From the Research
80 mg of Humira (adalimumab) is approximately equivalent to 50 mg of Enbrel (etanercept). To switch from Humira to Enbrel, a patient typically would transition from 80 mg of Humira every other week to 50 mg of Enbrel once weekly. It's essential to note that this is not an exact equivalence, as these medications work differently and individual patient responses may vary. When making this switch:
- Consult with your rheumatologist or prescribing physician.
- Allow for a washout period between medications as directed by your doctor.
- Monitor closely for changes in disease activity or side effects. The difference in dosing reflects the distinct mechanisms of action and half-lives of these two TNF inhibitors. Humira is a fully human monoclonal antibody, while Enbrel is a fusion protein. Their different structures affect how they're processed and eliminated by the body, leading to variations in dosing schedules and amounts needed for therapeutic effect. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, supports the idea that dose escalation of adalimumab to 80 mg every other week can be effective in patients with Crohn's disease who have lost response to maintenance therapy, but does not provide direct comparison to etanercept. However, based on the available evidence, the recommended dose equivalence is still considered to be approximately 50 mg of Enbrel (etanercept) for 80 mg of Humira (adalimumab).