What has NICE said?
Adalimumab (Humira) is recommended as a possible treatment for adults with active moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa that has not responded to the usual oral or intravenous treatments. The condition must be assessed 12 weeks after starting adalimumab, and treatment can only continue if the condition is responding.
If you have active moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa, and your doctor thinks that adalimumab is the right treatment, you should be able to have the treatment on the NHS.
Adalimumab should be available on the NHS within 3 months of the guidance being issued.
The condition and the treatment
Hidradenitis suppurativa, or acne inversa, is a lifelong inflammatory skin condition that is caused by blocked hair follicles that are connected to sweat glands. Painful boils or abscesses develop in areas that have sweat glands, such as the groin, buttocks, breasts and armpits, and cause scarring.
Adalimumab, which is injected under the skin, suppresses the immune system and reduces inflammation.
NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more.
These organisations can give you advice and support:
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Changing faces, 0345 450 0275
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British Skin Foundation, 0207 391 6341
NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.