned to receive adalimumab 40 mg every week in period B. 
 
Study HS-II (PIONEER II) evaluated 326 patients with 2 treatment periods. In period A, patients 
received placebo or adalimumab at an initial dose of 160 mg at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2 and 
40 mg every week starting at week 4 to week 11. 19.3% of patients had continued baseline oral 
antibiotic therapy during the study. After 12 weeks of therapy, patients who had received adalimumab 
in period A were re-randomised in period B to 1 of 3 treatment groups (adalimumab 40 mg every 
week, adalimumab 40 mg every other week, or placebo from week 12 to week 35). Patients who had 
been randomised to placebo in period A were assigned to receive placebo in period B. 
 
Patients participating in Studies HS-I and HS-II were eligible to enrol into an open-label extension 
study in which adalimumab 40 mg was administered every week. Mean exposure in all adalimumab 
population was 762 days. Throughout all 3 studies patients used topical antiseptic wash daily. 
 
Clinical Response 
 
Reduction of inflammatory lesions and prevention of worsening of abscesses and draining fistulas was 
assessed using Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR; at least a 50% reduction in total 
abscess and inflammatory nodule count with no increase in abscess count and no increase in draining 
fistula count relative to Baseline). Reduction in HS-related skin pain was assessed using a Numeric 
Rating Scale in patients who entered the study with an initial baseline score of 3 or greater on a 11 
point scale.  
 



81 

At week 12, a significantly higher proportion of patients treated with adalimumab versus placebo 
achieved HiSCR. At week 12, a significantly higher proportion of patients in Study HS-II experienced 
a clinically relevant decrease in HS-related skin pain (see Table 21). Patients treated with adalimumab 
had significantly reduced risk of disease flare during the initial 12 weeks of treatment. 
 
Table 21:  Efficacy Results at 12 weeks, HS Studies I and II 

  
HS Study I HS Study II 

Placebo Adalimumab 
40 mg weekly 

Placebo Adalimumab 
40 mg weekly 

Hidradenitis Suppurativa 
Clinical Response (HiSCR)a 

N = 154 
40 (26.0%) 

N = 153 
64 (41.8%) * 

N=163 
45 (27.6%) 

N=163 
96 (58.9%) *** 

≥30% Reduction in Skin 
Painb 

N = 109 
27 (24.8%) 

N = 122 
34 (27.9%) 

N=111 
23 (20.7%) 

N=105 
48 (45.7%) *** 

* P < 0.05, ***P < 0.001, adalimumab versus placebo  
a Among all randomised patients.  
b Among patients with baseline HS-related skin pain assessment ≥ 3, based on Numeric Rating Scale  

0 – 10; 0 = no skin pain, 10 = skin pain as bad as you can imagine.  
 
Treatment with adalimumab 40 mg every week significantly reduced the risk of worsening of 
abscesses and draining fistulas. Approximately twice the proportion of patients in the placebo group in 
the first 12 weeks of Studies HS-I and HS-II, compared with those in the adalimumab group 
experienced worsening of abscesses (23.0% vs 11.4%, respectively) and draining fistulas (30.0% vs 
13.9%, respectively). 
 
Greater improvements at week 12 from baseline compared to placebo were demonstrated in skin-
specific health-related quality of life, as measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI; 
Studies HS-I and HS-II), patient global satisfaction with medication treatment as measured by the 
Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire - medication (TSQM; Studies HS-I and HS-II), and physical 
health as measured by the physical component summary score of the SF-36 (Study HS-I). 
 
In patients with at least a partial response to adalimumab 40 mg weekly at week 12, the HiSCR rate at 
week 36 was higher in patients who continued weekly adalimumab than in patients in whom dosing 
frequency was reduced to every other week, or in whom treatment was withdrawn (see Table 22). 
 
Table 22:  Proportion of Patientsa Achieving HiSCRb at weeks 24 and 36 After Treatment 

Reassignment from weekly Adalimumab at week 12 
  

Placebo 
(treatment withdrawal) 

N = 73 

Adalimumab 40 mg 
every other week 

N = 70 

Adalimumab 
40 mg weekly 

N = 70 
Week 24  24 (32.9%) 36 (51.4%) 40 (57.1%) 
Week 36  22 (30.1%) 28 (40.0%) 39 (55.7%) 
a Patients with at least a partial response to adalimumab 40 mg weekly after 12 weeks of treatment.  
b Patients meeting protocol-specified criteria for loss of response or no improvement were required to 

discontinue from the studies and were counted as nonresponders.  
 
Among patients who were at least partial responders at week 12, and who received continuous weekly 
adalimumab therapy, the HiSCR rate at week 48 was 68.3% and at week 96 was 65.1%. Longer term 
treatment with adalimumab 40 mg weekly for 96 weeks identified no new safety findings.. 
 
Among patients whose adalimumab treatment was withdrawn at week 12 in Studies HS-I and HS-II, 
the HiSCR rate 12 weeks after re-introduction of adalimumab 40 mg weekly returned to levels similar 
to that observed before withdrawal (56.0 %). 



82 

 
Adolescent hidradenitis suppurativa 
 
There are no clinical trials with adalimumab in adolescent patients with HS. Efficacy of adalimumab 
for the treatment of adolescent patients with HS is predicted based on the demonstrated efficacy and 
exposure-response relationship in adult HS patients and the likelihood that the disease course, 
pathophysiology, and drug effects are substantially similar to that of adults at the same exposure 
levels. Safety of the recommended adalimumab dose in the adolescent HS population is based on 
cross-indication safety profile of adalimumab in both adults and paediatric patients at similar or more 
frequent doses (see section 5.2). 
 
Crohn's disease 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in over 1,500 patients with moderately to 
severely active Crohn's disease (Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) ≥ 220 and ≤ 450) in 
randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Concomitant stable doses of aminosalicylates, 
corticosteroids, and/or immunomodulatory agents were permitted and 80% of patients continued to 
receive at least one of these medications.  
 
Induction of clinical remission (defined as CDAI < 150) was evaluated in two studies, CD Study I 
(CLASSIC I) and CD Study II (GAIN). In CD Study I, 299 TNF-antagonist naive patients were 
randomised to one of four treatment groups; placebo at weeks 0 and 2, 160 mg adalimumab at week 0 
and 80 mg at week 2, 80 mg at week 0 and 40 mg at week 2, and 40 mg at week 0 and 20 mg at 
week 2. In CD Study II, 325 patients who had lost response or were intolerant to infliximab were 
randomised to receive either 160 mg adalimumab at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2 or placebo at 
weeks 0 and 2. The primary non-responders were excluded from the studies and therefore these 
patients were not further evaluated. 
 
Maintenance of clinical remission was evaluated in CD study III (CHARM). In CD Study III, 
854 patients received open-label 80 mg at week 0 and 40 mg at week 2. At week 4 patients were 
randomised to 40 mg every other , 40 mg every week, or placebo with a total study duration of 
56 weeks. Patients in clinical response (decrease in CDAI ≥ 70) at week 4 were stratified and analysed 
separately from those not in clinical response at week 4. Corticosteroid taper was permitted 
after week 8. 
 
CD study I and CD study II induction of remission and response rates are presented in Table 23. 
 
Table 23: Induction of Clinical Remission and Response (Percent of Patients) 
 
 CD Study I: Infliximab Naive Patients CD Study II: Infliximab 

Experienced Patients 
 Placebo 

N=74 
Adalimumab 

80/40 mg 
N = 75 

Adalimumab 
160/80 mg 

N=76 

Placebo 
N=166 

Adalimumab 
160/80 mg 

N=159 
Week 4       
Clinical remission  12% 24% 36%* 7% 21%* 
Clinical response 
(CR-100)  

24% 37% 49%** 25% 38%** 

All p-values are pairwise comparisons of proportions for adalimumab versus placebo  
* p < 0.001  
** p < 0.01  
 
Similar remission rates were observed for the 160/80 mg and 80/40 mg induction regimens by week 8 
and adverse events were more frequently noted in the 160/80 mg group. 
 



83 

In CD Study III, at week 4, 58% (499/854) of patients were in clinical response and were assessed in 
the primary analysis. Of those in clinical response at week 4, 48% had been previously exposed to 
other TNF-antagonists. Maintenance of remission and response rates are presented in Table 24.  
Clinical remission results remained relatively constant irrespective of previous TNF-antagonist 
exposure. 
 
Disease-related hospitalisations and surgeries were statistically significantly reduced with adalimumab 
compared with placebo at week 56. 
 
Table 24: Maintenance of Clinical Remission and Response (Percent of Patients) 
  

Placebo 40 mg 
Adalimumab 

every other week 

40 mg 
Adalimumab 
every week 

Week 26 N=170 N=172 N=157 
Clinical remission  17% 40%* 47%* 
Clinical response (CR-100)  27% 52%* 52%* 

Patients in steroid-free remission  
for >=90 daysa 

3% (2/66) 19% (11/58)** 15% (11/74)** 

Week 56 N=170 N=172 N=157 
Clinical remission  12% 36%* 41%* 
Clinical response (CR-100)  17% 41%* 48%* 

Patients in steroid-free remission  
for >=90 daysa 

5% (3/66) 29% (17/58)* 20% (15/74)** 

*      p < 0.001 for adalimumab versus placebo pairwise comparisons of proportions  
**    p < 0.02 for adalimumab versus placebo pairwise comparisons of proportions  
a          Of those receiving corticosteroids at baseline  
 
Among patients who were not in response at week 4, 43% of adalimumab maintenance patients 
responded by week 12 compared to 30% of placebo maintenance patients. These results suggest that 
some patients who have not responded by week 4 benefit from continued maintenance therapy through 
week 12. Therapy continued beyond 12 weeks did not result in significantly more responses (see 
section 4.2).  
 
117/276 patients from CD study I and 272/777 patients from CD studies II and III were followed 
through at least 3 years of open-label adalimumab therapy. 88 and 189 patients, respectively, 
continued to be in clinical remission. Clinical response (CR-100) was maintained in 102 and 
233 patients, respectively. 
 
Quality of life 
 
In CD Study I and CD Study II, statistically significant improvement in the disease-specific 
inflammatory bowel disease questionnaire (IBDQ) total score was achieved at week 4 in patients 
randomised to adalimumab 80/40 mg and 160/80 mg compared to placebo and was seen at weeks 26 
and 56 in CD Study III as well among the adalimumab treatment groups compared to the placebo 
group. 
 
Paediatric Crohn's disease 
 
Adalimumab was assessed in a multicentre, randomised, double-blind clinical trial designed to 
evaluate the efficacy and safety of induction and maintenance treatment with doses dependent on body 
weight (< 40 kg or ≥ 40 kg) in 192 paediatric subjects between the ages of 6 and 17 (inclusive) years, 
with moderate to severe Crohn´s disease (CD) defined as Paediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index 
(PCDAI) score > 30. Subjects had to have failed conventional therapy (including a corticosteroid 



84 

and/or an immunomodulator) for CD. Subjects may also have previously lost response or been 
intolerant to infliximab.  
 
All subjects received open-label induction therapy at a dose based on their Baseline body weight: 
160 mg at week 0 and 80 mg at week 2 for subjects ≥ 40 kg, and 80 mg and 40 mg, respectively, for 
subjects < 40 kg. 
 
At week 4, subjects were randomised 1:1 based on their body weight at the time to either the Low 
Dose or Standard Dose maintenance regimens as shown in Table 25. 
 
Table 25: Maintenance regimen 
 

Patient Weight Low dose Standard dose 
< 40 kg 10 mg eow 20 mg eow 
≥ 40 kg 20 mg eow 40 mg eow 

 
Efficacy results 
 
The primary endpoint of the study was clinical remission at week 26, defined as PCDAI score ≤ 10. 
 
Clinical remission and clinical response (defined as reduction in PCDAI score of at least 15 points 
from Baseline) rates are presented in Table 26. Rates of discontinuation of corticosteroids or 
immunomodulators are presented in Table 27. 

 
Table 26: Paediatric CD Study PCDAI Clinical Remission and Response 
 
  Standard Dose 

40/20 mg eow 
N = 93 

Low Dose 
20/10 mg eow 

N = 95 

P value* 

Week 26    
Clinical remission  38.7% 28.4% 0.075 
Clinical response  59.1% 48.4% 0.073 

Week 52    
Clinical remission  33.3% 23.2% 0.100 
Clinical response  41.9% 28.4% 0.038 

* p value for Standard Dose versus Low Dose comparison.  
 



85 

Table 27: Paediatric CD Study Discontinuation of Corticosteroids or Immunomodulators and 
Fistula Remission 

 
  Standard Dose 

40/20 mg eow 
Low Dose 

20/10 mg eow 
P value1 

Discontinued corticosteroids N= 33 N=38 
 

Week 26  84.8% 65.8% 0.066 
Week 52  69.7% 60.5% 0.420 

Discontinuation of Immunomodulators2 N=60 N=57 
 

Week 52  30.0% 29.8% 0.983 
Fistula remission3 N=15 N=21 

 

Week 26  46.7% 38.1% 0.608 
Week 52  40.0% 23.8% 0.303 

1 p value for Standard Dose versus Low Dose comparison.  
2 Immunosuppressant therapy could only be discontinued at or after week 26 at the investigator's 
discretion if the subject met the clinical response criterion  
3 defined as a closure of all fistulas that were draining at Baseline for at least 2 consecutive post-
Baseline visits  
 
Statistically significant increases (improvement) from Baseline to week 26 and 52 in Body Mass Index 
and height velocity were observed for both treatment groups. 
 
Statistically and clinically significant improvements from Baseline were also observed in both 
treatment groups for quality of life parameters (including IMPACT III). 
 
One hundred patients (n=100) from the Paediatric CD Study continued in an open-label long-term 
extension study. After 5 years of adalimumab therapy, 74.0% (37/50) of the 50 patients remaining in 
the study continued to be in clinical remission, and 92.0% (46/50) of patients continued to be in 
clinical response per PCDAI. 
 
Ulcerative Colitis 
 
The safety and efficacy of multiple doses of adalimumab were assessed in adult patients with 
moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (Mayo score 6 to 12 with endoscopy subscore of 2 to 3) 
in randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies.  
 
In study UC-I, 390 TNF-antagonist naïve patients were randomised to receive either placebo at 
weeks 0 and 2, 160 mg adalimumab at week 0 followed by 80 mg at week 2, or 80 mg adalimumab at 
week 0 followed by 40 mg at week 2. After week 2, patients in both adalimumab arms received 40 mg 
eow. Clinical remission (defined as Mayo score ≤ 2 with no subscore > 1) was assessed at week 8.  
 
In study UC-II, 248 patients received 160 mg of adalimumab at week 0, 80 mg at week 2 and 40 mg 
eow thereafter, and 246 patients received placebo. Clinical results were assessed for induction of 
remission at week 8 and for maintenance of remission at week 52.  
 
Patients induced with 160/80 mg adalimumab achieved clinical remission versus placebo at week 8 in 
statistically significantly greater percentages in study UC-I (18% vs. 9% respectively, p=0.031) and 
study UC-II (17% vs. 9% respectively, p=0.019). In study UC-II, among those treated with 
adalimumab who were in remission at week 8, 21/41 (51%) were in remission at week 52. 
 
Results from the overall UC-II study population are shown in Table 28. 
 



86 

Table 28: Response, Remission and Mucosal Healing in Study UC-II (Percent of Patients) 
  

Placebo Adalimumab 40 mg eow 

Week 52  N=246 N=248 
Clinical Response  18% 30%* 
Clinical Remission  9% 17%* 
Mucosal Healing  15% 25%* 
Steroid-free remission for ≥ 90 days a 6% 

(N=140) 
13% * 

(N=150) 
Week 8 and 52    

Sustained Response  12% 24%** 
Sustained Remission  4% 8%* 
Sustained Mucosal Healing  11% 19%* 

Clinical remission is Mayo score ≤ 2 with no subscore > 1;  
Clinical response is decrease from baseline in Mayo score ≥3 points and ≥30% plus a decrease in the 
rectal bleeding subscore [RBS] ≥1 or an absolute RBS of 0 or 1;  
* p<0.05 for adalimumab vs. placebo pairwise comparison of proportions  
**p<0.001 for adalimumab vs. placebo pairwise comparison of proportions  
a Of those receiving corticosteroids at baseline 
 
Of those patients who had a response at week 8, 47% were in response, 29% were in remission, 41% 
had mucosal healing, and 20% were in steroid-free remission for ≥ 90 days at week 52. 
 
Approximately 40% of patients in study UC-II had failed prior anti-TNF treatment with infliximab. 
The efficacy of adalimumab in those patients was reduced compared to that in anti-TNF naïve 
patients. Among patients who had failed prior anti-TNF treatment, week 52 remission was achieved 
by 3% on placebo and 10% on adalimumab. 
 
Patients from studies UC-I and UC-II had the option to roll over into an open-label long-term 
extension study (UC III). Following 3 years of adalimumab therapy, 75% (301/402) continued to be in 
clinical remission per partial Mayo score.  
 
Hospitalisation rates 
 
During 52 weeks of studies UC-I and UC-II, lower rates of all-cause hospitalisations and UC-related 
hospitalisations were observed for the adalimumab-treated arm compared to the placebo arm. The 
number of all cause hospitalisations in the adalimumab treatment group was 0.18 per patient year vs. 
0.26  per patient year in the placebo group and the corresponding figures for UC-related 
hospitalisations were 0.12 per patient year vs. 0.22 per patient year. 
 
Quality of life 
 
In study UC-II, treatment with adalimumab resulted in improvements in the Inflammatory Bowel 
Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ) score.  
 
Uveitis 
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab were assessed in adult patients with non-infectious 
intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis, excluding patients with isolated anterior uveitis, in two 
randomised, double-masked, placebo-controlled studies (UV I and II). Patients received placebo or 
adalimumab at an initial dose of 80 mg followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week after 
the initial dose. Concomitant stable doses of one non-biologic immunosuppressant were permitted.  
 



87 

Study UV I evaluated 217 patients with active uveitis despite treatment with corticosteroids (oral 
prednisone at a dose of 10 to 60 mg/day). All patients received a 2- standardised dose of prednisone 
60 mg/day at study entry followed by a mandatory taper schedule, with complete corticosteroid 
discontinuation by week 15.  
 
Study UV II evaluated 226 patients with inactive uveitis requiring chronic corticosteroid treatment 
(oral prednisone 10 to 35 mg/day) at baseline to control their disease. Patients subsequently underwent 
a mandatory taper schedule, with complete corticosteroid discontinuation by week 19.  
 
