Humira Patient Information

The generic name for the drug Humira is adalimumab. It is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatric arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, plaque psoriasis and Crohn's disease. Humira blocks the protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which causes inflammation and damage to joints.

Dosage

• Humira is given by subcutaneous injection at home in your thigh or stomach. You may use single-use pre-filled syringes or pens. The usual dosage is 40 mg following an initial "loading" dose. The loading dose varies based on the disease that is being treated. For example, for Crohn's disease, an initial dose of four 40 mg injections may be given on the first day (or two injections for the first two days), followed by two 40 mg injections two weeks later. Thereafter, the 40 mg dosage every other week begins.

Side Effects

• Common side effects may include a stuffy nose, sinus pain, nausea or stomach pain, headache or irritation at the site of the injection such as bleeding, swelling, redness, itching or pain. Serious side effects may include chest pain, persistent cough, painful urination, seizures, easy bleeding or bruising, weakness or numbness in your legs, jaundice, skin rash that is purple, red or scaly, muscle or joint pain, mouth sores, hair loss, patching skin color or shortness of breath accompanied by swelling of your feet or ankles. If any of these serious side effects occurs, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Reactions/Infections

• If you experience an allergic reaction to Humira, you should seek emergency medical treatment. Signs of a reaction include breathing difficulties, hives or swelling of your lips, tongue, throat or face. You should contact your doctor and discontinue using Humira if you experience signs of infection such as fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, flu-like symptoms or weight loss.

Risks

• Your doctor may administer a tuberculosis test or other blood tests prior to giving you Humira. Be sure to inform your doctor if you or anyone in your immediate family has had tuberculosis. You may have an increased risk of some cancers (such as lymphoma or non-melanoma skin cancer) or autoimmune conditions (such as lupus). The use of Humira lowers your immunity to infections, which means you may be more likely to become ill if you come in contact with others who are sick.

Precautions

• Humira must be refrigerated until you are ready to use it. If you have an active infection you may not use Humira as it may make the infection worse. Your next dose must be delayed until the infection is gone. Do not discard used syringes or pens in your garbage. They should be placed in a sharps container, which you may obtain from your doctor or pharmacist, along with instructions about how to dispose of it when full. If your medication has particles in it or has changed colors, you should not use it.