ADALIMUMAB-INJECTION (cont.)
SIDE EFFECTS: Redness, itching, pain, or swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, stomach pain, blood in the stools, mental/mood changes, severe headache, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, yellowing eyes and skin, leg pain or swelling. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, unsteadiness, unexplained muscle weakness, seizures, vision changes, extreme fatigue, chest pain, joint pain, butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks. Though unlikely, you may have a slightly increased risk of developing a certain type of cancer (lymphoma) due to this medication or due to rheumatoid arthritis. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as: unusual lumps/growths, swollen glands. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection while using this drug, such as: fever, chills, persistent sore throat, trouble breathing, painful or frequent urination, unusual vaginal discharge, white patches in the mouth (oral thrush). Tell your doctor immediately if you develop signs of tuberculosis infection such as: mild fever, persistent dry cough, unexplained weight loss, night sweats. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: See also Warnings section. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: an active infection, TB infection, certain fungal infection (histoplasmosis), lupus, latex allergy (to the rubber needle cover on the medication syringe). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recurrent infections, decreased bone marrow function, seizures, certain brain/spinal cord disorders (demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis), history of cancer (e.g., lymphoma), scheduled surgery, any allergies. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. Consult your doctor about the risks of exposure to chickenpox and other infections. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
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.
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- 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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