Humira (Adalimumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Humira Used For?
Humira contains adalimumab, a biologic medicine that treats various inflammatory conditions by targeting specific proteins in your immune system that cause inflammation.
Primary Uses
Humira treats rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, enthesitis-related arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease (adults and children 6+ years), ulcerative colitis, psoriasis (adults and children 4+ years), hidradenitis suppurativa (adults and adolescents 12+ years), and uveitis (adults and children 2+ years).
How to Take Humira
Humira is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous). You or a trained family member can give the injection after proper training on the correct technique.
Dosage Instructions
Dosing varies by condition and weight. For rheumatoid arthritis: 40 mg every 2 weeks. For Crohn’s disease (adults): 160 mg on day 1, 80 mg on day 15, then 40 mg every 2 weeks. For psoriasis (adults): 80 mg on day 1, 40 mg on day 8, then 40 mg every 2 weeks. Children’s doses are based on body weight. Your doctor will determine your specific dose and schedule.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your scheduled injection, give it as soon as you remember, then continue with your next dose at the usual scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed injection.
Important: Never mix Humira with any other medicine in the same injection. Do not attempt injection until you’ve received proper training.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- injection site pain, swelling, redness, itching
- cold, flu, runny nose, cough, sore throat
- sinus infection, asthma worsening
- ear pain, eye pain or swelling, vision changes
- mouth ulcers, gum pain or bleeding
- headache, dizziness, muscle weakness
- joint pain, numbness, balance problems
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, heartburn
- rash, itching, scaly skin patches
- nail problems, hair loss, cold sores
- bleeding, easy bruising
- tiredness, chest pain, increased heart rate
- depression, anxiety
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- signs of tuberculosis (persistent cough, weight loss, fever)
- signs of infection (fever, skin sores, dental problems, urinary pain/blood)
- nervous system problems (numbness, tingling, weakness, vision problems)
- blood clots (swelling, tenderness, redness in arm/leg)
- liver problems (yellowing skin/eyes, severe tiredness, dark urine)
- allergic reactions (chest tightness, breathing difficulty, swelling)
- heart failure (shortness of breath, foot swelling)
- blood disorders (persistent fever, easy bruising/bleeding, paleness)
Important Warnings
Humira affects your immune system and can increase your risk of serious infections. It’s important to discuss your complete medical history with your doctor before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Humira
Do not use Humira if you’re allergic to adalimumab or any ingredients, have a severe infection like sepsis or tuberculosis, have other severe infections caused by virus/fungus/parasite/bacteria, or have moderate to severe heart failure.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: recurring infections, history of tuberculosis or close contact with TB, hepatitis B (current, past, or carrier status), fungal infections or travel to areas where they’re common, uveitis, allergic reactions, multiple sclerosis, blood disorders, low immunity, heart conditions, cancer, autoimmune disease, COPD, kidney/liver problems, scheduled vaccinations, psoriasis, planned surgery, or take other medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 5 months after your last injection. Humira should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed. Babies born to mothers who used Humira may have higher infection risk. Tell your baby’s doctors about Humira use before any vaccinations. Discuss breastfeeding plans with your doctor.
Elderly Patients: If you’re over 65, you may be more likely to get infections while taking Humira.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines can interfere with Humira or increase your risk of infection. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
- anakinra (used for rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis)
- abatacept (used for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis)
- azathioprine (immune system suppressor)
- 6-mercaptopurine (used for certain types of leukemia)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness until you know how Humira affects you.
Alcohol
There is no specific information available about the effects of drinking alcohol while taking Humira. Discuss alcohol use with your doctor.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Humira affects you. The effects on your ability to drive or operate machinery are not fully known.
Storage
Store Humira in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze. Keep pens or syringes in their original packaging to protect from light. A single pen or syringe may be stored at room temperature (25°C) for maximum 14 days if needed, but must be used within 14 days or discarded. After injection, immediately dispose of used pen or syringe in a sharps container as instructed by your healthcare provider.
Overdose Information
If you inject too much Humira, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do this even if you feel fine or have no symptoms of discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes for Humira to work varies by condition and individual response. Your doctor will monitor your progress and may adjust your maintenance dose depending on how you respond to treatment.
Some medications can interfere with Humira or increase infection risk. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking. Certain drugs like anakinra should not be taken with Humira.
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection such as fever, skin sores, feeling tired, dental problems, or pain when urinating. Humira can increase your risk of serious infections.
Tell your doctor if you’re scheduled for any vaccines, especially live vaccines like BCG or oral polio vaccine. It’s recommended that children be up to date with vaccinations before starting Humira treatment.
Do not stop using Humira or change the dose without checking with your doctor first. Follow all instructions and continue using Humira until your doctor tells you to stop.
Humira must be kept refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C, but a single pen or syringe can be stored at room temperature (25°C) for up to 14 days if needed for travel. Plan accordingly and keep it protected from light.
Remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist that you’re using Humira, especially if you’re scheduled for surgery. Keep all your appointments so your progress can be monitored.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.