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What is Humira
 Humira
reduces the effects of a substance in the body called tumor
necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). TNF-alpha is involved in
inflammatory processes in the body.
Humira
is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Humira
may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
General medical information about Humira
Serious, even fatal, infections have been reported
to occur during treatment with Humira. Contact your doctor
immediately if you develop signs of infection such as fever
or chills, sore throat, coughing, congestion, weight loss,
night sweats, or other signs of infection; redness, pain,
or swelling of a skin wound; or burning or difficult urination.
A tuberculin skin test should be performed before
starting treatment with Humira. Latent (inactive) tuberculosis
infection may become symptomatic due to treatment with Humira.
Treatment with an immunosuppressant such as Humira
may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer
(e.g., lymphoma). Treatment with Humira may also increase
the risk of developing an autoimmune disorder such as a
lupus-like syndrome. Talk to your doctor about the risks
and benefits of this medication.
What you should discuss with your doctor before using
Humira
Before using Humira, tell your doctor if you
-
have an active infection or a history of recurrent infections;
- have ever had tuberculosis (TB) or if you have
been in close contact with someone who has had tuberculosis;
- have experienced numbness or tingling or have ever
had a disease that affects the nervous system such as multiple
sclerosis;
- are scheduled to have major surgery;
- are scheduled to receive any vaccinations; or
-
have an allergy to latex or rubber (the needle covers on
the pre-filled syringes contain latex).
You may not
be able to use Humira, or you may require a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of
the conditions listed above.
Humira is in the FDA
pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected
to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Humira without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could
become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known
whether Humira passes into breast milk. Do not use Humira
without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding
a baby.
How should you use Humira Use Humira exactly as directed by your doctor. If
you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Humira
is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection.
Do not inject this medication intramuscularly (into a muscle)
or intravenously (into a vein).
Your doctor or nurse
will give you detailed instructions on how to inject Humira.
It can be injected into the abdomen (avoid the area 2 inches
around the navel) or front of the thighs. Rotate the injection
sites as directed by your doctor. Each new injection should
be given at least one inch from the site you used before.
Do not inject the medication into areas Where the
skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard or Where you have
scars or stretch marks.
Do not shake the vials or
pre-filled syringes of Humira.
Inspect the vial or
pre-filled syringe of Humira before injection. The liquid
should be clear and colorless. Do not use the medication
if it is cloudy or discolored, or if it has flakes or particles
in it.
Each vial or pre-filled syringe of Humira
is intended for one use only. Throw away any unused portion
of the medication. Do not save it for later use, it does
not contain a preservative.
A tuberculin skin test
should be performed before starting treatment with Humira.
Latent (inactive) tuberculosis infection may become symptomatic
due to treatment with Humira.
It is important to
use Humira regularly to get the most benefit.
Dispose
of all needles and syringes in an appropriate puncture resistant
container.
Store Humira in the refrigerator (36 to
46 degrees Fahrenheit or 2 to 8 degrees Celsius) in the
original container until it is used. Do not allow the product
to freeze and do not use it beyond the expiration date.
If the medication needs to be transported during travel,
store it in a cool carrier with an ice pack and protect
it from light.
If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose of Humira, inject the dose as
soon as you remember. Then, inject the next dose when the
next scheduled dose is due. Do not use a double dose of
the medication.
What happens if you overdose: Contact your doctor if an overdose of Humira is suspected.
An overdose of Humira is unlikely to be harmful.
What should you avoid while using Humira Humira can lower the activity of the immune system
making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with
people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses
and do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment
with Humira without first talking to your doctor. In addition,
avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated
with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can
be passed on to you. Contact your doctor immediately if
you develop signs of infection.
Possible side effects of Humira Serious, even fatal, infections have been reported
to occur during treatment with Humira. Contact your doctor
immediately if you develop signs of infection such as fever
or chills, sore throat, coughing, congestion, weight loss,
night sweats, or other signs of infection; redness, pain,
or swelling of a skin wound; or burning or difficult urination.
Treatment with an immunosuppressant such as Humira
may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer
(e.g., lymphoma). Treatment with Humira may also increase
the risk of developing an autoimmune disorder such as a
lupus-like syndrome. Talk to your doctor about the risks
and benefits of this medication.
If you experience
any of the following serious side effects, stop using Humira
and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor
immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or
face; or hives);
- numbness, tingling, or weakness;
- problems with vision;
- dizziness;
-
chest pain or shortness of breath; or
- skin rash
on the arms or cheeks that is sensitive to the sun.
Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Contact your doctor if you develop
- headache;
-
nausea; or
- redness, rash, swelling, itching, or bruising where the
injection was given.
Side effects
other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that
is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Humira Do not receive "live" vaccinations during
treatment with Humira. Administration of a live vaccine
may cause an infection or be ineffective during treatment
with Humira.
Other
medications may interact with Humira or affect your condition.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking other prescription
or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products,
during treatment with Humira. |
