What is Humira?
Humira (adalimumab) is a tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor that decreases the inflammatory effects of a substance in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, plaque psoriasis, and hidradenitis suppurativa are only a few of the inflammatory disorders that Humira is used to treat in adults. The medication is also used in adults and children for the treatment of Crohn’s disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and uveitis.
Humira Uses
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. This medicine is used for the treatment of various skin conditions like plaque-type psoriasis, 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 a type of medicine. This treatment helps to prevent further joint injury and maintain joint function by reducing joint swelling.
Humira Side effects
Most common side effects of Humira are:
- Swelling in the injection site
- Upper respiratory infections
- Headache
- Rash
Serious side effects of Humira are:
- Heart failure
- Feeling short of breath
- Sudden weight gain
- Swelling of the ankles
- Lupus-like syndrome
- Chest discomfort
- Feeling short of breath
- Joint pain
- Nerve disorders
- Dizziness
- Weakness in the arms
- Blurred problems
- Blood disorders
- Liver damage
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
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 symptoms of infection when taking this medicine, such as a persistent sore throat, persistent cough, fever, chills, night sweats, difficulty breathing, painful or repeated urination, irregular vaginal discharge, or white patches in your mouth, contact your doctor right away.
Precautions
Before using Humira talk to your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product can contain some inactive ingredients which can cause some serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using Humira talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as Hepatitis B, TB infection, Bone marrow problems, Seizures, certain brain and nerve disorders, cancer, heart disease and lupus.
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 suppurativa, 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.
Dosage of Humira
Humira comes in three forms:
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 recall. And, to get back on track, you can take the next dose at the usual time. 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.
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 absolutely necessary, according to the manufacturer. Humira is not considered to be safe to take during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to pregnant then talk with your doctor before taking Humira.
Breastfeeding:
According to the drug's 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.
Storage
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. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
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:
|
Some of the common side effects of Stelara are:
|
| 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. |
| Molar mass: 367.808 g/mol | Molar mass: 453.452 g/mol |