The primary efficacy endpoint in both studies was ´time to treatment failure´. Treatment failure was 
defined by a multi-component outcome based on inflammatory chorioretinal and/or inflammatory 
retinal vascular lesions, anterior chamber (AC) cell grade, vitreous haze (VH) grade and best corrected 
visual acuity (BCVA).  
 
Patients who completed Studies UV I and UV II were eligible to enroll in an uncontrolled long-term 
extension study with an originally planned duration of 78 weeks. Patients were allowed to continue on 
study medication beyond Week 78 until they had access to adalimumab. 
 
Clinical Response 
 
Results from both studies demonstrated statistically significant reduction of the risk of treatment 
failure in patients treated with adalimumab versus patients receiving placebo (See Table 29). Both 
studies demonstrated an early and sustained effect of adalimumab on the treatment failure rate versus 
placebo (see Figure 2). 
 
Table 29: Time to Treatment Failure in Studies UV I and UV II 
 
Analysis 
Treatment 

N Failure 
N (%) 

Median Time 
to Failure 
(months) 

HRa CI 95% 
for HRa 

P Value b 

Time to Treatment Failure At or After week 6 in Study UV I 
Primary analysis (ITT)  

      

Placebo  107 84 (78.5) 3.0 -- -- -- 
Adalimumab  110 60 (54.5) 5.6 0.50 0.36, 0.70 < 0.001 

Time to Treatment Failure At or After week 2 in Study UV II 
Primary analysis (ITT)  

      

Placebo  111 61 (55.0) 8.3 -- -- -- 
Adalimumab  115 45 (39.1) NEc 0.57 0.39, 0.84 0.004 

Note: Treatment failure at or after week 6 (Study UV I), or at or after week 2 (Study UV II), was 
counted as event. Drop outs due to reasons other than treatment failure were censored at the time of 
dropping out. 
a HR of adalimumab vs placebo from proportional hazards regression with treatment as factor. 
b 2-sided P value from log rank test. 
c NE = not estimable. Fewer than half of at-risk subjects had an event. 

 



88 

Figure 2:  Kaplan-Meier Curves Summarizing Time to Treatment Failure on or after week 6 
(Study UV I) or week 2 (Study UV II) 

 

 
Note: P# = Placebo (Number of Events/Number at Risk); A# = adalimumab (Number of 
Events/Number at Risk). 
 
In Study UV I statistically significant differences in favour of adalimumab versus placebo were 
observed for each component of treatment failure. In Study UV II, statistically significant differences 
were observed for visual acuity only, but the other components were numerically in favour of 
adalimumab. 
 
Of the 424 subjects included in the uncontrolled long-term extension of Studies UV I and UV II, 60 
subjects were regarded ineligible (e.g. due to deviations or due to complications secondary to diabetic 
retinopathy, due to cataract surgery or vitrectomy) and were excluded from the primary analysis of 
efficacy. Of the 364 remaining patients, 269 evaluable patients (74%) reached 78 weeks of open-label 
adalimumab treatment. Based on the observed data approach, 216 (80.3%) were in quiescence (no 
active inflammatory lesions, AC cell grade ≤ 0.5+, VH grade ≤ 0.5+) with a concomitant steroid dose 
≤ 7.5 mg per day, and 178 (66.2%) were in steroid-free quiescence. BCVA was either improved or 
maintained (< 5 letters deterioration) in 88.6% of the eyes at week 78. Data beyond Week 78 were 
generally consistent with these results but the number of enrolled subjects declined after this time. 
Overall, among the patients who discontinued the study, 18% discontinued due to adverse events, and 
8% due to insufficient response to adalimumab treatment. 
 



89 

Quality of Life 
 
Patient reported outcomes regarding vision-related functioning were measured in both clinical studies, 
using the NEI VFQ-25. Adalimumab was numerically favoured for the majority of subscores with 
statistically significant mean differences for general vision, ocular pain, near vision, mental health, and 
total score in Study UV I, and for general vision and mental health in Study UV II. Vision related 
effects were not numerically in favour of adalimumab for colour vision in Study UVI and for colour 
vision, peripheral vision and near vision in Study UV II. 
 
Paediatric Uveitis  
 
The safety and efficacy of adalimumab was assessed in a randomized, double-masked, controlled 
study of 90 paediatric patients from 2 to < 18 years of age with active JIA-associated noninfectious 
anterior uveitis who were refractory to at least 12 weeks of methotrexate treatment. Patients received 
either placebo or 20 mg adalimumab (if < 30 kg) or 40 mg adalimumab (if ≥ 30 kg) every other week 
in combination with their baseline dose of methotrexate.  
 
The primary endpoint was ‘time to treatment failure’. The criteria determining treatment failure were 
worsening or sustained non-improvement in ocular inflammation, partial improvement with 
development of sustained ocular co-morbidities or worsening of ocular co-morbidities, non-permitted 
use of concomitant medications, and suspension of treatment for an extended period of time.  
 
Clinical Response  
 
Adalimumab significantly delayed the time to treatment failure, as compared to placebo (See Figure 3, 
P < 0.0001 from log rank test). The median time to treatment failure was 24.1 weeks for subjects 
treated with placebo, whereas the median time to treatment failure was not estimable for subjects 
treated with adalimumab because less than one-half of these subjects experienced treatment failure. 
Adalimumab significantly decreased the risk of treatment failure by 75% relative to placebo, as shown 
by the hazard ratio (HR = 0.25 [95% CI: 0.12, 0.49]). 
 



90 

Figure 3:  Kaplan-Meier Curves Summarizing Time to Treatment Failure in the Paediatric 
Uveitis Study 

 

 
Note: P = Placebo (Number at Risk); H = adalimumab (Number at Risk). 
 
Immunogenicity  
 
Anti-adalimumab antibodies may develop during adalimumab treatment. 
Formation of anti-adalimumab antibodies is associated with increased clearance and reduced efficacy 
of adalimumab. There is no apparent correlation between the presence of anti-adalimumab antibodies 
and the occurrence of adverse events. 
 
Paediatric population 
 
The European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of the studies with 
the reference medicinal product containing adalimumab in one or more subsets of the paediatric 
population in ulcerative colitis, see section 4.2 for information on paediatric use. 
 
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Absorption and distribution 
 
After subcutaneous administration of a single 40 mg dose, absorption and distribution of adalimumab 
was slow, with peak serum concentrations being reached about 5 days after administration. The 
average absolute bioavailability of adalimumab estimated from three studies following a single 40 mg 
subcutaneous dose was 64%. After single intravenous doses ranging from 0.25 to 10 mg/kg, 
concentrations were dose proportional. After doses of 0.5 mg/kg (~40 mg), clearances ranged from 11 
to 15 ml/hour, the distribution volume (Vss) ranged from 5 to 6 litres and the mean terminal phase 



91 

half-life was approximately two weeks. Adalimumab concentrations in the synovial fluid from several 
rheumatoid arthritis patients ranged from 31-96% of those in serum. 
 
Following subcutaneous administration of 40 mg of adalimumab every other week in adult rheumatoid 
arthritis (RA) patients the mean steady-state trough concentrations were approximately 5 μg/ml 
(without concomitant methotrexate) and 8 to 9 μ g/ml (with concomitant methotrexate), respectively. 
The serum adalimumab trough levels at steady-state increased roughly proportionally with dose 
following 20, 40 and 80 mg subcutaneous dosing every other week and every week. 
 
Following the administration of 24 mg/m2 (up to a maximum of 40 mg) subcutaneously every other 
week to patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who were 4 to 17 years the mean 
trough steady-state (values measured from week 20 to 48) serum adalimumab concentration was 5.6± 
5.6 μg/ml (102% CV) for adalimumab without concomitant methotrexate and 10.9 ± 5.2 μg/ml 
(47.7% CV) with concomitant methotrexate. 
 
In patients with polyarticular JIA who were 2 to <4 years old or aged 4 and above weighing <15 kg 
dosed with adalimumab 24 mg/m2, the mean trough steady-state serum adalimumab concentrations 
was 6.0 ± 6.1 μg/ml (101% CV) for adalimumab without concomitant methotrexate and 7.9 ± 
5.6 μg/ml (71.2% CV) with concomitant methotrexate. 
 
Following the administration of 24 mg/m2 (up to a maximum of 40 mg) subcutaneously every other 
week to patients with enthesitis-related arthritis who were 6 to 17 years, the mean trough steady-state 
(values measured at week 24) serum adalimumab concentrations were 8.8 ± 6.6 μg/ml for adalimumab 
without concomitant methotrexate and 11.8 ± 4.3 μg/ml with concomitant methotrexate. 
 
Following subcutaneous administration of 40 mg of adalimumab every other week in adult non-
radiographic axial spondyloarthritis patients, the mean (±SD) trough steady-state concentration at 
week 68 was 8.0 ± 4.6 µg/ml. 
 
In adult patients with psoriasis, the mean steady-state trough concentration was 5 μg/ml during 
adalimumab 40 mg every other week monotherapy treatment. 
 
Following the administration of 0.8 mg/kg (up to a maximum of 40 mg) subcutaneously every other 
week to paediatric patients with chronic plaque psoriasis, the mean ± SD steady-state adalimumab 
trough concentration was approximately 7.4 ± 5.8 μg/ml (79% CV). 
 
In adult patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, a dose of 160 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 
80 mg on week 2 achieved serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 7 to 8 μg/ml at 
week 2 and week 4. The mean steady-state trough concentration at week 12 through week 36 were 
approximately 8 to 10 μg/ml during adalimumab 40 mg every week treatment. 
 
Adalimumab exposure in adolescent HS patients was predicted using population pharmacokinetic 
modelling and simulation based on cross-indication pharmacokinetics in other paediatric patients 
(paediatric psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, paediatric Crohn’s disease, and enthesitis-related 
arthritis). The recommended adolescent HS dosing schedule is 40 mg every other week. Since 
exposure to adalimumab can be affected by body size, adolescents with higher body weight and 
inadequate response may benefit from receiving the recommended adult dose of 40 mg every week. 
 
In patients with Crohn’s disease, the loading dose of 80 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 40 mg 
adalimumab on week 2 achieves serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 5.5 μg/ml 
during the induction period. A loading dose of 160 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 80 mg 
adalimumab on week 2 achieves serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 12 μg/ml 
during the induction period. Mean steady-state trough levels of approximately 7 μg/ml were observed 
in Crohn’s disease patients who received a maintenance dose of 40 mg adalimumab every other week. 
 
In paediatric patients with moderate to severe CD, the open-label adalimumab induction dose was 
160/80 mg or 80/40 mg at weeks 0 and 2, respectively, dependent on a body weight cut-off of 40 kg. 



92 

At week 4, patients were randomised 1:1 to either the Standard Dose (40/20 mg eow) or Low Dose 
(20/10 mg eow) maintenance treatment groups based on their body weight. The mean (±SD) serum 
adalimumab trough concentrations achieved at week 4 were 15.7±6.6 μg/ml for patients ≥ 40 kg 
(160/80 mg) and 10.6±6.1 μg/ml for patients < 40 kg (80/40 mg). 
 
For patients who stayed on their randomised therapy, the mean (±SD) adalimumab trough 
concentrations at week 52 were 9.5±5.6 μg/ml for the Standard Dose group and 3.5±2.2 μg/ml for the 
Low Dose group. The mean trough concentrations were maintained in patients who continued to 
receive adalimumab treatment eow for 52 weeks. For patients who dose escalated from eow to weekly 
regimen, the mean (±SD) serum concentrations of adalimumab at week 52 were 15.3±11.4 μg/ml 
(40/20 mg, weekly) and 6.7±3.5 μg/ml (20/10 mg, weekly). 
 
In patients with ulcerative colitis, a loading dose of 160 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 80 mg 
adalimumab on week 2 achieves serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 12 μg/ml 
during the induction period. Mean steady-state trough levels of approximately 8 μg/ml were observed 
in ulcerative colitis patients who received a maintenance dose of 40 mg adalimumab every other week. 
 
In adult patients with uveitis, a loading dose of 80 mg adalimumab on week 0 followed by 40 mg 
adalimumab every other week starting at week 1, resulted in mean steady-state concentrations of 
approximately 8 to 10 μg/ml. 
 
Adalimumab exposure in paediatric uveitis patients was predicted using population pharmacokinetic 
modelling and simulation based on cross-indication pharmacokinetics in other paediatric patients 
(paediatric psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, paediatric Crohn’s disease, and enthesitis-related 
arthritis). No clinical exposure data are available on the use of a loading dose in children < 6 years. 
The predicted exposures indicate that in the absence of methotrexate, a loading dose may lead to an 
initial increase in systemic exposure. 
 
Population pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modelling and simulation 
predicted comparable adalimumab exposure and efficacy in patients treated with 80 mg every other 
week when compared with 40 mg every week (including adult patients with RA, HS, UC, CD or Ps, 
patients with adolescent HS, and paediatric patients ≥ 40 kg with CD). 
 
Exposure-response relationship in paediatric population 
 
On the basis of clinical trial data in patients with JIA (pJIA and ERA), an exposure-response 
relationship was established between plasma concentrations and PedACR 50 response. The apparent 
adalimumab plasma concentration that produces half the maximum probability of PedACR 50 
response (EC50) was 3 μg/ml (95% CI: 1-6 μg/ml). 
 
Exposure-response relationships between adalimumab concentration and efficacy in paediatric patients 
with severe chronic plaque psoriasis were established for PASI 75 and PGA clear or minimal, 
respectively. PASI 75 and PGA clear or minimal increased with increasing adalimumab 
concentrations, both with a similar apparent EC50 of approximately 4.5 μg/ml (95% CI 0.4-47.6 and 
1.9-10.5, respectively). 
 
Elimination 
 
Population pharmacokinetic analyses with data from over 1,300 RA patients revealed a trend toward 
higher apparent clearance of adalimumab with increasing body weight. After adjustment for weight 
differences, gender and age appeared to have a minimal effect on adalimumab clearance. The serum 
levels of free adalimumab (not bound to anti-adalimumab antibodies, AAA) were observed to be lower 
in patients with measurable AAA.  
 
Hepatic or renal impairment 
 
Adalimumab has not been studied in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. 



93 

 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on studies of single dose toxicity, 
repeated dose toxicity, and genotoxicity.  
 
An embryo-foetal developmental toxicity/perinatal developmental study has been performed in 
cynomolgus monkeys at 0, 30 and 100 mg/kg (9-17 monkeys/group) and has revealed no evidence of 
harm to the foetuses due to adalimumab. Neither carcinogenicity studies, nor a standard assessment of 
fertility and postnatal toxicity, were performed with adalimumab due to the lack of appropriate models 
for an antibody with limited cross-reactivity to rodent TNF and to the development of neutralising 
antibodies in rodents. 
 
 
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
Monosodium glutamate 
Sorbitol (E420)  
Methionine 
Polysorbate 80  
Hydrochloric acid (for pH-adjustment) 
Water for injections 
 
6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
In the absence of compatibility studies, this medicinal product must not be mixed with other medicinal 
products. 
 
6.3 Shelf life 
 
2 years 
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
Store in a refrigerator (2C – 8C). Do not freeze. Keep the pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen in its 
outer carton in order to protect from light. 
 
A single Hulio pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen may be stored at temperatures up to a maximum of 
25°C for a period of up to 14 days. The pre-filled syringe or pre-filled pen must be protected from 
light, and discarded if not used within the 14-day period. 
 
6.5 Nature and contents of container  
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in single-use pre-filled syringe with an automatic needle guard. The 
syringe is made from cyclo olefin polymer plastic with a stopper (chlorobutyl rubber) and a needle 
(stainless steel) with a needle cap (butyl /diene blend polymer and polypropylene). 
 
Pack sizes of: 
• 1 pre-filled syringe (with 2 alcohol pads) 
• 2 pre-filled syringes (with 2 alcohol pads) 
• 6 pre-filled syringes (with 6 alcohol pads)  
 



94 

Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen  
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in single-use pre-filled pen containing a pre-filled syringe. The 
syringe inside the pen is made from cyclo olefin polymer plastic with a stopper (chlorobutyl rubber) 
and a needle (stainless steel) with a needle cap (butyl /diene blend polymer and polypropylene). 
 
Pack sizes of: 
• 1 pre-filled pen (with 2 alcohol pads) 
• 2 pre-filled pens (with 2 alcohol pads) 
• 6 pre-filled pens (with 6 alcohol pads)  
 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal  
 
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements.  
 
 
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Mylan S.A.S. 
117 allée des Parcs 
69800 Saint-Priest 
France  
 
 
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
EU/1/18/1319/001 
EU/1/18/1319/002 
EU/1/18/1319/003 
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen 
EU/1/18/1319/004 
EU/1/18/1319/005 
EU/1/18/1319/006 
 
 
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 17 September 2018 
 
 
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European Medicines 
Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu. 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/
http://www.ema.europa.eu/


95 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX II 
 

A. MANUFACTURER(S) OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE 
SUBSTANCE(S) AND MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE 
FOR BATCH RELEASE 

 
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY 

AND USE 
 
C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE 

MARKETING AUTHORISATION 
 
D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO 

THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL 
PRODUCT 

 



96 

A. MANUFACTURER(S) OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) AND 
MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 
 
Name and address of the manufacturer(s) of the biological active substance(s)  
 
Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. 
Takasaki Plant 
100-1 Hagiwara-machi 
Takasaki 
Gunma 
370-0013  
Japan 
 
Name and address of the manufacturer(s) responsible for batch release 
 
AndersonBrecon (UK) Limited 
Units 2-7 
Wye Valley Business Park 
Brecon Road 
Hay-on-Wye 
Hereford 
Herefordshire 
HR3 5PG 
United Kingdom 
 
McDermott laboratories T/A Mylan Dublin Biologics 
Newenham Court, Northern Cross, Malahide Road 
Dublin 17 
Ireland 
 
Mylan Germany GmbH 
Benzstraße 1  
61352 Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe 
Germany 

 
The printed package leaflet of the medicinal product must state the name and address of the 
manufacturer responsible for the release of the concerned batch. 
 
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE 
 
Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription (see Annex I: Summary of Product 
Characteristics, section 4.2). 
 
 
C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 

AUTHORISATION  
 
• Periodic safety update reports  
 
The requirements for submission of periodic safety update reports for this medicinal product are set 
out in the list of Union reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of Directive 
2001/83/EC and any subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-portal. 
 
