Package Leaflet: Information for the Patient
AMGEVITA 40mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen
Adalimumab
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.
AMGEVITA. Keep this patient information card.
If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
Contents of the pack
AMGEVITA contains the active substance adalimumab, a medicine that works on the body's immune system (defense).
AMGEVITA is indicated for the treatment of inflammatory diseases described below:
The active substance in 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 (TNFα), which is involved in the immune system (defense) and is found in high levels in the inflammatory diseases described above. By targeting TNFα, AMGEVITA reduces the inflammation process in these diseases.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints.
AMGEVITA is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults. If you have moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis, you may have been given other disease-modifying medicines such as methotrexate beforehand. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given AMGEVITA to treat your rheumatoid arthritis.
AMGEVITA can also be used to treat 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 function.
AMGEVITA is usually used in combination with methotrexate. If your doctor decides that methotrexate is not suitable, AMGEVITA can be given alone.
Juvenile idiopathic polyarticular arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic polyarticular arthritis and enthesitis-related arthritis are inflammatory diseases of the joints that usually appear for the first time in childhood.
AMGEVITA is used to treat juvenile idiopathic polyarticular arthritis in patients from 2 years of age and enthesitis-related arthritis in patients from 6 years of age. You may have been given other disease-modifying medicines such as methotrexate beforehand. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given AMGEVITA to treat your juvenile idiopathic polyarticular arthritis or enthesitis-related arthritis.
Ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis are inflammatory diseases that affect the spine.
AMGEVITA is used to treat ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis in adults. If you have ankylosing spondylitis or non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, you will be treated first with other medicines and if you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given AMGEVITA to reduce the signs and symptoms of your disease.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammation 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 function.
Plaque psoriasis in adults and children
Plaque psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, scaly, crusty, and silvery-scaled areas. Plaque psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing them to deteriorate, thicken, and lift off 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 the production of skin cells.
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 suitable candidates for topical treatment and phototherapies.
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 painful nodules (lumps) and abscesses (boils) that can secrete pus. It usually affects specific areas of the skin, such as under the breast, armpits, inner thighs, groin, and buttocks. There may also be scarring in the affected areas.
AMGEVITA is used to treat hidradenitis suppurativa in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age. AMGEVITA can reduce the number of nodules and abscesses, and the pain that is usually associated with this disease. You may have been given other medicines beforehand. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given AMGEVITA.
Crohn's disease in adults and children
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease of the digestive tract.
AMGEVITA is used to treat Crohn's disease in adults and children between 6 and 17 years of age. If you have Crohn's disease, you will be treated first with other medicines. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given 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 between 6 and 17 years of age. If you have ulcerative colitis, you may be given other medicines first. If you do not respond well to these medicines, 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 floaters in the eye (black dots or thin lines that move along the field of vision). AMGEVITA works by reducing this inflammation.
Do not use AMGEVITA
Warnings and precautions
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting to use AMGEVITA:
Allergic reactions
Infections
Tuberculosis
Recurrent/Travel-related infections
Hepatitis B virus
Being over 65 years old
Surgical or dental interventions
Demyelinating disease
Vaccines
Heart failure
Fever, bruising, bleeding, or paleness
Cancer
Autoimmune diseases
To improve the traceability of this medicine, your doctor or pharmacist should record the name and batch number of the administered medicine in your medical history. If you are asked for this information in the future, you can also take note of these details.
Children and adolescents
Using AMGEVITA with other medicines
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken or may need to take any other medicine.
AMGEVITA can be taken with methotrexate or with certain disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, and injectable gold salts), steroids, or pain medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Do not use AMGEVITA with medicines whose active substances are anakinra or abatacept due to an increased risk of severe infections. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Driving and using machines
The influence of AMGEVITA on the ability to drive, ride a bicycle, or use machines is small. Dizziness and vision disturbances may occur after taking AMGEVITA.
AMGEVITA contains sodium
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per 0.8 ml dose; it is essentially "sodium-free".
Follow the administration instructions for this medication exactly as indicated by your doctor. In case of doubt, consult your doctor again.
Adults with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis
AMGEVITA is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). The normal dose in adults with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis, and for patients with psoriatic arthritis is 40 mg administered every other week 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 can 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 polyarticular juvenile idiopathic 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 every other week.
Children, adolescents, and adults with enthesitis-related arthritis
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 every other week.
Adults with plaque psoriasis
The normal dosage in adults with plaque psoriasis consists of an initial dose of 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections on the same day), followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week after the initial dose. You should continue injecting AMGEVITA for as long as your doctor has indicated. 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 every other week.
Adults with hidradenitis suppurativa
The usual dosage regimen for hidradenitis suppurativa is an initial dose of 160 mg (as four 40 mg injections on the same day or two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days), followed by a dose of 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections 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 40 mg injections on the same day), followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week later. If you have an inadequate response to AMGEVITA 40 mg every other week, 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 dosage regimen for Crohn's disease is 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections on the same day), initially, followed by 40 mg every other week starting two weeks later. If a faster response is required, your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 160 mg (as four 40 mg injections on the same day or two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections on the same day) two weeks later, and then 40 mg every other week. 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 dosage regimen is 40 mg initially, 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 40 mg injections on the same day) followed by 40 mg two weeks later.
From then on, the usual dose is 20 mg every other week. 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 dosage regimen is 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections on the same day) initially, 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 40 mg injections on the same day or two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days) followed by 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections on the same day) two weeks later.
From then on, the usual dose is 40 mg every other week. 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 normal dosage of AMGEVITA in adults with ulcerative colitis is 160 mg initially (as four 40 mg injections on the same day or two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections on the same day) two weeks later, and then 40 mg every other week. 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 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections on the same day) initially, followed by a dose of 40 mg (as one 40 mg injection) two weeks later. From then on, the usual dose is 40 mg every other week.
Patients who turn 18 years old while receiving treatment with 40 mg every other week 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 160 mg (as four 40 mg injections on the same day or two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days) initially, followed by a dose of 80 mg (as two 40 mg injections on the same day) two weeks later. From then on, the usual dose is 80 mg every other week.
Patients who turn 18 years old while receiving treatment with 80 mg every other week 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 40 mg injections on the same day), followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week after the initial dose. You should continue injecting AMGEVITA for as long as your doctor has indicated.
In non-infectious uveitis, treatment with corticosteroids or other medications that affect the immune system may be continued during the use of AMGEVITA. AMGEVITA can 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 every other week, along with methotrexate.
Your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 40 mg that can 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 every other week, along with methotrexate.
Your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 80 mg that can be administered one week before starting the usual regimen.
Form and route of administration
AMGEVITA is injected under the skin (subcutaneously).
Detailed instructions on how to inject AMGEVITA are provided in the "Instructions for use" section.
If you use more AMGEVITA than you should
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 use AMGEVITA
If you forget to administer an injection, you should inject the next dose of AMGEVITA as soon as you remember. Then, the next dose will be administered as usual, as if you had not forgotten a dose.
If you interrupt treatment with AMGEVITA
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 medications, this medication can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Most side effects are mild to moderate. However, some can be serious and require treatment. Side effects may appear at least up to 4 months after the last injection of AMGEVITA.
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following signs of allergic reaction or heart failure:
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following effects
The symptoms described above may be signs of the following side effects, 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)
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
Frequency not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
Some side effects observed with adalimumab do not have symptoms and can only be identified through a blood test. These include:
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
Reporting of side effects
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 through the national reporting system included in Appendix V. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medication.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and on the carton after EXP or CAD. The expiry date is the last day of the month shown.
Store in a refrigerator (between 2 °C and 8 °C). Do not freeze.
Store in the original package to protect from light.
You may store a single AMGEVITA pre-filled pen 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 14 days.
Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help protect the environment.
Composition of AMGEVITA
Appearance and package contents of the product
AMGEVITA is a clear, colorless to slightly yellowish solution.
Each pack contains 1, 2, 4, or 6 single-use SureClick pre-filled pens.
Marketing authorisation holder and manufacturer
Amgen Europe B.V.
Minervum 7061
4817 ZK Breda
Netherlands
Marketing authorisation 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 from the local representative of the marketing authorisation 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 |
Date of last revision of this leaflet:
Other sources of information
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency website: http://www.ema.europa.eu.
Instructions for use: AMGEVITA single-use pre-filled SureClick pen Subcutaneous use | |||||||||||
Component guide | |||||||||||
Before use | After use | ||||||||||
Blue start button | |||||||||||
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Important:The needle is inside |
Important Before using the AMGEVITA pre-filled pen, read this important information: Using your AMGEVITA pre-filled pen
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Step 1: Preparation |
A. | Take a single AMGEVITA pre-filled pen out of the package. | |||
Lift the pre-filled pen straight up and out of the box. Put the original package back in the refrigerator with any unused pre-filled pens. For a more comfortable injection, let the pre-filled pen reach room temperature between 15 to 30minutes before injecting.
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B. | Inspect the AMGEVITA pre-filled pen. | |||
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Make sure the medicine in the window is clear and colorless to slightly yellowish.
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In any of these cases, use a new pre-filled pen. |
C. | Gather all the materials you need for the injection. | |
Wash your hands well with soap and water. On a clean, well-lit work surface, place a new pre-filled pen. You will also need the following additional materials, which are not included in the package:
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D. | Prepare and clean the injection site. | ||
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You can use:
Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe. Let the skin dry.
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Step 2: Prepare |
E. | Remove the yellow cap, pulling it straight off, only when you are ready for the injection. |
It is normal for there to be a drop of liquid at the tip of the needle or yellow safety protector.
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F. | Stretch or pinch the injection site to create a firm surface. |
Stretching method | |
Stretch the skin firmly by moving your thumb and fingers in opposite directions to create an area of about 5centimeters wide. | |
O | |
Pinching method | |
Pinch the skin firmly between your thumb and fingers, covering an area of about 5centimeters wide. | |
Important:Keep the skin stretched or pinched during the injection. |
Step 3: Inject |
G. | Keep the skin stretched or pinched. Once the yellow cap is removed, placethe pre-filled pen on the skin at a 90-degree angle. |
Important:Do not press the blue start button yet. |
H. | Pressthe pre-filled pen firmly against the skin until it stops moving. | ||
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Important:You must press the pre-filled pen as far as it will go, but do not press the blue start button until you are ready for the injection. |
I. | When you are ready for the injection, pressthe blue start button. You will hear a click. |
J. | Continue to pressagainst the skin. The injection could take up to 10 seconds to complete. | ||||||||
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Step 4: Finish |
K. | Dispose of the used pre-filled pen and yellow cap. |
Important:Keep the sharps disposal container out of the sight and reach of children. |
L. | Check the injection site. |
If you see blood, press the injection site with a cotton ball or swab. Do notrub the injection site. Apply a bandage if needed. |