Amgevita

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ANNEX I 
 

SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 
 



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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  
 
AMGEVITA 20 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe. 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe. 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen. 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION  
 
AMGEVITA 20 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
Each single dose pre-filled syringe contains 20 mg of adalimumab in 0.4 mL (50 mg/mL) solution.  
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
Each single dose pre-filled syringe contains 40 mg of adalimumab in 0.8 mL (50 mg/mL) solution.  
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen 
Each single dose pre-filled pen contains 40 mg of adalimumab in 0.8 mL (50 mg/mL) solution. 
 
Adalimumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells.  
 
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.  
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM  
 
AMGEVITA 20 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
Solution for injection (injection). 
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen (SureClick) 
Solution for injection (injection). 
 
Clear and colourless to slightly yellow solution. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS  
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications  
 
Rheumatoid arthritis  
 
AMGEVITA 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.  

 
AMGEVITA can be given as monotherapy in case of intolerance to methotrexate or when continued 
treatment with methotrexate is inappropriate.  
 



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AMGEVITA reduces the rate of progression of joint damage as measured by x-ray and improves 
physical function, when given in combination with methotrexate.  
 
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis  
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis 
 
AMGEVITA 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). AMGEVITA 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 
 
AMGEVITA 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)  
 
AMGEVITA 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  
 
AMGEVITA 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 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. 
 
Psoriatic arthritis  
 
AMGEVITA 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. 
AMGEVITA reduces 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 improves physical 
function.  
 
Psoriasis  
 
AMGEVITA is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in adult 
patients who are candidates for systemic therapy.  
 
Paediatric plaque psoriasis  
 
AMGEVITA 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. 
 



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Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) 
 
AMGEVITA 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). 
 
Crohn’s disease  
 
AMGEVITA 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  
 
AMGEVITA 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  
 
AMGEVITA 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 
 
AMGEVITA 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 
 
AMGEVITA 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  
 
AMGEVITA treatment should be initiated and supervised by specialist physicians experienced in the 
diagnosis and treatment of conditions for which AMGEVITA is indicated. Ophthalmologists are 
advised to consult with an appropriate specialist before initiation of treatment with AMGEVITA (see 
section 4.4). Patients treated with AMGEVITA should be given the Patient Reminder Card.  
 
After proper training in injection technique, patients may self-inject with AMGEVITA if their 
physician determines that it is appropriate and with medical follow-up as necessary.  
 
During treatment with AMGEVITA, other concomitant therapies (e.g. corticosteroids and/or 
immunomodulatory agents) should be optimised. 
 



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Posology 
 
Rheumatoid arthritis  
 
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA.  
 
Glucocorticoids, salicylates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or analgesics can be continued 
during treatment with AMGEVITA. Regarding combination with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic 
drugs other than methotrexate see sections 4.4 and 5.1.  
 
In monotherapy, some patients who experience a decrease in their response to AMGEVITA 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 adalimumab 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. 
 
Dose interruption  
 
There may be a need for dose interruption, for instance before surgery or if a serious infection occurs.  
 
Re-introduction of AMGEVITA after discontinuation for 70 days or longer should result 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 AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA 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. 
 



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Hidradenitis suppurativa 
 
The recommended AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA. 
 
Continued therapy beyond 12 weeks should be carefully reconsidered in a patient with no 
improvement within this time period.  
 
Should treatment be interrupted, AMGEVITA 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). 
 
Crohn’s disease  
 
The recommended AMGEVITA 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 40 mg 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 AMGEVITA and signs and symptoms of disease 
recur, AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA 40 mg every other week 
may benefit from an increase in dosage to 40 mg AMGEVITA 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.  
 
Ulcerative colitis  
 
The recommended AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA 40 mg every other week 
may benefit from an increase in dosage to 40 mg AMGEVITA every week or 80 mg every other week.  
 



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Clinical response is usually achieved within 2-8 weeks of treatment. AMGEVITA therapy should not 
be continued in patients failing to respond within this time period. 
 
Uveitis 
 
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA. 
 
It is recommended that the benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be evaluated on a 
yearly basis (see section 5.1). 
 
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 AMGEVITA for patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, 
from 2 years of age is based on body weight (table 1). AMGEVITA is administered every other week 
via subcutaneous injection.  
 
Table 1. AMGEVITA 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 

 
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.  
 
Enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA for patients with enthesitis-related arthritis from 6 years of 
age is based on body weight (table 2). AMGEVITA is administered every other week via 
subcutaneous injection.  
 



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Table 2. AMGEVITA 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. 
 
Paediatric plaque psoriasis  
 
The recommended AMGEVITA dose for patients with plaque psoriasis from 4 to 17 years of age is 
based on body weight (table 3). AMGEVITA is administered via subcutaneous injection. 
 
Table 3. AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA 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.  
 
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 
AMGEVITA in these patients has been determined from pharmacokinetic modelling and simulation 
(see section 5.2). 
 
The recommended AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA. 
 
Continued therapy beyond 12 weeks should be carefully reconsidered in a patient with no 
improvement within this time period. 
 
Should treatment be interrupted, AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA in children aged less than 12 years in this indication. 



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Paediatric Crohn's disease  
 
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA for patients with Crohn’s disease from 6 to 17 years of age is 
based on body weight (table 4). AMGEVITA is administered via subcutaneous injection.  
 
Table 4. AMGEVITA 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.  
 
Paediatric uveitis 
 
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA for paediatric patients with uveitis from 2 years of age is 
based on body weight (table 5). AMGEVITA is administered via subcutaneous injection. 
 
In paediatric uveitis, there is no experience in the treatment with AMGEVITA without concomitant 
treatment with methotrexate. 
 
Table 5. AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA loading dose in children < 6 years of age (see 
section 5.2). 
 
There is no relevant use of AMGEVITA in children aged less than 2 years in this indication. 
 



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It is recommended that the benefit and risk of continued long-term treatment should be evaluated on a 
yearly basis (see section 5.1). 
 
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  
 
AMGEVITA is administered by subcutaneous injection. Full instructions for use are provided in the 
package leaflet. 
 
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.  
 
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 AMGEVITA. Because the 
elimination of adalimumab may take up to four months, monitoring should be continued throughout 
this period.  
 
Treatment with AMGEVITA 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 
AMGEVITA should be considered prior to initiating therapy (see Other opportunistic infections).  
 
Patients who develop a new infection while undergoing treatment with AMGEVITA, should be 
monitored closely and undergo a complete diagnostic evaluation. Administration of AMGEVITA 
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 AMGEVITA 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.  
 



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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 AMGEVITA, 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, AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA, and in accordance with local 
recommendations.  
 
Use of anti-tuberculosis prophylaxis treatment should also be considered before the initiation of 
AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA.  
 
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.  
 



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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 AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA. 
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 AMGEVITA 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, AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA in patients with pre-existing or recent-onset central or peripheral nervous system 
demyelinating disorders; discontinuation of AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA therapy and regularly during treatment to 
assess for pre-existing or developing central demyelinating disorders. 
 
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 
AMGEVITA should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy initiated.  
 
Dry natural rubber 
 
The needle cover of the pre-filled pen is made from dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which 
may cause allergic reactions. 
 
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.  
 



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Malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorders  
 
In the controlled portions of adalimumab 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 post-marketing 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 AMGEVITA should be carefully considered. A risk for the development of 
hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in patients treated with AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA. 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.  
 
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 



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(e.g. persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, pallor) while on AMGEVITA. Discontinuation of 
AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA therapy.  
 
Patients on AMGEVITA may receive concurrent vaccinations, except for live vaccines. 
Administration of live vaccines (e.g., BCG vaccine) to infants exposed to AMGEVITA in utero is not 
recommended for 5 months following the mother’s last AMGEVITA 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. AMGEVITA should be used with 
caution in patients with mild heart failure (NYHA class I/II). AMGEVITA is contraindicated in 
moderate to severe heart failure (see section 4.3). Treatment with AMGEVITA must be discontinued 
in patients who develop new or worsening symptoms of congestive heart failure.  
 
Autoimmune processes  
 
Treatment with AMGEVITA may result in the formation of autoimmune antibodies. The impact of 
long-term treatment with AMGEVITA on the development of autoimmune diseases is unknown. If a 
patient develops symptoms suggestive of a lupus-like syndrome following treatment with 
AMGEVITA and is positive for antibodies against double-stranded DNA, further treatment with 
AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA and anakinra is not recommended (see section 4.5).  
 
Concomitant administration of AMGEVITA with other biologic DMARDS (e.g. anakinra and 
abatacept) or other TNF-antagonists is not recommended based upon the possible increased risk for 
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 AMGEVITA should be closely monitored for infections, and 
appropriate actions should be taken. There is limited safety experience in patients undergoing 
arthroplasty while receiving adalimumab.  
 



15 

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 effects 
 
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 AMGEVITA and anakinra is not recommended (see section 4.4 “Concurrent 
administration of biologic DMARDS or TNF-antagonists”).  
 
The combination of AMGEVITA and abatacept is not recommended (see section 4.4 “Concurrent 
administration of biologic DMARDS or TNF-antagonists”).  
 
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 AMGEVITA treatment. 
 
Pregnancy  
 
A large number (approximately 2100) of prospectively collected pregnancies exposed to adalimumab 
resulting in live birth with known outcomes, including more than 1500 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 



16 

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-randomised 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 TNFα, adalimumab administered during pregnancy could affect normal 
immune responses in the new born. AMGEVITA 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, AMGEVITA 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  
 
AMGEVITA may have a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Vertigo and visual 
impairment may occur following administration of AMGEVITA (see section 4.8).  
 
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. 
 



17 

Serious adverse reactions have been reported for adalimumab. TNF-antagonists, such as AMGEVITA 
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 post-
marketing 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 SOC column if 
further information is found elsewhere in sections 4.3, 4.4 and 4.8. 
 