 



97 

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 
EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 
• Risk Management Plan (RMP) 
 
The MAH shall perform the required pharmacovigilance activities and interventions detailed in the 
agreed RMP presented in Module 1.8.2 of the marketing authorisation and any agreed subsequent 
updates of the RMP. 
 
An updated RMP should be submitted: 

• At the request of the European Medicines Agency; 
• Whenever the risk management system is modified, especially as the result of new 

information being received that may lead to a significant change to the benefit/risk profile or 
as the result of an important (pharmacovigilance or risk minimisation) milestone being 
reached.  

 
• Additional risk minimisation measures 
 
Prior to launch of Hulio in each Member State the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH) must 
agree about the content and format of the educational programme, including communication media, 
distribution modalities, and any other aspects of the programme, with the National Competent 
Authority. The educational program consists of a Patient Reminder Card. 

 
The Patient Reminder Cards (adult and paediatric) should contain the following key elements:  

• serious infections 
• tuberculosis 
• cancer 
• nervous system problems 
• vaccinations  
 

 



98 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX III 
 

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 



99 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A. LABELLING 



100 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
 
OUTER CARTON – VIAL SINGLE UNIT PACK  
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Hulio 40 mg/0.8 ml solution for injection  
adalimumab 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
0.8 ml vial contains 40 mg adalimumab  
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Also contains: monosodium glutumate, sorbitol (E420), methionine, polysorbate 80, hydrochloric acid 
and water for injections. See the package leaflet for further information.  
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Solution for injection 
1 vial 
1 sterile injection syringe 
1 sterile needle 
1 sterile vial adapter  
2 alcohol pads 
 
[Text displayed on the tray inside the box:] 
Hulio 
Vial 
Injection syringe 
Needle 
Vial adapter 
Product leaflet 
Alcohol pads 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use  
Subcutaneous use 
 
For single use only 
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 



101 

 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. 
Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Mylan S.A.S. 
117 allée des Parcs 
69800 Saint-Priest 
France 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/18/1319/008 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Hulio 40 mg/0.8 ml  
 
 



102 

17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC: 
SN: 
NN: 



103 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
 
OUTER CARTON – VIAL MULTIPACK (WITH BLUE BOX)  
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Hulio 40 mg/0.8 ml solution for injection  
adalimumab 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each 0.8 ml vial contains 40 mg adalimumab.  
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Also contains: monosodium glutumate, sorbitol (E420), methionine, polysorbate 80, hydrochloric acid 
and water for injections. See the package leaflet for further information. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Solution for injection 
Multipack: 2 packs of 1 vial each. 
Each pack contains: 
1 vial 
1 sterile injection syringe 
1 sterile needle 
1 sterile vial adapter  
2 alcohol pads 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use  
Subcutaneous use 
 
Each pack is for single use only 
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 



104 

8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. 
Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Mylan S.A.S. 
117 allée des Parcs 
69800 Saint-Priest 
France  
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/18/1319/007 2 vials (2 packs of 1) 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Hulio 40 mg/0.8 ml  
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included.  
 
 



105 

18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC: 
SN: 
NN: 



106 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
 
INNER CARTON – VIAL MULTIPACK (WITHOUT BLUE BOX)  
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Hulio 40 mg/0.8 ml solution for injection  
adalimumab 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
0.8 ml vial contains 40 mg adalimumab.  
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Also contains: monosodium glutumate, sorbitol (E420), methionine, polysorbate 80, hydrochloric acid 
and water for injections. See the package leaflet for further information. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Solution for injection 
1 vial 
1 sterile injection syringe 
1 sterile needle 
1 sterile vial adapter  
2 alcohol pads 
Component of a multipack, can’t be sold separately. 
 
[Text displayed on the tray inside the box:] 
Hulio 
Vial 
Injection syringe 
Needle 
Vial adapter 
Product leaflet 
Alcohol pads 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Subcutaneous use 
 
For single use only. 
 
 



107 

6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 
OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 

 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. 
Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Mylan S.A.S. 
117 allée des Parcs 
69800 Saint-Priest 
France  
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/18/1319/007 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
 



108 

16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Hulio 40 mg/0.8 ml  
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 



109 

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS 
 
VIAL LABEL  
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Hulio 40 mg/0.8 ml injection  
adalimumab 
SC 
 
 
2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT 
 
40 mg/0.8 ml 
 
 
6. OTHER 
 
Mylan 



110 

REMINDER STICKERS TEXT (included in pack) 
 
 
Hulio  
 
Mark your calendar with the stickers provided to remind you of the date for your next dose. 
 
 



111 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
 
OUTER CARTON - PRE-FILLED SYRINGE 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
adalimumab 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
One 0.8 ml pre-filled syringe contains 40 mg adalimumab. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Also contains: monosodium glutumate, sorbitol (E420), methionine, polysorbate 80, hydrochloric acid 
and water for injections. See the package leaflet for further information. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Solution for injection 
1 pre-filled syringe, 2 alcohol pads 
2 pre-filled syringes, 2 alcohol pads 
6 pre-filled syringes, 6 alcohol pads 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
Subcutaneous use 
 
For single use only. 
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 



112 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. 
Keep the syringe in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Mylan S.A.S. 
117 allée des Parcs 
69800 Saint-Priest 
France  
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/18/1319/001 1 pack 
EU/1/18/1319/002 2 pack 
EU/1/18/1319/003 6 pack  
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Hulio 40 mg 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC: 
SN: 
NN: 



113 

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
TRAY BACKING TEXT 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe  
adalimumab 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Mylan S.A.S. 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 
For storage information, see the package leaflet. 
For single use only 



114 

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS 
 
LABEL PRE-FILLED SYRINGE 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Hulio 40 mg injection  
adalimumab 
SC 
 
 
2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT 
 
0.8 ml 
 
 
6. OTHER 
 
 



115 

REMINDER STICKERS TEXT (included in pack) 
 
 
Hulio  
 
Mark your calendar with the stickers provided to remind you of the date for your next dose. 

  



116 

 
PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
 
OUTER CARTON - PRE-FILLED PEN 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen  
adalimumab 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
One 0.8 ml pre-filled pen contains 40 mg adalimumab. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Also contains: monosodium glutumate, sorbitol (E420), methionine, polysorbate 80, hydrochloric acid 
and water for injections. See the package leaflet for further information. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Solution for injection 
1 pre-filled pen, 2 alcohol pads 
2 pre-filled pens, 2 alcohol pads 
6 pre-filled pens, 6 alcohol pads 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use 
Subcutaneous use 
For single use only. 
 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED OUT 

OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
 
7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 



117 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. 
Keep the pen in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL PRODUCTS 

OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL PRODUCTS, IF 
APPROPRIATE 

 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Mylan S.A.S. 
117 allée des Parcs 
69800 Saint-Priest 
France  
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/18/1319/004 1 pack 
EU/1/18/1319/005 2 pack 
EU/1/18/1319/006 6 pack  
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
Hulio 40 mg  
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC: 
SN: 
NN: 
 
 



118 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON BLISTERS OR STRIPS 
 
TRAY BACKING TEXT 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen  
adalimumab 
 
 
2. NAME OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Mylan S.A.S. 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. OTHER 
 
For storage information, see the package leaflet. 
For single use only 
 
 



119 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS 
 
LABEL PRE-FILLED PEN 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Hulio 40 mg injection  
adalimumab 
Subcutaneous use  
SC  
 
 
2. METHOD OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
 
3. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
 
 
4. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
5. CONTENTS BY WEIGHT, BY VOLUME OR BY UNIT 
 
0.8 ml 
 
 
6. OTHER 
 
Mylan 



120 

 
REMINDER STICKERS TEXT (included in pack) 
 
 
Hulio  
 
Mark your calendar with the stickers provided to remind you of the date for your next dose. 
 
 



121 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 



122 

Package leaflet: Information for the patient 
 

Hulio 40 mg/0.8 ml solution for injection 
adalimumab 

 
This medicine is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new 

safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get. See the end of section 4 
for how to report side effects. 
 
Read all of this leaflet carefully before giving your child this medicine because it contains 
important information for him/her. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- Your doctor will also give you a Patient Reminder Card, which contains important safety 

information that you need to be aware of before your child is given Hulio and during treatment 
with Hulio. Keep this Patient Reminder Card with you or your child at all times and for 
4 months after your child’s last injection of Hulio. 

- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
- This medicine has been prescribed for your child only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm 

them, even if their signs of illness are the same as your child's.  
- If your child gets any side effects, talk to your child’s doctor or pharmacist. This includes any 

possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4. 
 
What is in this leaflet 
 
1. What Hulio is and what it is used for  
2. What you need to know before giving your child Hulio  
3. How to use Hulio  
4. Possible side effects  
5. How to store Hulio  
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
7. Instructions for use 
 
 
1. What Hulio is and what it is used for 
 
Hulio contains the active substance adalimumab, a medicine that acts on your body’s immune 
(defence) system. 
 
Hulio is intended for the treatment of the following inflammatory diseases: 
 
- polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children aged 2-17 years;  
- enthesitis-related arthritis in children aged 6-17 years;  
- Crohn’s disease in children aged 6-17 years  
- plaque psoriasis in children aged 4-17 years;  
- hidradenitis suppurativa in adolescents aged 12-17 years; 
- chronic non-infectious uveitis in children aged 2-17 years affecting the front of the eye.  
 
The active ingredient in Hulio, adalimumab, is a monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are 
proteins that attach to specific target in the body.  
The target of adalimumab is another protein called tumour necrosis factor (TNFα), which is present at 
increased levels in the inflammatory diseases listed above. By attaching to TNFα, Hulio decreases the 
process of inflammation in these diseases. 
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis are inflammatory diseases of 
the joints that usually first appear in childhood. 



123 

 
Hulio is used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children and adolescents aged 2 to 
17 years, and enthesitis-related arthritis in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years. Your child may 
first be given other disease-modifying medicines, such as methotrexate. If these medicines do not work 
well enough, your child will be given Hulio to treat his/her polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis or 
enthesitis-related arthritis. 
 
Paediatric Crohn's disease 
 
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the gut. 
 
Hulio is used to treat Crohn’s disease in children aged 6 to 17 years. Your child may first be given 
other medicines. If these medicines do not work well enough your child will be given Hulio to reduce 
the signs and symptoms of his/her Crohn’s disease. 
 
Paediatric plaque psoriasis 
 
Plaque psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin 
covered with silvery scales. Plaque psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing them to crumble, 
become thickened and lift away from the nail bed which can be painful. Psoriasis is believed to be 
caused by a problem with the body’s immune system that leads to an increased production of skin 
cells. 
 
Hulio is used to treat severe plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 years whom 
medicines applied to the skin and treatment with UV light have either not worked very well or are not 
suitable. 
 
Adolescent hidradenitis suppurativa 
 
Hidradenitis suppurativa (sometimes called ‘acne inversa’) is a long-term and often painful 
inflammatory skin disease. Symptoms may include tender nodules (lumps) and abscesses (boils) that 
may leak pus. It most commonly affects specific areas of the skin, such as under the breasts, the 
armpits, inner thighs, groin and buttocks. Scarring may also occur in affected areas.  
 
Hulio is used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa in adolescents from 12 years of age. Hulio can reduce 
the number of nodules and abscesses you have, and the pain that is often associated with the disease. 
Patients may first be given other medicines. If these medicines do not work well enough, patients will 
be given Hulio. 
 
Chronic non-infectious uveitis affecting the front of the eye 
 
Non-infectious uveitis is an inflammatory disease affecting certain parts of the eye. This inflammation 
leads to a decrease of vision and/or the presence of floaters in the eye (black dots or wispy lines that 
move across the field of vision). Hulio works by reducing this inflammation. 
 
Hulio is used to treat children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years with chronic non-infectious uveitis 
who have inflammation affecting the front of the eye.  
 
 
2. What you need to know before giving your child Hulio  
 
Do not give Hulio 
 
- If your child is allergic to adalimumab or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in 

section 6). 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_disease
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_disease
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inframammary_fold
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inframammary_fold


124 

- If your child has a severe infection, including tuberculosis (see “Warnings and precautions”). It 
is important that you tell your doctor if your child has symptoms of infections, e.g. fever, 
wounds, feeling tired, dental problems.  
If your child has moderate or severe heart failure. It is important to tell your doctor if your child 
has had or have a serious heart condition (see “Warnings and precautions”).  

 
Warnings and precautions  
 
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Hulio. 
 
Allergic Reaction 
 
If your child has allergic reactions with symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, dizziness, 
swelling or a rash do not inject them more Hulio and contact their doctor immediately since, in rare 
cases, these reactions can be life-threatening. 
 
Infections 
• If your child have an infection, including long-term or localised infection (for example, leg 

ulcer) consult your child’s doctor before starting Hulio. If you are unsure, contact your child’s 
doctor. 

• Your child might get infections more easily while he/she is receiving Hulio treatment. This risk 
may increase if your child lung function is reduced. These infections may be serious and include 
tuberculosis, infections caused by viruses, fungi, parasites or bacteria, or other unusual 
infectious organisms and sepsis (blood poisoning). In rare cases, these infections may be life-
threatening. It is important to tell your child’s doctor if your child gets symptoms such as fever, 
wounds, feeling tired or dental problems. Your child’s doctor may recommend temporarily 
stopping Hulio. 

 
Tuberculosis (TB) 
 
• As cases of tuberculosis have been reported in patients treated with adalimumab, your child’s 

doctor will check your child for signs and symptoms of tuberculosis before starting Hulio. This 
will include a thorough medical evaluation including your medical history and screening tests 
(for example chest X-ray and a tuberculin test). The conduct and results of these tests should be 
recorded on child’s Patient Reminder Card. It is very important that you tell your child’s doctor 
if he/she have ever had tuberculosis, or if he/she have been in close contact with someone who 
has had tuberculosis. Tuberculosis can develop during therapy even if your child have had 
preventative treatment for tuberculosis. If symptoms of tuberculosis (persistent cough, weight 
loss, listlessness, mild fever), or any other infection appear during or after therapy tell your 
child’s doctor immediately. 

 
Travel/recurrent infection 
 
• Tell your child’s doctor if you reside or travel in regions where fungal infections such as 

histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis or blastomycosis are common. 
• Tell your child’s doctor if you have a history of recurrent infections or other conditions that 

increase the risk of infections. 
 

Hepatitis B virus  
 

• Tell your child’s doctor if your child is a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), if he/she has 
active HBV infection or if you think he/she might be at risk of contracting HBV. Your child’s 
doctor will test your child for HBV. Hulio can reactivate HBV infection in people who carry 
this virus. In some rare cases, especially if your child is taking other medicines that suppress the 
immune system, reactivation of HBV infection can be life-threatening. 

 



125 

Surgery or dental procedure 
 
• If your child is about to have surgery or dental procedures, tell your child’s doctor that your 

child is taking Hulio. Their doctor may recommend temporarily stopping Hulio. 
 
Demyelinating disease 
 
• If your child has or develops demyelinating disease (a disease that affects the insulating layer 

around the nerves), such as multiple sclerosis, your child’s doctor will decide if he/she should 
receive or continue to receive Hulio. Tell your child’s doctor immediately if your child gets 
symptoms like changes in vision, weakness in arms or legs or numbness or tingling in any part 
of the body. 

 
Vaccine 
 
• Certain vaccines contain living but weakened forms of bacteria or viruses that cause diseases 

and should not be given during treatment with Hulio in case they cause infections. Check with 
child’s doctor before receiving any vaccines. It is recommended that, if possible, children be 
given all the scheduled vaccinations for their age before they start treatment with Hulio. If 
your child received Hulio while pregnant, your child’s baby may be at higher risk for getting 
an infection for up to about five months after the last dose she received during her pregnancy. 
It is important that you tell the baby's doctors and other health care professionals about Hulio 
use during your child’s pregnancy so they can decide when your child’s baby should receive 
any vaccine. 

 
Heart Failure 
 
• It is important to tell your child’s doctor if your child had or have a serious heart condition. If 

your child has mild heart failure and are being treated with Hulio, your child’s heart failure 
status must be closely monitored by the doctor. If your child develops new or worsening 
symptoms of heart failure (e.g. shortness of breath, or swelling of feet), you must contact your 
child’s doctor immediately.  

 
Fever, bruising, bleeding or looking pale 
 
• In some patients the body may fail to produce enough of the blood cells that fight infections or 

help you to stop bleeding. If your child develops a fever that does not go away, or bruises or 
bleeds very easily or look very pale, call your child’s doctor right away. Your child’s doctor 
may decide to stop treatment. 

 
Cancer 
 
• There have been very rare cases of certain kinds of cancer in children and adults taking 

adalimumab or other TNFα blockers. People with more serious rheumatoid arthritis who have 
had the disease for a long time may have a higher than average risk of getting lymphoma and 
leukaemia (cancers that affect blood cells and bone marrow). If your child takes Hulio the risk 
of getting lymphoma, leukaemia, or other cancers may increase. On rare occasions, a specific 
and severe type of lymphoma has been observed in some patients taking adalimumab. Some of 
those patients were also treated with the medicines azathioprine or mercaptopurine. Tell your 
child’s doctor if your child is taking azathioprine or mercaptopurine with Hulio.  

• In addition cases of non-melanoma skin cancer have been observed in patients taking 
adalimumab. If new areas of damaged skin appear during or after treatment or if existing marks 
or areas of damage change appearance, tell your child’s doctor. 

• There have been cases of cancers, other than lymphoma, have been reported in patients with a 
specific type of lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated with 
another TNFα blocker. If your child has COPD, or is a heavy smoker, you should discuss with 
your child’s doctor whether treatment with a TNFα blocker is appropriate for your child. 



126 

 
Other medicines and Hulio 
 
Tell your child’s doctor or pharmacist if your child is taking, has recently taken or might take any 
other medicines. 
 
Hulio can be taken together with methotrexate or certain disease-modifying anti-rheumatic agents 
(sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and injectable gold preparations), corticosteroids or 
pain medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).  
 
Your child should not take Hulio with medicines containing the active substances anakinra or 
abatacept. The combination of Hulio and anakinra or abatacept is not recommended based upon the 
possible increased risk for infections, including serious infections and other potential pharmacological 
interactions. If you have questions, please ask your child’s doctor. 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding  
 

• Your child should consider the use of adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy and 
continue its use for at least 5 months after their last Hulio injection.  

