From the Guidelines
For a pediatric patient weighing 48.5 kg, the recommended Humira (adalimumab) dose is 0.8 mg/kg at weeks 0 and 1, then every other week, with a maximum dose of 40 mg, administered as a subcutaneous injection. This dosing regimen is based on the guidelines for the management and treatment of psoriasis in pediatric patients, as outlined in the joint American Academy of Dermatology-National Psoriasis Foundation guidelines of care 1. The dose of 0.8 mg/kg at weeks 0 and 1, then every other week, is specified for adalimumab in pediatric patients, with a maximum dose of 40 mg.
Key Considerations
- The patient's weight is 48.5 kg, which is below the 60 kg threshold for a fixed dose of 40 mg, but since the maximum dose is 40 mg, this will be the dose used.
- The medication should be stored in the refrigerator at 2-8°C (36-46°F) and allowed to reach room temperature before injection.
- Common injection sites include the thigh or abdomen.
- Parents or caregivers should be trained on proper injection technique and disposal of sharps.
- Humira works by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein involved in inflammatory processes, thereby reducing inflammation and symptoms in autoimmune conditions.
- Regular monitoring for side effects and infection is important, as Humira can increase infection risk and rarely cause serious adverse effects.
Administration and Monitoring
- The initial doses at weeks 0 and 1 should be administered as specified, followed by every other week dosing.
- Dose adjustments may be necessary based on clinical response and tolerance.
- Patients should be monitored for signs of infection, and the medication should be discontinued if a serious infection occurs.
- Regular follow-up appointments should be scheduled to assess the patient's response to treatment and adjust the dose as needed.
From the FDA Drug Label
The recommended subcutaneous dosage of HUMIRA for patients 2 years of age and older with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or pediatric uveitis is based on weight as shown below. Pediatric Weight (2 Years of Age and older)Recommended Dosage 10 kg (22 lbs) to less than 15 kg (33 lbs)10 mg every other week 15 kg (33 lbs) to less than 30 kg (66 lbs)20 mg every other week 30 kg (66 lbs) and greater40 mg every other week
For a pediatric patient weighing 48.5 kg, the recommended dose of Humira is 40 mg every other week 2.
From the Research
Humira Dose for Pediatric Patient
The dosage of Humira (adalimumab) for a pediatric patient weighing 48.5 kg is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, some information can be gathered from the studies:
- Adalimumab is used to treat various conditions, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and Crohn's disease, in pediatric patients 3, 4, 5.
- The efficacy and safety of adalimumab in patients with JIA have been evaluated in several studies, including the German Biologics JIA Registry and the STRIVE registry 4, 5.
- The dosage of adalimumab is typically based on the patient's weight, but the exact dosage for a patient weighing 48.5 kg is not specified in the provided studies.
Weight-Based Dosing
Some key points to consider when determining the dosage of adalimumab for a pediatric patient:
- Accurate weight estimation is crucial to prevent drug dosing errors 6.
- Different methods can be used to obtain a patient's weight, including asking the parent, using the patient's age, or using a Broselow-Luten Tape (BLT) 6.
- The BLT is the most frequently used method to obtain a patient's weight, but it can be associated with near-miss errors and dosing errors if not used correctly 6.
Adalimumab Administration
Some general information about adalimumab administration:
- Adalimumab is typically administered via subcutaneous injection 3, 4, 5.
- The frequency of administration can vary depending on the condition being treated and the patient's response to therapy 3, 4, 5.
- Patients with JIA may receive adalimumab in combination with other medications, such as methotrexate 4, 5.