Humira is a TNF blocker medicine that is prescribed alone, in combination with methotrexate or other drugs, to help patients get to relieve the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It is also helpful for preventing damage to the bones and joints so that you can perform the daily activities properly. Also known as Adalimumab 40mg, this medication is effective for treating Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and uveitis.
Humira Uses
Reduces the pain and swelling caused by arthritis
Helps to preserve joint functions
Helps to maintain clinical remission in adults where the body hasn’t responded adequately to previous medicines
Induces and sustains remission in adults with Ulcerative Colitis
Used to conduct systematic therapy in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis
It is essential to state here that this prescribed drug will only help to reduce the symptoms. In some cases, it may also prevent the condition from getting worse, but Humira is not a surefire cure to inflammatory conditions.
How is it given? Dosage & Usage
It is either given intravenously or subcutaneously. There are two Humira injection sites on the body- in the belly and the front of the thighs. Usually, the dosage depends on a lot of factors like age, type, and severity of the disease, medical history, etc. Humira 40 mg is the standard dose. However, it can be altered according to the response from your body or your condition.
You can also get a Humira 40 mg pen to give it at home if your doctor approves it. It requires certain training at first. However, remember that the vial forms are only for being used by healthcare professionals. You need to buy just a prefilled single-dose Humira pen for this purpose. Make sure to choose a new injection site every time, which is at least 1-inch away from the previous site to reduce skin soreness and pain.
Precautionary measures
It is an immunosuppressant, which means that your body’s capability to fight with bacterial, viral, or fungal infections will be minimized.
If you have had tuberculosis in the past or have someone in the family with such medical history, it is absolutely mandatory to inform the doctor because Humira has a chance of making it active again.
While taking Humira, the patient is restricted from getting nasal flu, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and yellow fever vaccines.
Mention it to your doctor whether you are allergic to rubber, latex, or other drug ingredients.
Humira may lead to a relapse of the Hepatitis B virus. Therefore, a patient with similar symptoms or infection must not take it.
Last but not least, if you have had a history of cancer, it is essential to give the details to your doctor because Humira increases the chances of relapse for conditions like T-cell Lymphoma.
In general, it is the safest to provide the details of all the medications you are taking because the ingredients of Humira may interact with them, causing unbearable toxicity to the body.
Humira Side Effects
A decrease in the count of blood cells that may lead to frequent bruising or unusual bleeding and a pale look
Problems in the nervous system such as numbness, tingling, unclear vision, weak arms and legs
Dizziness
Pain, redness, swelling, and rash on the injection site
Allergic reactions that cause swelling of the face, lips and trouble breathing
Chest discomfort, joint pain, lupus-like syndrome
If you have experienced the following conditions, consider it as a medical emergency-
High fever with chills
Excessive sweating
Chronic cough with blood in the phlegm
Frequent urination
Diarrhea and stomach pain
Fatigue
Urinary inflammation
Conclusion
Upon receiving Humira 40 mg pen regularly for a while, patients will start noticing relief from the symptoms. It usually takes 2 to 12 weeks, depending on your medical condition. If you have a prefilled pen at home, make sure to store it in the refrigerator. Before starting Humira therapy, your doctor will conduct medical tests to assess whether you are fit for tolerating the adverse effects. The cost of this medicine is also relatively high, $5489.79 per dosage. Patients are advised to keep insurance papers safely to cover the cost of treatment.