Information for the public
Adalimumab (Humira) is available on the NHS. It is a possible treatment for non-infectious uveitis in adults:
- with inflammation in the eye (‘active’ disease) and
- with worsening vision and a high risk of blindness and
- who can’t have immunosuppressants, or for whom they don’t work well enough and
- whose disease has not responded well enough to corticosteroids and
- who have systemic disease (that is, uveitis is a symptom of another disease) or when both eyes are affected (or, if only 1 eye is affected, there is poor vision in the other).
Treatment with adalimumab should be stopped under certain circumstances, such as if the disease gets worse.
Dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex) is also available on the NHS. It is a possible treatment for non-infectious uveitis in adults:
- with inflammation in the eye (‘active’ disease) and
- with worsening vision and a risk of blindness.
If you are not eligible for adalimumab or dexamethasone but are already taking them, you should be able to continue until you and your doctor decide when best to stop.
Is this treatment right for me?
Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. Read more about making decisions about your care.
Questions to think about
- How well does it work compared with other treatments?
- What are the risks or side effects? How likely are they?
- How will the treatment affect my day-to-day life?
- What happens if the treatment does not work?
- What happens if I do not want to have treatment? Are there other treatments available?
Information and support
NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more
These organisations can give you advice and support:
- Olivia's Vision, 08450 785114
- RNIB, 0303 123 9999
- Birdshot Uveitis Society, 0845 605 1195
NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.
ISBN: 978-1-4731-2606-0
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