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)



18 

System Organ Class  Frequency  Adverse Reaction 
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  
 

Leukocytosis,  
Thrombocytopenia 

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,  
Hypophosphatemia,  
Dehydration 

Psychiatric disorders  
 

Common  
 

Mood alterations (including depression),  
Anxiety,  
Insomnia 

Nervous system 
disorders*  
 

Very common Headache 
Common  
 

Paraesthesias (including hypoaesthesia),  
Migraine,  
Nerve root compression

Uncommon  
 

Cerebrovascular accident1),  
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



19 

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)

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,  
Hyperhidrosis,  
Alopecia1),  
Pruritus

Uncommon  Night sweats,  
Scar 

Rare  Erythema multiforme1),  
Stevens-Johnson syndrome1),  
Angioedema1),  
Cutaneous vasculitis1) 
Lichenoid skin reaction1)



20 

System Organ Class  Frequency  Adverse Reaction 
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),  
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.  
 



21 

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 an adalimumab trial 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 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 of adalimumab, 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 



22 

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.  
 
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.  
 



23 

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 (TNFα) inhibitors. 
ATC code: L04AB04  
 
AMGEVITA 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.  
 



24 

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, 
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 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%



25 

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 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. 
 
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). 
 



26 

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 
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 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. 
 



27 

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 

 
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. 
 
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 



28 

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 
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 paediatric 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 paediatric 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. 
 



29 

Table 12. Paediatric ACR 30 responses in the JIA study 
 

Stratum  MTX Without MTX 
Phase  
OL-LI 16 weeks   
Paediatric 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 Paediatric 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 paediatric 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. 
 
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 
(paediatric ACR 30) at week 24 (n = 27 out of 30 patients), the paediatric 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. 



30 

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), paediatric ACR 50 response, and paediatric 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). 
 
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).  
 



31 

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 randomised, 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 active 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 
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. 
 



32 

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 
(N=305) (ASDAS < 1.3 at Weeks 16, 20, 24, and 28) during the open-label period were then 
randomised 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 Summarising Time to Flare in Study nr-axSpA II 
 

   
   

   
   

   
   

 P
R

O
B

A
B

IL
IT

Y
 O

F 
N

O
 

FL
A

R
E

 

 TIME (WEEKS) 
                                  Treatment       Placebo     Adalimumab     ∆ Censored 

 
Note: P = Placebo (Number at Risk (flared)); A = Adalimumab (Number at Risk (flared)). 
 



33 

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). 
 
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 (eow).  
 
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  
 



34 

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 
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). 
 



35 

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 versus 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 versus placebo  
b p < 0.001 adalimumab versus methotrexate  
c p < 0.01 adalimumab versus placebo  
d p < 0.05 adalimumab versus 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 retreatment, 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. 
 



36 

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 

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 versus 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 every other week (up to 40 mg), 0.4 mg/kg every other week 
(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 every other week or MTX. 
 



37 

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 retreated with adalimumab 0.8 mg/kg every other week 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.  
 



38 

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% versus 11.4%, respectively) and draining fistulas (30.0% 
versus 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 non-responders
 
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%). 



39 

 
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 naïve 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 23. 
 
Table 23. Induction of clinical remission and response (percent of patients) 
 
 CD study I: infliximab naïve 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 



40 

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 
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.  



41 

 
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
 
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). 
 



42 

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 every 
other week. 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 
every other week 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% versus 9% respectively, p = 0.031) 
and study UC-II (17% versus 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. 
 
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 daysa  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 versus placebo pairwise comparison of proportions  
** p < 0.001 for adalimumab versus 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.  
 



43 

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 
versus 0.26 per patient year in the placebo group and the corresponding figures for UC-related 
hospitalisations were 0.12 per patient year versus 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, doublemasked, 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. 
 
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). 
 



44 

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 versus 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 summarising time to treatment failure on or after week 6 (study 
UV I) or week 2 (study UV II) 
 

 



45 

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. 
 
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 randomised, 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. 



46 

 
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]). 
 
Figure 3: Kaplan-Meier curves summarising time to treatment failure in the paediatric uveitis 
study 
 

PR
O

B
A

BI
L

IT
Y

 O
F 

FA
IL

IN
G

 T
R

E
A

TM
EN

T
 

 TIME (WEEKS) 
 Treatment Placebo  Adalimumab
 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.  
 



47 

Paediatric population  
 
The European Medicines Agency has deferred the obligation to submit the results of 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 
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.  
 
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 g/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.  
 



48 

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. 
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 every other week for 52 weeks. For patients who dose escalated from 
every other week 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). 
 



49 

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.  
 
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  
 
Glacial acetic acid  
Sucrose  
Polysorbate 80 
Sodium hydroxide (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 AMGEVITA in the outer carton in order to protect from light. 
 



50 

The 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  
 
AMGEVITA 20 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
0.4 mL solution in pre-filled syringe (type I glass) with a plunger stopper (bromobutyl rubber) and a 
stainless steel needle with a needle shield (thermoplastic elastomer).  
 
Pack size of one pre-filled syringe. 
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
0.8 mL solution in pre-filled syringe (type I glass) with a plunger stopper (bromobutyl rubber) and a 
stainless steel needle with a needle shield (thermoplastic elastomer).  
 
Pack sizes of one, two, four or multipack of six (3x2) pre-filled syringes. 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen 
0.8 mL solution for injection in pre-filled pen for patient use containing a pre-filled syringe (type I 
glass). The pen is a single use, disposable, handheld, mechanical injection device. The needle cover of 
the pre-filled pen is made from dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex) (see section 4.4). 
 
Pack sizes of one, two, four or multipack of six (3x2) pre-filled pens. 
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. 
 
6.6  Special precautions for disposal and other handling 
 
Detailed instructions for use are provided in the package leaflet. 
 
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements.  
 
 
7.  MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER  
 
Amgen Europe B.V. 
Minervum 7061 
NL-4817 ZK Breda 
The Netherlands 
 
 
8.  MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
AMGEVITA 20 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
EU/1/16/1164/001 – 1 pack 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
EU/1/16/1164/002 – 1 pack 
EU/1/16/1164/003 – 2 pack 
EU/1/16/1164/004 – 4 pack 
EU/1/16/1164/005 – 6 (3x2) multipack 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen  
EU/1/16/1164/006 – 1 pack 
EU/1/16/1164/007 – 2 pack 
EU/1/16/1164/008 – 4 pack  
EU/1/16/1164/009 – 6 (3x2) multipack 



51 

 
 
9.  DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION  
 
Date of first authorisation: 22 March 2017 
 
 
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 

  



52 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX II 
 

A. MANUFACTURERS OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE SUBSTANCE AND 
MANUFACTURERS 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 
 



53 

A.  MANUFACTURERS OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE SUBSTANCE AND 
MANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 

 
Name and address of the manufacturers of the biological active substance  
Amgen Inc 
One Amgen Center Drive 
Thousand Oaks, California 
91320  
United States 
 
Immunex Rhode Island Corporation 
40 Technology Way 
West Greenwich 
Rhode Island, 02817 
United States 
 
Name and address of the manufacturers responsible for batch release 
Amgen Europe B.V. 
Minervum 7061 
4817 ZK Breda 
The Netherlands 
 
Amgen Technology Ireland UC 
Pottery Road 
Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin 
Ireland 
 
Amgen NV 
Telecomlaan 5-7 
1831 Diegem 
Belgium 
 
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 (PSURs) 

 
The requirements for submission of PSURs 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. 
 
 



54 

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

 
 Risk Management Plan (RMP) 

 
The marketing authorisation holder (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  
 
The Patient Reminder Cards (adult and paediatric) contain the following key elements 
 
- infections, including tuberculosis 
- cancer 
- nervous system problems 
- vaccinations 
 
  



55 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX III 
 

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 
 

  



56 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A. LABELLING 
  



57 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
 
CARTON PRE-FILLED SYRINGE 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
AMGEVITA 20 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
adalimumab 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each pre-filled syringe contains 20 mg of adalimumab in 0.4 mL of solution. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Glacial acetic acid, sucrose, polysorbate 80, sodium hydroxide and water for injection.  
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Solution for injection. 
1 pre-filled syringe. 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
For subcutaneous use. 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
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  
 
 



58 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator. 
Do not freeze. 
Do not shake. 
Store in the original 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 
 
Amgen Europe B.V. 
Minervum 7061, 
NL-4817 ZK Breda, 
The Netherlands  
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/16/1164/001  
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
AMGEVITA 20 mg syringe 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC 
SN 
NN 



59 

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS 
 
LABEL PRE-FILLED SYRINGE 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
AMGEVITA 20 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 
 
0.4 mL 
 
 
6. OTHER 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



 

60 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
 
CARTON PRE-FILLED SYRINGE 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
adalimumab 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each pre-filled syringe contains 40 mg of adalimumab in 0.8 mL of solution. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Glacial acetic acid, sucrose, polysorbate 80, sodium hydroxide and water for injection.  
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Solution for injection. 
1 pre-filled syringe. 
2 pre-filled syringes. 
4 pre-filled syringes. 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
For subcutaneous use. 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
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  
 
 



61 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator. 
Do not freeze. 
Do not shake. 
Store in the original 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 
 
Amgen Europe B.V. 
Minervum 7061, 
NL-4817 ZK Breda, 
The Netherlands  
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/16/1164/002 1 pack 
EU/1/16/1164/003 2 pack 
EU/1/16/1164/004 4 pack 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg syringe 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC 
SN 
NN 



 

62 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
 
CARTON PRE-FILLED SYRINGE (without blue box) 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
adalimumab 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each pre-filled syringe contains 40 mg of adalimumab in 0.8 mL of solution. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Glacial acetic acid, sucrose, polysorbate 80, sodium hydroxide and water for injection.  
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Solution for injection. 
2 pre-filled syringes. Component of a multipack, can’t be sold separately. 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
For subcutaneous use. 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
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  
 
 



