Adalimumab (Humira) is an anti-TNF biologic medicine used to control non-infectious uveitis when steroids alone are not enough or cause too many side effects. It is given as a subcutaneous injection — typically an 80mg loading dose followed by 40mg every two weeks. In the UK in 2026, private self-pay costs from around £385 per 40mg pen for a biosimilar (about £770 per month at the standard dose), with the originator Humira from about £600 per pen. A consultant uveitis assessment, including the safety screening required before starting, is from £300. Adalimumab is NICE-recommended for non-infectious uveitis affecting the back of the eye.
What is uveitis — and how adalimumab helps
Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. Non-infectious uveitis is driven by the immune system rather than an infection, and if it is not controlled it can damage the retina and optic nerve and threaten sight. It is one of the leading causes of preventable sight loss in working-age adults.
Adalimumab works by blocking tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), a protein that drives inflammation. By switching off this signal, it calms the inflammation inside the eye. Crucially, it is steroid-sparing — it allows patients to come off, or greatly reduce, long-term oral steroids and their well-known side effects. It is used for intermediate, posterior and panuveitis, and for uveitis associated with conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Behçet's disease.
Symptoms of uveitis
- Eye redness — often persistent and not relieved by ordinary drops
- Pain or aching in or around the eye
- Blurred vision or a general loss of clarity
- Floaters — spots or strands drifting across vision
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- A small or irregular pupil in some types
Uveitis not settling on steroids? A consultant uveitis assessment reviews your inflammation, scans the retina and explains whether a steroid-sparing biologic is right for you.
Book a uveitis assessmentAdalimumab options
Adalimumab is available as the originator brand Humira and as several MHRA-licensed biosimilars, which contain the same active medicine and work in the same way at a lower cost. Your consultant will recommend the most suitable, and most patients use a pre-filled pen at home.
Uveitis often needs joined-up care. Where there is uveitic macular oedema, your consultant may also discuss a local steroid such as the Ozurdex dexamethasone implant alongside the biologic.
How the injection works
Adalimumab is given as a subcutaneous injection — just under the skin of the thigh or abdomen — using a pre-filled pen. Most patients are taught to do this themselves at home, which avoids regular hospital visits.
- Screening first. Before starting, you have blood tests and a TB and hepatitis B/C screen, because biologics can reactivate hidden infections.
- Loading dose. Treatment usually begins with an 80mg dose, then 40mg one week later.
- Maintenance. After that, 40mg every two weeks is the standard dose.
- Self-injection. A nurse teaches you the pen technique; the injection takes seconds and is rotated between injection sites.
- Storage. Pens are kept refrigerated and brought to room temperature before use.
What to expect & monitoring
Adalimumab works gradually — inflammation typically settles over several weeks, and the steroid dose is tapered as it does. Ongoing monitoring keeps both the eye and your general health safe.
Weeks 1–2
Loading doses given. Mild injection-site redness or itching is the most common side effect and settles quickly.
Weeks 4–8
Inflammation begins to calm. Your consultant starts to reduce oral steroids as the biologic takes over control.
3–6 months
Disease activity reviewed with retinal imaging. Most patients achieve good control on the every-two-weeks dose.
Ongoing
Regular reviews and blood tests continue. Treatment is maintained while disease is active and reviewed for tapering once stable.
Because adalimumab dampens the immune system, you should report any signs of infection promptly and stay up to date with recommended vaccinations (avoiding live vaccines while on treatment). Your eye consultant works in shared care with your GP and, where relevant, your rheumatologist.
Adalimumab cost in the UK
The main cost of biologic treatment is the medicine itself, which is dosed every two weeks. Self-pay pricing in 2026:
- Biosimilar adalimumab: from £385 per 40mg pen — about £770 per month at the standard dose
- Originator Humira: from £600 per 40mg pen
- Consultant uveitis assessment: from £300, including screening and treatment planning
- Insurance: many policies cover biologic therapy for uveitis — we help with authorisation
Adalimumab is also available on the NHS for eligible patients under NICE guidance; private treatment offers faster access and continuity of consultant care. Explore related eye treatments or see our price guide for other procedures.