Idacio

Idacio

Generic Name: adalimumab-aacf
Dosage Form: Idacio pen (40 mg/0.8 mL)
Drug Class: TNF alfa inhibitors

What is Idacio?

Idacio (adalimumab-aacf) is a prescription-only biosimilar to Humira, belonging to a group of medicines known as TNF-alpha inhibitors. It is designed to help reduce inflammation and symptoms associated with a range of chronic autoimmune diseases. These conditions occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.

Idacio is available in prefilled pens or syringes and is free of citrate, which may help reduce injection discomfort. Although biosimilar to Humira, it is not interchangeable without consulting a healthcare professional.

Uses

Idacio is used to treat several long-term autoimmune conditions in adults and children, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis: to reduce inflammation, prevent joint damage, and improve function.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: in children aged 2 years and older with moderate to severe polyarticular JIA.
• Psoriatic arthritis: to reduce joint pain and stiffness and prevent joint damage.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: to relieve spinal and joint pain.
• Hidradenitis suppurativa: in adults with moderate to severe symptoms.
• Crohn’s disease: for moderate to severe cases in adults and children aged 6 and above.
• Ulcerative colitis: in adults with ongoing moderate to severe symptoms.
• Plaque psoriasis: in adults with extensive, chronic disease requiring systemic therapy.
• Non-infectious uveitis: to treat inflammation in the eyes (intermediate, posterior, or panuveitis).

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Injection site redness or swelling
• Cold symptoms (sore throat, sinus pain, sneezing)
• Skin rash

Serious Side Effects:

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice:

• Signs of infection (fever, fatigue, cough, burning urination)
• Liver problems (yellowing skin, dark urine)
• Symptoms of blood disorders (pale skin, easy bruising, tiredness)
• Vision problems, numbness, or weakness (possible nerve issues)
• Skin lumps or lesions that don’t heal
• Symptoms of tuberculosis (persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss)

This is not a full list. Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor or NHS 111.

Warnings

• Idacio affects the immune system, increasing the risk of infections, including serious or life-threatening ones.
• Your doctor will screen you for tuberculosis (TB) before treatment and monitor you during use.
• There may be a small increased risk of certain cancers, including lymphoma and skin cancer.
• Do not use Idacio if you’re allergic to adalimumab or any of the ingredients.
• Antibodies may develop that reduce the effectiveness of the medicine over time.

Before Taking

Speak to your doctor before using Idacio if you:

• If you have any ongoing infections or have had recurring infections.
• If you have tuberculosis or have been in contact with someone with TB.
• If you have ever had hepatitis B, HIV, or cancer
• If you are suffering from a condition affecting the nerves or muscles (e.g., multiple sclerosis).
• If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Children should be up to date with all vaccinations before starting Idacio.

What to Avoid

• Avoid close contact with people who are unwell or have infections.
• Do not receive live vaccines while using Idacio. These include vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and yellow fever.
• Do not inject into areas of skin that are bruised, damaged, or infected.

Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you’re taking, including:

• Other biologic therapies such as etanercept, infliximab, or certolizumab
• Immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine
• Any live vaccines

Using certain combinations can increase the risk of infections or reduce the effectiveness of treatment.

Dosage

Always take Idacio exactly as prescribed. It is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) using a prefilled pen or syringe.

• The dose and frequency depend on your age, weight, and the condition being treated.
• Your healthcare provider will guide you on how and where to inject.
• Do not shake the pen or syringe. Let it warm to room temperature (15–30 minutes) before use.
• Rotate injection sites and avoid injecting into bruised, red, or sore skin.

If you are unsure when or how to inject, contact your pharmacist or GP.

Storage

• Store Idacio in the original carton in the fridge between 2°C and 8°C.
• If necessary, you may store it at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 28 days.
• Do not freeze, shake, or expose to direct light or extreme temperatures.
• Do not use Idacio if the solution is cloudy or discoloured, or after the expiry date.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s close to your next scheduled dose. Never take a double dose. If unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or contact NHS 111 or Poison Information Services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Idacio the same as Humira?

Idacio is a biosimilar of Humira, meaning it is highly similar in structure and effectiveness, but not identical. It is not automatically interchangeable without a doctor’s prescription.

2. Can I travel with Idacio?

Yes, but ensure it is stored correctly. You may keep it at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 28 days. Keep it in its original carton and avoid extreme temperatures.

3. Can I take vaccines while using Idacio?

Avoid live vaccines. Always consult your GP before any immunisation.

4. Can I use Idacio while pregnant or breastfeeding?

It’s best to consult your doctor. Idacio may be used during pregnancy if advised, but you must inform healthcare providers before your newborn receives any vaccinations.

For full patient information, consult your prescribing healthcare provider or the official NHS/EMA guidance. Always follow medical advice tailored to your individual health needs.