• If your child is pregnant, thinks she may be pregnant or is planning to have a baby, ask her 
doctor for advice about taking this medicine. 

• Hulio should only be used during a pregnancy if needed. 
• According to a pregnancy study, there was no higher risk of birth defects when the mother had 

received Hulio during pregnancy compared with mothers with the same disease who did not 
receive Hulio. 

• Hulio can be used during breast-feeding. 
• If your child receives Hulio during her pregnancy, her baby may have a higher risk for getting 

an infection.  
• It is important that you tell her baby’s doctors and other health care professionals about her 

Hulio’s use during her pregnancy before the baby receives any vaccine. For more information 
on vaccines, see “Warnings and precautions” section. 

 
Driving and using machines 
 
Hulio may have a minor influence on your ability to drive, cycle or use machines. Room spinning 
sensation (vertigo) and vision disturbances may occur after taking Hulio. 
 
Hulio contains sodium and sorbitol 
 
Each Hulio vial contains 38.2 mg of sorbitol. Sorbitol is a source of fructose. If your child’s doctor has 
told you that your child has an intolerance to some sugars or if your child has been diagnosed with 
hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI), a rare genetic disorder in which a person cannot break down 
fructose, talk to your child’s doctor before you give your child this medicine. 
 
Also this medicine contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per vial, that is to say essentially 
‘sodium-free’. 
 
 
3. How to use Hulio 
 
Always use this medicine exactly as your child’s doctor or pharmacist has instructed. Check with your 
child’s doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about any of the instructions or if you have any 
questions. Your doctor may prescribe another strength of Hulio if your child needs a different dose. 
 



127 

Children and adolescents with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis 
 
Children and adolescents from 2 to 17 years of age weighing 10 kg to less than 30 kg: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is 20 mg every other week. 
 
Children and adolescents from 2 to 17 years of age weighing 30 kg or more: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is 40 mg every other weeks. 
 
Children and adolescents with enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age weighing 15 kg to less than 30 kg: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is 20 mg every other week.  
 
Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age weighing 30 kg or more: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is 40 mg every other week. 
 
Children and adolescents with Crohn's disease 
 
Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age weighing less than 40 kg: 
The usual dose regimen is 40 mg initially, followed by 20 mg two weeks later. If a faster response is 
required, your child’s doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections in one 
day) followed by 40 mg two weeks later. 
 
Thereafter, the usual dose is 20 mg every other week. If this dose does not work well enough, your 
child’s doctor may increase the dose frequency to 20 mg every week. 
 
Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age weighing 40 kg or more: 
The usual dose regimen is 80 mg initially (as two 40 mg injections in one day), followed by 40 mg 
two weeks later. If a faster response is required, your child’s doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 
160 mg initially (as four 40 mg injections in one day or two 40 mg injections per day for two 
consecutive days) followed by 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections in one day) two weeks later. 
 
Thereafter, the usual dose is 40 mg every other week. If this dose does not work well enough, your 
child’s doctor may increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 
Children or adolescents with plaque psoriasis 
 
Children and adolescents from 4 to 17 years of age weighing 15 kg to less than 30 kg: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is an initial dose of 20 mg, followed by 20 mg one week later, 
Thereafter the usual dose is 20 mg every other week. 
 
Children and adolescents from 4 to 17 years of age weighing 30 kg or more: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is an initial dose of 40 mg, followed by 40 mg one week later, 
Thereafter the usual dose is 40 mg every other week. 
 
Adolescents with hidradenitis suppurativa (from 12 to 17 years of age, weighing at least 30 kg) 
 
The recommended dose of Hulio is an initial dose of 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections in one day), 
followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week later. If this dose does not work well enough, 
then your child’s doctor may increase this to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 
It is recommended that your child uses an antiseptic wash daily on the affected areas during treatment 
with Hulio. 
 



128 

Children and adolescents with chronic non-infectious uveitis 
 
Children and adolescents from 2 to 17 years of age weighing less than 30 kg: 
The usual dose of Hulio is 20 mg every other week with methotrexate. 
  
Your child’s doctor may also prescribe an initial dose of 40 mg which may be administered one week 
prior to the start of the usual recommended dose. 
 
Children and adolescents from 2 to 17 years of age weighing 30 kg or more: 
The usual dose of Hulio is 40 mg every other week with methotrexate. 
  
Your child’s doctor may also prescribe an initial dose of 80 mg which may be administered one week 
prior to the start of the usual dose. 
 
For patients who are prescribed a full 40 mg dose of Hulio, a 40 mg pre-filled pen and a 40 mg pre-
filled syringe are also available from your pharmacist. 
 
Method and route of administration 
 
Hulio is administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneous use). 
 
Detailed instructions on how to inject Hulio are provided in Section 7 - Instructions for use. 
 
If you use more Hulio than you should 
 
If you accidentally inject your child Hulio more frequently than you should, call your child’s doctor or 
pharmacist and explain that your child has been given more than required. Always take the outer 
carton or the medicine with you, even if it is empty. 
 
If you forget to use Hulio 
 
If you forget to give your child an injection, you should inject the next dose of Hulio as soon as you 
remember. Then give your child’s next dose as you would have on your originally scheduled day, had 
you not forgotten a dose. 
 
If your child stops using Hulio 
 
The decision to stop using Hulio should be discussed with your child’s doctor. Your child’s symptoms 
may return upon stopping treatment. 
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your child’s doctor or pharmacist. 
 
 
4. Possible side effects 
 
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.  
Most side effects are mild to moderate. However, some may be serious and require urgent medical 
treatment. 
 
Side effects may occur up to 4 months or more after the last Hulio injection. 
 
Seek medical attention urgently if your child develops any of the following signs of allergic reaction 
or heart failure: 
• severe rash, hives 
• swollen face, hands or feet; 
• trouble breathing or swallowing; 
• pale complexion, dizziness, persistent fever, bruising or bleeding very easily. 



129 

 
Tell your doctor as soon as possible, if you notice any of the following:  
• signs and symptoms of infection such as fever, feeling sick, wounds, dental problems, burning 

on urination, feeling weak or tired or coughing; 
• symptoms of nerve problems such as tingling, numbness, double vision or arm or leg weakness; 
• signs of skin cancer such as a bump or open sore that doesn't heal; 
• signs and symptoms suggestive of blood disorders such as persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, 

paleness. 
 
The following side effects have been observed with adalimumab: 
 
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): 
• injection site reactions (including pain, swelling, redness or itching); 
• respiratory tract infections (including cold, runny nose, sinus infection, throat infection, 

pneumonia); 
• abnormal blood results; 
• headache; 
• abdominal (belly) pain; 
• nausea and vomiting; 
• pain in bone and muscles. 
 
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): 
• any infection (including tuberculosis, blood poisoning, influenza, cellulitis, shingles, ear 

infections, tooth infections, cold sores, reproductive tract infections, urinary tract infection, 
fungal infections, joint infections); 

• benign tumours; 
• skin cancer; 
• mild allergic reactions (including seasonal allergy); 
• dehydration; 
• mood swings (including depression); 
• anxiety; 
• difficulty sleeping; 
• sensation disorders such as tingling, prickling or numbness; 
• migraine; 
• neck or back pain; 
• vision disturbances; 
• eye/eyelid inflammation or swelling; 
• vertigo (sensation of the room spinning); 
• cough; 
• sensation of heart beating rapidly; 
• high blood pressure; 
• skin flushing; 
• blood clot; 
• asthma; 
• bleeding in the stomach; 
• indigestion, bloating, heart burn; 
• acidity/acid reflux; 
• dry eyes, dry mouth; 
• itching, inflammation of the skin (including eczema); 
• increased sweating; 
• hair loss; 
• new or worsening psoriasis (red, flaky skin); 
• muscle spasms; 
• blood in urine; 
• kidney problems; 



130 

• slow healing of wounds. 
 
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): 
• cancer of the lymph system (lymphoma); 
• immune disorders that could affect the lungs, skin and lymph nodes (most commonly as a 

condition called sarcoidosis); 
• inflammation of blood vessels; 
• tremor; 
• nerve damage; 
• stroke; 
• double vision; 
• hearing loss, buzzing; 
• irregular heart beat; 
• lung diseases causing shortness of breath (including inflammation); 
• blockage in an artery of the lung; 
• excessive fluid around the lung; 
• inflammation of the pancreas; 
• difficulty in swallowing; 
• gallbladder inflammation, gallbladder stones; 
• fatty liver (build-up of fat in liver cells); 
• night sweats; 
• scarring; 
• abnormal muscle breakdown; 
• systemic lupus erythematosus (including inflammation of skin, heart, lung, joints and other 

organ systems); 
• excessive night urination; 
• impotence. 
 
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): 
• leukaemia (cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow); 
• multiple sclerosis; 
• nerve disorders (such as inflammation of the optic nerve to the eye, and Guillain-Barré 

syndrome, a condition that may cause muscle weakness, abnormal sensations, tingling in the 
arms and upper body); 

• heart attack; 
• pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung); 
• hole/tear in the intestine; 
• inflammation of the liver; 
• inflammation of blood vessels in the skin; 
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome;  
• inflammatory skin rash; 
• lupus-like syndrome; 
• lichenoid skin reaction (itchy reddish-purple skin rash). 
 
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data): 
• hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (a rare blood cancer); 
• Merkel cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer); 
• liver failure; 
• worsening skin rash with muscle weakness. 
 

Reporting of side effects 
 
If your child gets any side effects, talk to your child’s doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible 
side effects not listed in this leaflet.  



131 

 
You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. By 
reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 
 
 
5. How to store Hulio 
 
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label/ carton after EXP. The 
expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 
 
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze. 
 
Keep the vial in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 
 
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 
throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 
 
 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
What Hulio contains 
- The active substance is adalimumab  
- The other ingredients are monosodium glutumate, sorbitol, methionine, polysorbate 80, 

hydrochloric acid and water for injections. 
 
What Hulio looks like and contents of the pack 
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection (injection) in vials is supplied as a sterile solution of 40 mg 
adalimumab dissolved in 0.8 ml clear or slightly opalescent, colourless to pale brownish-yellow 
solution. 
 
The Hulio vial is a glass vial with a rubber stopper. Hulio is supplied as packs containing 1 or 2 boxes. 
Each box contains 1 vial, 1 sterile injection syringe, 1 sterile needle, 1 sterile vial adapter and 2 alcohol 
pads. 
 
Hulio is also available as a pre-filled syringe or a pre-filled pen. 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder  
 
Mylan S.A.S. 
117 allée des Parcs 
69800 Saint-Priest 
France 
 
Manufacturer 
 
AndersonBrecon (UK) Limited 
Wye Valley Business Park 
Brecon Road 
Hay-on-Wye 
Hereford 
HR3 5PG 
United Kingdom 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


132 

McDermott laboratories T/A Mylan Dublin Biologics 
Newenham Court, Northern Cross, Malahide Road 
Dublin 17 
Ireland 
 
Mylan Germany GmbH 
Benzstraße 1  
61352 Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe 
Germany 
 
 
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder: 
 
België/Belgique/Belgien 
Mylan EPD bvba/sprl 
Tél/Tel: + 32 (0)2 658 61 00 
 

Lietuva 
BGP Products UAB  
Tel: +370 5 205 1288 
 

България 
Майлан ЕООД 
Тел: +359 2 44 55 400 
 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 
Mylan EPD bvba/sprl 
Tel: + 32 (0)2 658 61 00 
(Belgique/Belgien) 
 

Česká republika 
Mylan Healthcare CZ s.r.o. 
Tel: + 420 222 004 400 

Magyarország 
Mylan EPD Kft 
Tel: + 36 1 465 2100 
 

Danmark 
Mylan Denmark ApS 
Tlf: +45 28116932 
 

Malta 
V.J. Salomone Pharma Ltd 
Tel: + 356 21 22 01 74 
 

Deutschland 
Mylan Healthcare GmbH 
Tel: +49 (0) 800 0700 800 
 

Nederland 
Mylan Healthcare B.V. 
Tel: +31 (0)20 426 3300 

Eesti 
BGP Products Switzerland GmbH Eesti filiaal  
Tel: + 372 6363 052 

Norge 
Mylan Healthcare Norge AS 
Tel: + 47 66 75 33 00 
 

Ελλάδα  
BGP ΠΡΟΪΟΝΤΑ Μ.Ε.Π.Ε. 
Τηλ.: +30 210 9891 777  
 

Österreich 
Mylan Österreich GmbH 
Tel: +43 1 86390 
 

España 
Mylan Pharmaceuticals, S.L. 
Tel: + 34 900 102 712 
 

Polska 
Mylan Healthcare Sp. z o.o. 
Tel: + 48 22 546 64 00 
 

France 
Mylan Medical S.A.S 
Tel: +33 1 56 64 10 70 
 

Portugal 
Mylan, Lda. 
Tel: + 351 21 412 72 56 
 

Hrvatska 
Mylan Hrvatska d.o.o.   
Tel: +385 1 23 50 599 
 

România 
BGP Products SRL 
Tel: + 40 372 579 000  
 

Ireland 
Mylan Ireland Limited 

Slovenija 
Mylan Healthcare d.o.o. 



133 

Tel: +353 (0) 87 1694982 
 

Tel: + 386 1 23 63 180 

Ísland 
Icepharma hf 
Tlf. +354 540 8000 
 

Slovenská republika 
Mylan s.r.o. 
Tel: +421 2 32 199 100 

Italia 
Mylan Italia S.r.l 
Tel: + 39 02 612 46921 
 

Suomi/Finland 
Mylan Finland Oy 
Puh/Tel: +358 20 720 9555 
 

Κύπρος 
Varnavas Hadjipanayis Ltd 
Τηλ: + 357 22207700 
 

Sverige 
Mylan AB  
Tel: + 46 855 522 750 
 

Latvija 
Mylan Healthcare SIA  
Tel: +371 676 055 80 
 

United Kingdom 
Generics [UK] Ltd 
Tel: +44 1707 853000 

  
This leaflet was last revised in {MM/YYYY} 
 
Other sources of information 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu.  
 
 
7. Instructions for use 
 
Read the instructions carefully and follow them step by step. Your child’s doctor, nurse or other 
healthcare professional will show you how to prepare the injection and give it to your child. They will 
also tell you the prescribed amount (volume). 
 
Do not attempt to give your child an injection until you are sure that you understand how to do this. 
After proper training, the injection can be self-administered or given by another person, for example a 
family member or carer. 
 
Each vial contains one 40 mg dose of adalimumab. 
 
Do not mix any other medicine into the same syringe or vial with the Hulio solution. 
 
To help you remember which day(s) Hulio should be injected, it may be helpful to make a note on a 
calendar or in a diary. 
 
Before you start 
 
Make sure you know the prescribed amount . If you don’t know this, STOP HERE and ask your 
child’s doctor. 
 
Find a quiet area with a well-lit, clean and flat work surface and gather all the supplies you will need 
to give the injection. 
 
Supplies you will need: 
• 1 box of Hulio vial for paediatric use 
• 1 sharps disposal container (not included in Hulio pack) 
• 1 gauze pad or cotton ball (not included in Hulio pack) 
 



134 

If you do not have all the supplies you need, ask your nurse or pharmacist. 
 
Preparing the Hulio injection 
 
Each Hulio single vial box will contain: 

• 1 syringe (1) 
• 1 vial adapter (2) 
• 1 vial of Hulio solution (3) 
• 2 alcohol pads (4)  
• 1 needle (5) 

  
 
Hulio packs should be stored in the fridge (between 2 to 8°C) until needed for use.  
• Take a single vial box out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you intend to use it to allow the 

contents to reach room temperature. If there is a second box in the Hulio pack for a future 
injection, place it back in the refrigerator immediately. 
o DO NOT use other heat sources such as a microwave oven or hot water to warm the vial. 
o DO NOT put the vial back in the fridge after it has reached room temperature. 

• Check the expiry date printed on the vial.  
o DO NOT use the vial if past the expiry date. 

• Check the solution in the vial is clear, colourless and has no particles.  
o DO NOT use the vial if the solution is cloudy, discoloured, or has particles in it.  

 
Injection steps  
 
Follow the steps below carefully each time you inject Hulio: 
 
Step 1 - Choose and prepare injection site 

 
 

Abdomen or Thighs 

Hulio is for subcutaneous injection. It should be injected into the 
thigh or abdomen. 
 
You should rotate and change the injection site each time, 
staying at least 3 cm from the previous site used. 
 
If you are injecting into the abdomen, choose a site that is at 
least 5 cm away from the belly button. 
 
• DO NOT inject into skin that is red, hard, bruised, or tender.  
• DO NOT inject into scars or stretch marks. 
• If your child has psoriasis, DO NOT inject into any raised, 

thick, red, or scaly skin patches, or lesions. 
• DO NOT inject through clothes. Roll back any clothing that 

may interfere with the injection site. 
Step 2 - Wash hands 
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. 
 
Preparing the Hulio dose for injection 
 



135 

Step 3 – Partially open syringe and needle packaging 

  

Partially peel open the syringe package from the end closest to 
the white plunger rod. Peel the clear plastic just far enough to 
expose the white plunger rod, but DO NOT take the syringe out 
of the package. 
 
Partially peel open the needle package from the end closest to 
the yellow syringe connector. Peel the clear plastic just far 
enough to expose the yellow connector, but DO NOT take the 
needle out of the package. 

Step 4 - Uncap vial and wipe vial stopper 

   

Pop off the white plastic cap from the vial to expose the vial 
stopper. 
 
Use one of the alcohol pads to wipe the stopper and then place 
the vial on a flat surface. 
 
• DO NOT touch the vial stopper after wiping with the alcohol 

pad. 
Step 5 - Attach vial adapter to vial 

 

Peel the cover off the vial adapter package but DO NOT take 
the adapter out of the package. 
 

  

 
With the vial adapter still in the clear package, attach it to the 
vial stopper by pushing the adapter over the vial until it snaps in 
place. 
 
When you are sure the adapter is attached to the vial, lift off the 
packaging. 
Gently set the connected vial and adapter down on a flat work 
surface. Be careful that it does not fall over. 

Step 6 - Pull plunger to dose + 0.1 ml 

 

Hold the syringe package and SLOWLY pull the white plunger to 0.1 ml 
beyond the prescribed dose (for example, if the prescribed dose is 0.5 ml, pull 
the white plunger rod to 0.6 ml).   
DO NOT pull the white plunger rod completely out of the syringe.  
 
