Humira
Humira (adalimumab) is an injection used to treat many different autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. As a TNF blocker, the medication works by blocking a protein that causes inflammation in your body. It's given as a shot under the skin once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your condition. Humira (adalimumab) doesn't have a true generic, but there are several similar versions called biosimilars. Common side effects include infections, injection site reactions, and headache.
What is Humira (adalimumab)?
What is Humira (adalimumab) used for?
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults only
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) - people age 2 and older
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults only
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - adults only
- Crohn's disease (CD) - people age 6 and older
- Ulcerative colitis (UC) - people age 5 and older
- Plaque psoriasis - adults only
- Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - people age 12 and older
- Uveitis - people age 2 and older
How Humira (adalimumab) works
Humira (adalimumab) is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. It works by blocking TNF, a protein in your body that plays a role in inflammation. By blocking this protein, the medication helps lower swelling and prevent damage from certain autoimmune conditions.
Drug facts
Side effects of Humira (adalimumab)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Injection-site reaction (20%)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)
- Headache (12%)
- Rash (12%)
- Sinus inflammation (11%)
- Accidental injury (10%)
- Nausea (9%)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection (8%)
Note: The side effects listed above were reported by adults with rheumatoid arthritis and are similar to those seen in people using Humira (adalimumab) for other conditions.
Less Common Side Effects
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Back pain
- Stomach pain
- Hair loss
- Blood in the urine
- Flu-like symptoms
Humira (adalimumab) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious infection: fever, cough, weight loss, cough, loss of body fat and muscle
- Severe allergic reaction: trouble breathing, swelling of your face or throat, hives
- Nervous system problems: numbness and tingling, vision problems, weakness in arms or legs, dizziness
- Blood problems: fever that doesn't go away, easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin
- Heart failure: shortness of breath, sudden weight gain, swelling of your ankles or feet
- Lupus-like syndrome: chest discomfort or pain, shortness of breath, joint pain, rash on your cheeks or arms that gets worse with sunlight
- Liver problems: feeling tired, poor appetite, vomiting, yellowing of your eyes or skin, pain on the right side of your stomach
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The following Humira (adalimumab) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Body aches or pain
ear congestion
hoarseness
lightheadedness
loss of voice
lower back or side pain
muscle aches and pains
pain or tenderness around the eyes or cheekbones
rapid and sometimes shallow breathing
shivering
stomach fullness
sunken eyes
thirst
trouble sleeping
warmth on the skin
wrinkled skin
Less common
Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
agitation
arm, back, or jaw pain
black, tarry stools
bleeding from the gums or nose
blindness
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
blood in the stool or change in bowel habits
bloody or cloudy urine
blurred vision
broken bones
change in size, shape, or color of an existing mole
change in skin color
chest pain, tightness, or heaviness
chills
clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
cold hands and feet
confusion
coughing or spitting up blood
decreased urination
decreased vision
difficulty with breathing
difficulty, burning, or painful urination
dimpling of the breast skin
dizziness
drowsiness
fainting
fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
forgetfulness
frequent urge to urinate
general feeling of illness
headache
increased thirst
inverted nipple
irregular breathing
irregular pulse
irritability
light colored stools
loss of appetite
lump in the breast or under your arm
lump or swelling in the stomach
mole that leaks fluid or bleeds
muscle cramps or spasms
new mole
night sweats
no blood pressure or pulse
noisy breathing
numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, or face
pain, redness, or swelling in the arms or legs without any injury present
pale skin
persistent non-healing sore on your skin
pink growth
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
raised, firm, or bright red patch
redness or swelling of the breast
seeing or hearing things that are not there
seizures
sharp back pain just below your ribs
shiny bump on your skin
slurred speech or problems with swallowing
sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or mouth
spitting up blood
stiff neck
stomach pain
stopping of the heart
sudden high fever or low grade fever for months
sweating
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
swollen glands
swollen neck veins
tiredness
trouble breathing
trouble thinking
unconsciousness
unexplained bruising or bleeding
unpleasant breath odor
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual weight gain or loss
visual disturbances
vomiting
vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
yellow skin or eyes
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
inability to move the arms and legs
joint or muscle pain
pinpoint red spots on the skin
red skin lesions, often with a purple center
red, irritated eyes
red, scaling, or crusted skin
sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs
unusual bleeding or bruising
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Bladder pain
bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
pounding in the ears
Less common
Abnormal healing
decrease in height
difficulty with moving
difficulty with walking
indigestion
loss of hearing
loss of strength or energy
menstrual changes
muscle or joint stiffness, tightness, or rigidity
muscle pain or weakness
pain in the back, ribs, arms, or legs
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, and feet
swelling or redness in the joints
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Humira (adalimumab)
Pros
- Can be used for many autoimmune conditions
- Available as a ready-to-use pen that makes it easier to self-inject at home
- Can be used in young children (as young as 2 years old for some conditions)
- Only needs to be injected a couple times a month
- Can be left at room temperature for up to 14 days if needed
Cons
- Raises the risk of serious infections
- Can take a few weeks or longer to work
- Might be difficult to inject for some people
- Can't receive any live vaccines while taking the medication
- Might contain rubber or latex, which can cause a reaction for those with an allergy
Pharmacist tips for Humira (adalimumab)
- Make sure you get injection training before using Humira (adalimumab). If you haven’t been trained, call your clinic or 1-800-4HUMIRA. Don’t try to give yourself the injection until you know how to do it safely.
