Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: ADALIMUMAB - INJECTION (ay-dah-LIM-yoo-mab)
BRAND NAME(S): Humira
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: This medication can decrease your immune system's ability to fight infections. Though unlikely, this drug may slightly increase your risk of developing serious, possibly fatal, infections. This risk is higher if you are also taking other drugs to suppress the immune system such as cyclosporine. Before starting this drug, you should take a tuberculosis (TB) skin test to check for a type of tuberculosis that may not be causing any symptoms (latent TB). If you are diagnosed with TB, you must first be treated for it before you start adalimumab to prevent a serious TB infection.
USES: This medication is used to reduce pain and swelling due to rheumatoid arthritis. It works by blocking a protein (tumor necrosis factor or TNF) found in the body's immune system that causes joint swelling and damage. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy, including this type of medication (TNF blockers), helps to reduce further joint damage and preserve joint function.
HOW TO USE: Use this medication exactly as prescribed. This drug is given under the skin (subcutaneously or SC) every other week, or weekly in some cases, or as directed by your doctor. Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product package. Do not shake. Read the Patient Information Leaflet carefully. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Rotate injection sites. New injections should be given at least one inch from an old site. Do not inject into any areas of the skin that are sore, bruised, red or hard. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Tuberculosis Skin Test (PPD Skin Test) - The tuberculosis skin test (also known as the tuberculin or PPD test) determines whether a person has developed an immune response to the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). Learn how the test is administered, how a reading is obtained, and how the results are interpreted.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation, which has symptoms that include stiffness, fever, muscle and joint aches, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis incorporates the use of first-line drugs (aspirin and corticosteroids for pain and inflammation) and second-line drugs (methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine to prevent joint destruction and promote remission).
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