Humira (adalimumab) is a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor that decreases the inflammatory effects of a substance in the body. It is used in adults and children to treat these conditions:
Reduces inflammation and slows disease progression
Improves physical function and quality of life
Can induce and maintain remission in inflammatory bowel diseases
Conditions Humira Treats
Humira is a medicine that is used to relieve the pain and swelling associated with many forms of arthritis, which include:
Rheumatoid
Psoriatic
Juvenile idiopathic
Ankylosing spondylitis
Crohn's disease
Ulcerative colitis
Plaque psoriasis
Hidradenitis suppurativa
Uveitis (non-infectious)
This medicine is used for the treatment of various skin conditions like plaque-type psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa.
It functions by stopping the body's immune system from developing a protein called tumour necrosis factor (TNF), which causes joint swelling and damage in arthritis and red scaly patches in psoriasis.
TNF blockers, such as Humira, are medicines that reduce joint swelling to help prevent further joint injury and maintain joint function.
How Does Humira Work?
Humira is a monoclonal antibody that works by:
Blocking tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a key chemical involved in inflammation
Preventing TNF from attaching to its receptors on cell surfaces
Reducing the immune response that causes joint, skin, or bowel inflammation
It directly affects the immune system, helping regulate an overactive response in autoimmune diseases.
Dosage of Humira
Humira comes in three forms: single dose pen, single dose prefilled Syringe, single dose vail of liquid solution
A single-dose pen.
Strengths:
40 mg/0.4 mL
40 mg/0.8 mL
80 mg/0.8 mL
A single-dose prefilled syringe.
Strengths:
10 mg/0.1 mL
10 mg/0.2 mL
20 mg/0.2 mL
20 mg/0.4 mL
40 mg/0.4 mL
40 mg/0.8 mL
80 mg/0.8 mL
A single-dose vial of liquid solution.
Strengths:
40 mg/0.8 mL
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a Humira dose, take it as soon as you remember. The next dose can be taken at the usual time to get back on track.
Set a reminder on your phone to ensure you don't forget to take your medication. You may also use a calendar to keep track of your schedule.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Humira tablets, there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body's functions.
Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Keep in mind that your doctor approved this drug because he or she feels the value to you outweighs the risk of side effects.
The majority of people who take this drug do not experience any significant side effects. If you experience those symptoms of infection when taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.
Precautions and Warnings of Humaira (adalimumab)
Precautions
Before using Humira, talk to your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications.
The product can contain inactive ingredients that can cause serious allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Humira, talk with your doctor if you have any medical history such as Hepatitis B, TB infection, Bone marrow problems, Seizures, certain brain and nerve disorders, cancer, heart disease and lupus.
Warning for certain Health Conditions
Pregnancy:
Pregnancy categories are no longer used by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to define the level of risk associated with taking prescription drugs during pregnancy.
Humira can only be used during breastfeeding if necessary, according to the manufacturer. Humira is not considered to be safe to take during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant, then talk with your doctor before taking Humira.
Use With Caution If You Have:
History of cancer
Nervous system disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
Liver or kidney issues
Hepatitis B virus (must be screened before starting)
Breastfeeding:
According to the drug maker, you cannot breastfeed when taking Humira. Humira may be passed on to a breastfed infant by human breast milk.
However, there isn't enough information to decide if the sum is safe or could hurt the child.
Consult your doctor if you intend to breastfeed or are actually doing so. They will advise you on how to feed your child properly and what care options are available.
How to take Humira?
This drug should be taken exactly as directed. As instructed by your doctor, inject this drug under the skin on the thigh or abdomen every other week or once a week in some cases.
If you're taking this drug to treat psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurative, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or uveitis, your doctor can give you a different schedule or a higher dose at first treatment.
Clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol before injecting each dose. To minimise damage under the skin, change the injection site every time.
A new injection site should be at least 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) away from the old one. Do not inject into any swollen, bruised, red, or rough areas of the skin.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using Humira?
Approved for adults and children over 2 years for certain conditions like JIA and Crohn's
Dosing in children is based on weight and indication
Alcohol or Food Interactions
No direct interactions with food
Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, especially in patients with liver concerns or on other liver-affecting drugs
Possible Interactions with Other Medications
Can Interact With:
Other biologics (e.g., etanercept, infliximab) - should not be used together
Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, methotrexate) - may increase infection risk
Live vaccines - avoid during treatment
Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications, supplements, and recent vaccinations.
How Should Humira Be Stored?
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects.
The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children's reach. It should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
What Happens If Not Stored Properly?
Exposure to heat or freezing can degrade the medication
Do not use if the solution is cloudy or has particles
Humira vs Stelara
Humira
Stelara
Humira (adalimumab) is a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor that decreases the the inflammatory effects of a substance in the body.
Stelara (ustekinumab) is an immunosuppressant that acts by lowering the effects of a chemical compound in the body that triggers inflammation.
Humira is used to relieve the pain and swelling associated with many forms of arthritis.
Stelara is a drug that is used to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and children aged 6 and up. It's also used to treat adults with psoriatic arthritis, and it's often combined with another drug named methotrexate.
Most common side effects of Humira are:
Swelling in the injection site
Upper respiratory infections
Headache
Rash
Some of the common side effects of Stelara are:
Headache
Respiratory infections
Fatigue
Redness at the injection site
Vaginal yeast infections
Cefaclor is a cephalosporin-type antibiotic used to treat many kinds of bacterial infections such as middle ear, skin, urine, and respiratory tract infections.
This medication is used for treating a number of bacterial infections such as strep throat, pneumonia, otitis media, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and Lyme disease.
Humira belongs to the TNF blocker class of biologics. The immune system is suppressed by these drugs. Although these medications may be effective in treating the symptoms of a number of inflammatory diseases, they also raise the risk of severe and even fatal infections and cancers in their users.
Humira (adalimumab) is a long-term therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor will monitor your prescription at regular intervals to ensure that you continue to benefit from Humira. Humira dosage varies and is dictated by the condition being treated. Many people, on the other hand, continue to take Humira for years.
Humira is given as a subcutaneous injection, usually once every two weeks, although the schedule may vary based on the condition being treated.
Yes, after proper training, most patients can self-administer Humira injections at home using a prefilled pen or syringe.
Yes, Humira weakens part of the immune system, which can increase the risk of infections, including serious ones like tuberculosis.
Live vaccines should generally be avoided while on Humira, but inactivated vaccines like the flu shot are usually safe—always consult your doctor.
Moderate alcohol use is not typically contraindicated with Humira, but liver function should be monitored if you also take other medications.
Disclaimer: The information provided is accurate and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge. However, it should not be considered a substitute for medical advice or consultation. We do not guarantee its completeness or accuracy. The absence of specific warnings does not mean a medicine is safe for all users. We are not responsible for any outcomes based on this information and strongly recommend consulting a doctor for any medical concerns or questions.
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