Humira (adalimumab) is a biologic medicine that belongs to a class called TNF-alpha inhibitors. It works by blocking a protein called tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), which drives inflammation in many chronic conditions.

Humira is approved to treat a wide range of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, including:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Plaque psoriasis
• Uveitis (eye inflammation)
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Humira is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). Most adults self-inject every two weeks, though some conditions require weekly dosing or different schedules.

Your healthcare team will show you how to inject. Common sites include the thigh or lower abdomen (avoid the area around the navel). Rotate injection sites to reduce discomfort.

Remove from the fridge 15 to 30 minutes before injecting and allow it to reach room temperature. This reduces injection site stinging.

Do not stop Humira without speaking to your doctor. Stopping abruptly can cause a rapid return of symptoms.

If you miss a dose and your next dose is more than a week away, inject as soon as you remember and then resume your regular schedule. If your next dose is within a week, skip the missed dose and continue from the original schedule. Contact your doctor if you are unsure.

Contact your doctor or go to an emergency department. There is no specific antidote, but medical staff can monitor for any increased side effects.

• Store in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C
• Do not freeze. If accidentally frozen, discard
• Once taken out of the fridge, it can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 14 days. Discard after this period
• Keep in the original carton to protect from light
• Keep out of reach of children

Like all biologic medicines, Humira affects the immune system.

Very common side effects:

• Injection site reactions: redness, swelling, pain, or itching where the injection was given (usually mild and short-lived)
• Upper respiratory infections such as sinusitis, sore throat, and runny nose
  

Serious side effects:

• Serious infections including tuberculosis (TB): Humira suppresses the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. A TB test must be done before starting. Report fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or persistent cough
• Reactivation of hepatitis B: testing is required before starting treatment
• Lymphoma and other cancers: a small increased risk has been identified with long-term TNF inhibitor use
• Demyelinating disease: new or worsening neurological symptoms should be reported
  

Regular blood tests and medical review are part of safe monitoring on Humira.

• Other biologic medicines: combining biological therapies significantly increases infection risk and is generally avoided
• Live vaccines: must not be given while taking Humira
• Methotrexate: often prescribed alongside Humira in rheumatoid arthritis to improve effectiveness

Always tell your doctor about all your medicines, including vitamins and supplements.

Do I need to worry about infections?

Yes. Humira reduces the immune system's ability to fight infections. While most people on Humira live normally, you should avoid close contact with people who have serious infections, get recommended vaccinations before starting (not live vaccines once on treatment), and report any signs of infection such as fever, cough, or unusual tiredness promptly. Annual inactivated flu vaccines are recommended.

Will Humira cause cancer?

Studies have found a small increased risk of certain cancers, particularly lymphoma, in people using TNF inhibitors long-term. This risk is difficult to separate from the underlying inflammatory disease itself, which also raises cancer risk. Your doctor will discuss this in the context of the significant benefits Humira provides.

Ace provides accurate and independent information medically reviewed on prescription medications. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.