What is this medication?

ADALIMUMAB (ay da LIM yoo mab) is used to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. It is also used to treat ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and uveitis.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): AMJEVITA, Humira

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • cancer
  • diabetes (high blood sugar)
  • having surgery
  • heart disease
  • hepatitis B
  • immune system problems
  • infections, such as tuberculosis (TB) or other bacterial, fungal, or viral infections
  • multiple sclerosis
  • recent or upcoming vaccine
  • an unusual reaction to adalimumab, mannitol, latex, rubber, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your health care provider tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or health care provider to get one.

This medicine comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medicine. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider if you have questions.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. It is important not to miss any doses. Talk to your health care provider about what to do if you miss a dose.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • abatacept
  • anakinra
  • biologic medicines such as certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab
  • live virus vaccines

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • cyclosporine
  • theophylline
  • vaccines
  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care provider if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You will be tested for tuberculosis (TB) before you start this medicine. If your doctor prescribes any medicine for TB, you should start taking the TB medicine before starting this medicine. Make sure to finish the full course of TB medicine.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your health care provider for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Talk to your health care provider about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medicine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • changes in vision
  • chest pain
  • dizziness
  • heart failure (trouble breathing; fast, irregular heartbeat; sudden weight gain; swelling of the ankles, feet, hands; unusually weak or tired)
  • infection (fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain or trouble passing urine)
  • liver injury (dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; loss of appetite, right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired, yellowing of the eyes or skin)
  • lump or swollen lymph nodes on the neck, groin, or underarm area
  • muscle weakness
  • pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet
  • red, scaly patches or raised bumps on the skin
  • trouble breathing
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • headache
  • nausea
  • pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected
  • stuffy or runny nose

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in the refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C (36 and 46 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep this medicine in the original packaging until you are ready to take it. Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medicine after the expiration date.

This medicine may be stored at room temperature for up to 14 days. Keep this medicine in the original packaging. Protect from light. If it is stored at room temperature, get rid of any unused medicine after 14 days or after it expires, whichever is first.

To get rid of medicines that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medicine to a medicine take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medicine, ask your pharmacist or health care provider how to get rid of this medicine safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.