Humira vs Enbrel for Psoriasis: Know the Differences

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Difference between Humira vs Enbrel: Humira and Enbrel are medicines used to treat psoriasis, which is a part of the class biologics. They target particular parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation and control autoimmune responses. While Humira inhibits TNF-alpha directly, Enbrel acts as a deceiver of TNF-alpha, preventing its binding to receptors which leads to inflammation. Both drugs are administered through subcutaneous injection, typically once a week or once every other week, as suggested by your medical advisor. Clinical trials have shown both medications to be effective in reducing the symptoms of psoriasis which include scaling, redness, and plaque thickness.

Difference between Humira and Enbrel

The difference between Humira and Enbrel are biological medicines that are used to treat psoriasis, targeting TNF-alpha to reduce inflammation, administered via subcutaneous injection, and have shown efficacy in clinical trials, though their side effects and patient preferences may vary. The table below provides the differences between Humira and Enbrel.

Feature

Humira

Enbrel

Generic Name

Adalimumab

Etanercept

Mechanism of Action

Targets TNF-alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha)

Binds to TNF-alpha

Administration

Subcutaneous injection

Subcutaneous injection

Frequency

Typically every 2 weeks

Typically weekly

Feature

Humira

Enbrel

Generic Name

Adalimumab

Etanercept

Mechanism of Action

Targets TNF-alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha)

Binds to TNF-alpha

Administration

Subcutaneous injection

Subcutaneous injection

Frequency

Typically every 2 weeks

Typically weekly

Approved Uses

Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis

Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, plaque psoriasis

Manufacturer

AbbVie

Amgen

Launch Year

2002

1998

Biosimilar Available

Yes (e.g., Amjevita, Cyltezo)

Yes (e.g., Erelzi)

Cost

Typically high due to brand-name status

Typically high due to brand-name status

Common Side Effects

Injection site reactions, upper respiratory infections, headache, rash

Injection site reactions, upper respiratory infections, headache, nausea

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What is Humira?

Humira is a biological medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as TNF-alpha inhibitors. It is used to treat various inflammatory conditions, which include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. Humira functions by blocking the action of TNF-alpha, a protein in the body that plays a role in inflammation. By inhibiting TNF-alpha, Humira helps reduce inflammation and remove symptoms associated with these conditions. 

Features of Humira

  • Biologic Medication: Humira is a biologic drug, that is it originated from a living being or product. It is particularly classified as a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blocker.
  • Mechanism of Action: It works by targeting and blocking TNF-alpha, a cytokine involved in inflammation. By inhibiting TNF-alpha, Humira helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases.
  • Indications: Humira is indicated for the treatment of several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. It is often prescribed when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
  • Administration: Humira is typically administered via subcutaneous injection. The frequency of injections may vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient's response to treatment.

What is Enbrel?

Enbrel is also a biological medication used to treat autoimmune diseases characterized by inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis. It belongs to a class of drugs known as tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.

Features of Enbrel

  • Biologic Medication: Enbrel is a biologic drug, meaning it is derived from living organisms or their products. It is specifically classified as a TNF inhibitor.
  • Mechanism of Action: It works by binding to and neutralising TNF-alpha, a protein involved in the inflammatory process. By blocking TNF-alpha, Enbrel helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases.
  • Indications: Enbrel is approved for the treatment of several autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, plaque psoriasis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It is often prescribed when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
  • Administration: Enbrel is typically administered via subcutaneous injection. The frequency of injections may vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient's response to treatment.

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Similarities between Humira and Enbrel

  • Biologic Medications: Both Humira and Enbrel are biologic drugs, meaning they are derived from living organisms or their products. They are classified as tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and belong to the same class of biologics.
  • Mechanism of Action: Both medications target and block TNF-alpha, a cytokine involved in the inflammatory process. By inhibiting TNF-alpha, both Humira and Enbrel help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases.
  • Indications: Humira and Enbrel are both approved for the treatment of several autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis. They may also be used to treat other inflammatory diseases.

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FAQ's

What are Humira and Enbrel?

Humira and Enbrel are both biological medications used to treat psoriasis. They belong to a class of drugs called TNF blockers, which work by reducing the inflammatory conditions in the body.

How do Humira and Enbrel work?

Both medications inhibit the action of tumour necrosis factor (TNF), a cytokine involved in inflammation. By blocking TNF, Humira and Enbrel help reduce the inflammation associated with psoriasis.

What forms are Humira and Enbrel available in?

Humira and Enbrel are both available as injectable medications. They are administered through subcutaneous injection.

How often does one need to take Humira or Enbrel?

The degree of dosages varies between the two medications. Humira is typically administered once every two weeks, while Enbrel may be given once or twice a week, depending on the prescribed dosage.

Are there any side effects associated with Humira and Enbrel?

Injection site reactions, upper respiratory infections, headaches, and nausea are some common side effects.