- If you miss a dose of Humira (adalimumab), take it as soon as you remember. Then go back to your regular schedule. If you're unsure what to do, ask your prescriber or pharmacist.
- Humira (adalimumab) can make it harder for your body to fight infections. Call your care team if you get signs of infection, like fever, cough, or feeling tired.
- Some people might have a serious allergic reaction to Humira (adalimumab). Get medical help right away if you have symptoms like swelling, trouble breathing, or a rash. If you're allergic to latex, know that some pen or syringe caps might contain natural rubber latex.
- Store Humira (adalimumab) in the refrigerator in its original container to protect it from light. If you're traveling, it can stay at room temperature for up to 14 days. After that, throw it away even if you didn’t use it.
How to inject Humira (adalimumab):
- Take Humira (adalimumab) out of the fridge and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before injecting. This helps make the shot less painful. Don’t heat it up in the microwave or put it in hot water.
- Clean your injection site on your thighs or stomach (at least 2 inches from your belly button) with an alcohol swab. Don’t inject into red, sore, or bruised skin—and use a different spot each time and use different injection sites each time.
- After using Humira (adalimumab), throw away the used pen, needle, or syringe in a sharps container. You can buy one or use a heavy-duty plastic container, like an empty laundry detergent bottle. Follow your local rules for how to safely throw it out when it’s full.
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Common questions about Humira (adalimumab)
Risks and warnings for Humira (adalimumab)
Humira (adalimumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Serious infections
- Risk factors: Taking other medications that weaken the immune system, including Orencia (abatacept) and Kineret (anakinra) | Older adults | Active, chronic, or recurrent infection | Traveling to high risk areas | Having other conditions that raise the risk of infection
Humira (adalimumab) can raise your risk of serious or life-threatening infections. This is more common in older adults, people with other health problems, and those taking medications that weaken the immune system — like methotrexate, Orencia (abatacept), Kineret (anakinra), or corticosteroids.
Let your prescriber know about your past medical history before starting Humira (adalimumab), especially if you've ever had tuberculosis or hepatitis B. They’ll check your risk for infections before beginning treatment.
While you’re taking Humira (adalimumab), it’s important to watch for any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, or feeling very tired. If you develop any of these, contact your prescriber right away. They might pause your treatment and start medication to help treat the infection.
Cancers
- Risk factors: Taking other medications that weaken the immune system | History of cancer | People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with a history of smoking
In clinical trials, more people developed cancer while taking Humira (adalimumab) compared to those who didn’t take it. The most common types reported were lymphoma, leukemia, and skin cancers. Your prescriber will review your risk before you start treatment and continue to monitor you while you're taking the medication. Talk to your healthcare team if you have any questions or concerns.
Severe allergic reactions
Serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis and swelling of the face or throat have been reported in people taking Humira (adalimumab). If you notice a rash, itching, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face or throat, stop taking the medication and get medical help right away.
Nervous system effects
- Risk factors: Currently have or recently developed a nervous system condition
Although rare, Humira (adalimumab) has been linked to nervous system problems, including conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome. These problems affect the brain, spinal cord, or nerves and might cause symptoms like vision changes, weakness, or numbness. If you already have a nervous system problem, or recently developed one, your prescriber will be cautious when deciding if Humira (adalimumab) is right for you. If new symptoms develop, you might need to stop taking the medication.
Low blood cell counts
It's rare, but some people have had low blood cell counts while taking Humira (adalimumab). This can make it harder for your body to fight infections and raise your risk of bleeding. Call your prescriber if you get a fever that doesn’t go away, bruise or bleed easily, or notice that your skin looks pale.
Heart failure
People taking Humira (adalimumab) have had new or worsening cases of heart failure. If you already have heart failure, talk to your prescriber — they’ll weigh the risks and benefits before starting treatment. Let your care team know right away if you experience symptoms like swelling in your legs, shortness of breath, or sudden weight gain.
Lupus-like syndrome
In rare cases, treatment with Humira (adalimumab) can lead to a condition called lupus-like syndrome. Tell your prescriber right away if you have chest pain that doesn’t go away, shortness of breath, joint pain, or a rash on your cheeks or arms that gets worse in sunlight. If you have lupus-like syndrome, you might have to stop taking the medication.
Live vaccines
It's typically okay to get some vaccines while you're taking Humira (adalimumab), but you should avoid live vaccines. These might not be safe or work as well while you're receiving treatment with this medication. Children should be up to date on all their vaccines before starting Humira (adalimumab). Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist to make sure it’s safe to get any vaccines while you're taking this medication.
