Humira (Adalimumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Humira Used For?
Humira contains adalimumab, a biologic medicine that treats various inflammatory conditions by targeting specific parts of your immune system.
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).
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How to Take Humira
Humira is given as an injection under your skin. You or a trained family member can give the injection after proper training on the correct technique.
Dosage Instructions
Dosing varies by condition: Rheumatoid arthritis – 40mg every 2 weeks; Psoriatic arthritis/ankylosing spondylitis – 40mg every 2 weeks; Crohn’s disease/ulcerative colitis – 160mg day 1, 80mg day 15, then 40mg every 2 weeks; Psoriasis – 80mg day 1, 40mg day 8, then 40mg every 2 weeks. Pediatric doses are weight-based. Your doctor may adjust frequency based on your response.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your scheduled injection, take it as soon as you remember, then continue with your next dose at the usual scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed injection.
Important: Do not mix Humira with any other medicines in the same injection. Follow the detailed injection instructions provided with your medication.
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 reactions (pain, swelling, redness, itching)
- Cold, flu, runny nose, cough, sore throat
- Sinus infection, asthma worsening
- Ear pain, eye pain or redness, vision changes
- Mouth ulcers, gum pain or bleeding
- Headache, dizziness, muscle weakness
- Joint or bone pain, numbness, balance problems
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, heartburn
- Rash, itching, scaly skin patches
- Nail problems, hair loss, cold sores
- Tiredness, chest pain, increased heart rate
- Depression, anxiety, easy bruising
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 changes)
- Blood clots (swelling, tenderness, redness in arms/legs)
- 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. Your doctor needs to know about your complete medical history before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Humira
Do not use Humira if you’re allergic to adalimumab or any ingredients, have severe infections like sepsis or tuberculosis, or have moderate to severe heart failure as determined by your doctor.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: recurring infections, history of tuberculosis or close contact with someone who has it, 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 diseases, COPD, kidney/liver problems, scheduled vaccinations, psoriasis, planned surgery, or take other medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy. Humira should only be used in pregnancy if clearly needed. Babies born to mothers who used Humira may have higher infection risk. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 5 months after your last injection. Inform your baby’s doctors about Humira use before any vaccinations.
Elderly Patients: If you’re over 65, you may be more likely to get infections while taking Humira.
Drug Interactions
Some medications can increase infection risk when taken with Humira or may interfere with how it works.
- anakinra (used for rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis) – do not take together
- abatacept (used for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis)
- azathioprine (immune system suppressor)
- 6-mercaptopurine (used for certain leukemias)
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with activities requiring alertness until you know how Humira affects you.
Alcohol
There is no specific information available about alcohol interactions with 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 this time or discarded. After injection, immediately dispose of used pens or syringes 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, 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 based on how you respond to treatment.
Some medications can interfere with Humira or increase infection risk. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Do not take anakinra with Humira.
Call 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. Children should be up to date with vaccinations before starting Humira when possible.
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.
There is no specific information available about alcohol interactions with Humira. Discuss your alcohol consumption with your doctor to ensure it’s safe for your situation.
Yes, keep all appointments for blood tests. Some side effects can be detected in blood results before you have any symptoms, so regular monitoring is important for your safety.
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.