Humira (adalimumab) is a human monoclonal antibody. It works by blocking Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-alpha), a cytokine which plays a role in the inflammatory process.
People with Crohn's disease have an abnormal amount of TNF-alpha, and it is thought that this plays a role in the inflammatory process. Humira stops TNF-alpha from being used by the body.
How is Humira taken?Humira comes in the form of an injection and should be stored in a refrigerator. The injection is given under the skin (subcutaneously) either at home or in a doctor's office. Humira is given once every other week or sometimes every week. The dosage is normally 40 milligrams. Humira should not be injected into the same location on the body two times in a row. Patients should rotate where they give the injection -- normally the abdomen or the front of either thigh. The prescribing doctor will provide any special instructions and describe how to administer the injection at home, if necessary. If you have questions on how to give the injection, you can call (800) 4HUMIRA (448-6472).
Why is Humira prescribed?Humira may be prescribed for Crohn's disease, a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It is typically given after other drugs have been tried and are not working or if the symptoms of Crohn's disease are very severe.
Humira may reduce common Crohn's disease symptoms (pain, fatigue and diarrhea) or may induce remission. In one clinical trial, 40% to 47% of patients treated with Humira were in remission after 26 weeks of treatment. After 56 weeks, about 40% of the patients were still in remission.
Who should not take Humira?Tell your doctor if you are scheduled for any kind of surgery or have had a recent vaccination. Also let your doctor know if you have or ever had any of the following conditions:
- Allergic reactions to any medication
- Cancer (lymphoma)
- Currently pregnant
- Fungal infection
- Heart failure
- Hepatitis B
- Lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Recurrent infections
- Seizures
- Tuberculosis
The most common side effect of Humira is pain, irritation, swelling or itching at the site of the injection. Other common side effects include headache, rash and nausea. There is a risk of developing a serious infection when taking Humira, although it is unlikely. Tell your doctor if you develop any signs or symptoms of an infection or if any other side effects are bothersome or don't go away.
What medications can Humira interact with?It is not recommended that Humira be taken with other TNF-blocking agents, such as Kineret (anakinra), live vaccines or methotrexate. Tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine.
Are there any food interactions?There are no known food interactions.
Is Humira safe during pregnancy?The FDA has classified Humira as a Type B drug. Studies on animals show no evidence of harm to the fetus; however, there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Humira should only be used in pregnant women when clearly needed. Notify the prescribing doctor if you become pregnant while taking Humira.
It is not known if Humira passes into breast milk; however, other similar substances have been shown to pass into breast milk. Breast-feeding while taking Humira is not recommended.
What do I do if I miss a dose?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Don't double up or take more than one dose at a time.
Sources:
PDR Health. "Humira." Thomson Healthcare 2008. May 7 2008.
Abbott Laboratories. "Information You Should Know About HUMIRA (adalimumab)." Humira.com 2008. May 7 2008.
Colombel JF, Sandborn WJ, Rutgeerts P, Enns R, Hanauer SB, Panaccione R, Schreiber S, Byczkowski D, Li J, Kent JD, Pollack PF. "Adalimumab for maintenance of clinical response and remission in patients with Crohn's disease: the CHARM trial." Gastroenterology 2007 Jan;132:52-65. May 8 2008.