Humira (adalimumab) dosage
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 syringes of 40mg/0.8ml | 1 carton | $6,651.96 | $6,651.96 |
| 2 pens of 40mg/0.8ml | 1 carton | $6,651.96 | $6,651.96 |
| Crohn's starter pack of 40mg/0.8ml | 1 carton | $19,943.48 | $19,943.48 |
| Psoriasis starter pack of 40mg/0.8ml | 1 carton | $13,108.43 | $13,108.43 |
| Pediatric Crohn's starter pack of 40mg/0.8ml | 1 carton | $16,010.36 | $16,010.36 |
| Pediatric Crohn's starter pack of 80mg/0.8ml | 1 carton | $19,943.48 | $19,943.48 |
| Crohn's starter pack of 80mg/0.8ml | 1 carton | $19,943.48 | $19,943.48 |
| Psoriasis starter pack of 80mg/0.8ml and 40mg/0.4ml | 1 carton | $13,297.71 | $13,297.71 |
| Pediatric Crohn's starter pack of 80mg/0.8ml and 40mg/0.4ml | 1 carton | $9,974.86 | $9,974.86 |
| 2 pens of 40mg/0.4ml | 1 carton | $6,380.16 | $6,380.16 |
| 2 syringes of 40mg/0.4ml | 1 carton | $6,651.96 | $6,651.96 |
| 2 syringes of 10mg/0.1ml | 1 carton | $6,651.96 | $6,651.96 |
| 2 syringes of 20mg/0.2ml | 1 carton | $6,651.96 | $6,651.96 |
| Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis starter pack of 80mg/0.8ml | 1 carton | $26,589.16 | $26,589.16 |
| 2 pens of 80mg/0.8ml | 1 carton | $13,297.71 | $13,297.71 |
Typical dosage for Humira (adalimumab)
Adults
- Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: The typical dose is 40 mg injected under the skin every other week.
- Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: The typical dose is 160 mg injected under the skin on Day 1, then 80 mg on Day 15. Starting Day 29, the maintenance dose is 40 mg every other week.
- Plaque psoriasis and uveitis: The typical dose is 80 mg injected under the skin on Day 1, then 40 mg every other week starting 1 week after the first dose.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa: The typical dose is 160 mg injected under the skin on Day 1, then 80 mg on Day 15. Starting Day 29, the maintenance dose is 40 mg every week OR 80 mg every other week.
Children
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis and uveitis:
- Weight 22 lbs to less than 33 lbs: The typical dose is 10 mg injected under the skin every other week.
- Weight 33 lbs to less than 66 lbs: The typical dose is 20 mg injected under the skin every other week.
- Weight 66 lbs and more: The typical dose is 40 mg injected under the skin every other week.
- Crohn's disease:
- Weight 37 lbs to less than 88 lbs: The typical dose is 80 mg injected under the skin on Day 1, then 40 mg on Day 15. Starting Day 29, the maintenance dose is 20 mg every other week.
- 88 lbs and more: The typical dose is 160 mg injected under the skin on Day 1, then 80 mg on Day 15. Starting Day 29, the maintenance dose is 40 mg every other week.
- Ulcerative colitis:
- Weight 44 lbs to less than 88 lbs: The typical dose is 80 mg injected under the skin on Day 1, followed by 40 mg on Day 8, and then 40 mg on Day 15. Starting Day 29, the maintenance dose is 40 mg every other week OR 20 mg every week.
- Weight 88 lbs and more: The typical dose is 160 mg injected under the skin on Day 1, followed by 80 mg on Day 8, and then 80 mg on Day 15. Starting Day 29, the maintenance dose is 80 mg every other week OR 40 mg every week.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa:
- Weight 66 lbs to less than 132 lbs: The typical dose is 80 mg injected under the skin on Day 1. Starting on Day 8, the maintenance dose is 40 mg every other week.
- Weight 132 lbs and more: The typical dose is 160 mg injected under the skin on Day 1, then 80 mg on Day 15. Starting Day 29, the maintenance dose is 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week.
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Interactions between Humira (adalimumab) and other drugs
More on Humira (adalimumab) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abatacept
- Adenovirus Vaccine
- Anakinra
- Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin Vaccine, Live
- Cholera Vaccine, Live
- Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine, Live
- Infliximab
- Influenza Virus Vaccine, Live
- Measles Virus Vaccine, Live
- Mumps Virus Vaccine, Live
- Poliovirus Vaccine, Live
- Rilonacept
- Rotavirus Vaccine, Live
- Rubella Virus Vaccine, Live
- Smallpox Vaccine
- Tofacitinib
- Typhoid Vaccine, Live
- Varicella Virus Vaccine, Live
- Yellow Fever Vaccine
- Zoster Vaccine, Live
How much does Humira (adalimumab) cost?
$277.00
What are alternatives to Humira (adalimumab)?
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