WeArePsoriasis.org - The Social Support Network for People Living with Psoriasis

Humira (Adalimumab)

Original Article: http://www.drugs.com/cdi/humira.html

Generic Name: Adalimumab (a-da-LIM-ue-mab)
Brand Name: Humira

Humira can decrease your immune system's ability to fight infections. Humira also has been shown to worsen tuberculosis (TB). Before beginning therapy with Humira , you should have a TB skin test to check for TB that may not be causing any symptoms.

Humira is used for:

Reducing signs and symptoms, preventing bone damage, and improving physical function in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis who have not had a good response to other arthritis medicines. It can be used alone or with other medicines.

Humira is a TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-blocker. It works by blocking a protein (TNF-alpha) found in the body's immune system that causes joint swelling and damage.
Do NOT use Humira if:

    * you are allergic to any ingredient in Humira
    * you are taking another TNF-blocker (eg, etanercept, infliximab) or anakinra, or are receiving a live vaccine
    * you have a blood infection (sepsis)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Humira :

Some medical conditions may interact with Humira . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

    * if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
    * if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
    * if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
    * if you have heart failure, an infection, an immune system disorder, nerve problems, a brain or spinal cord disorder, cancer, lupus, or latex allergy, or you are scheduled for surgery

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Humira . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

    * Anakinra or interleukin-1 because the risk of side effects, including increased risk of serious infections or decrease of white blood cells, may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Humira may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.


How to use Humira :

Use Humira as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

    * Humira comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Humira refilled.
    * Humira is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Humira at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Humira . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
    * Do not use Humira if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
    * Do not shake Humira .
    * Rotate injection sites. New injections should be given at least 1 inch from an old site.
    * Do not inject into areas of the skin that are sore, bruised, red, or hard.
    * Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
    * If you miss a dose of Humira , call your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Humira .
Important safety information:

    * Humira may cause dizziness or vision changes. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Humira with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
    * Humira may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.
    * Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Humira before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
    * Talk with your doctor before you receive any vaccine while you are using Humira . Avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.
    * Lab tests, including TB tests and monitoring for infections, may be performed while you use Humira . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
    * Use Humira with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its side effects.
    * Humira should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
    * PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Humira while you are pregnant. It is not known if Humira is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Humira .


Possible side effects of Humira :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

    Back pain; flaring; itching, pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; sinus inflammation.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

    Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in urine or stools; butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks; chest pain; chills; dark urine; dizziness; easy bruising/bleeding; fainting; fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat; fever; headache; joint pain; leg pain or swelling; mental/mood changes; muscle weakness; night sweats; numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet; painful or frequent urination; pale skin; persistent pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; persistent sore throat or dry cough; stomach pain; swollen glands; unsteadiness; unusual fatigue; unusual lumps; unusual vaginal discharge; vision changes; weight loss; white patches in the mouth; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Humira :

Store Humira in the refrigerator, between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 and 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Store in the original container until ready to use. If you need to take Humira with you, such as when traveling, store it in a cool carrier with an ice pack and protect it from light. Do not use after the expiration date on the dose tray label or prefilled syringe. Keep Humira out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:

    * If you have any questions about Humira , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
    * Humira is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
    * If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Humira . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.