• If the white plunger rod is pulled out of the syringe, discard the syringe and 

contact your Hulio provider for a replacement. DO NOT try to reinsert the 
white plunger rod. 

Step 7 - Attach syringe to vial adapter and push plunger rod 

 

Hold the syringe on the graduated area and remove it from the packaging. 
 
• DO NOT hold the syringe by the white plunger rod. 
 
Insert the syringe tip into the vial adapter and twist it clockwise until firmly 
attached.  
 
• DO NOT over-tighten. 



136 

 

Push the plunger rod all the way down. This step is important to get the proper 
dose. 

Step 8 - Pull plunger to draw dose + 0.1 ml 

 
 

Keep the plunger rod pressed down and turn the connected syringe and vial 
upside down. 
 
SLOWLY pull the plunger rod to draw the Hulio solution into the syringe. Pull 
the plunger to 0.1 ml beyond the prescribed dose (for example, if the 
prescribed dose is 0.5 ml, pull the white plunger rod to 0.6 ml). 
 
You will set the volume to the prescribed dose in a later step. 
 

 

If there are air bubbles in the syringe, push the plunger rod all the way back in 
to push the solution back into the vial.  
 
Repeat this step to draw the solution back into the syringe again, pulling the 
plunger rod SLOWLY.  
 
If you see air bubbles in the solution again, you may repeat this step up to 
3 times. 
 
• DO NOT hold the syringe by the plunger rod. 
• DO NOT shake the syringe.  
• If the white plunger rod is pulled out of the syringe, discard the syringe and 

contact your Hulio provider for a replacement. DO NOT try to reinsert the 
white plunger rod. 

Step 9 - Detach syringe from vial adapter and attach needle 

 
 

Remove the vial adapter by twisting it off the syringe. 
 
• DO NOT touch the top of the syringe. 
• DO NOT hold the syringe by the white plunger rod.  



137 

 

Attach the needle to the syringe by inserting the syringe tip into the yellow 
syringe connector on the needle. Twist the syringe until the needle is firmly 
attached.  
 
• Once syringe is firmly attached to the needle, remove the clear needle 

packaging. 

 
Dose Preparation 
 
Step 10 - Flip down pink needle cover and remove needle cap 

  

Hold the syringe with the needle pointing up. 
Flip down the pink needle cover and remove the needle cap by pulling it 
straight up. DO NOT twist the needle cap.  
 
• DO NOT touch the needle. 
• DO NOT put the needle cap back on the needle after it has been removed. 

Step 11 - Check and set prescribed dose 
Hold the syringe at eye-level with the needle pointing up to see the amount of solution clearly.  
Recheck the doctor’s prescription for the correct prescribed amount. 
Push the plunger rod gently in until the syringe contains the prescribed amount. Excess solution may 
come out of the needle while pushing the plunger rod in. Be careful not to squirt the solution into your 
eye. 
Gently place the syringe on a clean, flat surface. 
 
• DO NOT wipe the needle or syringe. 
 
Injecting Hulio 
 
Step 12 - Prepare injection site 
Wipe the skin at the chosen injection site with a new alcohol swab.  
• Wait for the skin to dry on its own, do not blow it dry. 
• DO NOT touch this area again before giving the injection. 
Step 13 - Squeeze injection site  

 

Gently squeeze the cleaned area of skin and hold firmly. 

 

 
At a 45° angle to the injection site, use a quick, short motion and 
push the needle all the way into skin. 



138 

Step 14 - Push plunger to inject solution 

  

Let go of the squeezed skin. 
Push the white plunger rod to inject the Hulio solution until the 
syringe is empty.  
 

Step 15 - End of injection, remove syringe, engage needle cover 

  
 

When the syringe is empty, remove syringe and needle from the 
skin.  
After injection, if slight bleeding occurs from the injection site, 
lightly press a gauze or cotton ball against the site for a few 
seconds. 
 
• DO NOT rub the injection site. 

 

 

 
Gently flip the pink needle cover over the needle and snap into 
place. Set the syringe with covered needle on the work surface.  

 
• DO NOT put the clear needle cap back on the needle. 

 
 
Throwing away supplies 
 
Step 16 - Dispose syringe & needle 
Each vial, syringe, vial adapter and needle are for single-use only. These must NEVER be re-used.  
 
Put the used syringe, needle, vial and vial adapter in a sharps disposal container after use. 
 
• DO NOT throw the sharps container in your household bin.  
• DO NOT recycle your used sharps disposal container. 
• Always keep your sharps container out of the sight and reach of children. 
• Throw away all other used items and empty packaging into your regular 

household waste. 
 
 



139 

Package leaflet: Information for the patient 
 

Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
adalimumab 

 
This medicine is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new 

safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get. See the end of section 4 
for how to report side effects.  
 
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains 
important information for you. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- Your doctor will also give you a Patient Reminder Card, which contains important safety 

information that you need to be aware of before you are given Hulio and during treatment with 
Hulio. Keep this Patient Reminder Card with you at all times and for 4 months after your last 
injection of Hulio.  

- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.  
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side 

effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4. 
 
What is in this leaflet 
 
1. What Hulio is and what it is used for  
2. What you need to know before you use Hulio  
3. How to use Hulio  
4. Possible side effects  
5. How to store Hulio  
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
7. Instructions for use 
 
 
1. What Hulio is and what it is used for 
 
Hulio contains the active substance adalimumab, a medicine that acts on your body’s immune 
(defence) system. 
 
Hulio is intended for the treatment of the following inflammatory diseases: 
- rheumatoid arthritis; 
- polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis; 
- enthesitis-related arthritis; 
- ankylosing spondylitis; 
- axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis; 
- psoriatic arthritis; 
- psoriasis; 
- hidradenitis suppurativa; 
- Crohn’s disease; 
- ulcerative colitis; 
- non-infectious uveitis in adults and children. 
 
The active ingredient in Hulio, adalimumab, is a monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are 
proteins that attach to specific target in the body.  
The target of adalimumab is another protein called tumour necrosis factor (TNFα), which is present at 
increased levels in the inflammatory diseases listed above. By attaching to TNFα, Hulio decreases the 
process of inflammation in these diseases. 
 



140 

Rheumatoid arthritis 
 
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. 
 
Hulio is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults. If you have moderate to severe active rheumatoid 
arthritis, you may first be given other disease-modifying medicines, such as methotrexate. If these 
medicines do not work well enough, you will be given Hulio to treat your rheumatoid arthritis. 
 
Hulio can also be used to treat severe, active and progressive rheumatoid arthritis without previous 
methotrexate treatment. 
 
Hulio can slow down the damage to the cartilage and bone of the joints caused by the disease and 
improve physical function. 
 
Usually, Hulio is used with methotrexate. If your doctor considers that methotrexate is inappropriate, 
Hulio can be given alone. 
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis are inflammatory diseases of 
the joints that usually first appear in childhood. 
 
Hulio is used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children and adolescents aged 2 to 
17 years, and enthesitis-related arthritis in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years. You may first 
be given other disease-modifying medicines, such as methotrexate. If these medicines do not work 
well enough, you will be given Hulio to treat your polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis or 
enthesitis-related arthritis. 
 
Ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing 
spondylitis 
 
Ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing 
spondylitis are inflammatory diseases of the spine. 
 
Hulio is used to treat ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence 
of ankylosing spondylitis in adults. If you have ankylosing spondylitis or axial spondyloarthritis 
without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis, you will first be given other medicines. If 
these medicines do not work well enough, you will be given Hulio to reduce the signs and symptoms 
of your disease. 
 
Psoriatic arthritis 
 
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints associated with psoriasis. 
 
Hulio is used to treat psoriatic arthritis in adults. Hulio can slow down the damage to the cartilage and 
bone of the joints caused by the disease and improve physical function. 
 
Plaque psoriasis in adults and children 
 
Plaque psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin 
covered with silvery scales. Plaque psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing them to crumble, 
become thickened and lift away from the nail bed which can be painful. Psoriasis is believed to be 
caused by a problem with the body’s immune system that leads to an increased production of skin 
cells. 
 



141 

Hulio is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. Hulio is also used to treat severe 
plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 years whom medicines applied to the skin 
and treatment with UV light have either not worked very well or are not suitable. 
 
Hidradenitis suppurativa in adults and adolescents 
 
Hidradenitis suppurativa (sometimes called ‘acne inversa’) is a long-term and often painful 
inflammatory skin disease. Symptoms may include tender nodules (lumps) and abscesses (boils) that 
may leak pus. It most commonly affects specific areas of the skin, such as under the breasts, the 
armpits, inner thighs, groin and buttocks. Scarring may also occur in affected areas. 
 
Hulio is used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa in adults, and adolescents from 12 years of age. Hulio 
can reduce the number of nodules and abscesses you have, and the pain that is often associated with 
the disease. You may first be given other medicines. If these medicines do not work well enough, you 
will be given Hulio. 
 
Crohn’s disease in adults and children 
 
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the gut. 
 
Hulio is used to treat Crohn’s disease in adults, and children aged 6 to 17 years. If you have Crohn’s 
disease you will first be given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, 
you will be given Hulio to reduce the signs and symptoms of your Crohn’s disease. 
 
Ulcerative colitis 
 
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the bowel. 
 
Hulio is used to treat ulcerative colitis in adults. If you have ulcerative colitis you will first be given 
other medicines. If these medicines do not work well enough, you will be given Hulio to reduce the 
signs and symptoms of your disease. 
 
Non-infectious uveitis in adults and children 
 
Non-infectious uveitis is an inflammatory disease affecting certain parts of the eye. This inflammation 
leads to a decrease of vision and/or the presence of floaters in the eye (black dots or wispy lines that 
move across the field of vision). Hulio works by reducing this inflammation. 
 
Hulio is used to treat: 
- adults with non-infectious uveitis with inflammation affecting the back of the eye.  
- children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years with chronic non-infectious uveitis who have 

inflammation affecting the front of the eye.  
 
 
2. What you need to know before you use Hulio  
 
Do not use Hulio 
 
- If you are allergic to adalimumab or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in 

section 6). 
- If you have a severe infection, including tuberculosis (see “Warnings and precautions”). It is 

important that you tell your doctor if you have symptoms of infections, e.g. fever, wounds, 
feeling tired, dental problems. 

- If you have moderate or severe heart failure. It is important to tell your doctor if you have had 
or have a serious heart condition (see “Warnings and precautions”).  

 



142 

Warnings and precautions  
 
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Hulio. 
 
Allergic Reaction 
 
If you have allergic reactions with symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, dizziness, swelling or 
a rash, do not inject more Hulio and contact your doctor immediately since, in rare cases, these 
reactions can be life-threatening. 
 
Infections 
 
• If you have an infection, including long-term or localised infection (for example, leg ulcer) 

consult your doctor before starting Hulio. If you are unsure, contact your doctor. 
• You might get infections more easily while you are receiving Hulio treatment. This risk may 

increase if your lung function is reduced. These infections may be serious and include 
tuberculosis, infections caused by viruses, fungi, parasites or bacteria, or other unusual 
infectious organisms and sepsis (blood poisoning). In rare cases, these infections may be life-
threatening. It is important to tell your doctor if you get symptoms such as fever, wounds, 
feeling tired or dental problems. Your doctor may recommend temporarily stopping Hulio. 

 
Tuberculosis (TB) 
 
• As cases of tuberculosis have been reported in patients treated with adalimumab, your doctor 

will check you for signs and symptoms of tuberculosis before starting Hulio. This will include a 
thorough medical evaluation including your medical history and screening tests (for example 
chest X-ray and a tuberculin test). The conduct and results of these tests should be recorded on 
your Patient Reminder Card. It is very important that you tell your doctor if you have ever had 
tuberculosis, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has had tuberculosis. 
Tuberculosis can develop during therapy even if you have had preventative treatment for 
tuberculosis. If symptoms of tuberculosis (persistent cough, weight loss, listlessness, mild 
fever), or any other infection appear during or after therapy tell your doctor immediately. 

 
Travel/recurrent infection 
 
• Tell your doctor if you reside or travel in regions where fungal infections such as 

histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis or blastomycosis are common. 
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of recurrent infections or other conditions that increase the 

risk of infections. 
 
Hepatitis B virus 
 
• Tell your doctor if you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), if you have active HBV 

infection or if you think you might be at risk of contracting HBV. Your doctor will test you for 
HBV. Hulio can reactivate HBV infection in people who carry this virus. In some rare cases, 
especially if you are taking other medicines that suppress the immune system, reactivation of 
HBV infection can be life-threatening. 

 
Age over 65 years 
 
• If you are over 65 years you may be more susceptible to infections while taking Hulio. You and 

your doctor should pay special attention to signs of infection while you are being treated with 
Hulio. It is important to tell your doctor if you get symptoms of infections, such as fever, 
wounds, feeling tired or dental problems. 

 



143 

Surgery or dental procedure 
 
• If you are about to have surgery or dental procedures, tell your doctor that you are taking Hulio. 

Your doctor may recommend temporarily stopping Hulio. 
 
Demyelinating disease 
 
• If you have or develop demyelinating disease (a disease that affects the insulating layer around 

the nerves), such as multiple sclerosis, your doctor will decide if you should receive or continue 
to receive Hulio. Tell your doctor immediately if you get symptoms like changes in your vision, 
weakness in your arms or legs or numbness or tingling in any part of the body. 

 
Vaccine 
 
• Certain vaccines contain living but weakened forms of bacteria or viruses that cause diseases 

and should not be given during treatment with Hulio in case they cause infections. Check with 
your doctor before you receive any vaccines. It is recommended that, if possible, children be 
given all the scheduled vaccinations for their age before they start treatment with Hulio. If you 
received Hulio while you are pregnant, your baby may be at higher risk for getting an infection 
for up to about five months after the last dose you received during pregnancy. It is important 
that you tell your baby's doctors and other health care professionals about your Hulio use during 
your pregnancy so they can decide when your baby should receive any vaccine. 

  
Heart Failure 
 
• It is important to tell your doctor if you have had or have a serious heart condition. If you have 

mild heart failure and you are being treated with Hulio your heart failure status must be closely 
monitored by your doctor. If you develop new or worsening symptoms of heart failure 
(e.g. shortness of breath, or swelling of your feet), you must contact your doctor immediately.  

 
Fever, bruising, bleeding or looking pale 
 
• In some patients the body may fail to produce enough of the blood cells that fight infections or 

help you to stop bleeding. If you develop a fever that does not go away, or you bruise or bleed 
very easily or look very pale, call your doctor right away. Your doctor may decide to stop 
treatment. 

 
Cancer 
 
• There have been very rare cases of certain kinds of cancer in children and adults taking 

adalimumab or other TNFα blockers. People with more serious rheumatoid arthritis who have 
had the disease for a long time may have a higher than average risk of getting lymphoma and 
leukaemia (cancers that affect blood cells and bone marrow). If you take Hulio the risk of 
getting lymphoma, leukaemia, or other cancers may increase. On rare occasions, a specific and 
severe type of lymphoma has been observed in some patients taking adalimumab. Some of those 
patients were also treated with the medicines azathioprine or mercaptopurine. Tell your doctor if 
you are taking azathioprine or mercaptopurine with Hulio.  

• In addition cases of non-melanoma skin cancer have been observed in patients taking 
adalimumab. If new areas of damaged skin appear during or after treatment or if existing marks 
or areas of damage change appearance, tell your doctor. 

• There have been cases of cancers, other than lymphoma, have been reported in patients with a 
specific type of lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated with 
another TNFα blocker. If you have COPD, or you are a heavy smoker, you should discuss with 
your doctor whether treatment with a TNFα blocker is appropriate for you. 

 



144 

Children and adolescents 
 
• Do not give Hulio to children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and chronic non-

infectious uveitis below the age of 2 years.  
• Do not give Hulio to children with enthesitis-related arthritis and Crohn's disease below the age 

of 6 years. 
• Do not give Hulio to children with plaque psoriasis below the age of 4 years. 
• Do not give Hulio to children with hidradenitis suppurativa below the age of 12 years. 
• Do not use the 40 mg pre-filled syringe if doses other than 40 mg are recommended. 
 
Other medicines and Hulio 
 
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines. 
 
Hulio can be taken together with methotrexate or certain disease-modifying anti-rheumatic agents 
(sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and injectable gold preparations), corticosteroids or 
pain medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 
 
You should not take Hulio with medicines containing the active substances anakinra or abatacept. The 
combination of Hulio and anakinra or abatacept is not recommended based upon the possible 
increased risk for infections, including serious infections and other potential pharmacological 
interactions. If you have questions, please ask your doctor.  
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding  
 

• You should consider the use of adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy and continue its 
use for at least 5 months after the last Hulio injection.  

• If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor 
for advice about taking this medicine. 

• Hulio should only be used during a pregnancy if needed. 
• According to a pregnancy study, there was no higher risk of birth defects when the mother had 

received Hulio during pregnancy compared with mothers with the same disease who did not 
receive Hulio. 

• Hulio can be used during breast-feeding. 
• If you received Hulio during your pregnancy, your baby may have a higher risk for getting an 

infection.  
• It is important that you tell your baby’s doctors and other health care professionals about your 

Hulio use during your pregnancy before the baby receives any vaccine. For more information 
on vaccines see the “Warnings and precautions”. 

 
Driving and using machines 
 
Hulio may have a minor influence on your ability to drive, cycle or use machines. Room spinning 
sensation (vertigo) and vision disturbances may occur after taking Hulio. 
 
Hulio contains sodium and sorbitol 
 
Each Hulio pre-filled syringe contains 38.2 mg of sorbitol. Sorbitol is a source of fructose. If your 
doctor has told you that you (or your child) have an intolerance to some sugars or if you have been 
diagnosed with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI), a rare genetic disorder in which a person cannot 
break down fructose, talk to your doctor before you (or your child) take or receive this medicine. 
 
Also this medicine contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per pre-filled syringe, that is to say 
essentially ‘sodium-free’. 
 



145 

 
3. How to use Hulio 
 
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor 
or pharmacist if you are not sure. Your doctor may prescribe another strength of Hulio if you need a 
different dose. 
 
Adults with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or axial spondyloarthritis 
without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis 
 
The usual dose for adults with these conditions is 40 mg adalimumab given every two weeks as a 
single dose. 
 
In rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate is continued while using Hulio. If your doctor determines that 
methotrexate is inappropriate, Hulio can be given alone. 
 
