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This medication is used to reduce pain and swelling due to certain types of arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid, psoriatic, and ankylosing spondylitis). It works by blocking a protein (tumor necrosis factor or TNF) found in the body's immune system that causes joint swelling and damage.Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy, including this type of medication (TNF blockers), helps to reduce further joint damage and preserve joint function.This medication is also used to treat a bowel condition called Crohn's disease. It is used in cases that are moderate to severe and/or keep coming back.
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| Overview |
Photos |
How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Humira SubQ
Uses
This medication is used to reduce pain and swelling due to certain types of arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid, psoriatic, and ankylosing spondylitis). It works by blocking a protein (tumor necrosis factor or TNF) found in the body's immune system that causes joint swelling and damage.Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy, including this type of medication (TNF blockers), helps to reduce further joint damage and preserve joint function.This medication is also used to treat a bowel condition called Crohn's disease. It is used in cases that are moderate to severe and/or keep coming back.
Notes
- Do not share this medication with others.Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., CBC, liver function) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
- Consult your doctor for more details.
Storage
- Store in the refrigerator between 36-46 degrees F (2-8 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
- Do not freeze.
- Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
How To Use
- Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using adalimumab and each time you get a refill.
- If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Use this medication exactly as prescribed.
- This drug is given under the skin (subcutaneously or SC) every other week, or weekly in some cases, or as directed by your doctor.
- Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package.
- Do not shake.Rotate injection sites.
- New injections should be given at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeter) from an old site.
- Do not inject into any areas of the skin that are sore, bruised, red or hard.Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration.
- If either is present, do not use the liquid.Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely.
- Never reuse syringes or needles.
Side Effects
- Redness, itching, pain, or swelling at the injection site may occur.
- If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.
- Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, stomach pain, blood in the stools, mental/mood changes, severe headache, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, yellowing eyes and skin, leg pain or swelling.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, unsteadiness, unexplained muscle weakness, seizures, vision changes, extreme fatigue, chest pain, joint pain, butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks.Though unlikely, you may have a slightly increased risk of developing new cancer (e.g., lymphoma) due to this medication or due to your medical condition.
- Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as: unusual lumps/growths, swollen glands.Tell your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection while using this drug, such as: fever, chills, persistent sore throat, trouble breathing, painful or frequent urination, unusual vaginal discharge, white patches in the mouth (oral thrush).Tell your doctor immediately if you develop signs of tuberculosis infection such as: mild fever, persistent dry cough, unexplained weight loss, night sweats.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- See also Warnings section.Before taking adalimumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to natural rubber/latex; or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions.
- Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: an active infection, TB infection, certain fungal infection (histoplasmosis), heart disease (congestive heart failure), lupus.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recurrent infections, hepatitis B infection, decreased bone marrow function, seizures, certain brain/spinal cord disorders (demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis), history of cancer (e.g., lymphoma), scheduled surgery.Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine.
- Consult your doctor about the risks of exposure to chickenpox and other infections.Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk.
- Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.
Drug Interactions
- Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them.
- Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: abatacept, live vaccines, other TNF-blockers (e.g., etanercept, infliximab).If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting adalimumab.Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: other arthritis drugs (e.g., methotrexate, prednisone, leflunomide, anakinra), drugs that suppress the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine).
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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