63 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator. 
Do not freeze. 
Do not shake. 
Store in the original 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 
 
Amgen Europe B.V. 
Minervum 7061, 
NL-4817 ZK Breda, 
The Netherlands  
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/16/1164/005 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg syringe 
 
 
 



 

64 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
 
MULTIPACK CARTON PRE-FILLED SYRINGE (with blue box) 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
adalimumab 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each pre-filled syringe contains 40 mg of adalimumab in 0.8 mL of solution. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Glacial acetic acid, sucrose, polysorbate 80, sodium hydroxide and water for injection.  
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Solution for injection. 
Multipack: 6 (3 packs of 2) pre-filled syringes. 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
For subcutaneous use. 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
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  
 
 



65 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator. 
Do not freeze. 
Do not shake. 
Store in the original 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 
 
Amgen Europe B.V. 
Minervum 7061, 
NL-4817 ZK Breda, 
The Netherlands  
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/16/1164/005 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg syringe 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC 
SN 
NN 
  



66 

 
MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS 
 
LABEL PRE-FILLED SYRINGE 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
AMGEVITA 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 
 
 
 
  



67 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
 
CARTON PRE-FILLED PEN 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen 
adalimumab 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each pre-filled pen contains 40 mg of adalimumab in 0.8 mL of solution. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Glacial acetic acid, sucrose, polysorbate 80, sodium hydroxide and water for injection. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Solution for injection. 
1 SureClick pre-filled pen. 
2 SureClick pre-filled pens. 
4 SureClick pre-filled pens. 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
For subcutaneous use. 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
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 
 
Contains latex, read the package leaflet before use. 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP  
 
 



68 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator. 
Do not freeze. 
Do not shake. 
Store in the original 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 
 
Amgen Europe B.V. 
Minervum 7061, 
NL-4817 ZK Breda, 
The Netherlands  
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/16/1164/006 1 pack 
EU/1/16/1164/007 2 pack 
EU/1/16/1164/008 4 pack 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg pen 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC 
SN 
NN  



 

69 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
 
CARTON PRE-FILLED PEN (without blue box) 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen 
adalimumab 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each pre-filled pen contains 40 mg of adalimumab in 0.8 mL of solution. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Glacial acetic acid, sucrose, polysorbate 80, sodium hydroxide and water for injection. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Solution for injection. 
2 SureClick pre-filled pens. Component of a multipack, can’t be sold separately. 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
For subcutaneous use. 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
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 
 
Contains latex, read the package leaflet before use. 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP  
 
 



70 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator. 
Do not freeze. 
Do not shake. 
Store in the original 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 
 
Amgen Europe B.V. 
Minervum 7061, 
NL-4817 ZK Breda, 
The Netherlands  
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/16/1164/009 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg pen 
 
  



71 

PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING  
 
MULTIPACK CARTON PRE-FILLED PEN (with blue box) 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen 
adalimumab 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each pre-filled pen contains 40 mg of adalimumab in 0.8 mL of solution. 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Glacial acetic acid, sucrose, polysorbate 80, sodium hydroxide and water for injection. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Solution for injection. 
Multipack: 6 (3 packs of 2) SureClick pre-filled pens. 
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
For subcutaneous use. 
Read the package leaflet before use. 
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 
 
Contains latex, read the package leaflet before use. 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP  
 
 



72 

9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
Store in a refrigerator. 
Do not freeze. 
Do not shake. 
Store in the original 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 
 
Amgen Europe B.V. 
Minervum 7061, 
NL-4817 ZK Breda, 
The Netherlands  
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)  
 
EU/1/16/1164/009 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER  
 
Lot 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
AMGEVITA 40 mg pen 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 
 
18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC 
SN 
NN 



73 

MINIMUM PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON SMALL IMMEDIATE PACKAGING UNITS 
 
LABEL PRE-FILLED PEN 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
AMGEVITA 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 
 
 
  



74 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 



75 

Package leaflet: Information for the user 
 

AMGEVITA 20 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe 
AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA and during 
treatment with AMGEVITA. Keep this Patient Reminder Card with you.  

- 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 AMGEVITA is and what it is used for  
2. What you need to know before you use AMGEVITA  
3. How to use AMGEVITA 
4. Possible side effects  
5. How to store AMGEVITA  
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
 
1. What AMGEVITA is and what it is used for 
 
AMGEVITA contains the active substance adalimumab.  
 
AMGEVITA is intended for the treatment of the inflammatory diseases described below: 
 Rheumatoid arthritis 
 Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis 
 Enthesitis-related arthritis 
 Ankylosing spondylitis 
 Axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis 
 Psoriatic arthritis 
 Plaque psoriasis  
 Hidradenitis suppurativa 
 Crohn’s disease  
 Ulcerative colitis 
 Non-infectious uveitis 
 
The active ingredient in AMGEVITA, adalimumab, is a human monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal 
antibodies are proteins that attach to a specific target.  
 
The target of adalimumab is a protein called tumour necrosis factor (TNFα), which is involved in the 
immune (defence) system and is present at increased levels in the inflammatory diseases listed above. 
By attaching to TNFα, AMGEVITA decreases the process of inflammation in these diseases. 
 



76 

Rheumatoid arthritis  
 
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints.  
 
AMGEVITA 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 you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given AMGEVITA to treat your 
rheumatoid arthritis.  
 
AMGEVITA can also be used to treat severe, active and progressive rheumatoid arthritis without 
previous methotrexate treatment. 
 
AMGEVITA slows down the damage to the cartilage and bone of the joints caused by the disease and 
to improve physical function.  
 
Usually, AMGEVITA is used with methotrexate. If your doctor determines that methotrexate is 
inappropriate, AMGEVITA can be given alone. 
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis  
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis are inflammatory diseases.  
 
AMGEVITA is used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients from 2 years and 
enthesitis-related arthritis in patients from 6 years. You may first be given other disease-modifying 
medicines, such as methotrexate. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be 
given AMGEVITA 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.  
 
AMGEVITA 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 you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given AMGEVITA to 
reduce the signs and symptoms of your disease.  
 
Psoriatic arthritis  
 
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammation of the joints associated with psoriasis.  
 
AMGEVITA is used to treat psoriatic arthritis in adults. AMGEVITA slows down the damage to the 
cartilage and bone of the joints caused by the disease and to improve physical function.  
 
Plaque psoriasis in adults and children 
 
Plaque psoriasis is a 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. 
 
AMGEVITA is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. AMGEVITA is also used 
to treat severe plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 years for whom topical 
therapy and phototherapies have either not worked very well or are not suitable. 
 



77 

Hidradenitis suppurativa in adults and adolescents 
 
Hidradenitis suppurativa (sometimes called acne inversa) is a chronic 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. 
 
AMGEVITA is used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age. 
AMGEVITA 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 you do not respond well 
enough to these medicines, you will be given AMGEVITA. 
 
Crohn’s disease in adults and children  
 
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. 
 
AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA to reduce the signs and symptoms of your Crohn’s disease.  
 
Ulcerative colitis  
 
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the bowel. 
 
AMGEVITA is used to treat ulcerative colitis in adults. If you have ulcerative colitis you will first be 
given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given 
AMGEVITA 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.  
 
AMGEVITA is used to treat 
 Adults with non-infectious uveitis with inflammation affecting the back of the eye.  
 Children from 2 years of age with chronic non-infectious uveitis with inflammation affecting 

the front of the eye. 
 
This inflammation may lead 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). AMGEVITA works by reducing this 
inflammation. 
 
 
2. What you need to know before you use AMGEVITA 
 
Do not use AMGEVITA: 
 
- 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 active 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”).  

 



78 

Warnings and precautions  
 
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using AMGEVITA: 
 
- If you experience allergic reactions with symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, dizziness, 

swelling or rash do not inject more AMGEVITA and contact your doctor immediately since, in 
rare cases, these reactions can be life threatening.  

 
- If you have an infection, including long-term or localised infection (for example, leg ulcer) 

consult your doctor before starting AMGEVITA. If you are unsure, contact your doctor. 
 

- You might get infections more easily while you are receiving AMGEVITA treatment. This risk 
may increase if your lung function is impaired. These infections may be serious and include 
tuberculosis, infections caused by viruses, fungi, parasites or bacteria, or other opportunistic 
infections and sepsis that may, in rare cases, 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 temporary discontinuation of AMGEVITA.  

 
- 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 AMGEVITA. This will 
include a thorough medical evaluation including your medical history and appropriate 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 received 
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.  

 
- Advise your doctor if you reside or travel in regions where fungal infections such as 

histoplasmosis coccidioidomycosis or blastomycosis are endemic.  
 
- Advise your doctor if you have a history of recurrent infections or other conditions that increase 

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

or if you think you might be at risk of contracting HBV. Your doctor should test you for HBV. 
AMGEVITA can cause reactivation of HBV 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 can be life-threatening.  

 
- If you are over 65 years you may be more susceptible to infections while taking AMGEVITA. 

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

 
- If you are about to undergo surgery or dental procedures please inform your doctor that you are 

taking AMGEVITA. Your doctor may recommend temporary discontinuation of AMGEVITA. 
 
- If you have or develop demyelinating disease such as multiple sclerosis, your doctor will decide 

if you should receive or continue to receive AMGEVITA. Tell your doctor immediately if you 
experience symptoms like changes in your vision, weakness in your arms or legs or numbness 
or tingling in any part of your body. 
 

- Certain vaccines may cause infections and should not be given while receiving AMGEVITA. 
Please check with your doctor before you receive any vaccines. It is recommended that children, 



79 

if possible, be brought up to date with all immunisations in agreement with current 
immunisation guidelines prior to initiating AMGEVITA therapy. If you received AMGEVITA 
while you were pregnant, your baby may be at higher risk for getting such an infection for up to 
approximately 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 AMGEVITA use 
during your pregnancy so they can decide when your baby should receive any vaccine. 

