What is Humira?
Humira (adalimumab) is a prescription medication used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. Humira belongs to a class of drugs called biologics, which work by targeting specific proteins in the body that contribute to inflammation.
How is Humira administered?
Humira is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Your healthcare provider will show you how to properly give yourself an injection, or you may have a caregiver or healthcare professional give it to you.
What are the common side effects of Humira?
The most common side effects of Humira include injection site reactions (such as redness, swelling, itching, or pain), upper respiratory infections (such as the common cold), headaches, and rash. These side effects are generally mild to moderate in severity and go away on their own.
However, there are some serious side effects that can occur with Humira. These include serious infections (such as tuberculosis and sepsis), certain types of cancer (such as lymphoma), and heart failure. If you experience any symptoms of a serious infection or other serious side effect, such as fever, chills, fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or swelling of the ankles or feet, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Who should not take Humira?
Humira should not be used in people with a known allergy to adalimumab or any of its components. Additionally, Humira should not be used in people with active tuberculosis or other serious infections, as it can increase the risk of these infections. Before starting Humira, be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of infections, cancer, heart failure, or other medical conditions.
Can Humira be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
It is not known if Humira is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your healthcare provider before starting Humira.
How is Humira stored?
Humira should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). Do not freeze or shake Humira. If you need to travel with Humira, it can be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for up to 14 days. After 14 days, any unused Humira should be discarded.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Humira?
If you miss a dose of Humira, talk to your healthcare provider about when you should take your next dose. Do not take extra doses of Humira to make up for a missed dose.
Conclusion:
Humira is a medication used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions. It is given as an injection under the skin and can cause mild to moderate side effects. However, there are also serious side effects that can occur with Humira, so it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of this medication.
Disclaimer:
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication or making changes to your current treatment plan. The information provided is based on the most current information available and is subject to change as new information becomes available. The manufacturer of medication is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the product information provided.