Hematologic Adverse Effects of Adalimumab

Management and Risk Factors

• The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends consulting with hematology specialists if serious hematologic adverse effects occur, and stopping adalimumab treatment may be necessary 1
• Concomitant use of other immunosuppressive medications may increase the risk of hematologic complications, with a higher incidence of venous and arterial thromboembolic events observed in patients who develop anti-adalimumab antibodies 3

Clinical Perspective

• The American Thoracic Society notes that while hematologic adverse effects are documented, they are relatively uncommon compared to other side effects such as injection site reactions and infections, with a hazard ratio of 7.6 for thromboembolic events in patients who develop anti-adalimumab antibodies 2, 3
• The British Association of Dermatologists reports that the most common adverse events with adalimumab are injection site reactions, viral and bacterial infections, headaches, and gastrointestinal upset 4