Adalimumab



Humira®







Adalimumab

(a da LIM yoo mab)

U.S. Brand Names
Humira®
Pharmacologic Category
Antirheumatic, Disease Modifying; Monoclonal Antibody; Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) Blocking Agent
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Tuberculosis has been activated in patients started on adalimumab. These patients were exposed to tuberculosis sometime in the past, but never actually developed the infection. You should be tested to see if you have been exposed to tuberculosis before starting adalimumab.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to adalimumab or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to prevent further damage in patients with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis.
How does it work?
  • Adalimumab is an arthritis-changing medicine. It reduces inflammation and helps reduce symptoms and protect joints from further harm.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.
  • Your healthcare provider may teach you how to give the shot.
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Throw syringe away after single use. Do not reuse.
  • Throw away needles in needle/sharp disposal box and return box to healthcare provider when full.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Hepatitis B testing may be suggested. Unrecognized hepatitis B infection may worsen during treatment.
  • Long-term use may increase your risk of cancer.
  • Serious infections have been reported with use of this medicine. If you have any infection, are taking antibiotics now or in the recent past, or have many infections, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Be careful about taking vaccinations while you are receiving this medicine.
  • If you have heart disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have multiple sclerosis or other nerve disease, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking methotrexate, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers that you use this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Risk of infection. Avoid people with infections, colds, or flu.
  • Headache.
  • Flu-like symptoms. These include headache, weakness, fever, shakes, aches, pains, and sweating. Mild pain medicine may help.
  • Irritation where the shot is given.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • You will need a tuberculosis test before starting this medicine.
  • Check blood work (cholesterol panel). Talk with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of infection. These include a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher, chills, severe sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, increased sputum or change in color, painful urination, mouth sores, wound that will not heal, or anal itching or pain.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Swelling of legs or belly.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
  • Protect from light.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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