Humira (adalimumab) is an injectable medication used for treating many different autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and plaque psoriasis. It's usually given every other week, and it can be used alone or taken with methotrexate or other non-biologic medications. This medication is available as many different brands (or biosimilars).
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
Humira (adalimumab) is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). It blocks tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which is a protein in your body that plays a role in inflammation. By blocking TNF, Humira (adalimumab) lowers inflammation to relieve symptoms in the joints, skin, and gut.
Source:Â DailyMed
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.
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
Raises the risk of serious infections
Might raise the risk of lymphoma and skin cancers
Might be difficult to inject for some people
Can't receive any live vaccines while taking the medication
Contains rubber or latex, which can cause a reaction for those with an allergy
You should receive injection training from your healthcare provider or care team. If you haven't, contact the clinic or call 1-800-4HUMIRA. Don't try to give yourself a Humira (adalimumab) injection until you're comfortable doing it safely and properly. Other resources that might help include the Instructions for Use and videos from the manufacturer.
Store Humira (adalimumab) in the refrigerator. Keep it in its original container to protect it from light. Never freeze it because this could damage the medication.
If you're traveling or don't have access to a refrigerator, Humira (adalimumab) can be left at room temperature for 14 days. After 14 days, it should be thrown away.
Once you're ready for your injection, take Humira (adalimumab) out of the refrigerator and let it warm up to room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes. This will help prevent discomfort and pain with the injection. Don't try to warm it up by putting it in the microwave or in hot water.
Don't use Humira (adalimumab) pens or syringes if you accidentally drop them. Some of the products are made of glass and can break. If this happens, call your pharmacist.
Humira (adalimumab) can rarely cause a condition called lupus-like syndrome. Contact your provider if you experience rash, easy bruising or bleeding, or feel more tired than usual.
After you inject Humira (adalimumab), throw away used needles, syringes, and pens in a sharps container. You can buy an FDA-cleared container or use a heavy-duty plastic container you have at home. Old laundry detergent containers are a great option. Check your local laws and guidelines for disposal directions once your container is almost full.
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.
Risk factors: Taking other medications that weaken the immune system | Older adults | Active, long-term, or an infection that keeps coming back | 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. Serious infections are more common in older adults, people taking other medications that can weaken the immune system (e.g., methotrexate, Orencia (abatacept), Kineret (anakinra), corticosteroids), and people with other health conditions. Make sure your provider knows your past medical history before starting Humira (adalimumab), especially if you've ever had tuberculosis or hepatitis B. They'll review your risk before starting the medication. If you develop a serious infection while taking Humira (adalimumab), you might have to stop the medication in order to give your immune system a chance to fight the infection.
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, there was a greater number of cancers in people taking Humira (adalimumab) when compared to people not taking the medication. Certain cancers like lymphoma, leukemia, and skin cancers were the most commonly reported types in people who used Humira (adalimumab). Your provider will determine your risk before starting Humira (adalimumab) and monitor you while you're taking the medication. Speak to your provider if you have any concerns.
Rarely, Humira (adalimumab) can cause life-threatening allergic reactions like anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). If you experience rash, itching, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face or throat, get medical help right away.
Risk factors: Currently have or recently developed a nervous system condition
Although rare, Humira (adalimumab) can cause you to develop conditions that affect your nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome. If you currently have nerve problems, let your provider know. They'll want to monitor you closely while you're taking Humira (adalimumab), since it can make them worse. Let your provider know right away if you notice numbness or tingling, weakness in your arms or legs, vision problems, or dizziness.
It's rare, but there have been reports of people having low blood cells while taking Humira (adalimumab). This can lower your body's ability to fight infections and put you at risk for bleeding. Contact your provider if you develop a fever that doesn't go away, easy bruising, pale skin, or bleeding.
People taking Humira (adalimumab) have had new or worsening cases of heart failure. Speak with your provider if you currently have heart failure. They'll weigh the benefits and risks to determine if Humira (adalimumab) is right for you. Also let your provider know if you start to have shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, irregular heartbeat, or tiredness or weakness, as these can be signs of heart failure.
It's fine to get some vaccines while you're taking Humira (adalimumab), but avoid getting live vaccines (e.g., MMR II (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine)). This is because it isn't known if they're safe or work well while you're taking Humira (adalimumab). It's recommended that children get all of their appropriate shots before starting Humira (adalimumab). Ask your provider or pharmacist to make sure that you can get the appropriate vaccines while taking this medication.
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, followed by 80 mg on Day 15, then 40 mg every other week starting Day 29.
Plaque psoriasis and uveitis: The typical dose is 80 mg injected under the skin on Day 1, followed by 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, followed by 80 mg on Day 15, then 40 mg every week OR 80 mg every other week starting Day 29.
Children
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis and uveitis: The dose is based on your child's body weight. Typically it will be injected under the skin every other week.
Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa: The dose is based on your child's body weight and the condition being treated. Typically it injected under the skin either every week or every other week.
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.
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
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Plaque psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
Childhood arthritis (polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA)
Moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD)
Moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC)
Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
Severe plaque psoriasis (PsO)
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