Which drug is dosed at 50 mg weekly by subcutaneous injection?

• A. Adalimumab
• B. Etanercept
• C. Golimumab
• D. Certolizumab

Answer: (B)

Dosing schedules of TNF inhibitors differ, and this question tests you on recognizing which one is given as 50 mg subcutaneous weekly. Etanercept is a soluble TNF receptor fusion protein used in inflammatory skin and joint diseases, and its standard adult regimen is 50 mg injected under the skin once weekly (with some regimens allowing 25 mg twice weekly). This weekly schedule fits its pharmacokinetic profile, since its half-life is shorter than the monoclonal antibody TNF inhibitors, requiring more frequent dosing to maintain TNF blockade.

In contrast, adalimumab is typically given as 40 mg every other week after initial loading, golimumab is administered monthly at 50 mg, and certolizumab is given with loading doses of 400 mg at weeks 0, 2, and 4, followed by 200 mg every 2 weeks. Therefore, the regimen described—50 mg weekly SC injection—best matches etanercept.