How to Inject Humira (Plus 5 More Pharmacist-Backed Tips for Humira Injections)

Humira (adalimumab) is a medication used to manage symptoms caused by certain autoimmune disorders. It’s injected once weekly or every other week. If it’s been newly prescribed, it can feel a bit overwhelming to manage Humira injections on your own for the first time. But have no fear — we’ve got you covered with six pharmacist-backed tips for injecting Humira.

1. Where should you inject Humira?

You can inject Humira in two different places: your stomach or the front of your thighs. Which you choose depends on personal preference. Just be sure the skin isn’t broken, and stay away from any moles, tattoos, or scars. In the stomach, you should inject at least 2 inches away from your belly button.

It’s best to pick a different spot each time you inject Humira.

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2. How should you inject Humira?

Humira is injected into the fatty tissue under your skin. It comes in two forms: an auto-injection pen or a prefilled syringe. Each form contains just one dose of Humira — they aren’t reusable.

Here are the steps for a successful Humira injection:

1. Find a clean workspace and gather your supplies. A table or countertop are good options. You’ll need your Humira dose, alcohol swabs, and your sharps container. A cotton ball and bandage may also be helpful.

2. Examine your Humira. Ensure the expiration date hasn’t passed and the device isn’t damaged or broken. Check to make sure the liquid is clear and there’s nothing floating in it. If the medication is expired, cloudy, or has particles in it, don’t inject it. Contact your pharmacy about getting a replacement.

3. Wash and dry your hands. Antibacterial soap is best, and be sure to scrub for a full 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice). 

4. Prepare the injection site. Using a circulation motion, wipe the injection site with an alcohol swab. Once you’ve cleaned the area, don’t blow on it or wave at it. Let it dry naturally before injecting your dose.

5. Prepare your dose. 
   Auto-injector pen: Hold the pen in the middle, with the gray cap pointing up. Gently pull the gray cap straight up. Then remove the bottom, plum-colored cap by pulling it straight down. Once both caps are off, turn the pen so the plum-colored button is on top.
   
   Pre-filled syringe: Hold the syringe with one hand. Gently pull off the needle cover with the other hand. Turn the syringe so the needle is facing up — be careful not to touch the needle. Slowly push the plunger to remove any extra air from the syringe. It’s okay if a drop of liquid appears.

6. Inject your dose.
   Humira prefilled pen: Gently pinch the area you’re injecting. Press the white end of the pen at a 90-degree angle, flat against your skin. Then press the plum-colored activator button. You should hear a loud click — this means your injection has started. You’ll see a yellow bar move down the clear pen window. Your injection is complete once the yellow bar is in full view and stops moving — about 10 seconds. Remove the pen from your body (a sleeve will pop out to cover the needle). Place the pen directly into your sharps container.
   
   Humira prefilled syringe: Gently pinch the area you’re injecting. Hold the syringe like a pencil and use a fast, dart-like motion to insert the needle at a 45-degree angle. Let go of the pitched skin and slowly push the plunger until the syringe is empty. Remove the needle and put it directly into your sharps container.

7. Apply pressure. Hold a cotton ball over the injection site for 10 seconds. Don’t rub or massage the area. Some bleeding is normal. Apply a bandage to the site if needed.

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3. What can you do to make Humira injections less painful?

Humira injections can be painful, but there are several ways to reduce your discomfort:

• Allow Humira to come to room temperature. Take Humira out of the fridge at least 15 minutes before your injection. The longer Humira has to warm up, the less pain you may experience. But never try to quickly warm Humira by placing it in the microwave or running it under hot water.

• Ice the injection site. This helps numb the area you’re injecting. Just don’t forget to wipe the area with alcohol after it’s numb.

• Rotate injection sites. It’s best to rotate your injection sites. You can switch between your thighs and stomach or alternate sides of your body.

• Choose an injection site around your stomach. Stomach injections are less painful than thigh injections for most people.

• Avoid injecting into bruised, broken, or scarred skin. The skin in these areas may be harder or more painful to inject.

• Slow down your injection. If using prefilled syringes, try slowing down the injection. You can also ask your healthcare provider about switching to a pen device. Humira pens deliver your dose over a set amount of time to minimize discomfort.

• Change Humira formulations. The original Humira formulation contains citrate and has an injection volume of 0.8 mL. But Humira Citrate-free comes with a smaller needle and a smaller amount of liquid (0.4mL). As a result, injections are less painful with the new formulation. Ask your provider about switching if painful injections are a concern for you.

If your Humira injections are still painful, talk with your healthcare provider for next steps.

4. When should you inject Humira?

Your healthcare provider will tell you how often to inject Humira. It’s usually injected once a week or every other week. The day of the week or time of day you inject Humira doesn’t matter. But it’s best to be consistent with it. So pick a day and time that works best for you. It may help to write it down or use a medication reminder app to help you remember.

If you need to change the day you inject Humira, talk to your provider or pharmacist for guidance.

5. What should you do if you miss a Humira injection?

If you miss your dose of Humira, inject it as soon as you remember. You can resume your regular schedule when your next dose is due. But if it’s close to your next dose, reach out to your pharmacist or healthcare provider for help getting back on track with your doses.

6. How should you store Humira?

Humira should be kept in your fridge. Make sure it’s somewhere the temperature stays consistent and it won’t freeze. The door and top shelf typically aren’t the best options. If Humira freezes, you shouldn’t use it (even after it thaws).

How should you store Humira when traveling?

You can store Humira at room temperature for up to 14 days, which can help when traveling or if you have plans outside your home at the time of your injection. But once you take it out of the fridge, it can’t go back in.

Make sure to record the date you removed the dose from the fridge on the Humira box. And only take out the doses you’ll need while away. After 14 days at room temperature, Humira is no longer OK to use. 

It’s best to travel with Humira in a cooler with ice packs if:

• You’ll be gone longer than 14 days

• The temperature will be higher than 77℉ or below freezing where you’ll be

• You’re unsure if you’ll need the dose while you’re away

If you’re flying, pack Humira in your carry-on and be sure to follow TSA guidelines for traveling with medications.

Tips for saving money on your Humira prescription

There are ways to save on Humira, which is only available as a brand-name biologic medication. GoodRx can help you save money on your prescription.

• Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Humira’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of cost.

• Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $5 for Humira using a savings card from the manufacturer.

• Save with biosimilars. Humira has several biosimilar medications that may be available at a lower cost. Your healthcare provider can help you navigate your options.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Emilie White, PharmD

Emilie White is a clinical pharmacist with over a decade of hospital pharmacy experience. Her professional areas of interest include critical care as well as infectious and autoimmune diseases.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

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