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What is Humira?
Humira reduces the effects of a substance (tumor necrosis factor alpha) in the body that can cause inflammation.
Humira is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and plaque psoriasis. It is also used to treat Crohn's disease after other drugs have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.
Humira may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Humira
Before you start treatment with Humira, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections.
Treatment with Humira may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer such as lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes) or autoimmune disorders (such as a lupus-like syndrome). This risk may be greater in children and young adults. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.
Humira can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with Humira. Contact your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: fever, cough, sweating, tired feeling, or feeling short of breath.
Some infections are more likely to occur in certain areas of the world. Tell your doctor where you live and where you have recently traveled or plan to travel to during treatment.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with Humira.
How should I use Humira?
Before you start treatment with Humira, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections.
Some infections are more likely to occur in certain areas of the world. Tell your doctor where you live and where you have recently traveled or plan to travel to during treatment.
Use Humira exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Humira is given as an injection under the skin of your stomach or thigh. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be given instructions on how to inject your medicine at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles and syringes used in giving the medicine.
Humira comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Humira is usually given every other week, although you may need to use it once a week. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Use each pre-filled syringe of Humira only one time. Throw away any unused portion of the medication. Do not save it for later use.
Throw away used needles and syringes in a puncture-proof container. If your medicine does not come with such a container, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets. Your pharmacist can tell you how to properly dispose of the container.
Humira can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
It is important to use Humira regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Humira.
Store Humira in the refrigerator but do not allow it to freeze. If you travel with the prefilled syringe, keep it in a small cooler with an ice pack and protect it from light.
Do not remove the prefilled syringe from the refrigerator or cooler until you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medication as soon as you remember, and then go back to your regular injection schedule. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Humira side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with Humira. Stop using Humira and call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as:
* fever, sweating, chills, tired feeling;
* feeling short of breath;
* cough, sore throat; or
* flu symptoms, weight loss.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these other serious side effects:
* shortness of breath with swelling of your ankles or feet;
* confusion, seizure (convulsions);
* pain or burning when you urinate;
* chest pain, ongoing cough, coughing up blood;
* easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin, unusual weakness;
* numbness or tingly feeling, weakness in your legs;
* jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
* red, purple, or scaly skin rash, hair loss, joint or muscle pain, mouth sores;
* joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and/or seizure (convulsions); or
* patchy skin color, red spots, or a butterfly-shaped skin rash over your cheeks and nose (worsens in sunlight).
Less serious Humira side effects may include:
* headache;
* stuffy nose, sinus pain;
* nausea, stomach pain; or
* pain, redness, itching, swelling, or bleeding where you injected the medication.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Humira?
There may be other drugs that can interact with Humira. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
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