If you have rheumatoid arthritis and you do not receive methotrexate with your Hulio therapy, your 
doctor may decide to give you 40 mg adalimumab every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 
Children and adolescents with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis 
 
Children and adolescents from 2 to 17 years of age weighing 10 kg to less than 30 kg: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is 20 mg every other week. 
  
Children and adolescents from 2 to 17 years of age weighing 30 kg or more: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is 40 mg every other week. 
 
Children and adolescents with enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age weighing 15 kg to less than 30 kg: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is 20 mg every other week. 
 
Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age weighing 30 kg or more: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is 40 mg every other week. 
 
Adults with psoriasis 
 
The usual dose for adults with psoriasis is an initial dose of 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections in one 
day), followed by 40 mg given every other week starting one week after the initial dose. You should 
continue to inject Hulio for as long as your doctor has told you. If this dose does not work well 
enough, your doctor may increase the dose frequency to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other 
week. 
 
Children or adolescents with plaque psoriasis 
 
Children and adolescents from 4 to 17 years of age weighing 15 kg to less than 30 kg: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is an initial dose of 20 mg, followed by 20 mg one week later, 
Thereafter the usual dose is 20 mg every other week. 
  
Children and adolescents from 4 to 17 years of age weighing 30 kg or more: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is an initial dose of 40 mg, followed by 40 mg one week later, 
Thereafter the usual dose is 40 mg every other week. 
 
Adults with hidradenitis suppurativa 
 
The usual dose regimen for hidradenitis suppurativa is an initial dose of 160 mg (as four 40 mg 
injections in one day or two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days), followed by an 80 mg 



146 

dose (as two 40 mg injections on the same day) two weeks later. After two further weeks, continue 
with a dose of 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week, as prescribed by your doctor. 
 
It is recommended that you use an antiseptic wash daily on the affected areas.  
 
Adolescents with hidradenitis suppurativa from 12 to 17 years of age weighing at least 30 kg 
 
The recommended dose of Hulio is an initial dose of 80 mg (two 40 mg injections in one day), 
followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week later. If this dose does not work well enough 
then your child’s doctor may increase this to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 
It is recommended that your child uses an antiseptic wash daily on the affected areas. 
 
Adults with Crohn’s disease 
 
The usual dose regimen for Crohn’s disease is 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections in one day) initially, 
followed by 40 mg every other week starting two weeks later. If a faster effect is required your doctor 
may prescribe an initial dose of 160 mg (as four 40 mg injections in one day or two 40 mg injections 
per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections in one day) two weeks 
later, and thereafter as 40 mg every other week. If this dose does not work well enough, your doctor 
may increase the dose frequency to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 
Children or adolescents with Crohn's disease 
 
Children or adolescents from 6 to 17 years weighing less than 40 kg: 
The usual dose regimen is 40 mg initially, followed by 20 mg two weeks later. If a faster response is 
required, your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections in one day) 
followed by 40 mg two weeks later. 
 
Thereafter, the usual dose is 20 mg every other week. If this dose does not work well enough, your 
doctor may increase the dose frequency to 20 mg every week. 
 
Children or adolescents from 6 to 17 years weighing 40 kg or more: 
The usual dose regimen is 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections in one day) initially, followed by 40 mg 
two weeks later. If a faster response is required, your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 160 mg 
(as four 40 mg injections in one day or as two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days) 
followed by 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections in one day) two weeks later. 
 
Thereafter, the usual dose is 40 mg every other week. If this dose does not work well enough, your 
doctor may increase the dosage frequency to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 
Patients requiring a dose less than 40 mg should use the 40 mg vial presentation of Hulio. 
 
Adults with ulcerative colitis 
 
The usual Hulio dose for adults with ulcerative colitis is 160 mg initially (given as four 40 mg 
injections in one day, or as two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days) followed by 80 mg 
(as two 40 mg injections in one day) two weeks later, and then 40 mg every other week. If this dose 
does not work well enough, your doctor may increase the dose frequency to 40 mg every week or 
80 mg every other week. 
 
Adults with non-infectious uveitis affecting the back of the eye 
 
The usual dose for adults with non-infectious uveitis is an initial dose of 80 mg (as two injections in 
one day), followed by 40 mg given every other week starting one week after the initial dose. You 
should continue to inject Hulio for as long as your doctor has told you. 
 



147 

In non-infectious uveitis, corticosteroids or other medicines that influence the immune system may be 
continued while using Hulio. Hulio can also be given alone. 
 
Children and adolescents with chronic non-infectious uveitis 
 
Children and adolescents from 2 to 17 years of age weighing less than 30 kg: 
The usual dose of Hulio is 20 mg every other week with methotrexate. 
  
Your child’s doctor may also prescribe an initial dose of 40 mg which may be administered one week 
prior to the start of the usual recommended dose. 
 
Children and adolescents from 2 to 17 years of age weighing 30 kg or more: 
The usual dose of Hulio is 40 mg every other week with methotrexate. 
 
Your child’s doctor may also prescribe an initial dose of 80 mg which may be administered one week 
prior to the start of the usual recommended dose. 
 
For patients who are prescribed a dose less than 40 mg, Hulio 40 mg/0.8 ml solution for injection in a 
vial (available from your pharmacist) should be used. 
 
Method and route of administration 
 
Hulio is administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneous use). 
 
Detailed instructions on how to inject Hulio are provided in Section 7 - Instructions for use. 
 
If you use more Hulio than you should 
 
If you accidentally inject Hulio more frequently than you should, call your doctor or pharmacist and 
explain that you have taken more than required. Always take the outer carton of the medicine with 
you, even if it is empty. 
 
If you forget to use Hulio 
 
If you forget to give yourself an injection, you should inject the next dose of Hulio as soon as you 
remember. Then take your next dose as you would have on your originally scheduled day, had you not 
forgotten a dose. 
 
If you stop using Hulio 
 
The decision to stop using Hulio should be discussed with your doctor. Your symptoms may return 
upon stopping treatment. 
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
 
4. Possible side effects 
 
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.  
 
Most side effects are mild to moderate. However, some may be serious and require urgent medical 
treatment.  
 
Side effects may occur up to 4 months or more after the last Hulio injection. 
 



148 

Seek medical attention urgently if you develop any of the following signs of allergic reaction or heart 
failure: 
• severe rash, hives; 
• swollen face, hands or feet; 
• trouble breathing or swallowing; 
• pale complexion, dizziness, persistent fever, bruising or bleeding very easily. 
 
Tell your doctor as soon as possible, if you notice any of the following: 
• signs and symptoms of infection such as fever, feeling sick, wounds, dental problems, burning 

on urination, feeling weak or tired or coughing; 
• symptoms of nerve problems such as tingling, numbness, double vision or arm or leg weakness; 
• signs of skin cancer such as a bump or open sore that doesn't heal; 
• signs and symptoms suggestive of blood disorders such as persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, 

paleness. 
 
The following side effects have been observed with adalimumab: 
 
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): 
• injection site reactions (including pain, swelling, redness or itching); 
• respiratory tract infections (including cold, runny nose, sinus infection, throat infection, 

pneumonia); 
• abnormal blood results; 
• headache; 
• abdominal (belly) pain; 
• nausea and vomiting; 
• pain in bone and muscles. 
 
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): 
• any infection (including tuberculosis, blood poisoning, influenza, cellulitis, shingles, ear 

infections, tooth infections, cold sores, reproductive tract infections, urinary tract infection, 
fungal infections, joint infections); 

• benign tumours; 
• skin cancer; 
• mild allergic reactions (including seasonal allergy); 
• dehydration; 
• mood swings (including depression); 
• anxiety; 
• difficulty sleeping; 
• sensation disorders such as tingling, prickling or numbness; 
• migraine; 
• neck or back pain; 
• vision disturbances; 
• eye/eyelid inflammation or swelling; 
• vertigo (sensation of the room spinning); 
• cough; 
• sensation of heart beating rapidly; 
• high blood pressure; 
• skin flushing; 
• blood clot; 
• asthma; 
• bleeding in the stomach; 
• indigestion, bloating, heart burn; 
• acidity/acid reflux; 
• dry eyes, dry mouth; 
• itching, inflammation of the skin (including eczema); 



149 

• increased sweating; 
• hair loss; 
• new or worsening psoriasis (red, flaky skin); 
• muscle spasms; 
• blood in urine; 
• kidney problems; 
• slow healing of wounds. 
 
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): 
• cancer of the lymph system (lymphoma); 
• immune disorders that could affect the lungs, skin and lymph nodes (most commonly as a 

condition called sarcoidosis); 
• inflammation of blood vessels; 
• tremor; 
• nerve damage; 
• stroke; 
• double vision; 
• hearing loss, buzzing; 
• irregular heart beat; 
• lung diseases causing shortness of breath (including inflammation); 
• blockage in an artery of the lung; 
• excessive fluid around the lung; 
• inflammation of the pancreas; 
• difficulty in swallowing; 
• gallbladder inflammation, gallbladder stones; 
• fatty liver (build up of fat in liver cells); 
• night sweats; 
• scarring; 
• abnormal muscle breakdown; 
• systemic lupus erythematosus (including inflammation of skin, heart, lung, joints and other 

organ systems); 
• excessive night urination; 
• impotence. 
 
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): 
• leukaemia (cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow); 
• multiple sclerosis; 
• nerve disorders (such as inflammation of the optic nerve to the eye, and Guillain-Barré 

syndrome, a condition that may cause muscle weakness, abnormal sensations, tingling in the 
arms and upper body); 

• heart attack; 
• pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung); 
• hole/tear in the intestine; 
• inflammation of the liver; 
• inflammation of blood vessels in the skin; 
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome; 
• inflammatory skin rash; 
• lupus-like syndrome; 
• lichenoid skin reaction (itchy reddish-purple skin rash). 
 
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data): 
• hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (a rare blood cancer); 
• Merkel cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer); 
• liver failure; 



150 

• worsening skin rash with muscle weakness. 
 
Reporting of side effects 
 
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects 
not listed in this leaflet.  
 
You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. By 
reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 
 
 
5. How to store Hulio 
 
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label/blister/carton after EXP. The 
expiry 
date refers to the last day of that month. 
 
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze. 
 
Keep the pre-filled syringe in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 
 
Alternative Storage: 
 
When needed (for example when you are travelling), a single Hulio pre-filled syringe may be stored 
at room temperature (up to 25°C) for a maximum period of 14 days – be sure to protect it from light. 
Once removed from the refrigerator for room temperature storage, the syringe must be used within 
14 days or discarded, even if it is returned to the refrigerator. 
 
You should record the date when the syringe is first removed from refrigerator, and the date after 
which it should be discarded. 
 
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 
throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 
 
 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
What Hulio contains 
- The active substance is adalimumab.  
- The other ingredients are monosodium glutumate, sorbitol, methionine, polysorbate 80, 

hydrochloric acid and water for injections. 
 
What Hulio looks like and contents of the pack 
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection (injection) in pre-filled syringe is supplied as a sterile solution of 
40 mg adalimumab dissolved in 0.8 ml clear or slightly opalescent, colourless to pale brownish-yellow 
solution. 
 
The Hulio pre-filled syringe is made of plastic syringe with a stopper and a needle with a needle cap. 
Each pack contains 1, 2 or 6 pre-filled syringes with 2, 2 or 6 alcohol pads. Not all pack sizes may be 
marketed. 
 
Hulio is also available as a vial for paediatric use or a pre-filled pen. 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


151 

Marketing Authorisation Holder  
 
Mylan S.A.S. 
117 allée des Parcs 
69800 Saint-Priest  
France  
Manufacturer 
 
AndersonBrecon (UK) Limited 
Wye Valley Business Park 
Brecon Road 
Hay-on-Wye 
Hereford 
HR3 5PG 
United Kingdom 
 
McDermott laboratories T/A Mylan Dublin Biologics 
Newenham Court, Northern Cross, Malahide Road 
Dublin 17 
Ireland 
 
Mylan Germany GmbH 
Benzstraße 1  
61352 Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe 
Germany 
 
 
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder: 
 
België/Belgique/Belgien 
Mylan EPD bvba/sprl 
Tél/Tel: + 32 (0)2 658 61 00 
 

Lietuva 
BGP Products UAB  
Tel: +370 5 205 1288 
 

България 
Майлан ЕООД 
Тел: +359 2 44 55 400 
 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 
Mylan EPD bvba/sprl 
Tel: + 32 (0)2 658 61 00 
(Belgique/Belgien) 
 

Česká republika 
Mylan Healthcare CZ s.r.o. 
Tel: + 420 222 004 400 

Magyarország 
Mylan EPD Kft 
Tel: + 36 1 465 2100 
 

Danmark 
Mylan Denmark ApS 
Tlf: +45 28116932 
 

Malta 
V.J. Salomone Pharma Ltd 
Tel: + 356 21 22 01 74 
 

Deutschland 
Mylan Healthcare GmbH 
Tel: +49 (0) 800 0700 800 
 

Nederland 
Mylan Healthcare B.V. 
Tel: +31 (0)20 426 3300 

Eesti 
BGP Products Switzerland GmbH Eesti filiaal  
Tel: + 372 6363 052 

Norge 
Mylan Healthcare Norge AS 
Tel: + 47 66 75 33 00 
 

Ελλάδα  
BGP ΠΡΟΪΟΝΤΑ Μ.Ε.Π.Ε. 

Österreich 
Mylan Österreich GmbH 



152 

Τηλ.: +30 210 9891 777  
 

Tel: +43 1 86390 
 

España 
Mylan Pharmaceuticals, S.L. 
Tel: + 34 900 102 712 
 

Polska 
Mylan Healthcare Sp. z o.o. 
Tel: + 48 22 546 64 00 
 

France 
Mylan Medical S.A.S 
Tel: +33 1 56 64 10 70 
 

Portugal 
Mylan, Lda. 
Tel: + 351 21 412 72 56 
 

Hrvatska 
Mylan Hrvatska d.o.o.   
Tel: +385 1 23 50 599 
 

România 
BGP Products SRL 
Tel: + 40 372 579 000  
 

Ireland 
Mylan Ireland Limited 
Tel: +353 (0) 87 1694982 
 

Slovenija 
Mylan Healthcare d.o.o. 
Tel: + 386 1 23 63 180 

Ísland 
Icepharma hf 
Tlf. +354 540 8000 
 

Slovenská republika 
Mylan s.r.o. 
Tel: +421 2 32 199 100 

Italia 
Mylan Italia S.r.l 
Tel: + 39 02 612 46921 
 

Suomi/Finland 
Mylan Finland Oy 
Puh/Tel: +358 20 720 9555 
 

Κύπρος 
Varnavas Hadjipanayis Ltd 
Τηλ: + 357 22207700 
 

Sverige 
Mylan AB  
Tel: + 46 855 522 750 
 

Latvija 
Mylan Healthcare SIA  
Tel: +371 676 055 80 
 

United Kingdom 
Generics [UK] Ltd 
Tel: +44 1707 853000 

  
This leaflet was last revised in {MM/YYYY} 
 
Other sources of information 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu.  
 
 
7. Instructions for use 
 
Read the instructions carefully and follow them step by step. Your doctor, nurse or other healthcare 
professional will first show you how to inject Hulio pre-filled syringe. Ask your doctor or nurse if 
there is anything you do not understand. 
 
Do not attempt to self-inject until you are sure that you understand how to prepare and administer the 
injection. After proper training, the injection can be self-administered or given by another person, for 
example a family member or carer. 
 
Each pre-filled syringe is for single-use only and contains one 40 mg dose of adalimumab. 
 
Do not mix the Hulio solution with any other medicine. 
 



153 

To help you remember which day(s) of the week Hulio should be injected, it may be helpful to make a 
note on a calendar or in a diary. 
 
Before you start 
 
Find a quiet area with a well-lit, clean and flat work surface and gather all the supplies you will need 
to give yourself or receive the injection. 
 
Supplies you will need: 
• 1 pre-filled syringe  
• 1 alcohol swab 
• 1 sharps disposal container (not included in Hulio pack) 
• 1 gauze pad or cotton ball (not included in Hulio pack) 
 
If you do not have all the supplies you need, ask your nurse or pharmacist. 
 
Preparing the pre-filled syringe 
 
The pre-filled syringes should be stored in the fridge (between 2°C to 8°C).  
• Take a single pre-filled syringe out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you intend to use it to 

allow the contents to reach room temperature.  
o DO NOT use other heat sources such as a microwave oven or hot water to warm the syringe. 
o DO NOT put the syringe back in the fridge after it has reached room temperature. 

• Check the expiry date printed on the syringe.  
o DO NOT use the syringe if past the expiry date. 

• Check syringe to make sure the medication is at or near the Fill Marker (you may need to shake 
gently to see the liquid), and the liquid is clear, colourless and has no particles.  

o DO NOT use the syringe if the medication is not near the Fill Marker.  
o DO NOT use the syringe if the liquid is cloudy, discoloured, or has particles in it.  

 
 

        Needle Cap             Fill Marker    Plunger Rod 

 
    Medication        Needle Safety Feature 

 
Injection steps  
 
Follow the below steps carefully each time you inject Hulio pre-filled syringe: 
 

Step 1 - Choose and prepare injection site 
 Hulio pre-filled syringe is for subcutaneous injection. It 

should be injected into the thigh or abdomen. 
 
You should rotate and change your injection site each 
time, staying at least 3 cm from the previous site used. 
 



154 

 
 

Abdomen or Thighs 
 

If you are injecting into the abdomen, choose a site that is 
at least 5 cm away from the belly button. 
 
• DO NOT inject into skin that is red, hard, bruised, or 

tender.  
• DO NOT inject into scars or stretch marks. 
• If you have psoriasis, DO NOT inject into any raised, 

thick, red, or scaly skin patches, or lesions. 
• DO NOT inject through clothes. Roll back any clothing 

that may interfere with the injection site. 

Step 2 - Wash hands 
 Wash your hands with soap and water. 
Step 3 - Prepare injection site 
 Wipe the skin at the chosen injection site with an alcohol swab.  

• Wait for it to dry on its own, do not blow dry it. 
• DO NOT touch this area again before giving the injection. 

Step 4 - Uncap needle 
 
 
 

 
 

Pull the needle cover straight off the syringe. A few 
drops of liquid may come out of the needle, this is 
normal. It is also normal to see air bubble(s). 
 
