| Arthritis, Psoriatic

Acthar vs Humira

Side-by-side clinical, coverage, and cost comparison for arthritis, psoriatic.

Deep comparison between: Acthar vs Humira with Prescriber.AI

AI compares prescribing info and payer-specific access barriers across 1,200+ formularies. Here's a preview of what prescribers are already asking.

Safety signalsHumira has a higher rate of injection site reactions vs Acthar based on FDA-approved prescribing information

Coverage gaps3 major payers require step therapy for Humira but not Acthar, including UnitedHealthcare

Category

Acthar

Humira

At A Glance

RouteIM or SC injection

ClassCorticotropin analog

RouteSC injection

FrequencyEvery other week

ClassTNF-alpha antagonist

Indications

Infantile Spasm
Multiple Sclerosis
Arthritis, Psoriatic
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
Dermatomyositis
Polymyositis
Erythema Multiforme
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Serum Sickness
Keratitis
Iritis
Iridocyclitis
Uveitis, Posterior
Choroiditis
Optic Neuritis
Chorioretinitis
Sarcoidosis
Nephrotic Syndrome

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Juvenile arthritis
Arthritis, Psoriatic
Ankylosing spondylitis
Crohn Disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Chronic small plaque psoriasis
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Uveitis

Dosing

Infantile Spasm 150 U/m2/day IM divided into 75 U/m2 twice daily for 2 weeks, then taper over 2 weeks; Acthar Gel vial only -- do not use the pre-filled SelfJect injector.

Multiple Sclerosis 80-120 units IM or SC daily for 2-3 weeks for acute exacerbations; taper as needed.

Arthritis, Psoriatic, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic, Dermatomyositis, Polymyositis, Erythema Multiforme, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Serum Sickness, Keratitis, Iritis, Iridocyclitis, Uveitis, Posterior, Choroiditis, Optic Neuritis, Chorioretinitis, Sarcoidosis, Nephrotic Syndrome 40-80 units IM or SC every 24-72 hours; individualize dosing based on disease severity and patient response; taper dose upon discontinuation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Arthritis, Psoriatic, Ankylosing spondylitis 40 mg SC every other week; some RA patients not receiving MTX may increase to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week.

Juvenile arthritis, Uveitis (pediatric) Weight-based SC dosing every other week: 10 mg (10 kg to <15 kg), 20 mg (15 kg to <30 kg), or 40 mg (>=30 kg) for patients 2 years of age and older.

Crohn Disease 160 mg SC on Day 1 (in one day or split over two consecutive days), 80 mg on Day 15, then 40 mg every other week starting Day 29.

Ulcerative Colitis 160 mg SC on Day 1 (in one day or split over two consecutive days), 80 mg on Day 15, then 40 mg every other week starting Day 29; discontinue if no clinical remission by 8 weeks (Day 57).

Chronic small plaque psoriasis, Uveitis 80 mg SC initial dose, then 40 mg every other week starting 1 week after the initial dose.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa 160 mg SC on Day 1 (in one day or split over two consecutive days), 80 mg on Day 15, then 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week starting Day 29.

Contraindications

Intravenous administration
Use in infants under 2 years of age with suspected congenital infections
Concomitant live or live-attenuated vaccines during immunosuppressive doses of Acthar Gel
Scleroderma
Osteoporosis
Systemic fungal infections
Ocular herpes simplex
Recent surgery
History of or presence of peptic ulcer
Congestive heart failure
Uncontrolled hypertension
Primary adrenocortical insufficiency
Adrenocortical hyperfunction
Sensitivity to proteins of porcine origin

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Drug Interactions

648View drug interactions

1222View drug interactions

Adverse Reactions

Most common (>=5%) Infections, convulsions, hypertension, irritability, pyrexia (reported in infantile spasm trials at recommended dose)

Serious Cushing's syndrome, adrenal insufficiency upon withdrawal, elevated blood pressure, salt and water retention, hypokalemia, gastrointestinal perforation and bleeding, behavioral and mood disturbances, ophthalmic effects, decreased bone density, negative effects on growth and physical development

Postmarketing Anaphylaxis, necrotizing angitis, pancreatitis, intracranial hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, reversible brain shrinkage, vertebral compression fractures, insomnia, injection site reactions

Most common (>=5%) Injection site reactions, upper respiratory infection, headache, rash, accidental injury, sinusitis, urinary tract infection, nausea, hyperlipidemia, abdominal pain, flu syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, back pain.

Serious Serious infections (pneumonia, septic arthritis, prosthetic and post-surgical infections, erysipelas, cellulitis, diverticulitis, pyelonephritis), tuberculosis, opportunistic infections, malignancies, severe hepatic reactions including acute liver failure, new-onset lupus-like syndrome.

Postmarketing Diverticulitis, large bowel perforations, pancreatitis, liver failure, autoimmune hepatitis, sarcoidosis, Merkel Cell Carcinoma, demyelinating disorders, cerebrovascular accident, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolism, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, cutaneous vasculitis, erythema multiforme, new or worsening psoriasis, alopecia, lichenoid skin reaction, systemic vasculitis, deep vein thrombosis.

Pharmacology

Repository corticotropin (ACTH) analog that stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol, corticosterone, aldosterone, and weak androgens; also reported to bind melanocortin receptors, with the trophic effects on the adrenal cortex appearing to be mediated by cyclic AMP.

Adalimumab is a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to TNF-alpha, blocking its interaction with the p55 and p75 cell surface TNF receptors and inhibiting TNF-mediated inflammatory and immune responses, including modulation of adhesion molecules responsible for leukocyte migration.

View Full FDA Information

View full FDA information

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Most Common Insurance

Anthem BCBS

Acthar