Final answer:
Adalimumab has numerous potential side effects, including injection site reactions, infections, anemia, lymphocytosis, autoimmune issues, and increased risk of certain cancers. An adrenal crisis is a severe adverse effect that can occur, especially under stress such as surgery or infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adalimumab can cause a variety of side effects due to its impact on the immune system. Common side effects include reactions at the injection site, such as redness, rash, swelling, itching, or bruising. Others may experience infections due to the suppression of the immune system. Symptoms of infections can include fever, sweating, or chills; muscle aches; cough; shortness of breath; blood in phlegm; weight loss; warm, red, or painful skin or sores on the body; diarrhea or stomach pain; burning when you urinate or urinating more often than usual; feeling very tired.
More severe side effects could also occur like anemia, lymphocytosis, and autoimmune issues such as lupus-like syndrome which presents with symptoms like a butterfly rash on the face and joint pain. There's an increased risk of certain cancers with long-term use, as well as an increased risk of serious infections due to immune system suppression.
In the event of an adrenal crisis, which is a severe and acute presentation, patients can experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain, back or leg cramps, and hypotension leading to shock. It's crucial for patients to monitor for signs of infection, as adalimumab can mask typical symptoms due to its immunosuppressive action.