• DO NOT remove the needle cover until you are ready 

to inject. 
• DO NOT twist or bend the needle cover while 

removing it, this may damage the needle. 
• DO NOT touch or pull back on the plunger at any 

time. 
• DO NOT re-cap or touch the needle with your 

fingers, or let the needle touch anything. 
• DO NOT expel any air bubble(s). 
• DO NOT use the pre-filled syringe if dropped after 

uncapping. 
Step 5 - Squeeze & hold injection site 

 
 

Gently squeeze the injection site to create a raised area, 
and hold that area firmly. 

Step 6 - Insert needle into site 

 

At a 45° angle to the injection site, use a quick dart-like 
motion to insert the needle into the site. 
 
Be careful to insert the needle so that it will not inject 
into your fingers holding the injection site. 



155 

Step 7 - Inject Hulio 

 

After the needle is completely inserted, let go of the site 
you are squeezing. 
 
Slowly push the plunger completely down until all the 
medicine is injected and the syringe is empty. 
 
• If the plunger is not pressed all the way the safety 

feature will not activate afterwards to cover the 
needle. 

• DO NOT move, twist, or rotate the syringe during 
injection. 

Step 8 - End of injection, remove syringe 
 
 
 

 

Pull the syringe away from the injection site at the same 
angle as inserted and release your thumb from the 
plunger. 
 
Each pre-filled syringe has a safety feature, this will 
retract and cover the needle after the plunger is released. 
If the needle did not retract, carefully place the used 
syringe into a sharps container to avoid injury. 
 
After injection, if slight bleeding occurs from the 
injection site, press a gauze pad or cotton ball lightly 
against the skin for a few seconds - DO NOT rub the 
injection site. If needed, cover the injection site with a 
plaster. 

Step 9 - Dispose syringe & cap 
 Dispose of the used syringe and cap in an approved sharps disposal container. 

 
Check with your healthcare provider for instructions on how to properly dispose of a 
filled sharps container. 
 
• DO NOT re-use the syringe. 
• DO NOT re-cap the needle. 
• DO NOT throw the sharps container in your household bin.  
• DO NOT recycle your used sharps disposal container. 
• Always keep your sharps container out of the sight and reach of children. 

 



156 

Package leaflet: Information for the patient 
 

Hulio 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen 
adalimumab 

 
This medicine is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new 

safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get. See the end of section 4 
for how to report side effects.  
 
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains 
important information for you. 
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again. 
- Your doctor will also give you a Patient Reminder Card, which contains important safety 

information that you need to be aware of before you are given Hulio and during treatment with 
Hulio. Keep this Patient Reminder Card with you at all times and for 4 months after your last 
injection of Hulio.  

- If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, 

even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.  
- If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side 

effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4. 
 
What is in this leaflet 
 
1. What Hulio is and what it is used for  
2. What you need to know before you use Hulio  
3. How to use Hulio  
4. Possible side effects  
5. How to store Hulio  
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
7. Instructions for use 
 
 
1. What Hulio is and what it is used for 
 
Hulio contains the active substance adalimumab, a medicine that acts on your body’s immune 
(defence) system.  
 
Hulio is intended for the treatment of the following inflammatory diseases:  
- rheumatoid arthritis; 
- polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis; 
- enthesitis-related arthritis; 
- ankylosing spondylitis; 
- axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis; 
- psoriatic arthritis; 
- psoriasis; 
- hidradenitis suppurativa; 
- Crohn’s disease; 
- ulcerative colitis; 
- non-infectious uveitis in adults and children. 
 
The active ingredient in Hulio, adalimumab, is a monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are 
proteins that attach to specific target in the body.  
The target of adalimumab is another protein called tumour necrosis factor (TNFα), which is present at 
increased levels in the inflammatory diseases listed above. By attaching to TNFα, Hulio decreases the 
process of inflammation in these diseases. 
 



157 

Rheumatoid arthritis 
 
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. 
 
Hulio is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults. If you have moderate to severe active rheumatoid 
arthritis, you may first be given other disease-modifying medicines, such as methotrexate. If these 
medicines do not work well enough, you will be given Hulio to treat your rheumatoid arthritis. 
 
Hulio can also be used to treat severe, active and progressive rheumatoid arthritis without previous 
methotrexate treatment. 
 
Hulio can slow down the damage to the cartilage and bone of the joints caused by the disease and 
improve physical function. 
 
Usually, Hulio is used with methotrexate. If your doctor considers that methotrexate is inappropriate, 
Hulio can be given alone. 
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis are inflammatory diseases of 
the joints that usually first appear in childhood. 
 
Hulio is used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children and adolescents aged 
2 to 17 years, and enthesitis-related arthritis in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years. You may 
first be given other disease-modifying medicines, such as methotrexate. If these medicines do not 
work well enough, you will be given Hulio to treat your polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis or 
enthesitis-related arthritis. 
 
Ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing 
spondylitis 
 
Ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing 
spondylitis are inflammatory diseases of the spine. 
 
Hulio is used to treat ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence 
of ankylosing spondylitis in adults. If you have ankylosing spondylitis or axial spondyloarthritis 
without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis, you will first be given other medicines. If 
these medicines do not work well enough, you will be given Hulio to reduce the signs and symptoms 
of your disease. 
 
Psoriatic arthritis 
 
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints associated with psoriasis. 
 
Hulio is used to treat psoriatic arthritis in adults. Hulio can slow down the damage to the cartilage and 
bone of the joints caused by the disease and improve physical function.  
 
Plaque psoriasis in adults and children 
 
Plaque psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin 
covered with silvery scales. Plaque psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing them to crumble, 
become thickened and lift away from the nail bed which can be painful. Psoriasis is believed to be 
caused by a problem with the body’s immune system that leads to an increased production of skin 
cells. 
 



158 

Hulio is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. Hulio is also used to treat severe 
plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 years whom medicines applied to the skin 
and treatment with UV light have either not worked very well or are not suitable. 
 
Hidradenitis suppurativa in adults and adolescents 
 
Hidradenitis suppurativa (sometimes called ‘acne inversa’) is a long-term and often painful 
inflammatory skin disease. Symptoms may include tender nodules (lumps) and abscesses (boils) that 
may leak pus. It most commonly affects specific areas of the skin, such as under the breasts, the 
armpits, inner thighs, groin and buttocks. Scarring may also occur in affected areas. 
 
Hulio is used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa in adults, and adolescents from 12 years of age. Hulio 
can reduce the number of nodules and abscesses you have, and the pain that is often associated with 
the disease. You may first be given other medicines. If these medicines do not work well enough, you 
will be given Hulio. 
 
Crohn’s disease in adults and children 
 
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the gut. 
 
Hulio is used to treat Crohn’s disease in adults, and children aged 6 to 17 years. If you have Crohn’s 
disease you will first be given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, 
you will be given Hulio to reduce the signs and symptoms of your Crohn’s disease. 
 
Ulcerative colitis 
 
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the bowel. 
 
Hulio is used to treat ulcerative colitis in adults. If you have ulcerative colitis you will first be given 
other medicines. If these medicines do not work well enough, you will be given Hulio to reduce the 
signs and symptoms of your disease. 
 
Non-infectious uveitis in adults and children 
 
Non-infectious uveitis is an inflammatory disease affecting certain parts of the eye. This inflammation 
leads to a decrease of vision and/or the presence of floaters in the eye (black dots or wispy lines that 
move across the field of vision). Hulio works by reducing this inflammation. 
 
Hulio is used to treat: 
- adults with non-infectious uveitis with inflammation affecting the back of the eye.  
- children and adolescents aged 2 to 17 years with chronic non-infectious uveitis who have 

inflammation affecting the front of the eye.  
 
 
2. What you need to know before you use Hulio  
 
Do not use Hulio 
 
- If you are allergic to adalimumab or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in 

section 6). 
- If you have a severe infection, including tuberculosis (see “Warnings and precautions”). It is 

important that you tell your doctor if you have symptoms of infections, e.g. fever, wounds, 
feeling tired, dental problems. 

- If you have moderate or severe heart failure. It is important to tell your doctor if you have had 
or have a serious heart condition (see “Warnings and precautions”). 

 



159 

Warnings and precautions  
 
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Hulio. 
 
Allergic Reaction 
 
If you have allergic reactions with symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, dizziness, swelling or 
a rash, do not inject more Hulio and contact your doctor immediately since, in rare cases, these 
reactions can be life-threatening. 
 
Infections 
 
• If you have an infection, including long-term or localised infection (for example, leg ulcer) 

consult your doctor before starting Hulio. If you are unsure, contact your doctor. 
• You might get infections more easily while you are receiving Hulio treatment. This risk may 

increase if your lung function is reduced. These infections may be serious and include 
tuberculosis, infections caused by viruses, fungi, parasites or bacteria, or other unusual 
infectious organisms and sepsis (blood poisoning). In rare cases, these infections may be life-
threatening. It is important to tell your doctor if you get symptoms such as fever, wounds, 
feeling tired or dental problems. Your doctor may recommend temporarily stopping Hulio. 

 
Tuberculosis (TB) 
 
• As cases of tuberculosis have been reported in patients treated with adalimumab, your doctor 

will check you for signs and symptoms of tuberculosis before starting Hulio. This will include a 
thorough medical evaluation including your medical history and screening tests (for example 
chest X-ray and a tuberculin test). The conduct and results of these tests should be recorded on 
your Patient Reminder Card. It is very important that you tell your doctor if you have ever had 
tuberculosis, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has had tuberculosis. 
Tuberculosis can develop during therapy even if you have had preventative treatment for 
tuberculosis. If symptoms of tuberculosis (persistent cough, weight loss, listlessness, mild 
fever), or any other infection appear during or after therapy tell your doctor immediately. 

 
Travel/recurrent infection 
 
• Tell your doctor if you reside or travel in regions where fungal infections such as 

histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis or blastomycosis are common. 
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of recurrent infections or other conditions that increase the 

risk of infections. 
 
Hepatitis B virus 
 
• Tell your doctor if you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), if you have active HBV 

infection or if you think you might be at risk of contracting HBV. Your doctor will test you for 
HBV. Hulio can reactivate HBV infection in people who carry this virus. In some rare cases, 
especially if you are taking other medicines that suppress the immune system, reactivation of 
HBV infection can be life-threatening. 

 
Age over 65 years 
 
• If you are over 65 years you may be more susceptible to infections while taking Hulio. You and 

your doctor should pay special attention to signs of infection while you are being treated with 
Hulio. It is important to tell your doctor if you get symptoms of infections, such as fever, 
wounds, feeling tired or dental problems. 

 



160 

Surgery or dental procedure 
 
• If you are about to have surgery or dental procedures, tell your doctor that you are taking Hulio. 

Your doctor may recommend temporarily stopping Hulio. 
 
Demyelinating disease 
 
• If you have or develop demyelinating disease (a disease that affects the insulating layer around 

the nerves), such as multiple sclerosis, your doctor will decide if you should receive or continue 
to receive Hulio. Tell your doctor immediately if you get symptoms like changes in your vision, 
weakness in your arms or legs or numbness or tingling in any part of the body. 

 
Vaccine 
 
• Certain vaccines contain living but weakened forms of bacteria or viruses that cause diseases 

and should not be given during treatment with Hulio in case they cause infections. Check with 
your doctor before you receive any vaccines. It is recommended that, if possible, children be 
given all the scheduled vaccinations for their age before they start treatment with Hulio. If you 
received Hulio while you are pregnant, your baby may be at higher risk for getting an infection 
for up to about five months after the last dose you received during pregnancy. It is important 
that you tell your baby's doctors and other health care professionals about your Hulio use during 
your pregnancy so they can decide when your baby should receive any vaccine. 

  
Heart Failure 
 
• It is important to tell your doctor if you have had or have a serious heart condition. If you have 

mild heart failure and you are being treated with Hulio your heart failure status must be closely 
monitored by your doctor. If you develop new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (e.g. 
shortness of breath, or swelling of your feet), you must contact your doctor immediately.  

 
Fever, bruising, bleeding or looking pale 
 
• In some patients the body may fail to produce enough of the blood cells that fight infections or 

help you to stop bleeding. If you develop a fever that does not go away, or you bruise or bleed 
very easily or look very pale, call your doctor right away. Your doctor may decide to stop 
treatment. 

 
Cancer 
 
• There have been very rare cases of certain kinds of cancer in children and adults taking 

adalimumab or other TNFα blockers. People with more serious rheumatoid arthritis who have 
had the disease for a long time may have a higher than average risk of getting lymphoma and 
leukaemia (cancers that affect blood cells and bone marrow). If you take Hulio the risk of 
getting lymphoma, leukaemia, or other cancers may increase. On rare occasions, a specific and 
severe type of lymphoma has been observed in some patients taking adalimumab. Some of those 
patients were also treated with the medicines azathioprine or mercaptopurine. Tell your doctor if 
you are taking azathioprine or mercaptopurine with Hulio.  

• In addition cases of non-melanoma skin cancer have been observed in patients taking 
adalimumab. If new areas of damaged skin appear during or after treatment or if existing marks 
or areas of damage change appearance, tell your doctor. 

• There have been cases of cancers, other than lymphoma, have been reported in patients with a 
specific type of lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated with 
another TNFα blocker. If you have COPD, or you are a heavy smoker, you should discuss with 
your doctor whether treatment with a TNFα blocker is appropriate for you. 

 



161 

Children and adolescents 
 
• Do not give Hulio to children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and chronic non-

infectious uveitis below the age of 2 years.  
• Do not give Hulio to children with enthesitis-related arthritis and Crohn's disease below the age 

of 6 years. 
• Do not give Hulio to children with plaque psoriasis below the age of 4 years. 
• Do not give Hulio to children with hidradenitis suppurativa below the age of 12 years. 
• Do not use the 40 mg pre-filled pen if doses other than 40 mg are recommended. 
 
Other medicines and Hulio 
 
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines. 
 
Hulio can be taken together with methotrexate or certain disease-modifying anti-rheumatic agents 
(sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and injectable gold preparations), corticosteroids or 
pain medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 
 
You should not take Hulio with medicines containing the active substances anakinra or abatacept. The 
combination of Hulio and anakinra or abatacept is not recommended based upon the possible 
increased risk for infections, including serious infections and other potential pharmacological 
interactions. If you have questions, please ask your doctor.  
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding  
 

• You should consider the use of adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy and continue its 
use for at least 5 months after the last Hulio injection.  

• If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor 
for advice about taking this medicine. 

• Hulio should only be used during a pregnancy if needed. 
• According to a pregnancy study, there was no higher risk of birth defects when the mother had 

received Hulio during pregnancy compared with mothers with the same disease who did not 
receive Hulio. 

• Hulio can be used during breast-feeding. 
• If you received Hulio during your pregnancy, your baby may have a higher risk for getting an 

infection.  
• It is important that you tell your baby’s doctors and other health care professionals about your 

Hulio use during your pregnancy before the baby receives any vaccine. For more information 
on vaccines see the “Warnings and precautions” section. 

 
Driving and using machines 
 
Hulio may have a minor influence on your ability to drive, cycle or use machines. Room spinning 
sensation (vertigo) and vision disturbances may occur after taking Hulio. 
 
Hulio contains sodium and sorbitol 
 
Each Hulio pre-filled pen contains 38.2 mg of sorbitol. Sorbitol is a source of fructose. If your doctor 
has told you that you (or your child) have an intolerance to some sugars or if you have been diagnosed 
with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI), a rare genetic disorder in which a person cannot break 
down fructose, talk to your doctor before you (or your child) take or receive this medicine. 
 
Also this medicine contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per pre-filled pen, that is to say 
essentially ‘sodium-free’.  
 



162 

 
3. How to use Hulio 
 
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor 
or pharmacist if you are not sure. Your doctor may prescribe another strength of Hulio if you need a 
different dose. 
 
Adults with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or axial spondyloarthritis 
without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis 
 
The usual dose for adults with these conditions is 40 mg adalimumab given every two weeks as a 
single dose. 
 
In rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate is continued while using Hulio. If your doctor determines that 
methotrexate is inappropriate, Hulio can be given alone. 
 
If you have rheumatoid arthritis and you do not receive methotrexate with your Hulio therapy, your 
doctor may decide to give you 40 mg adalimumab every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 
Children and adolescents with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis 
 
Children and adolescents from 2 to 17 years of age weighing 10 kg to less than 30 kg: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is 20 mg every other week. 
  
Children and adolescents from 2 to 17 years of age weighing 30 kg or more: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is 40 mg every other week. 
 
Children and adolescents with enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age weighing 15 kg to less than 30 kg: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is 20 mg every other week. 
 
Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age weighing 30 kg or more: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is 40 mg every other week. 
 
Adults with psoriasis 
 
The usual dose for adults with psoriasis is an initial dose of 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections in one 
day), followed by 40 mg given every other week starting one week after the initial dose. You should 
continue to inject Hulio for as long as your doctor has told you. If this dose does not work well enough, 
your doctor may increase the dose frequency to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 
Children or adolescents with plaque psoriasis 
 
Children and adolescents from 4 to 17 years of age weighing 15 kg to less than 30 kg: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is an initial dose of 20 mg, followed by 20 mg one week later, 
Thereafter the usual dose is 20 mg every other week. 
 
Children and adolescents from 4 to 17 years of age weighing 30 kg or more: 
The recommended dose of Hulio is an initial dose of 40 mg, followed by 40 mg one week later, 
Thereafter the usual dose is 40 mg every other week. 
 
Adults with hidradenitis suppurativa 
 
The usual dose regimen for hidradenitis suppurativa is an initial dose of 160 mg (as four 40 mg 
injections in one day or two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days), followed by an 80 mg 



163 

dose (as two 40 mg injections on the same day) two weeks later. After two further weeks, continue 
with a dose of 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week, as prescribed by your doctor.  
 
It is recommended that you use an antiseptic wash daily on the affected areas. 
 
Adolescents with hidradenitis suppurativa from 12 years of age, weighing at least 30 kg 
 
The recommended dose of Hulio is an initial dose of 80 mg (two 40 mg injections in one day), 
followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week later. If this dose does not work well enough 
then your child’s doctor may increase this to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 
It is recommended that your child uses an antiseptic wash daily on the affected areas. 
 
Adults with Crohn’s disease 
 
The usual dose regimen for Crohn’s disease is 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections in one day) initially, 
followed by 40 mg every other week starting two weeks later. If a faster effect is required your doctor 
may prescribe an initial dose of 160 mg (as four 40 mg injections in one day or two 40 mg injections 
per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections in one day) two weeks 
later, and thereafter as 40 mg every other week. If this dose does not work well enough, your doctor 
may increase the dose frequency to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 
Children or adolescents with Crohn's disease 
 
Children or adolescents from 6 to 17 years weighing less than 40 kg: 
The usual dose regimen is 40 mg initially, followed by 20 mg two weeks later. If a faster response is 
required, your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections in one day) 
followed by 40 mg two weeks later. 
 
Thereafter, the usual dose is 20 mg every other week. If this dose does not work well enough, your 
doctor may increase the dose frequency to 20 mg every week. 
 
Children or adolescents from 6 to 17 years weighing 40 kg or more: 
The usual dose regimen is 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections in one day) initially, followed by 40 mg 
two weeks later. If a faster response is required, your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 160 mg 
(as four 40 mg injections in one day or as two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days) 
followed by 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections in one day) two weeks later. 
 
Thereafter, the usual dose is 40 mg every other week. If this dose does not work well enough, your 
doctor may increase the dosage frequency to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 
Patients requiring a dose less than 40 mg should use the 40 mg vial presentation of Hulio. 
 
Adults with ulcerative colitis 
 
The usual Hulio dose for adults with ulcerative colitis is 160 mg initially (given as four 40 mg 
injections in one day, or as two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days) followed by 80 mg 
(as two 40 mg injections in one day) two weeks later, and then 40 mg every other week. If this dose 
does not work well enough, your doctor may increase the dose frequency to 40 mg every week or 
80 mg every other week. 
 
Adults with non-infectious uveitis affecting the back of the eye 
 
The usual dose for adults with non-infectious uveitis is an initial dose of 80 mg (as two injections in 
one day), followed by 40 mg given every other week starting one week after the initial dose. You 
should continue to inject Hulio for as long as your doctor has told you. 
 



164 

In non-infectious uveitis, corticosteroids or other medicines that influence the immune system may be 
continued while using Hulio. Hulio can also be given alone. 
 
Children and adolescents with chronic non-infectious uveitis 
 
Children and adolescents from 2 to 17 years of age weighing less than 30 kg: 
The usual dose of Hulio is 20 mg every other week with methotrexate. 
  
Your child’s doctor may also prescribe an initial dose of 40 mg which may be administered one week 
prior to the start of the usual recommended dose. 
 
Children and adolescents from 2 to 17 years of age weighing 30 kg or more: 
The usual dose of Hulio is 40 mg every other week with methotrexate. 
  
Your child’s doctor may also prescribe an initial dose of 80 mg which may be administered one week 
prior to the start of the usual recommended dose. 
 
For patients who are prescribed a dose less than 40 mg, Hulio 40 mg/0.8 ml solution for injection in a 
vial (available from your pharmacist) should be used. 
 
Method and route of administration 
 
Hulio is administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneous use). 
 
Detailed instructions on how to inject Hulio are provided in Section 7 - Instructions for use. 
 
If you use more Hulio than you should 
 
If you accidentally inject Hulio more frequently than you should, call your doctor or pharmacist and 
explain that you have taken more than required. Always take the outer carton of the medicine with 
you, even if it is empty. 
 
If you forget to use Hulio 
 
If you forget to give yourself an injection, you should inject the next dose of Hulio as soon as you 
remember. Then take your next dose as you would have on your originally scheduled day, had you not 
forgotten a dose. 
 
If you stop using Hulio 
 
The decision to stop using Hulio should be discussed with your doctor. Your symptoms may return 
upon stopping treatment. 
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
 
4. Possible side effects 
 
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.  
 
Most side effects are mild to moderate. However, some may be serious and require urgent medical 
treatment.  
 
Side effects may occur up to 4 months or more after the last Hulio injection. 
 



165 

Seek medical attention urgently if you develop any of the following signs of allergic reaction or heart 
failure: 
• severe rash, hives; 
• swollen face, hands or feet; 
• trouble breathing or swallowing; 
• pale complexion, dizziness, persistent fever, bruising or bleeding very easily.  
 
Tell your doctor as soon as possible, if you notice any of the following:  
• signs and symptoms of infection such as fever, feeling sick, wounds, dental problems, burning 

on urination, feeling weak or tired or coughing; 
• symptoms of nerve problems such as tingling, numbness, double vision or arm or leg weakness; 
• signs of skin cancer such as a bump or open sore that doesn't heal; 
• signs and symptoms suggestive of blood disorders such as persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, 

paleness. 
 
The following side effects have been observed with adalimumab: 
 
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): 
• injection site reactions (including pain, swelling, redness or itching); 
• respiratory tract infections (including cold, runny nose, sinus infection, throat infection, 

pneumonia); 
• abnormal blood results; 
• headache; 
• abdominal (belly) pain; 
• nausea and vomiting; 
• pain in bone and muscles. 
 
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): 
• any infection (including tuberculosis, blood poisoning, influenza, cellulitis, shingles, ear 

infections, tooth infections, cold sores, reproductive tract infections, urinary tract infection, 
fungal infections, joint infections); 

• benign tumours; 
• skin cancer; 
• mild allergic reactions (including seasonal allergy); 
• dehydration; 
• mood swings (including depression); 
• anxiety; 
• difficulty sleeping; 
• sensation disorders such as tingling, prickling or numbness; 
• migraine; 
• neck or back pain; 
• vision disturbances; 
• eye/eyelid inflammation or swelling; 
• vertigo (sensation of the room spinning); 
• cough; 
• sensation of heart beating rapidly; 
• high blood pressure; 
• skin flushing; 
• blood clot; 
• asthma; 
• bleeding in the stomach; 
• indigestion, bloating, heart burn; 
• acidity/acid reflux; 
• dry eyes, dry mouth; 
• itching, inflammation of the skin (including eczema); 



166 

• increased sweating; 
• hair loss; 
• new or worsening psoriasis (red, flaky skin); 
• muscle spasms; 
• blood in urine; 
• kidney problems; 
• slow healing of wounds. 
 
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): 
• cancer of the lymph system (lymphoma); 
• immune disorders that could affect the lungs, skin and lymph nodes (most commonly as a 

condition called sarcoidosis); 
• inflammation of blood vessels; 
• tremor; 
• nerve damage; 
• stroke; 
• double vision; 
• hearing loss, buzzing; 
• irregular heart beat; 
• lung diseases causing shortness of breath (including inflammation); 
• blockage in an artery of the lung; 
• excessive fluid around the lung; 
• inflammation of the pancreas; 
• difficulty in swallowing; 
• gallbladder inflammation, gallbladder stones; 
• fatty liver (build up of fat in liver cells); 
• night sweats; 
• scarring; 
• abnormal muscle breakdown; 
• systemic lupus erythematosus (including inflammation of skin, heart, lung, joints and other 

organ systems); 
• excessive night urination; 
• impotence. 
 
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): 
• leukaemia (cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow); 
• multiple sclerosis; 
• nerve disorders (such as inflammation of the optic nerve to the eye, and Guillain-Barré 

syndrome, a condition that may cause muscle weakness, abnormal sensations, tingling in the 
arms and upper body); 

• heart attack; 
• pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung); 
• hole/tear in the intestine; 
• inflammation of the liver; 
• inflammation of blood vessels in the skin; 
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome; 
• inflammatory skin rash; 
• lupus-like syndrome; 
• lichenoid skin reaction (itchy reddish-purple skin rash). 
 
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from available data): 
• hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (a rare blood cancer); 
• Merkel cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer); 
• liver failure; 



167 

• worsening skin rash with muscle weakness. 
 

Reporting of side effects 
 
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects 
not listed in this leaflet.  
 
You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. By 
reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 
 
 
5. How to store Hulio 
 
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label/blister/carton after EXP. The 
expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 
 
Store in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C). Do not freeze. 
 
Keep the pre-filled pen in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 
 
Alternative Storage: 
 
When needed (for example when you are travelling), a single Hulio pre-filled pen may be stored at 
room temperature (up to 25°C) for a maximum period of 14 days – be sure to protect it from light. 
Once removed from the refrigerator for room temperature storage, the pen must be used within 
14 days or discarded, even if it is returned to the refrigerator. 
 
You should record the date when the pen is first removed from refrigerator, and the date after which it 
should be discarded. 
 
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 
throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 
 
 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
What Hulio contains 
- The active substance is adalimumab.  
- The other ingredients are monosodium glutumate, sorbitol, methionine, polysorbate 80, 

hydrochloric acid and water for injections. 
 
What Hulio looks like and contents of the pack 
 
Hulio 40 mg solution for injection (injection) in pre-filled pen is supplied as a sterile solution of 40 mg 
adalimumab dissolved in 0.8 ml clear or slightly opalescent, colourless to pale brownish-yellow 
solution. 
 
The Hulio pre-filled pen is made of plastic with a stopper and a needle with a needle cap. Each pack 
contains 1, 2 or 6 pre-filled pens with 2, 2 or 6 alcohol pads. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 
 
Hulio is also available as a vial for paediatric use or a pre-filled syringe. 
 

http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc
http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Template_or_form/2013/03/WC500139752.doc


168 

Marketing Authorisation Holder  
 
Mylan S.A.S. 
117 allée des Parcs 
69800 Saint-Priest  
France  
 
Manufacturer 
 
AndersonBrecon (UK) Limited 
Wye Valley Business Park 
Brecon Road 
Hay-on-Wye 
Hereford 
HR3 5PG 
United Kingdom 
 
McDermott laboratories T/A Mylan Dublin Biologics 
Newenham Court, Northern Cross, Malahide Road 
Dublin 17 
Ireland 
 
Mylan Germany GmbH 
Benzstraße 1  
61352 Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe 
Germany 
 
 
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder: 
 
België/Belgique/Belgien 
Mylan EPD bvba/sprl 
Tél/Tel: + 32 (0)2 658 61 00 
 

Lietuva 
BGP Products UAB  
Tel: +370 5 205 1288 
 

България 
Майлан ЕООД 
Тел: +359 2 44 55 400 
 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 
Mylan EPD bvba/sprl 
Tel: + 32 (0)2 658 61 00 
(Belgique/Belgien) 
 

Česká republika 
Mylan Healthcare CZ s.r.o. 
Tel: + 420 222 004 400 

Magyarország 
Mylan EPD Kft 
Tel: + 36 1 465 2100 
 

Danmark 
Mylan Denmark ApS 
Tlf: +45 28116932 
 

Malta 
V.J. Salomone Pharma Ltd 
Tel: + 356 21 22 01 74 
 

Deutschland 
Mylan Healthcare GmbH 
Tel: +49 (0) 800 0700 800 
 

Nederland 
Mylan Healthcare B.V. 
Tel: +31 (0)20 426 3300 

Eesti 
BGP Products Switzerland GmbH Eesti filiaal  
Tel: + 372 6363 052 

Norge 
Mylan Healthcare Norge AS 
Tel: + 47 66 75 33 00 
 

Ελλάδα  Österreich 



169 

BGP ΠΡΟΪΟΝΤΑ Μ.Ε.Π.Ε. 
Τηλ.: +30 210 9891 777  
 

Mylan Österreich GmbH 
Tel: +43 1 86390 
 

España 
Mylan Pharmaceuticals, S.L. 
Tel: + 34 900 102 712 
 

Polska 
Mylan Healthcare Sp. z o.o. 
Tel: + 48 22 546 64 00 
 

France 
Mylan Medical S.A.S 
Tel: +33 1 56 64 10 70 
 

Portugal 
Mylan, Lda. 
Tel: + 351 21 412 72 56 
 

Hrvatska 
Mylan Hrvatska d.o.o.   
Tel: +385 1 23 50 599 
 

România 
BGP Products SRL 
Tel: + 40 372 579 000  
 

Ireland 
Mylan Ireland Limited 
Tel: +353 (0) 87 1694982 
 

Slovenija 
Mylan Healthcare d.o.o. 
Tel: + 386 1 23 63 180 

Ísland 
Icepharma hf 
Tlf. +354 540 8000 
 

Slovenská republika 
Mylan s.r.o. 
Tel: +421 2 32 199 100 

Italia 
Mylan Italia S.r.l 
Tel: + 39 02 612 46921 
 

Suomi/Finland 
Mylan Finland Oy 
Puh/Tel: +358 20 720 9555 
 

Κύπρος 
Varnavas Hadjipanayis Ltd 
Τηλ: + 357 22207700 
 

Sverige 
Mylan AB  
Tel: + 46 855 522 750 
 

Latvija 
Mylan Healthcare SIA  
Tel: +371 676 055 80 
 

United Kingdom 
Generics [UK] Ltd 
Tel: +44 1707 853000 

  
This leaflet was last revised in {MM/YYYY} 
 
Other sources of information 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu.  
 
 
7. Instructions for use 
 
Read the instructions carefully and follow them step by step. Your doctor, nurse or other healthcare 
professional will first show you how to inject Hulio pre-filled pen. Ask your doctor or nurse if there is 
anything you do not understand. 
 
Do not attempt to self-inject until you are sure that you understand how to prepare and administer the 
injection. After proper training, the injection can be self-administered or given by another person, for 
example a family member or carer. 
 
Each pre-filled pen is for single-use only and contains one 40 mg dose of adalimumab. 
 
Do not mix the Hulio solution with any other medicine. 



170 

 
To help you remember which day(s) of the week Hulio should be injected, it may be helpful to make a 
note on a calendar or in a diary. 
 
Before you start 
 
Find a quiet area with a well-lit, clean and flat work surface and gather all the supplies you will need 
to give yourself or receive the injection. 
 
Supplies you will need: 
• 1 pre-filled pen  
• 1 alcohol swab 
• 1 sharps disposal container (not included in Hulio pack) 
• 1 gauze pad or cotton ball (not included in Hulio pack) 
 
If you do not have all the supplies you need, ask your nurse or pharmacist. 
 
Preparing the pre-filled pen 
 
The pre-filled pens should be stored in the fridge (between 2°C to 8°C).  
• Take a single pen out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you intend to use it to allow the 

contents to reach room temperature.  
o DO NOT use other heat sources such as a microwave oven or hot water to warm the pen. 
o DO NOT put the pen back in the fridge after it has reached room temperature. 

• Check the expiry date printed on the pen.  
o DO NOT use the pen if past the expiry date. 

• Check the viewing window to make sure the medication is at or near the Fill Marker (you may 
need to shake gently to see this), and the liquid is clear, colourless and has no particles.  

o DO NOT use the pen if the medication is not near the Fill Marker.  
o DO NOT use the pen if the liquid is cloudy, discoloured, or has particles in it.  

 
 
     Orange Activator 
       (Needle Inside) Medication    Orange Indicator 

 
 

    Needle Cap   Viewing Window       Fill Marker 
 
Injection steps  
 
Follow the steps below carefully each time you inject Hulio pre-filled pen: 
 
Step 1 - Choose and prepare injection site 

 Hulio pre-filled pen is for subcutaneous injection. It should be 
injected into the thigh or abdomen. 
 
You should rotate and change your injection site each time, 
staying at least 3 cm from the previous site used. 
 
If you are injecting into the abdomen, choose a site that is at 
least 5 cm away from the belly button. 



171 

 
 

Abdomen or Thighs 
 

 
• DO NOT inject into skin that is red, hard, bruised, or 

tender.  
• DO NOT inject into scars or stretch marks. 
• If you have psoriasis, DO NOT inject into any raised, thick, 

red, or scaly skin patches, or lesions. 
• DO NOT inject through clothes. Roll back any clothing that 

may interfere with the injection site. 

Step 2 - Wash hands 
 Wash your hands with soap and water. 
Step 3 - Prepare injection site 
 Wipe the skin at the chosen injection site with an alcohol swab.  

• Wait for it to dry on its own, do not blow dry it. 
• DO NOT touch this area again before giving the injection. 

Step 4 - Uncap pen 
 
 
 

 
 

Pull the needle cap straight off the pen. A few drops of liquid 
may come out of the needle, this is normal. It is also normal to 
see air bubble(s). 
 
• DO NOT remove the needle cap until you are ready to 

inject. 
• Pull the needle cap straight off the pen, DO NOT twist the 

cap. 
• DO NOT re-cap or touch the needle with your fingers, or let 

the needle touch anything. 
• DO NOT touch the Orange Activator with your fingers (this 

is where the needle comes out).  
• DO NOT use the pen if it has been dropped onto a hard 

surface. Components inside the pen may be broken.  
• DO NOT use the pen if the needle cap is missing or not 

securely attached. 
Step 5 - Squeeze & hold injection site 

 
 

Gently squeeze the injection site to create a raised 
area, and hold that area firmly. 

Step 6 - Place pen 

 

Place the Orange Activator end of the pen onto the 
injection site. 
 
Keep the pen held at a 90° angle to the injection site, 
and with the Viewing Window visible to you. 
 
Be careful to place the pen so that it will not inject 
into your fingers holding the injection site. 

Step 7 - Begin injection 
Step 8 - Hold down for 2nd “CLICK” & 10 seconds 



172 

 
 

Step 7  
 
Firmly push the body of the pen down against 
the injection site to engage the Orange 
Activator and begin the injection. 
 
Continue holding down after hearing the 1st 
“CLICK”. This 1st “CLICK” signals the start 
of the injection. 
 
In the Viewing Window, the Orange 
Indicator will advance to show the progress 
of the injection. 
 
• DO NOT move, twist, or rotate the pen 

during injection. 

Step 8  
 
Continue holding the body of the pen down against 
the injection site until one, or all, of the following 
occur: 
 
• A 2nd “CLICK” is heard, 
• 10 seconds has passed, 
• Orange Indicator has stopped and completely 

blocked the Viewing Window. 

Step 9 - End of injection, remove pen 

 

Pull the pen straight away from injection site. 
 
After injection, if slight bleeding occurs from the injection site, 
press a gauze pad or cotton ball lightly against the skin for a 
few seconds - DO NOT rub the injection site. If needed, cover 
the injection site with a plaster. 

Step 10 - Dispose pen & cap 
 Dispose of the used pen and cap in an approved sharps disposal container. 

 
Check with your healthcare provider for instructions on how to properly dispose of a filled sharps 
container. 
 
• DO NOT re-use the pen. 
• DO NOT re-cap the needle. 
• DO NOT throw the sharps container in your household bin. 
• DO NOT recycle your used sharps disposal container. 
• Always keep your sharps container out of the sight and reach of children.  

 


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURER(S) OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) AND MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET