-If you experience any side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if they are not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
AMGEVITA contains adalimumab as its active substance, a medication that acts on the body's immune system (defense).
AMGEVITA is indicated for the treatment of the inflammatory diseases described below:
The active substance of AMGEVITA, adalimumab, is a human monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that target a specific target.
The target of adalimumab is a protein called Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNFα), which is involved in the immune system (defense) and is found at elevated levels in the inflammatory diseases described above. By targeting TNFα, AMGEVITA reduces the inflammatory process in those diseases.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints.
AMGEVITA is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults. If you have active moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, you may be given AMGEVITA before other disease-modifying medications such as methotrexate. If you do not respond sufficiently to these medications, you will be given AMGEVITA to treat your rheumatoid arthritis.
AMGEVITA can also be used in the treatment of severe, active, and progressive rheumatoid arthritis without prior treatment with methotrexate.
AMGEVITA reduces the damage to the cartilage and bones of the joints caused by the disease and improves physical performance.
AMGEVITA is usually used in combination with methotrexate. If your doctor determines that methotrexate is not suitable, AMGEVITA can be administered alone.
Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Arthritis associated with Enthesitis
Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Arthritis associated with Enthesitis are inflammatory diseases of the joints that usually appear for the first time in childhood.
AMGEVITA is used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients aged 2 years and older and arthritis associated with enthesitis in patients aged 6 years and older. You may have received other disease-modifying medications, such as methotrexate, first. If you do not respond sufficiently well to these medications, you will receive AMGEVITA to treat your polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis or arthritis associated with enthesitis.
Ankylosing Spondylitis and Undifferentiated Axial Spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis and Undifferentiated Axial Spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of Ankylosing Spondylitis are inflammatory diseases that affect the spine.
AMGEVITA is used to treat ankylosing spondylitis and undifferentiated axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis in adults. If you have ankylosing spondylitis or undifferentiated axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis, you will be treated first with other medications, and if you do not respond sufficiently to these medications, you will receive AMGEVITA to reduce the signs and symptoms of your disease.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints associated with psoriasis.
AMGEVITA is used to treat psoriatic arthritis in adults. AMGEVITA reduces the joint damage caused by the disease in the cartilage and bone and improves physical performance.
Plaque Psoriasis in adults and children
Plaque Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, scaly, crusty areas covered with silver scales. Plaque Psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing them to deteriorate, thicken, and lift from the nail bed, which can be painful. It is believed that psoriasis is caused by a defect in the body's immune system that leads to an increase in skin cell production.
AMGEVITA is used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. AMGEVITA is also used to treat severe plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents between 4 and 17 years of age who have not responded or are not good candidates for topical and phototherapy treatments.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa in adults and adolescents
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (also known as inverse acne) is a chronic and often painful inflammatory skin disease. Symptoms can include sensitive nodules (bumps) and abscesses (boils) that can secrete pus. It usually affects specific areas of the skin, such as under the chest, armpits, inner thighs, groin, and buttocks. It can also leave scars in the affected areas.
AMGEVITA is used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older. AMGEVITA can reduce the number of nodules and abscesses and the pain associated with this disease. You may have received other medications previously. If you do not respond sufficiently well to these medications, you will receive AMGEVITA.
Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory disease of the digestive tract.
AMGEVITA is used to treat Crohn's Disease in adults and children aged 6 to 17 years. If you have Crohn's Disease, you will be treated first with other medications. If you do not respond sufficiently to these medications, you will receive AMGEVITA to reduce the signs and symptoms of Crohn's Disease.
Ulcerative Colitis in adults and children
Ulcerative Colitis is an inflammatory disease of the large intestine.
AMGEVITA is used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in adults and children aged 6 to 17 years. If you suffer from ulcerative colitis, you may be given other medications first. If you do not respond well to these medications, you will be given AMGEVITA to reduce the signs and symptoms of your disease.
Non-infectious Uveitis in adults and children
Non-infectious Uveitis is an inflammatory disease that affects certain parts of the eye.
AMGEVITA is used to treat
This inflammation can lead to a decrease in vision and/or the presence of spots in the eye (black dots or thin lines that move across the field of vision). AMGEVITA acts by reducing this inflammation.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting to use AMGEVITA:
Allergic reactions
Infections
Tuberculosis
Recurrent infections/travel
Hepatitis B virus
Age 65 or older
Surgical or dental interventions
Demyelinating diseases
Vaccinations
Heart failure
Fever, petechiae, bleeding, or pallor
Cancer
Autoimmune diseases
To improve the traceability of this medication, your doctor or pharmacist should record the name and batch number of the medication administered in your medical history. In the future, you may be asked for this information, and you can also take note of these details.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have taken recently or may need to take any other medication.
AMGEVITA can be taken with methotrexate or certain disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, and injectable gold preparations), steroids, or pain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Do not use AMGEVITA with medications whose active ingredients are anakinra or abataceptdue to an increased risk of severe infections.If you have any doubts, consult your doctor.
The influence of AMGEVITA on the ability to drive, ride a bicycle, or operate machinery is small. You may experience a sensation of the room spinning (vertigo) and visual disturbances after taking AMGEVITA.
AMGEVITA contains sodium
This medication contains less than 1mmol of sodium (23mg) per dose of 0.8ml; this is essentially “sodium-free”.
Follow exactly the administration instructions of this medication as indicated by your doctor. If in doubt, consult your doctor again.
Adults with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis
AMGEVITA is administered under the skin (subcutaneously). The usual dose in adults with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis, and patients with psoriatic arthritis is 40 mg administered in alternate weeks as a single dose.
In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, treatment with methotrexate is maintained during the use of AMGEVITA. If your doctor determines that methotrexate is inappropriate, AMGEVITA may be administered alone.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis and do not receive methotrexate during your treatment with AMGEVITA, your doctor may decide to give you 40 mg every week or 80 mg every two weeks.
Children, adolescents, and adults with juvenile idiopathic polyarticular arthritis
Children, adolescents, and adults from 2 years of age with a weight of 30 kg or more
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA is 40 mg administered in alternate weeks.
Children, adolescents, and adults with arthritis associated with enthesitis
Children, adolescents, and adults from 6 years of age with a weight of 30 kg or more
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA is 40 mg in alternate weeks.
Adults with plaque psoriasis
The usual dosage in adults with plaque psoriasis consists of an initial dose of 80 mg (as two injections of 40 mg on the same day), followed by 40 mg in alternate weeks starting one week after the initial dose. You should continue injecting AMGEVITA for as long as your doctor has told you. Depending on your response, your doctor may increase the dose to 40 mg weekly or 80 mg every two weeks.
Children and adolescents with plaque psoriasis
Children and adolescents from 4 to 17 years of age with a weight of 30 kg or more
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA is an initial dose of 40 mg, followed by 40 mg one week later. From then on, the usual dose is 40 mg in alternate weeks.
Adults with hidradenitis suppurativa
The usual dosing regimen for hidradenitis suppurativa is an initial dose of 160 mg (as four injections of 40 mg on the same day or two injections of 40 mg per day for two consecutive days), followed by a dose of 80 mg (as two injections of 40 mg on the same day) two weeks later. After two more weeks, continue with a dose of 40 mg weekly or 80 mg every two weeks, as prescribed by your doctor. It is recommended that you use an antiseptic liquid daily on the affected areas.
Adolescents with hidradenitis suppurativa from 12 to 17 years of age, with a weight of 30 kg or more
The recommended dose of AMGEVITA is an initial dose of 80 mg (as two injections of 40 mg on the same day), followed by 40 mg in alternate weeks starting one week later. If you have an inadequate response to AMGEVITA 40 mg in alternate weeks, your doctor may increase the dose to 40 mg weekly or 80 mg every two weeks.
It is recommended that you use an antiseptic liquid daily on the affected areas.
Adults with Crohn's disease
The usual dosing regimen for Crohn's disease is an initial dose of 80 mg (as two injections of 40 mg on the same day), followed by 40 mg in alternate weeks starting two weeks later. If a faster response is required, your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 160 mg (as four injections of 40 mg on the same day or two injections of 40 mg per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg (as two injections of 40 mg on the same day) two weeks later, and then 40 mg in alternate weeks. Depending on your response, your doctor may increase the dose to 40 mg weekly or 80 mg every two weeks.
Children and adolescents with Crohn's disease
Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age with a weight of less than 40 kg
The usual dosing regimen is an initial dose of 40 mg, followed by 20 mg two weeks later. If a faster response is required, your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 80 mg (as two injections of 40 mg on the same day), followed by 40 mg two weeks later.
From then on, the usual dose is 20 mg in alternate weeks. Depending on your response, your doctor may increase the frequency of the dose to 20 mg weekly.
The 40 mg pre-filled pen cannot be used for the 20 mg dose. A 20 mg pre-filled syringe is available for the 20 mg dose.
Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age with a weight of 40 kg or more
The usual dosing regimen is an initial dose of 80 mg (as two injections of 40 mg on the same day), followed by 40 mg two weeks later. If a faster response is required, your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 160 mg (as four injections of 40 mg on the same day or two injections of 40 mg per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg (as two injections of 40 mg on the same day) two weeks later.
From then on, the usual dose is 40 mg in alternate weeks. Depending on your response, your doctor may increase the dose to 40 mg weekly or 80 mg every two weeks.
Adults with ulcerative colitis
The usual dosage of AMGEVITA in adults with ulcerative colitis is an initial dose of 160 mg (as four injections of 40 mg on the same day or two injections of 40 mg per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg (as two injections of 40 mg on the same day) two weeks later, and then 40 mg in alternate weeks. Depending on your response, your doctor may increase the dose to 40 mg weekly or 80 mg every two weeks.
Children and adolescents with ulcerative colitis
Children and adolescents from 6 years of age with a weight of less than 40 kg
The usual dose of AMGEVITA is an initial dose of 80 mg (as two injections of 40 mg on the same day), followed by a dose of 40 mg (as one injection of 40 mg) two weeks later. From then on, the usual dose is 40 mg in alternate weeks.
Patients who are 18 years of age or older while receiving treatment with 40 mg in alternate weeks should continue with their prescribed dose.
Children and adolescents from 6 years of age with a weight of 40 kg or more
The usual dose of AMGEVITA is an initial dose of 160 mg (as four injections of 40 mg on the same day or two injections of 40 mg per day for two consecutive days), followed by a dose of 80 mg (as two injections of 40 mg on the same day) two weeks later. From then on, the usual dose is 80 mg in alternate weeks.
Patients who are 18 years of age or older while receiving treatment with 80 mg in alternate weeks should continue with their prescribed dose.
Adults with non-infectious uveitis
The usual dose in adults with non-infectious uveitis is an initial dose of 80 mg (as two injections of 40 mg on the same day), followed by 40 mg in alternate weeks starting one week after the initial dose. You should continue injecting AMGEVITA for as long as your doctor has told you.
In non-infectious uveitis, treatment with corticosteroids or other immunomodulating medications may be continued during the use of AMGEVITA. AMGEVITA may also be administered alone.
Children and adolescents from 2 years of age with chronic non-infectious uveitis
Children and adolescents from 2 years of age with a weight of less than 30 kg
The usual dose of AMGEVITA is 20 mg in alternate weeks along with methotrexate.
Your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 40 mg, which may be administered one week before starting the usual regimen.
The 40 mg pre-filled pen cannot be used for the 20 mg dose. A 20 mg pre-filled syringe is available for the 20 mg dose.
Children and adolescents from 2 years of age with a weight of 30 kg or more
The usual dose of AMGEVITA is 40 mg in alternate weeks along with methotrexate.
Your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 80 mg, which may be administered one week before starting the usual regimen.
AMGEVITA is administered under the skin (subcutaneously).
Instructions for use are provided in the "Instructions for use" section.
If you accidentally inject AMGEVITA more frequently than prescribed by your doctor, inform your doctor. Always carry the medication box with you, even if it is empty.
If you forget to administer an injection, inject the next dose of AMGEVITA as soon as you remember. Then, administer the next dose as usual, as if you had not forgotten a dose.
The decision to stop using AMGEVITA should be discussed with your doctor. Your symptoms may return after stopping treatment.
If you have any other questions about the use of this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Most side effects are mild to moderate. However, some can be serious and require treatment. Side effects can appear at least up to 4 months after the last injection of AMGEVITA.
Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of the following signs of allergic reaction or heart failure:
Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you notice any of the following side effects:
The symptoms described above may be signs of the side effects listed below, which have been observed with adalimumab.
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from available data)
Some side effects observed with adalimumab do not have symptoms and can only be identified through blood tests. These include:
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
If you experience any type of side effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible side effect that does not appear in this leaflet. You can also report them directly (see details below). By reporting side effects, you can contribute to providing more information on the safety of this medicine.