 
- If you have mild heart failure and you are being treated with AMGEVITA, your heart failure 

status must be closely monitored by your doctor. It is important to tell your doctor if you have 
had or have a serious heart condition. 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. Your doctor will decide if you should receive AMGEVITA. 

 
- In some patients the body may fail to produce enough of the blood cells that help your body 

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

- There have been very rare cases of certain kinds of cancer in children and adult patients taking 
adalimumab or other TNF blockers. People with more serious rheumatoid arthritis that have had 
the disease for a long time may have a higher than average risk of getting lymphoma (a cancer 
that affects the lymph system), and leukaemia (a cancer that affects the blood and bone 
marrow). If you take AMGEVITA 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 
patients taking adalimumab. Some of those patients were also treated with azathioprine or 6-
mercaptopurine. Tell your doctor if you are taking azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine with 
AMGEVITA. In addition, cases of non-melanoma skin cancer have been observed in patients 
taking adalimumab. If new skin lesions appear during or after therapy or if existing lesions 
change appearance, tell your doctor. 
 

- There have been cases of cancers, other than lymphoma in patients with a specific type of lung 
disease called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) treated with another TNF 
blocker. If you have COPD, or are a heavy smoker, you should discuss with your doctor 
whether treatment with a TNF blocker is appropriate for you.  
 

- On rare occasions, treatment with AMGEVITA could result in lupus-like syndrome. Contact 
your doctor if symptoms such as persistent unexplained rash, fever, joint pain or tiredness occur. 

 
In order to improve the traceability of this medicine, your doctor or pharmacist should record the name 
and the lot number of the product you have been given in your patient file. You may also wish to make 
a note of these details in case you are asked for this information in the future. 
 
Children and adolescents 
 
- Vaccinations: if possible children should be up to date with all vaccinations before using 

AMGEVITA. 
 
- Do not give AMGEVITA to children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis below the 

age of 2 years. 
 

Other medicines and AMGEVITA  
 
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines. 
 



80 

AMGEVITA can be taken together with methotrexate or certain disease-modifying anti-rheumatic 
agents (sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and injectable gold preparations), steroids or 
pain medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).  
 
You should not take AMGEVITA with medicines containing the active substances, anakinra or 
abatacept due to increased risk of serious infection. 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 AMGEVITA treatment. 
 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. 
 AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA during pregnancy compared with mothers with the same disease who did 
not receive AMGEVITA. 

 AMGEVITA can be used during breast-feeding. 
 If you receive AMGEVITA 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 

AMGEVITA 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 
 
AMGEVITA may have a minor influence on your ability to drive, cycle or use machines. Room 
spinning sensation and vision disturbances may occur after taking AMGEVITA. 
 
AMGEVITA contains sodium 
 
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per 0.8 mL dose, i.e. essentially ‘sodium-
free’. 
 
 
3. How to use AMGEVITA 
 
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor 
or pharmacist if you are not sure.  
 
Adults with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or axial spondyloarthritis 
without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis  
 
AMGEVITA is injected under the skin (subcutaneous use). The usual dose for adults with rheumatoid 
arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing 
spondylitis, and for patients with psoriatic arthritis is 40 mg given every other week as a single dose.  
 
In rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate is continued while using AMGEVITA. If your doctor determines 
that methotrexate is inappropriate, AMGEVITA can be given alone.  
 
If you have rheumatoid arthritis and you do not receive methotrexate with your AMGEVITA therapy, 
your doctor may decide to give 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 



81 

Children, adolescents and adults with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis  
 
Children and adolescents from 2 years of age weighing 10 kg to less than 30 kg 
 
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA is 20 mg every other week. 
 
Children, adolescents and adults from 2 years of age weighing 30 kg or more 
 
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA is 40 mg every other week. 
 
Children, adolescents and adults with enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
Children and adolescents from 6 years of age weighing 15 kg to less than 30 kg 
 
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA is 20 mg every other week. 
 
Children, adolescents and adults from 6 years of age weighing 30 kg or more 
 
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA is 40 mg every other week. 
 
Adults with plaque psoriasis  
 
The usual dose for adults with plaque 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 AMGEVITA for as long as your doctor has told you. Depending on your 
response, your doctor may increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week.  
 
Children and 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 AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA 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 
dose (as two 40 mg injections in one 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 30 kg or more 
 
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA 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 you have an inadequate response 
to AMGEVITA 40 mg every other week, your doctor may increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 
80 mg every other week.  
 
It is recommended that you use an antiseptic wash daily on the affected areas. 
 



82 

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 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 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. Depending on your response, your doctor may 
increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 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 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. Depending on your response, your 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 (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. Depending on your response, your doctor may 
increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week.  
 
Adults with ulcerative colitis  
 
The usual AMGEVITA dose for adults with ulcerative colitis is 160 mg initially (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, then 40 mg every other week. Depending on 
your response, your doctor may increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 
Adults with non-infectious uveitis 
 
The usual dose for adults with non-infectious uveitis 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 AMGEVITA for as long as your doctor has told you. 
 
In non-infectious uveitis, corticosteroids or other medicines that influence the immune system may be 
continued while using AMGEVITA. AMGEVITA can also be given alone. 
 
Children and adolescents with chronic non-infectious uveitis from 2 years of age 
 
Children and adolescents from 2 years of age weighing less than 30 kg 
 
The usual dose of AMGEVITA is 20 mg every other week with methotrexate. 
 
Your doctor may also prescribe an initial dose of 40 mg which may be administered one week prior to 
the start of the usual dose. 
 



83 

Children and adolescents from 2 years of age weighing 30 kg or more 
 
The usual dose of AMGEVITA is 40 mg every other week with methotrexate. 
 
Your doctor may also prescribe an initial dose of 80 mg which may be administered one week prior to 
the start of the usual dose. 
 
Method and route of administration  
 
AMGEVITA is administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection).  
 
If you use more AMGEVITA than you should 
 
If you accidentally inject AMGEVITA more frequently than told to by your doctor or pharmacist, call 
your doctor or pharmacist and tell him/her that you have taken more. Always take the outer carton of 
this medicine with you, even if it is empty. 
 
If you forget to use AMGEVITA 
 
If you forget to give yourself an injection, you should inject the next dose of AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA 
 
The decision to stop using AMGEVITA should be discussed with your doctor. Your symptoms may 
return upon discontinuation. 
 
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 treatment. Side effects may 
occur at least up to 4 months after the last AMGEVITA injection.  
 
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following  
 severe rash, hives or other signs of allergic reaction;  
 swollen face, hands, feet;  
 trouble breathing, swallowing;  
 shortness of breath with exertion or upon lying down or swelling of the feet. 
 
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following  
 signs of infection such as fever, feeling sick, wounds, dental problems, burning on urination;  
 feeling weak or tired;  
 coughing;  
 tingling;  
 numbness;  
 double vision;  
 arm or leg weakness;  
 a bump or open sore that doesn't heal; 
 signs and symptoms suggestive of blood disorders such as persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, 

paleness. 
 
The symptoms described above can be signs of the below listed side effects, which have been 
observed with adalimumab.  



84 

 
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, pneumonia);  
 headache;  
 abdominal pain;  
 nausea and vomiting; 
 rash;  
 musculoskeletal pain.  
 
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)  
 serious infections (including blood poisoning and influenza);  
 intestinal infections (including gastroenteritis); 
 skin infections (including cellulitis and shingles);  
 ear infections;  
 oral infections (including tooth infections and cold sores);  
 reproductive tract infections;  
 urinary tract infection;  
 fungal infections;  
 joint infections;  
 benign tumours;  
 skin cancer;  
 allergic reactions (including seasonal allergy);  
 dehydration;  
 mood swings (including depression);  
 anxiety;  
 difficulty sleeping;  
 sensation disorders such as tingling, prickling or numbness;  
 migraine;  
 nerve root compression (including low back pain and leg pain);  
 vision disturbances;  
 eye inflammation;  
 inflammation of the eye lid and eye swelling;  
 vertigo;  
 sensation of heart beating rapidly;  
 high blood pressure;  
 flushing;  
 haematoma;  
 cough;  
 asthma;  
 shortness of breath;  
 gastrointestinal bleeding;  
 dyspepsia (indigestion, bloating, heart burn);  
 acid reflux disease;  
 sicca syndrome (including dry eyes and dry mouth);  
 itching;  
 itchy rash;  
 bruising;  
 inflammation of the skin (such as eczema);  
 breaking of finger nails and toe nails;  
 increased sweating;  
 hair loss;  
 new onset or worsening of psoriasis;  
 muscle spasms;  
 blood in urine;  
 kidney problems;  



85 

 chest pain;  
 oedema;  
 fever;  
 reduction in blood platelets which increases risk of bleeding or bruising; 
 impaired healing.  
 
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)  
 opportunistic infections (which include tuberculosis and other infections that occur when 

resistance to disease is lowered);  
 neurological infections (including viral meningitis);  
 eye infections;  
 bacterial infections;  
 diverticulitis (inflammation and infection of the large intestine);  
 cancer;  
 cancer that affects the lymph system;  
 melanoma;  
 immune disorders that could affect the lungs, skin and lymph nodes (most commonly presenting 

as sarcoidosis);  
 vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels); 
 tremor;  
 neuropathy;  
 stroke;  
 hearing loss, buzzing;  
 sensation of heart beating irregularly such as skipped beats;  
 heart problems that can cause shortness of breath or ankle swelling;  
 heart attack;  
 a sac in the wall of a major artery, inflammation and clot of a vein, blockage of a blood vessel;  
 lung diseases causing shortness of breath (including inflammation);  
 pulmonary embolism (blockage in an artery of the lung);  
 pleural effusion (abnormal collection of fluid in the pleural space);  
 inflammation of the pancreas which causes severe pain in the abdomen and back;  
 difficulty in swallowing;  
 facial oedema;  
 gallbladder inflammation, gallbladder stones;  
 fatty liver;  
 night sweats;  
 scar;  
 abnormal muscle breakdown;  
 systemic lupus erythematosus (including inflammation of skin, heart, lung, joints and other 

organ systems);  
 sleep interruptions;  
 impotence;  
 inflammations.  
 
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)  
 leukaemia (cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow);  
 severe allergic reaction with shock;  
 multiple sclerosis;  
 nerve disorders (such as eye nerve inflammation and Guillain-Barré syndrome that may cause 

muscle weakness, abnormal sensations, tingling in the arms and upper body);  
 heart stops pumping;  
 pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung);  
 intestinal perforation; 
 hepatitis;  
 reactivation of hepatitis B;  
 autoimmune hepatitis (inflammation of the liver caused by the body's own immune system); 



86 

 cutaneous vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels in the skin);  
 Stevens-Johnson syndrome (early symptoms include malaise, fever, headache and rash);  
 facial oedema associated with allergic reactions;  
 erythema multiforme (inflammatory skin rash);  
 lupus-like syndrome; 
 angioedema (localised swelling of the skin); 
 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 that is often fatal);  
 Merkel cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer);  
 liver failure;  
 worsening of a condition called dermatomyositis (seen as a skin rash accompanying muscle 

weakness).  
 
Some side effects observed with adalimumab may not have symptoms and may only be discovered 
through blood tests. These include:  
 
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)  
 low blood measurements for white blood cells;  
 low blood measurements for red blood cells;  
 increased lipids in the blood;  
 elevated liver enzymes.  
 
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)  
 high blood measurements for white blood cells;  
 low blood measurements for platelets;  
 increased uric acid in the blood;  
 abnormal blood measurements for sodium;  
 low blood measurements for calcium;  
 low blood measurements for phosphate;  
 high blood sugar;  
 high blood measurements for lactate dehydrogenase;  
 autoantibodies present in the blood; 
 low blood potassium. 
 
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) 
 elevated bilirubin measurement (liver blood test). 

 
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) 
 low blood measurements for white blood cells, red blood cells and platelet count.  
 
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 AMGEVITA 
 
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 and carton after EXP. The 
expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 



87 

 
Store in a refrigerator (2C – 8C). Do not freeze.  
 
Store in the original carton in order to protect from light.  
 
A single AMGEVITA pre-filled syringe may be stored at temperatures up to a maximum of 25°C for a 
period of up to 14 days. The pre-filled syringe must be protected from light, and discarded if not used 
within the 14-day period. 
 
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 AMGEVITA contains  
- The active substance is adalimumab. Each pre-filled syringe contains 20 mg of adalimumab in 

0.4 mL of solution or 40 mg of adalimumab in 0.8 mL of solution. 
- The other ingredients are glacial acetic acid, sucrose, polysorbate 80, sodium hydroxide and 

water for injection. 
 
What AMGEVITA looks like and contents of the pack 
 
AMGEVITA is a clear and colourless to slightly yellow solution. 
 
Each pack contains 1 single-use 20 mg pre-filled syringe (with yellow plunger rod).  
Each pack contains 1, 2, 4 or 6 single-use 40 mg pre-filled syringes (with blue plunger rod). 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer 
Amgen Europe B.V.  
Minervum 7061  
NL-4817 ZK Breda  
The Netherlands 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder 
Amgen Europe B.V.  
Minervum 7061  
NL-4817 ZK Breda  
The Netherlands 
 
Manufacturer 
Amgen Technology Ireland UC  
Pottery Road 
Dun Laoghaire 
Co Dublin 
Ireland 
 
Manufacturer 
Amgen NV 
Telecomlaan 5-7 
1831 Diegem 
Belgium 
 



88 

For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder: 
 
België/Belgique/Belgien 
s.a. Amgen n.v. 
Tel/Tél: +32 (0)2 7752711 
 

Lietuva 
Amgen Switzerland AG Vilniaus filialas 
Tel: +370 5 219 7474 
 

България 
Амджен България ЕООД 
Тел.: +359 (0)2 424 7440 
 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 
s.a. Amgen  
Belgique/Belgien 
Tel/Tél: +32 (0)2 7752711 
 

Česká republika 
Amgen s.r.o. 
Tel: +420 221 773 500 
 

Magyarország 
Amgen Kft. 
Tel.: +36 1 35 44 700 
 

Danmark 
Amgen, filial af Amgen AB, Sverige 
Tlf: +45 39617500 
 

Malta 
Amgen B.V. 
The Netherlands 
Tel: +31 (0)76 5732500 
 

Deutschland 
AMGEN GmbH 
Tel.: +49 89 1490960 
 

Nederland 
Amgen B.V. 
Tel: +31 (0)76 5732500 
 

Eesti 
Amgen Switzerland AG Vilniaus filialas 
Tel: +372 586 09553 
 

Norge 
Amgen AB 
Tel: +47 23308000 
 

Ελλάδα 
Amgen Ελλάς Φαρμακευτικά Ε.Π.Ε.  
Τηλ.: +30 210 3447000 
 

Österreich 
Amgen GmbH  
Tel: +43 (0)1 50 217 
 

España 
Amgen S.A. 
Tel: +34 93 600 18 60  
 

Polska 
Amgen Biotechnologia Sp. z o.o. 
Tel.: +48 22 581 3000 
 

France 
Amgen S.A.S. 
Tél: +33 (0)9 69 363 363 
 

Portugal 
Amgen Biofarmacêutica, Lda. 
Tel: +351 21 4220606 
 

Hrvatska 
Amgen d.o.o. 
Tel: +385 (0)1 562 57 20 
 

România 
Amgen România SRL 
Tel: +4021 527 3000 
 

Ireland 
Amgen Ireland Limited 
Tel: +353 1 8527400 
 

Slovenija 
AMGEN zdravila d.o.o. 
Tel: +386 (0)1 585 1767 
 
 

Ísland 
Vistor hf. 
Sími: +354 535 7000 
 

Slovenská republika 
Amgen Slovakia s.r.o. 
Tel: +421 2 321 114 49 
 



89 

Italia 
Amgen S.r.l. 
Tel: +39 02 6241121 
 

Suomi/Finland 
Orion Pharma 
Puh/Tel: +358 10 4261 
 

Kύπρος 
C.A. Papaellinas Ltd 
Τηλ.: +357 22741 741 
 

Sverige 
Amgen AB  
Tel: +46 (0)8 6951100 
 

Latvija 
Amgen Switzerland AG Rīgas filiāle 
Tel: +371 257 25888 
 

United Kingdom 
Amgen Limited 
Tel: +44 (0)1223 420305 
 

 
This leaflet was last revised in 
 
Other sources of information 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu. 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 



90 

Instructions for use: 
AMGEVITA single use pre-filled syringe 
For subcutaneous use 

Guide to parts 
 

Before use After use 

Plunger rod 

Finger flange 

Label and 
expiration date 

Syringe barrel 

Medicine 

Needle 
cap on 

  

 

Used plunger rod 

Finger flange 

Label and 
expiration date 

Used syringe barrel 

Used needle 

Needle cap off 
 

Important: Needle is inside 

 



91 

Important 

Before you use an AMGEVITA pre-filled syringe, read this important information: 
 
Using your AMGEVITA pre-filled syringe 
● It is important that you do not try to give the injection unless you or your caregiver has 

received training.

● Do not use an AMGEVITA pre-filled syringe if it has been dropped on a hard surface. Part of 
the AMGEVITA pre-filled syringe may be broken even if you cannot see the break. Use a new 
AMGEVITA pre-filled syringe. 

 
Step 1: Prepare

 

A. Remove the number of AMGEVITA pre-filled syringes you need from the package. 
 

Grab the syringe 
barrel to remove 
the syringe from 
the tray. 

 

 

Place your finger or thumb on 
edge of tray to secure it while 
you remove the syringe. 

Grab Here 

Put the original package with any unused syringes back in the refrigerator. 
 
For safety reasons: 
● Do not grasp the plunger rod. 
● Do not grasp the needle cap. 
● Do not remove the needle cap until you are ready to inject.
● Do not remove the finger flange. This is part of the syringe. 

For a more comfortable injection, leave the syringe at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before 
injecting. 
● Do not put the syringe back in the refrigerator once it has reached room temperature. 
● Do not try to warm the syringe by using a heat source such as hot water or microwave. 
● Do not leave the syringe in direct sunlight. 
● Do not shake the syringe. 

Important: Always hold the pre-filled syringe by the syringe barrel. 

 



92 

B. Inspect the AMGEVITA pre-filled syringe.

 Syringe barrel 
Label expiration 
date Plunger rod 

 
Needle cap on Medicine Finger flange 

 

Always hold the syringe by the syringe barrel. 
 
Make sure the medicine in the syringe is clear and colourless to slightly yellow. 
● Do not use the syringe if: 
 - The medicine is cloudy or discoloured or contains flakes, or particles. 

- Any part appears cracked or broken. 
- The needle cap is missing or not securely attached. 
- The expiration date printed on the label has passed. 

In all cases, use a new syringe. 
 
C. Gather all materials needed for your injection(s).
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.  
On a clean, well-lit work surface, place a new, pre-filled syringe. 
 
You will also need these additional items, as they are not included in the carton: 
● Alcohol wipes 
● Cotton ball or gauze pad 
● Plaster 
● Sharps disposal container 

 

 

 



93 

D. Prepare and clean your injection site(s).

Belly 

 
Thigh 

 

You can use: 

● Your thigh 
● Belly, except for a 2 inch (5 centimetres) area around your belly button 
 
Clean your injection site with an alcohol wipe. Let your skin dry. 
● Do not touch this area again before injecting. 
● If you want to use the same injection site, make sure it is not the same spot on the injection 

site you used for a previous injection. 
 - Do not inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard. Avoid injecting 

into areas with scars or stretch marks.
● If you have psoriasis, you should avoid injecting directly into raised, thick, red, or scaly skin 

patch or lesion. 
 

Step 2: Get ready
 

E. Pull the needle cap straight out and away from your body when you are ready to inject. 

 

It is normal to see a drop of liquid at the end of the needle. 
● Do not twist or bend the needle cap.
● Do not put the needle cap back onto the syringe.
● Do not remove the needle cap from the syringe until you are ready to inject. 

Important: Throw the needle cap into the sharps disposal container provided. 

 
 



94 

F. Pinch your injection site to create a firm surface.

Pinch the skin firmly between your thumb and fingers, creating an area about 2 inch (5 centimetres) 
wide. 

Important: Keep the skin pinched while injecting. 

 
Step 3: Inject

 

G. Hold the pinch. With the needle cap off, insert the syringe into your skin at 45 to 90 degrees.

 

Do not place your finger on the plunger rod while inserting the needle.
 
H. Using slow and constant pressure, push the plunger rod all the way down until it stops moving.

 

 
I. When done, release your thumb, and gently lift the syringe off of your skin. 

 

 



95 

Step 4: Finish
 

J. Discard the used syringe and the needle cap.

 

● Do not reuse the used syringe. 
● Do not use any medicine that is left in the used syringe.
● Put the used AMGEVITA syringe in a sharps disposal container immediately after use. Do not 

throw away (dispose of) the syringe in your household waste.
● Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about proper disposal. There may be local guidelines for 

disposal. 
● Do not recycle the syringe or sharps disposal container or throw them into the household 

waste. 
Important: Always keep the sharps disposal container out of the sight and reach of children. 

 
K. Examine the injection site. 
If there is blood, press a cotton ball or gauze pad on your injection site. Do not rub the injection site. 
Apply a plaster if needed. 

 



96 

Package leaflet: Information for the user 
 

AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA and during 
treatment with AMGEVITA. Keep this Patient Reminder Card with you.  

- 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 AMGEVITA is and what it is used for  
2. What you need to know before you use AMGEVITA  
3. How to use AMGEVITA 
4. Possible side effects  
5. How to store AMGEVITA  
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
 
1. What AMGEVITA is and what it is used for 
 
AMGEVITA contains the active substance adalimumab.  
 
AMGEVITA is intended for the treatment of the inflammatory diseases described below: 
 Rheumatoid arthritis 
 Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis 
 Enthesitis-related arthritis 
 Ankylosing spondylitis 
 Axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis 
 Psoriatic arthritis 
 Plaque psoriasis  
 Hidradenitis suppurativa  
 Crohn’s disease  
 Ulcerative colitis 
 Non-infectious uveitis  
 
The active ingredient in AMGEVITA, adalimumab, is a human monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal 
antibodies are proteins that attach to a specific target.  
 
The target of adalimumab is a protein called tumour necrosis factor (TNFα), which is involved in the 
immune (defence) system and is present at increased levels in the inflammatory diseases listed above. 
By attaching to TNFα, AMGEVITA decreases the process of inflammation in these diseases. 
 



97 

Rheumatoid arthritis  
 
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints.  
 
AMGEVITA 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 you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given AMGEVITA to treat your 
rheumatoid arthritis.  
 
AMGEVITA can also be used to treat severe, active and progressive rheumatoid arthritis without 
previous methotrexate treatment. 
 
AMGEVITA slows down the damage to the cartilage and bone of the joints caused by the disease and 
to improve physical function.  
 
Usually, AMGEVITA is used with methotrexate. If your doctor determines that methotrexate is 
inappropriate, AMGEVITA can be given alone. 
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis are inflammatory diseases.  
 
AMGEVITA is used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients from 2 years and 
enthesitis-related arthritis in patients from 6 years. You may first be given other disease-modifying 
medicines, such as methotrexate. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be 
given AMGEVITA 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.  
 
AMGEVITA 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 you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given AMGEVITA to 
reduce the signs and symptoms of your disease.  
 
Psoriatic arthritis  
 
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammation of the joints associated with psoriasis.  
 
AMGEVITA is used to treat psoriatic arthritis in adults. AMGEVITA slows down the damage to the 
cartilage and bone of the joints caused by the disease and to improve physical function.  
 
Plaque psoriasis in adults and children 
 
Plaque psoriasis is a 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. 
 
AMGEVITA is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. AMGEVITA is also used 
to treat severe plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 years for whom topical 
therapy and phototherapies have either not worked very well or are not suitable. 
 



98 

Hidradenitis suppurativa in adults and adolescents 
 
Hidradenitis suppurativa (sometimes called acne inversa) is a chronic 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. 
 
AMGEVITA is used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age. 
AMGEVITA 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 you do not respond well 
enough to these medicines, you will be given AMGEVITA. 
 
Crohn’s disease in adults and children  
 
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the digestive tract. 
 
AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA to reduce the signs and symptoms of your Crohn’s disease.  
 
Ulcerative colitis  
 
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the bowel. 
 
AMGEVITA is used to treat ulcerative colitis in adults. If you have ulcerative colitis you will first be 
given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given 
AMGEVITA 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.  
 
AMGEVITA is used to treat  
 Adults with non-infectious uveitis with inflammation affecting the back of the eye. 
 Children from 2 years of age with chronic non-infectious uveitis with inflammation affecting 

the front of the eye. 
 
This inflammation may lead 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). AMGEVITA works by reducing this 
inflammation. 
 
 
2. What you need to know before you use AMGEVITA 
 
Do not use AMGEVITA: 
 
- 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 active 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”).  

 



99 

Warnings and precautions  
 
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using AMGEVITA: 
 
- If you experience allergic reactions with symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, dizziness, 

swelling or rash do not inject more AMGEVITA and contact your doctor immediately since, in 
rare cases, these reactions can be life threatening. 
 

- If you have an infection, including long-term or localised infection (for example, leg ulcer) 
consult your doctor before starting AMGEVITA. If you are unsure, contact your doctor. 
 

- You might get infections more easily while you are receiving AMGEVITA treatment. This risk 
may increase if your lung function is impaired. These infections may be serious and include 
tuberculosis, infections caused by viruses, fungi, parasites or bacteria, or other opportunistic 
infections and sepsis that may, in rare cases, 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 temporary discontinuation of AMGEVITA.  

 
- 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 AMGEVITA. This will 
include a thorough medical evaluation including your medical history and appropriate 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 received 
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.  

 
- Advise your doctor if you reside or travel in regions where fungal infections such as 

histoplasmosis coccidioidomycosis or blastomycosis are endemic.  
 
- Advise your doctor if you have a history of recurrent infections or other conditions that increase 

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

or if you think you might be at risk of contracting HBV. Your doctor should test you for HBV. 
AMGEVITA can cause reactivation of HBV 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 can be life-threatening.  

 
- If you are over 65 years you may be more susceptible to infections while taking AMGEVITA. 

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

 
- If you are about to undergo surgery or dental procedures please inform your doctor that you are 

taking AMGEVITA. Your doctor may recommend temporary discontinuation of AMGEVITA. 
 
- If you have or develop demyelinating disease such as multiple sclerosis, your doctor will decide 

if you should receive or continue to receive AMGEVITA. Tell your doctor immediately if you 
experience symptoms like changes in your vision, weakness in your arms or legs or numbness 
or tingling in any part of your body. 

 
- Certain vaccines may cause infections and should not be given while receiving AMGEVITA. 

Please check with your doctor before you receive any vaccines. It is recommended that children, 



100 

if possible, be brought up to date with all immunisations in agreement with current 
immunisation guidelines prior to initiating AMGEVITA therapy. If you received AMGEVITA 
while you were pregnant, your baby may be at higher risk for getting such an infection for up to 
approximately 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 AMGEVITA use 
during your pregnancy so they can decide when your baby should receive any vaccine. 

 
- If you have mild heart failure and you are being treated with AMGEVITA, your heart failure 

status must be closely monitored by your doctor. It is important to tell your doctor if you have 
had or have a serious heart condition. 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. Your doctor will decide if you should receive AMGEVITA. 

 
- In some patients the body may fail to produce enough of the blood cells that help your body 

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

 
- There have been very rare cases of certain kinds of cancer in children and adult patients taking 

adalimumab or other TNF blockers. People with more serious rheumatoid arthritis that have had 
the disease for a long time may have a higher than average risk of getting lymphoma (a cancer 
that affects the lymph system), and leukaemia (a cancer that affects the blood and bone 
marrow). If you take AMGEVITA 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 
patients taking adalimumab. Some of those patients were also treated with azathioprine or 6-
mercaptopurine. Tell your doctor if you are taking azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine with 
AMGEVITA. In addition, cases of non-melanoma skin cancer have been observed in patients 
taking adalimumab. If new skin lesions appear during or after therapy or if existing lesions 
change appearance, tell your doctor. 

 
- There have been cases of cancers, other than lymphoma in patients with a specific type of lung 

disease called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) treated with another TNF 
blocker. If you have COPD, or are a heavy smoker, you should discuss with your doctor 
whether treatment with a TNF blocker is appropriate for you.  
 

- On rare occasions, treatment with AMGEVITA could result in lupus-like syndrome. Contact 
your doctor if symptoms such as persistent unexplained rash, fever, joint pain or tiredness occur. 

 
The needle cover of the pre-filled pen is made from dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which 
may cause allergic reactions. 
 
In order to improve the traceability of this medicine, your doctor or pharmacist should record the name 
and the lot number of the product you have been given in your patient file. You may also wish to make 
a note of these details in case you are asked for this information in the future. 
 
Children and adolescents 
 
- Vaccinations: if possible children should be up to date with all vaccinations before using 

AMGEVITA. 
 
- Do not give AMGEVITA to children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis below the 

age of 2 years.  
 



101 

Other medicines and AMGEVITA  
 
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines. 
 
AMGEVITA can be taken together with methotrexate or certain disease-modifying anti-rheumatic 
agents (sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and injectable gold preparations), steroids or 
pain medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).  
 
