Humira affects your immune system. Adalimumab can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections and you may get infections more easily. Serious infections caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria have happened in people taking this medicine. Some people have died from these infections.
Serious infections include tuberculosis (TB). Your doctor should test you for TB before starting and during treatment with Humira.
Before or during treatment with Humira, tell your doctor if you have signs of infection such as fever, chills, aches, tiredness, cough, skin sores, diarrhea, or burning when you urinate.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Humira if you are allergic to adalimumab.
Before you start using this medicine , tell your doctor if you have signs of infection--fever, chills, sweats, muscle aches, tiredness, cough, bloody mucus, skin sores, diarrhea, burning when you urinate, or feeling constantly tired.
Humira should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old (or 6 years old if treating Crohn's disease). Children using this medicine should be current on all childhood immunizations before starting treatment.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
tuberculosis (or if anyone in your household has tuberculosis);
a chronic infection;
cancer;
hepatitis B (adalimumab can cause hepatitis B to come back or get worse);
diabetes;
heart failure;
any numbness or tingling, or a nerve-muscle disorder such as multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barre syndrome;
an allergy to latex rubber;
if you are scheduled to have major surgery; or
if you have recently received or are scheduled to receive any vaccine.
Tell your doctor where you live and if you have recently traveled or plan to travel. You may be exposed to infections that are common to certain areas of the world.
Humira may cause a rare type of lymphoma (cancer) of the liver, spleen, and bone marrow that can be fatal. This has occurred mainly in teenagers and young men with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. However, anyone with an inflammatory autoimmune disorder may have a higher risk of lymphoma. Talk with your doctor about your own risk.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Make sure any doctor caring for your newborn baby knows if you used adalimumab while you were pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.
How should I use Humira?
Use Humira exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Humira is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider will teach you how to properly use this medicine by yourself.
Do not start using this medicine if you have any signs of an infection. Call your doctor for instructions.
Read and carefully follow any instruction sheet provided with your medicine. Do not use Humira if you do not understand the instructions for proper use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
The dose schedule for Humira is highly variable and depends on the condition you are treating. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Prepare your injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed color, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Humira affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Your doctor will need to examine you on a regular basis.
Store this medicine in its original carton in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. If you are traveling, carefully follow all patient instructions for storing your medicine during travel. Avoid extreme heat or cold.
Throw away any Humira that has become frozen.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Usual Adult Dose for Rheumatoid Arthritis:
40 mg subcutaneously every other week
In some patients not taking concomitant methotrexate, the dosing interval may be increased to 40 mg every week.
Methotrexate, glucocorticoids, salicylates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, or other disease modifying agents may be given concomitantly.