Spanish System for Pharmacovigilance of Medicines for Human Use:
Keep this medication out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medication after the expiration date that appears on the label and on the packaging after EXP or CAD. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.
Store in refrigerator (between 2 °C and 8 °C). Do not freeze.
Store in the original packaging to protect it from light.
You can store an individual pre-filled pen of AMGEVITA at temperatures up to a maximum of 25 °C for a maximum period of 14 days. The pre-filled pen must be protected from light and must be discarded if not used within a period of 14 days.
Medicines should not be disposed of through drains or in the trash. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and the medication that you no longer need. In this way, you will help to protect the environment.
Composition of AMGEVITA
AMGEVITA is a transparent, colorless to slightly yellowish solution.
Each pack contains 1, 2, or 6 pre-filled SureClick pens with 40mg of single-use.
Marketing Authorization Holder and Responsible Manufacturer
Amgen Europe B.V.
Minervum 7061
4817 ZK Breda
Netherlands
Marketing Authorization Holder
Amgen Europe B.V.
Minervum 7061
4817 ZK Breda
Netherlands
Manufacturer
Amgen Technology Ireland UC
Pottery Road
Dun Laoghaire
Co Dublin
Ireland
Manufacturer
Amgen NV
Telecomlaan 5-7
1831 Diegem
Belgium
You can request more information about this medicine by contacting the local representative of the marketing authorization holder.
België/Belgique/Belgien s.a. Amgen n.v. Tél/Tel: +32 (0)2 7752711 Ceská republika Amgen s.r.o. Tel: +420 221 773 500 Danmark Amgen, filial af Amgen AB, Sverige Tlf: +45 39617500 Deutschland Amgen GmbH Tel: +49 89 1490960 Eesti Amgen Switzerland AG Vilniaus filialas Tel: +372 586 09553 Ελλ?δα Amgen Ελλ?ς Φαρμακευτικ? Ε.Π.Ε. Τηλ: +30 210 3447000 España Amgen S.A. Tel: +34 93 600 18 60 France Amgen S.A.S. Tél: +33 (0)9 69 363 363 Hrvatska Amgen d.o.o. Tel: +385 (0)1 562 57 20 Ireland Amgen Ireland Limited Tel: +353 1 8527400 Ísland Vistor hf. Sími: +354 535 7000 Italia Amgen S.r.l. Tel: +39 02 6241121 K?προς C.A. Papaellinas Ltd Τηλ: +357 22741 741 Latvija Amgen Switzerland AG Rigas filiale Tel: +371 257 25888 | Lietuva Amgen Switzerland AG Vilniaus filialas Tel: +370 5 219 7474 Luxembourg/Luxemburg s.a. Amgen Belgique/Belgien Tél/Tel: +32 (0)2 7752711 Magyarország Amgen Kft. Tel.: +36 1 35 44 700 Malta Amgen S.r.l. Italy Tel: +39 02 6241121 Nederland Amgen B.V. Tel: +31 (0)76 5732500 Norge Amgen AB Tlf: +47 23308000 Österreich Amgen GmbH Tel: +43 (0)1 50 217 Polska Amgen Biotechnologia Sp. z o.o. Tel.: +48 22 581 3000 Portugal Amgen Biofarmacêutica, Lda. Tel: +351 21 4220606 România Amgen România SRL Tel: +4021 527 3000 Slovenija AMGEN zdravila d.o.o. Tel: +386 (0)1 585 1767 Slovenská republika Amgen Slovakia s.r.o. Tel: +421 2 321 114 49 Suomi/Finland Orion Pharma Puh/Tel: +358 10 4261 Sverige Amgen AB Tel: +46 (0)8 6951100 United Kingdom (Northern Ireland)Amgen Limited Tel: +44 (0)1223 420305 |
Last update of this leaflet: May 2024
Other sources of information
The detailed information on this medicine is available on the website of the European Medicines Agency:http://www.ema.europa.eu.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE 40mg/0.4ml | ||||||||||||||
Know your pre-filled SureClick pen | ||||||||||||||
| 40mg/0.4ml |
|
1 | Important information you need to know before injecting AMGEVITA |
Use of AMGEVITA pre-filled SureClick pen: | |
It is essential that you do not attempt to self-administer the injection until you have read and fully understood these instructions for use and have received training from your doctor or healthcare professional. | |
Do notuse the pre-filled pen if the box is damaged or the seal is broken. | |
Do notuse the pre-filled pen after the expiration date that appears on the label. | |
Do notshake the pre-filled pen. | |
Do notremove the yellow cap from the pre-filled pen until you are ready to inject. | |
Do notuse the pre-filled pen if it has been frozen. | |
Do notuse the pre-filled pen if it has fallen onto a hard surface. It is possible that some component of the pre-filled pen is damaged even though you cannot see the damage. Use a new pre-filled pen and contact your doctor or healthcare professional. | |
2 | Preparation for injection of AMGEVITA |
2a | Wait 30minutes for the pre-filled pen to reach room temperature. |
WAIT 30 minutes | |
Take the number of pre-filled pens you need for the injection and return any unused pens to the refrigerator. | |
Allow the pre-filled pen to come to room temperature naturally. | |
Do notheat it with warm water, in the microwave, or by exposing it directly to sunlight. | |
Do notshake the pre-filled pen at any time. | |
Do notreturn the pre-filled pen to the refrigerator once it has reached room temperature. | |
The use of the pre-filled pen at room temperature allows for a more comfortable injection. |
2b | Inspect the medicine. It must be transparent and colorless to slightly yellowish. | |
Medicine | ||
It is normal for air bubbles to appear. | ||
Do notuse it if the medicine is cloudy, discolored, or contains lumps. |
2c | Check the expiration date (EXP.) and inspect the pre-filled pen for any damage. | |
Expiration date | ||
Do notuse it if it has passed the expiration date. | ||
Do notuse the pre-filled pen if:
| ||
Make sure you have the correct medicine and dosage. | ||
3 | Preparation for injection | |
3a | Gather and place the materials for injection on a clean and well-lit surface. | |
Sharps container | Alcohol wipe Swab Cotton or gauze | |
AMGEVITA pre-filled pen (at room temperature) | ||
A sharps container | ||
Alcohol wipes | ||
A swab | ||
Cotton or gauze |
3b | Inject in one of these areas. |
Inject in the thigh or abdomen (except the area within 5centimeters of the navel). | |
Choose a different area for each injection. | |
Wash your hands with plenty of soap and water. | |
Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe. | |
Allow the skin to dry on its own. | |
Do nottouch this area again before the injection. | |
4 | Injection of AMGEVITA |
4a | Hold the pre-filled pen so that you can see the window. Remove the yellow cap. You may need to pull hard. |
The window must be visible | |
Do nottwist, double, or shake the yellow cap to remove it. | |
Do notput the needle cap back on, as this could damage the needle. | |
Do notput your finger inside the yellow safety protector. | |
It is normal to see a drop of medicine at the end of the needle or in the yellow safety protector. |
4b | Pinch the skin to create a firm surface at the injection site. Place the yellow safety protector straight onto the skin. |
PINCH | |
Keep the skinpincheduntil the injection is complete. | |
Make sure you can see the window. | |
Make sure the auto-injector is placed straight onto the injection site (at a 90degree angle). | |
PRESS and hold against the skin | |
4c | Press firmly against the skin until the yellow safety protector stops moving. Hold the pen without lifting it. |
The yellow safety protector pushes and unlocks the blue clear start button. |
PRESS the blue clear start button | |
4d | Continue pressing firmly against the skin and press the blue clear start button to start the injection. |
You may hear or feel a click. | |
The window starts to turn yellow. | |
No problem if you release the blue clear start button. |
CONFIRMATION VISUAL the window will turn completely yellow | |
4e | Continue pressing against the skin. The window turns yellow when the injection is complete. |
The injection may take around10seconds to complete. | |
You may hear or feel a click. | |
Remove the pre-filled pen from the skin. | |
The yellow safety protector will lock around the needle. | |
5 | Disposal and completion of AMGEVITA administration |
5a | Deposit the pre-filled pen and yellow cap in the sharps container. |
Do notreuse the pre-filled pen. | |
Do nottouch the yellow safety protector. | |
5b | Examine the injection site. |
Do notrub the injection site. | |
If you see blood, press the injection site with a cotton ball or gauze. Apply a bandage if necessary. |
Have questions about this medication or your symptoms? Connect with a licensed doctor for guidance and personalized care.