You should not take AMGEVITA with medicines containing the active substances, anakinra or 
abatacept due to increased risk of serious infection. 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 AMGEVITA treatment. 
 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. 
 AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA during pregnancy compared with mothers with the same disease who did 
not receive AMGEVITA. 

 AMGEVITA can be used during breast-feeding. 
 If you receive AMGEVITA 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 

AMGEVITA 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 
 
AMGEVITA may have a minor influence on your ability to drive, cycle or use machines. Room 
spinning sensation and vision disturbances may occur after taking AMGEVITA. 
 
AMGEVITA contains sodium 
 
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per 0.8 mL dose, i.e. essentially ‘sodium-
free’. 
 
 
3. How to use AMGEVITA 
 
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor 
or pharmacist if you are not sure.  
 
Adults with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or axial spondyloarthritis 
without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis  
 
AMGEVITA is injected under the skin (subcutaneous use). The usual dose for adults with rheumatoid 
arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing 
spondylitis, and for patients with psoriatic arthritis is 40 mg given every other week as a single dose.  
 
In rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate is continued while using AMGEVITA. If your doctor determines 
that methotrexate is inappropriate, AMGEVITA can be given alone.  
 
If you have rheumatoid arthritis and you do not receive methotrexate with your AMGEVITA therapy, 
your doctor may decide to give 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. 



102 

 
Children, adolescents and adults with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis  
 
Children, adolescents and adults from 2 years of age weighing 30 kg or more 
 
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA is 40 mg every other week. 
 
Children, adolescents and adults with enthesitis-related arthritis 
 
Children, adolescents and adults from 6 years of age weighing 30 kg or more 
 
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA is 40 mg every other week. 
 
Adults with plaque psoriasis  
 
The usual dose for adults with plaque 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 AMGEVITA for as long as your doctor has told you. Depending on your 
response, your doctor may increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week.  
 
Children and adolescents with plaque psoriasis  
 
Children and adolescents from 4 to 17 years of age weighing 30 kg or more 
 
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA 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 
dose (as two 40 mg injections in one 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 30 kg or more 
 
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA 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 you have an inadequate response 
to AMGEVITA 40 mg every other week, your doctor may increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 
80 mg every other week.  
 
It is recommended that you use 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 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 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. Depending on your response, your doctor may 
increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week.  
 



103 

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 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. Depending on your response, your doctor may 
increase the dose frequency to 20 mg every week.  
 
The 40 mg pre-filled pen cannot be used for the 20 mg dose. An AMGEVITA 20 mg pre-filled syringe 
is however available for the 20 mg dose. 
 
Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age 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. Depending on your response, your doctor may 
increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week.  
 
Adults with ulcerative colitis  
 
The usual AMGEVITA dose for adults with ulcerative colitis is 160 mg initially (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, then 40 mg every other week. Depending on 
your response, your doctor may increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. 
 
Adults with non-infectious uveitis 
 
The usual dose for adults with non-infectious uveitis 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 AMGEVITA for as long as your doctor has told you. 
 
In non-infectious uveitis, corticosteroids or other medicines that influence the immune system may be 
continued while using AMGEVITA. AMGEVITA can also be given alone. 
 
Children and adolescents with chronic non-infectious uveitis from 2 years of age 
 
Children and adolescents from 2 years of age weighing less than 30 kg 
 
The usual dose of AMGEVITA is 20 mg every other week with methotrexate. 
 
Your doctor may also prescribe an initial dose of 40 mg which may be administered one week prior to 
the start of the usual dose. 
 
The 40 mg pre-filled pen cannot be used for the 20 mg dose. An AMGEVITA 20 mg pre-filled syringe 
is however available for the 20 mg dose. 
 
Children and adolescents from 2 years of age weighing 30 kg or more 
 
The usual dose of AMGEVITA is 40 mg every other week with methotrexate. 
 



104 

Your doctor may also prescribe an initial dose of 80 mg which may be administered one week prior to 
the start of the usual dose. 
 
Method and route of administration  
 
AMGEVITA is administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection).  
 
If you use more AMGEVITA than you should 
 
If you accidentally inject AMGEVITA more frequently than told to by your doctor or pharmacist, call 
your doctor or pharmacist and tell him/her that you have taken more. Always take the outer carton of 
this medicine with you, even if it is empty. 
 
If you forget to use AMGEVITA 
 
If you forget to give yourself an injection, you should inject the next dose of AMGEVITA 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 AMGEVITA 
 
The decision to stop using AMGEVITA should be discussed with your doctor. Your symptoms may 
return upon discontinuation. 
 
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 treatment. Side effects may 
occur at least up to 4 months after the last AMGEVITA injection.  
 
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following 
 severe rash, hives or other signs of allergic reaction;  
 swollen face, hands, feet;  
 trouble breathing, swallowing;  
 shortness of breath with exertion or upon lying down or swelling of the feet. 
 
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following 
 signs of infection such as fever, feeling sick, wounds, dental problems, burning on urination;  
 feeling weak or tired;  
 coughing;  
 tingling;  
 numbness;  
 double vision;  
 arm or leg weakness;  
 a bump or open sore that doesn't heal; 
 signs and symptoms suggestive of blood disorders such as persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, 

paleness. 
 



105 

The symptoms described above can be signs of the below listed side effects, which 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, pneumonia);  
 headache;  
 abdominal pain;  
 nausea and vomiting; 
 rash;  
 musculoskeletal pain.  
 
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) 
 serious infections (including blood poisoning and influenza);  
 intestinal infections (including gastroenteritis); 
 skin infections (including cellulitis and shingles);  
 ear infections;  
 oral infections (including tooth infections and cold sores);  
 reproductive tract infections;  
 urinary tract infection;  
 fungal infections;  
 joint infections;  
 benign tumours;  
 skin cancer;  
 allergic reactions (including seasonal allergy);  
 dehydration;  
 mood swings (including depression);  
 anxiety;  
 difficulty sleeping;  
 sensation disorders such as tingling, prickling or numbness;  
 migraine;  
 nerve root compression (including low back pain and leg pain);  
 vision disturbances;  
 eye inflammation;  
 inflammation of the eye lid and eye swelling;  
 vertigo;  
 sensation of heart beating rapidly;  
 high blood pressure;  
 flushing;  
 haematoma;  
 cough;  
 asthma;  
 shortness of breath;  
 gastrointestinal bleeding;  
 dyspepsia (indigestion, bloating, heart burn);  
 acid reflux disease;  
 sicca syndrome (including dry eyes and dry mouth);  
 itching;  
 itchy rash;  
 bruising;  
 inflammation of the skin (such as eczema);  
 breaking of finger nails and toe nails;  
 increased sweating;  
 hair loss;  
 new onset or worsening of psoriasis;  
 muscle spasms;  



106 

 blood in urine;  
 kidney problems;  
 chest pain;  
 oedema;  
 fever;  
 reduction in blood platelets which increases risk of bleeding or bruising; 
 impaired healing.  
 
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) 
 opportunistic infections (which include tuberculosis and other infections that occur when 

resistance to disease is lowered);  
 neurological infections (including viral meningitis);  
 eye infections;  
 bacterial infections;  
 diverticulitis (inflammation and infection of the large intestine);  
 cancer;  
 cancer that affects the lymph system;  
 melanoma;  
 immune disorders that could affect the lungs, skin and lymph nodes (most commonly presenting 

as sarcoidosis);  
 vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels); 
 tremor;  
 neuropathy;  
 stroke;  
 hearing loss, buzzing;  
 sensation of heart beating irregularly such as skipped beats;  
 heart problems that can cause shortness of breath or ankle swelling;  
 heart attack;  
 a sac in the wall of a major artery, inflammation and clot of a vein, blockage of a blood vessel;  
 lung diseases causing shortness of breath (including inflammation);  
 pulmonary embolism (blockage in an artery of the lung);  
 pleural effusion (abnormal collection of fluid in the pleural space);  
 inflammation of the pancreas which causes severe pain in the abdomen and back;  
 difficulty in swallowing;  
 facial oedema;  
 gallbladder inflammation, gallbladder stones;  
 fatty liver;  
 night sweats;  
 scar;  
 abnormal muscle breakdown;  
 systemic lupus erythematosus (including inflammation of skin, heart, lung, joints and other 

organ systems);  
 sleep interruptions;  
 impotence;  
 inflammations.  
 
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) 
 leukaemia (cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow);  
 severe allergic reaction with shock;  
 multiple sclerosis;  
 nerve disorders (such as eye nerve inflammation and Guillain-Barré syndrome that may cause 

muscle weakness, abnormal sensations, tingling in the arms and upper body);  
 heart stops pumping;  
 pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung);  
 intestinal perforation; 
 hepatitis;  



107 

 reactivation of hepatitis B;  
 autoimmune hepatitis (inflammation of the liver caused by the body's own immune system); 
 cutaneous vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels in the skin);  
 Stevens-Johnson syndrome (early symptoms include malaise, fever, headache and rash);  
 facial oedema associated with allergic reactions;  
 erythema multiforme (inflammatory skin rash);  
 lupus-like syndrome; 
 angioedema (localised swelling of the skin); 
 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 that is often fatal);  
 Merkel cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer);  
 liver failure;  
 worsening of a condition called dermatomyositis (seen as a skin rash accompanying muscle 

weakness).  
 
Some side effects observed with adalimumab may not have symptoms and may only be discovered 
through blood tests. These include:  
 
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) 
 low blood measurements for white blood cells;  
 low blood measurements for red blood cells;  
 increased lipids in the blood;  
 elevated liver enzymes.  
 
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) 
 high blood measurements for white blood cells;  
 low blood measurements for platelets;  
 increased uric acid in the blood;  
 abnormal blood measurements for sodium;  
 low blood measurements for calcium;  
 low blood measurements for phosphate;  
 high blood sugar;  
 high blood measurements for lactate dehydrogenase;  
 autoantibodies present in the blood;  
 low blood potassium. 
 
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people) 
 elevated bilirubin measurement (liver blood test). 
 
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people) 
 low blood measurements for white blood cells, red blood cells and platelet count.  
 
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. 
 
 



108 

5. How to store AMGEVITA 
 
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 and 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.  
 
Store in the original carton in order to protect from light.  
 
A single AMGEVITA 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 pen must be protected from light, and discarded if not used 
within the 14-day period. 
 
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 AMGEVITA contains  
- The active substance is adalimumab. Each pre-filled pen contains 40 mg of adalimumab in 

0.8 mL of solution. 
- The other ingredients are glacial acetic acid, sucrose, polysorbate 80, sodium hydroxide and 

water for injection. 
 
What AMGEVITA looks like and contents of the pack 
 
AMGEVITA is a clear and colourless to slightly yellow solution. 
 
Each pack contains 1, 2, 4 or 6 single use SureClick pre-filled pens.  
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer 
Amgen Europe B.V.  
Minervum 7061  
NL-4817 ZK Breda  
The Netherlands 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder 
Amgen Europe B.V.  
Minervum 7061  
NL-4817 ZK Breda  
The Netherlands 
 
Manufacturer 
Amgen Technology Ireland UC  
Pottery Road 
Dun Laoghaire 
Co Dublin 
Ireland 
 
Manufacturer 
Amgen NV 
Telecomlaan 5-7 
1831 Diegem 
Belgium 



109 

 
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder: 
 
België/Belgique/Belgien 
s.a. Amgen n.v. 
Tel/Tél: +32 (0)2 7752711 
 

Lietuva 
Amgen Switzerland AG Vilniaus filialas 
Tel: +370 5 219 7474 
 

България 
Амджен България ЕООД 
Тел.: +359 (0)2 424 7440 
 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 
s.a. Amgen  
Belgique/Belgien 
Tel/Tél: +32 (0)2 7752711 
 

Česká republika 
Amgen s.r.o. 
Tel: +420 221 773 500 
 

Magyarország 
Amgen Kft. 
Tel.: +36 1 35 44 700 
 

Danmark 
Amgen, filial af Amgen AB, Sverige 
Tlf: +45 39617500 
 

Malta 
Amgen B.V. 
The Netherlands 
Tel: +31 (0)76 5732500 
 

Deutschland 
AMGEN GmbH 
Tel.: +49 89 1490960 
 

Nederland 
Amgen B.V. 
Tel: +31 (0)76 5732500 
 

Eesti 
Amgen Switzerland AG Vilniaus filialas 
Tel: +372 586 09553 
 

Norge 
Amgen AB 
Tel: +47 23308000 
 

Ελλάδα 
Amgen Ελλάς Φαρμακευτικά Ε.Π.Ε.  
Τηλ.: +30 210 3447000 
 

Österreich 
Amgen GmbH  
Tel: +43 (0)1 50 217 
 

España 
Amgen S.A. 
Tel: +34 93 600 18 60  
 

Polska 
Amgen Biotechnologia Sp. z o.o. 
Tel.: +48 22 581 3000 
 

France 
Amgen S.A.S. 
Tél: +33 (0)9 69 363 363 
 

Portugal 
Amgen Biofarmacêutica, Lda. 
Tel: +351 21 4220606 
 

Hrvatska 
Amgen d.o.o. 
Tel: +385 (0)1 562 57 20 
 

România 
Amgen România SRL 
Tel: +4021 527 3000 
 

Ireland 
Amgen Ireland Limited 
Tel: +353 1 8527400 
 

Slovenija 
AMGEN zdravila d.o.o. 
Tel: +386 (0)1 585 1767 
 
 

Ísland 
Vistor hf. 
Sími: +354 535 7000 
 

Slovenská republika 
Amgen Slovakia s.r.o. 
Tel: +421 2 321 114 49 
 



110 

Italia 
Amgen S.r.l. 
Tel: +39 02 6241121 
 

Suomi/Finland 
Orion Pharma 
Puh/Tel: +358 10 4261 
 

Kύπρος 
C.A. Papaellinas Ltd 
Τηλ.: +357 22741 741 
 

Sverige 
Amgen AB  
Tel: +46 (0)8 6951100 
 

Latvija 
Amgen Switzerland AG Rīgas filiāle 
Tel: +371 257 25888 
 

United Kingdom 
Amgen Limited 
Tel: +44 (0)1223 420305 
 

 
This leaflet was last revised in 
 
Other sources of information 
 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu. 
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 



111 

Instructions for use: 
AMGEVITA single use SureClick pre-filled pen 
For subcutaneous use 

Guide to parts 
 

Before use After use 

Blue start button  

Expiration date 

Window 

Medicine 

Yellow cap on 
  

 

 

Expiration date 

Yellow window 
(injection complete)

Yellow safety guard 

Yellow cap off 
 

Important: Needle is inside 

 



112 

Important 

Before you use an AMGEVITA pre-filled pen, read this important information: 
 
Using your AMGEVITA pre-filled pen 
● It is important that you do not try to give the injection unless you or your caregiver has 

received training.

● Do not use an AMGEVITA pre-filled pen if it has been dropped on a hard surface. Part of the 
AMGEVITA pre-filled pen may be broken even if you cannot see the break. Use a new 
AMGEVITA pre-filled pen. 

● The needle cover of the AMGEVITA pre-filled pen is made from dry natural rubber, which 
contains latex. Tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to latex.

 
Step 1: Prepare

 

A. Remove one AMGEVITA pre-filled pen from the package.
Carefully lift the pre-filled pen straight up out of the box. 
 
Put the original package with any unused pre-filled pens back in the refrigerator. 
 
For a more comfortable injection, leave the pre-filled pen at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes 
before injecting. 
 
● Do not put the pre-filled pen back in the refrigerator once it has reached room temperature.
● Do not try to warm the pre-filled pen by using a heat source such as hot water or microwave.
● Do not shake the pre-filled pen. 
● Do not remove the yellow cap from the pre-filled pen yet.

 
B. Inspect the AMGEVITA pre-filled pen.

Yellow cap on Window Medicine
 

Make sure the medicine in the window is clear and colourless to slightly yellow. 
 
● Do not use the pre-filled pen if: 
 - The medicine is cloudy or discoloured, or contains flakes or particles. 

- Any part appears cracked or broken. 
- The pre-filled pen has been dropped on a hard surface. 
- The yellow cap is missing or not securely attached. 
- The expiration date printed on the label has passed.

In all cases, use a new pre-filled pen. 
 



113 

C. Gather all materials needed for your injection. 
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. 
On a clean, well-lit work surface, place a new, pre-filled pen. 
 
You will also need these additional items, as they are not included in the carton: 
● Alcohol wipes 
● Cotton ball or gauze pad 
● Plaster 
● Sharps disposal container 

 

 

 
D. Prepare and clean your injection site.

Belly 

Thigh 

 

You can use: 

● Your thigh 
● Belly, except for a 2-inch (5 centimetre) area right around your belly button 
 
Clean your injection site with an alcohol wipe. Let your skin dry. 
● Do not touch this area again before injecting. 
● If you want to use the same injection site, make sure it is not the same spot on the injection 

site you used for a previous injection. 
 - Do not inject into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard. Avoid injecting 

into areas with scars or stretch marks.
● If you have psoriasis, you should avoid injecting directly into raised, thick, red, or scaly skin 

patch or lesion. 
 



114 

Step 2: Get ready
 
E. Pull the yellow cap straight off when you are ready to inject.

 

It is normal to see a drop of liquid at the end of the needle or yellow safety guard. 
● Do not twist or bend the yellow cap.
● Do not put the yellow cap back onto the pre-filled pen.
● Do not remove the yellow cap from the pre-filled pen until you are ready to inject. 

 
F. Stretch or pinch your injection site to create a firm surface.
Stretch method 

 

Stretch the skin firmly by moving your thumb and fingers in opposite directions, creating an area 
about 2 inches (5 centimetres) wide. 

OR 
Pinch method 

Pinch the skin firmly between your thumb and fingers, creating an area about 2 inches (5 
centimetres) wide. 
Important: Keep the skin stretched or pinched while injecting.

 



115 

Step 3: Inject
 

G. Hold the stretch or pinch. With the yellow cap off, place the pre-filled pen on your skin at 
90 degrees. 

 

Important: Do not touch the blue start button yet. 
 
H. Firmly push the pre-filled pen down onto the skin until it stops moving. 

 

Push down 

 

Important: You must push all the way down but do not touch the blue start button until you are 
ready to inject. 

 
I. When you are ready to inject, press the blue start button. You will hear a click. 

 

 

“Click” 



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J. Keep pushing down on your skin. Your injection could take about 10 seconds. 

  

~10s  

 

 
The window turns yellow when 
the injection is done. 
You may hear a second click. 

 

Note: After you remove the pre-filled pen from your  
skin, the needle will be automatically covered. 

Important: When you remove the pre-filled pen, if the window has not turned yellow, or if it looks 
like the medicine is still injecting, this means you have not received a full dose. Call your doctor 
immediately. 

 

“Click” 



117 

Step 4: Finish
 
K. Discard the used pre-filled pen and the yellow cap.

 

● Put the used pre-filled pen in a sharps disposal container immediately after use. Do not throw 
away (dispose of) the pre-filled pen in your household waste.

● Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about proper disposal. There may be local guidelines for 
disposal. 

● Do not reuse the pre-filled pen. 
● Do not recycle the pre-filled pen or sharps disposal container or throw them into the household 

waste. 
Important: Always keep the sharps disposal container out of the sight and reach of children. 

 
L. Examine the injection site. 
If there is blood, press a cotton ball or gauze pad on your injection site. Do not rub the injection site. 
Apply a plaster if needed. 

 


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURERS OF THE BIOLOGICAL ACTIVE SUBSTANCE ANDMANUFACTURERS RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETINGAUTHORISATION
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE ANDEFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET