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HUMIRA 40 mg PRE-FILLED SYRINGE SOLUTION FOR INJECTION

HUMIRA 40 mg PRE-FILLED SYRINGE SOLUTION FOR INJECTION

This page is for general information. Consult a doctor for personal advice. Call emergency services if symptoms are severe.
About the medicine

How to use HUMIRA 40 mg PRE-FILLED SYRINGE SOLUTION FOR INJECTION

Introduction

Package Leaflet: Information for the Patient

Humira 40 mg Solution for Injection in Pre-filled Syringe

adalimumab

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.

  • Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again.
  • Your doctor will give you a patient information card, which contains important safety information that you need to know before you start using and during treatment with Humira. Keep this patient information card.
  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
  • If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Contents of the pack

  1. What is Humira and what is it used for
  2. What you need to know before you use Humira
  3. How to use Humira
  4. Possible side effects
  5. Storing Humira
  6. Contents of the pack and other information
  7. How to inject Humira

1. What is Humira and what is it used for

Humira contains the active substance adalimumab.

Humira is used to treat

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Juvenile idiopathic polyarticular arthritis
  • Enthesitis-related arthritis
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Plaque psoriasis
  • Hidradenitis suppurativa
  • Crohn's disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Non-infectious uveitis

The active substance in Humira, adalimumab, is a human monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that target specific targets.

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, Humira reduces the inflammation process in these diseases.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints.

Humira is used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults. You may have been given other medicines that modify the disease, such as methotrexate, before. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Humira.

Humira can also be used to treat severe, active, and progressive rheumatoid arthritis without prior treatment with methotrexate.

Humira can reduce the damage to the joints caused by the inflammatory disease and can help you move more freely.

Your doctor will decide if Humira should be used with methotrexate or as monotherapy.

Juvenile Idiopathic Polyarticular Arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic polyarticular arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints.

Humira is used to treat juvenile idiopathic polyarticular arthritis in patients from 2 years of age. You may have received other disease-modifying medicines, such as methotrexate, first. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Humira.

Your doctor will decide if Humira should be used with methotrexate or as monotherapy.

Enthesitis-related Arthritis

Enthesitis-related arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints and the places where tendons attach to the bone.

Humira is used to treat enthesitis-related arthritis in patients from 6 years of age. You may have received other disease-modifying medicines, such as methotrexate, first. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Humira.

Ankylosing Spondylitis and Axial Spondyloarthritis without Radiographic Evidence of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis are inflammatory diseases that affect the spine.

Humira is used to treat severe ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis in adults. You may have received other medicines first. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Humira.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints that is often associated with psoriasis.

Humira is used to treat psoriatic arthritis in adults. Humira can reduce the damage caused by the disease in the joints and can help you move more freely. You may have been treated with other medicines first. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Humira.

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red, scaly, crusty, and silvery-scaled patches. Plaque psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing them to deteriorate, thicken, and lift off the nail bed, which can be painful.

Humira is used to treat

  • chronic plaque psoriasis in adults and
  • severe chronic plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents between 4 and 17 years of age who have not responded or are not suitable candidates for topical therapy and phototherapy.

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

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 ooze 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.

Humira is used to treat

  • moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults and
  • moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adolescents from 12 to 17 years of age.

Humira can reduce the number of nodules and abscesses caused by the disease, and the pain that is usually associated with this disease. You may have received other medicines first. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Humira.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory disease of the digestive tract.

Humira is used to treat

  • moderate to severe Crohn's disease in adults and
  • moderate to severe Crohn's disease in children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age.

You may have received other medicines first. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Humira.

Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the large intestine.

Humira is used to treat

  • moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in adults and
  • moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age.

You may have received other medicines first. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Humira.

Non-infectious Uveitis

Non-infectious uveitis is an inflammatory disease that affects certain parts of the eye.

Humira is used to treat

  • adults with non-infectious uveitis with inflammation that affects the back of the eye.
  • children from 2 years of age with chronic non-infectious uveitis with inflammation that affects the front of the eye.

This inflammation can lead to decreased vision and/or the presence of floaters in the eye (black dots or thin lines that move across the field of vision). Humira works by reducing this inflammation.

You may have received other medicines first. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Humira.

2. What you need to know before you use Humira

Do not use Humira:

  • If you are allergic to adalimumab or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
  • If you have active tuberculosis or other severe infections (see "Warnings and precautions"). If you have symptoms of any infection, such as fever, wounds, fatigue, dental problems, it is important that you inform your doctor.
  • If you have moderate to severe heart failure. It is important that you tell your doctor if you have had or have any serious heart problems (see "Warnings and precautions").

Warnings and precautions

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before you start using Humira.

Allergic reactions

  • If you have an allergic reaction with symptoms such as chest tightness, difficulty breathing, dizziness, swelling, or rash, stop using Humira and contact your doctor immediately, as these reactions can be life-threatening.

Infections

  • If you have any infection, including chronic or localized infection in any part of your body (e.g., a leg ulcer), consult your doctor before starting treatment with Humira. If you are not sure, contact your doctor.
  • With Humira treatment, you may be more likely to get infections. This risk may be higher if you have damaged lungs. These infections can be serious and include:
  • tuberculosis
  • infections caused by viruses, fungi, parasites, or bacteria
  • severe infection in the blood (sepsis)

In rare cases, these infections can be life-threatening. It is important that if you have symptoms such as fever, wounds, fatigue, or dental problems, you tell your doctor. Your doctor may decide to stop your Humira treatment for a while.

  • Tell your doctor if you live in or travel to areas where fungal infections (such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis) are common.
  • Tell your doctor if you have had recurrent infections or other disorders that increase the risk of infections.
  • If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more susceptible to infections while being treated with Humira. Both you and your doctor should be aware of the signs of infection while you are being treated with Humira. It is important that you tell your doctor if you have symptoms of infections, such as fever, wounds, fatigue, or dental problems.

Tuberculosis

  • It is very important that you tell your doctor if you have had tuberculosis in the past or if you have been in close contact with someone who has had tuberculosis. If you have active tuberculosis, you must not use Humira.
  • Since cases of tuberculosis have been reported in patients treated with Humira, your doctor will examine you for signs or symptoms of tuberculosis before starting your treatment with Humira. This will include a thorough medical examination, including your medical history and appropriate diagnostic tests (e.g., chest X-ray and tuberculin test). The performance and results of these tests should be recorded on your patient information card.
  • Tuberculosis can develop during treatment even if you have received treatment to prevent tuberculosis.
  • If you develop symptoms of tuberculosis (e.g., persistent cough, weight loss, lack of energy, low-grade fever) or any other infection during or after treatment, contact your doctor immediately.

Hepatitis B

  • Tell your doctor if you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), if you have had active HBV infection, or if you think you may be at risk of getting HBV.
  • Your doctor should perform a test for HBV. In people who are carriers of HBV, Humira can cause the virus to become active again.
  • In rare cases, especially if you are taking other medicines that suppress the immune system, reactivation of HBV can be life-threatening.

Surgery or dental intervention

  • If you are going to have surgery or dental treatment, tell your doctor that you are taking Humira. Your doctor may recommend that you temporarily stop using Humira.

Demyelinating disease

  • If you have or develop a demyelinating disease (a disease that affects the insulation layer around the nerves, such as multiple sclerosis), your doctor will decide if you should be treated or continue treatment with Humira. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as changes in vision, weakness in arms or legs, or numbness or tingling in any part of your body.

Vaccines

  • Certain vaccines may cause infections and should not be given if you are being treated with Humira.
  • Consult your doctor before receiving any vaccine.
  • If possible, it is recommended that children receive all the vaccinations scheduled for their age before starting treatment with Humira.
  • If you receive Humira while you are pregnant, your child may have a higher risk of getting infections during the first 5 months after the last dose of Humira you received during your pregnancy. It is important that you inform your child's doctor and other healthcare professionals about your use of Humira during pregnancy, so they can decide if your child should receive any vaccine.

Heart failure

  • If you have mild heart failure and are being treated with Humira, your doctor should closely monitor your heart failure. It is important that you tell your doctor if you have had or have any serious heart problems. If you develop new symptoms of heart failure or if your current symptoms get worse (e.g., difficulty breathing, swelling of the feet), contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will decide if you should continue using Humira.

Fever, bruising, bleeding, or pale appearance

  • In some patients, the body may not be able to produce enough of the type of blood cells that help the body fight infections or stop bleeding. Your doctor may decide to stop your treatment. If you have persistent fever, easy bruising, or bleeding, or are very pale, contact your doctor immediately.

Cancer

  • In very rare cases, certain types of cancer have been reported in children and adults treated with Humira or other TNF blockers.
  • People with rheumatoid arthritis who have had the disease for a long time may have a higher-than-average risk of developing lymphoma (a cancer that affects the immune system) and leukemia (a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow).
  • If you are being treated with Humira, the risk of lymphoma, leukemia, and other types of cancer may increase. A rare and serious type of lymphoma has been observed in patients treated with Humira. Some of these patients were also receiving azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine with Humira.
  • Non-melanoma skin cancer has been reported in patients using Humira.
  • Tell your doctor if new skin lesions appear or if existing lesions change during or after treatment.
  • Cancers, other than lymphoma, have been reported in patients with a certain lung disease, called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), treated with another TNF blocker. If you have COPD or are a heavy smoker, you should discuss with your doctor whether treatment with a TNF blocker is suitable for you.

Autoimmune disease

  • In rare cases, treatment with Humira may cause a condition similar to lupus. Contact your doctor if you have symptoms such as unexplained persistent rash, fever, joint pain, or fatigue.

Children and adolescents

  • Vaccines: if possible, your child should be up-to-date with all vaccinations before using Humira.

Using Humira with other medicines

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.

Do not take Humira with medicines that contain the following active substances due to an increased risk of serious infections:

  • anakinra
  • abatacept.

Humira can be taken with:

  • methotrexate
  • certain disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (such as sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide, and injectable gold salts)
  • corticosteroids or painkillers, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

If you are unsure, consult your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • You should consider using adequate contraceptive methods to avoid becoming pregnant and continue using them for at least 5 months after the last treatment with Humira.
  • If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.
  • Humira should be used during pregnancy only if necessary.
  • According to a pregnancy study, there was no increased risk of congenital defects when the mother had received Humira treatment during pregnancy compared to mothers with the same disease who did not receive Humira treatment.
  • Humira can be used during breastfeeding.
  • If you use Humira while you are pregnant, your child may have a higher risk of getting infections.
  • It is important that you inform your child's doctor and other healthcare professionals about your use of Humira during pregnancy before your child receives any vaccine. For more information on vaccines, see the "Warnings and precautions" section.

Driving and using machines

Humira may have a minor effect on your ability to drive, ride a bicycle, or use machines. You may feel dizzy and have vision problems after using Humira.

3. How to use Humira

Follow the administration instructions of this medication exactly as indicated by your doctor or pharmacist. In case of doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist again.

In the following table, the recommended doses of Humira for each of its approved uses are indicated. Your doctor may prescribe a different dose of Humira if you need a different dose.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis or Axial Spondyloarthritis without radiographic evidence of ankylosing spondylitis

Age or body weight

How much and how often to take

Notes

Adults

40 mg every other week

In rheumatoid arthritis, continue treatment with methotrexate during the use of Humira. If your doctor decides that methotrexate is inappropriate, Humira may be administered as monotherapy.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis and are not receiving methotrexate with your Humira treatment, your doctor may decide to administer 40 mg of Humira every week or 80 mg every two weeks.

Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Age or body weight

How much and how often to take

Notes

Children, adolescents, and adults from 2 years of age with a weight of 30 kg or more

40 mg every other week

Not applicable

Children and adolescents from 2 years of age with a weight of 10 kg to 30 kg

20 mg every other week

Not applicable

Enthesitis-related Arthritis

Age or body weight

How much and how often to take

Notes

Children, adolescents, and adults from 6 years of age with a weight of 30 kg or more

40 mg every other week

Not applicable

Children and adolescents from 6 years of age with a weight of 15 kg to 30 kg

20 mg every other week

Not applicable

Plaque Psoriasis

Age or body weight

How much and how often to take

Notes

Adults

The initial dose is 80 mg (two 40 mg injections on one day), followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week after the first dose.

If you get an inadequate response, your doctor may increase the dose to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every two weeks.

Children and adolescents from 4 to 17 years of age with a weight of 30 kg or more

The initial dose is 40 mg, followed by 40 mg one week later. Then, the usual dose is 40 mg every other week.

Not applicable

Children and adolescents from 4 to 17 years of age with a weight of 15 kg to 30 kg

The initial dose is 20 mg, followed by 20 mg one week later. Then, the usual dose is 20 mg every other week.

Not applicable

Age or body weight

How much and how often to take

Notes

Adults

The initial dose is 160 mg (four 40 mg injections on one day or two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days), followed by a dose of 80 mg (two 40 mg injections on one day) two weeks later. After two more weeks, continue with a dose of 40 mg every week or 80 mg every two weeks, as prescribed by your doctor.

It is recommended to use an antiseptic liquid daily on the affected areas.

Adolescents from 12 to 17 years of age, with a weight of 30 kg or more

The initial dose is 80 mg (two 40 mg injections on one day), followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week later.

If you get an inadequate response with Humira 40 mg every other week, your doctor may increase the dose to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every two weeks. It is recommended to use an antiseptic liquid daily on the affected areas.

Crohn's Disease

Age or body weight

How much and how often to take

Notes

Children, adolescents, and adults from 6 years of age with a weight of 40 kg or more

The initial dose is 80 mg (two 40 mg injections on one day), followed by 40 mg two weeks later. If a faster response is needed, the doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 160 mg (four 40 mg injections on one day or two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days) followed by 80 mg (two 40 mg injections on one day) two weeks later. Then, the usual dose is 40 mg every other week.

Your doctor may increase the dose to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every two weeks.

Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age who weigh less than 40 kg

The initial dose is 40 mg, followed by 20 mg two weeks later. If a faster response is needed, the doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 80 mg (two 40 mg injections on one day), followed by 40 mg two weeks later. Then, the usual dose is 20 mg every other week.

Your doctor may increase the frequency of the dose to 20 mg every week.

Ulcerative Colitis

Age or body weight

How much and how often to take

Notes

Adults

The initial dose is 160 mg (four 40 mg injections on one day or two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days), followed by a dose of 80 mg (two 40 mg injections on one day) two weeks later. Then, the usual dose is 40 mg every other week.

Your doctor may increase the dose to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every two weeks.

Children and adolescents from 6 years of age with a weight less than 40 kg

First dose of 80 mg (two 40 mg injections on one day), followed by 40 mg (one 40 mg injection) two weeks later. Then, the usual dose is 40 mg every other week.

You should continue using Humira at the usual dose, even after turning 18 years old.

Children and adolescents from 6 years of age with a weight of 40 kg or more

First dose of 160 mg (four 40 mg injections on one day or two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg (two 40 mg injections on one day) two weeks later. Then, the usual dose is 80 mg every other week.

You should continue using Humira at the usual dose, even after turning 18 years old.

Non-infectious Uveitis

Age or body weight

How much and how often to take

Notes

Adults

The initial dose is 80 mg (two 40 mg injections on one day), followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week after the initial dose.

Corticosteroid treatment or other medications that affect the immune system may be continued. Humira can also be administered alone.

Children and adolescents from 2 years of age with a weight less than 30 kg

20 mg every other week

Your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 40 mg that can be administered one week before starting the usual schedule of 20 mg every other week. It is recommended to use Humira in combination with methotrexate.

Children and adolescents from 2 years of age with a weight of 30 kg or more

40 mg every other week

Your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 80 mg that can be administered one week before starting the usual schedule of 40 mg every other week. It is recommended to use Humira in combination with methotrexate.

Form and route of administration

Humira is injected under the skin (subcutaneously).

In section 7 "How to inject Humira" you will find detailed instructions on how to inject Humira.

If you use more Humira than you should

If you accidentally inject Humira more frequently than prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist, inform your doctor or pharmacist. Always carry the medication box with you, even if it is empty.

If you forget to use Humira

If you forget to administer an injection, you should inject the next dose of Humira as soon as you remember. Then, administer the next dose as usual, as if you had not forgotten a dose.

If you stop treatment with Humira

The decision to stop using Humira should be discussed with your doctor. Your symptoms may return if you stop using Humira.

If you have any other questions about the use of this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. Possible Adverse Effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause adverse effects, although not all people suffer from them. Most adverse effects are mild to moderate. However, some can be serious and require treatment. Adverse effects may appear at least up to 4 months after the last injection of Humira.

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following effects

  • severe rash, hives, or other signs of allergic reaction
  • swelling of the face, hands, feet
  • difficulty breathing, swallowing
  • shortness of breath with physical activity or when lying down or swelling of feet.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following effects

  • signs of infection such as fever, nausea, wounds, dental problems, burning sensation when urinating
  • feeling of weakness or fatigue
  • cough
  • tingling
  • numbness
  • double vision
  • weakness in arms or legs
  • a lump or an open wound that does not heal
  • signs and symptoms of blood disorders such as persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, and paleness

The symptoms described above may be signs of the adverse effects listed below, which have been observed with Humira.

Very Common(may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

  • reactions at the injection site (including pain, swelling, redness, or itching)
  • lower respiratory tract infections (including colds, runny nose, sinusitis, pneumonia)
  • headache
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea and vomiting
  • rash
  • muscle pain

Common(may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

  • severe infections (including sepsis and flu)
  • intestinal infections (including gastroenteritis)
  • skin infections (including cellulitis and herpes)
  • ear infection
  • oral infections (including dental infection and cold sore)
  • infections of the reproductive system
  • urinary tract infection
  • fungal infections
  • joint infections
  • benign tumors
  • skin cancer
  • allergic reactions (including seasonal allergy)
  • dehydration
  • mood changes (including depression)
  • anxiety
  • difficulty sleeping
  • sensory disturbances such as tingling, itching, or numbness
  • migraine
  • nerve root compression (including lower back pain and leg pain)
  • visual disturbances
  • eye inflammation
  • eyelid inflammation and eye swelling
  • vertigo (feeling of dizziness or spinning)
  • feeling of rapid heartbeat
  • high blood pressure
  • flushing
  • bruising (blood accumulation outside blood vessels)
  • cough
  • asthma
  • difficulty breathing
  • gastrointestinal bleeding
  • indigestion (heartburn, bloating, and discomfort)
  • acid reflux
  • dry eye syndrome (including dryness in eyes and mouth)
  • itching
  • itchy rash
  • bruising
  • skin inflammation (such as eczema)
  • breaking of fingernails and toenails
  • increased sweating
  • hair loss
  • new onset or worsening of existing psoriasis
  • muscle spasms
  • blood in urine
  • kidney problems
  • chest pain
  • edema (swelling)
  • fever
  • low platelet count in blood, which increases the risk of bleeding or bruising
  • wound healing problems

Uncommon(may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

  • opportunistic infections (including tuberculosis and other infections that occur when disease resistance decreases)
  • neurological infections (including viral meningitis)
  • eye infections
  • bacterial infections
  • diverticulitis (inflammation and infection of the large intestine)
  • cancer
  • cancer affecting the lymphatic system
  • melanoma
  • immune system disorders that can affect the lungs, skin, and lymph nodes (the most common presentation is sarcoidosis)
  • vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
  • tremor (feeling shaky)
  • neuropathy (nervous system disorder)
  • stroke
  • hearing loss, ringing in the ears
  • feeling of irregular heartbeat like skips
  • heart problems that can cause difficulty breathing or swelling of ankles
  • heart attack
  • aneurysm in the wall of a major artery, inflammation, and clotting in a vein, blockage of a blood vessel
  • pulmonary diseases that can cause difficulty breathing (including inflammation)
  • pulmonary embolism (blockage of a pulmonary artery)
  • pleural effusion (abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural space)
  • pancreatitis that causes severe abdominal and back pain
  • difficulty swallowing
  • facial edema (swelling of the face)
  • inflammation of the gallbladder; gallstones
  • fatty liver
  • night sweats
  • scarring
  • abnormal muscle crisis
  • systemic lupus erythematosus (including skin inflammation, heart, lungs, joints, and other organs)
  • sleep disturbances
  • impotence
  • inflammations

Rare(may affect up to 1 in 1000 people)

  • leukemia (cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow)
  • severe allergic reaction with shock
  • multiple sclerosis
  • nervous system disorders (such as optic neuritis and Guillain-Barré syndrome that can cause muscle weakness, abnormal sensations, tingling in the arms and upper body)
  • cardiac arrest
  • pulmonary fibrosis (scarring in the lung)
  • intestinal perforation (hole in the intestine)
  • hepatitis
  • reactivation of hepatitis B virus
  • autoimmune hepatitis (liver inflammation caused by the body's own immune system)
  • cutaneous vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels in the skin)
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome (early symptoms include discomfort, fever, headache, and rash)
  • facial edema (swelling of the face) associated with allergic reactions
  • erythema multiforme (inflammatory rash on the skin)
  • lupus-like syndrome
  • angioedema (localized skin inflammation)
  • lichenoid reaction on the skin (red-purple rash with itching)

Frequency Not Known(cannot be estimated from the available data)

  • hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (rare and often fatal blood cancer)
  • Merkel cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer)
  • Kaposi's sarcoma, a rare cancer related to human herpesvirus 8 infection. Kaposi's sarcoma usually manifests more frequently as purple-colored skin lesions
  • liver failure
  • worsening of a disease called dermatomyositis (seen as skin rash accompanied by muscle weakness)
  • weight gain (for most patients, weight gain was reduced)

Some adverse effects observed in clinical trials 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)

  • low white blood cell count
  • low red blood cell count
  • increased lipids in blood
  • increased liver enzymes

Common(may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

  • high white blood cell count
  • low platelet count
  • increased uric acid in blood
  • abnormal sodium levels in blood
  • low calcium level in blood
  • low phosphate level in blood
  • high blood sugar
  • high lactate dehydrogenase levels in blood
  • presence of autoantibodies in blood
  • low potassium level in blood

Uncommon(may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

  • elevated bilirubin levels (liver function test)

Rare(may affect up to 1 in 1000 people)

  • low counts in blood for white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets

Reporting of Adverse Effects

If you experience any type of adverse effect, consult your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible adverse effect that does not appear in this prospectus. You can also report them directly through the national reporting system included in Appendix V. By reporting adverse effects, you can contribute to providing more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Storage of Humira

Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiration date stated on the packaging after "EXP".

Store in a refrigerator (between 2°C and 8°C). Do not freeze.

Store the pre-filled syringe in the outer packaging to protect it from light.

Alternative storage:

When necessary (e.g., when traveling), you can store a single pre-filled syringe of Humira at room temperature (up to 25°C) for a maximum period of 14 days (make sure to protect it from light). Once you have removed the syringe from the refrigerator to store it at room temperature, you must use it within the next 14 days or discard it, even if you put it back in the refrigerator.

You must record the date you removed the syringe from the refrigerator and the date after which you must discard the syringe.

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and medicines you no longer need. This will help protect the environment.

6. Container Contents and Additional Information

Humira Composition

The active ingredient is adalimumab.

The other components are: mannitol, polysorbate 80, and water for injectable preparations.

Appearance of the Product and Container Contents

Humira 40 mg injectable solution in a pre-filled syringe is supplied as a sterile solution of 40 mg of adalimumab dissolved in 0.4 ml of solution.

The Humira pre-filled syringe is a glass syringe that contains an adalimumab solution. Each container contains 1, 2, 4, or 6 pre-filled syringes for patient use and 1, 2, 4, or 6 alcohol swabs, respectively.

Only some package sizes may be marketed.

Humira may be available in a vial, pre-filled syringe, and/or pre-filled pen.

Marketing Authorization Holder

AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG

Knollstrasse

67061 Ludwigshafen

Germany

Manufacturer

AbbVie Biotechnology GmbH

Knollstrasse

67061 Ludwigshafen

Germany

You can request more information about this medication by contacting the local representative of the marketing authorization holder:

Belgium/Belgique/Belgien

AbbVie SA

Tel: +32 10 477811

Lithuania

AbbVie UAB

Tel: +370 5 205 3023

Text in Bulgarian language showing company name, АБВи ЕООД, and phone number +359 2 90 30 430

Luxembourg/Luxemburg

AbbVie SA

Belgique/Belgien

Tel: +32 10 477811

Czech Republic

AbbVie s.r.o.

Tel: +420 233 098 111

Hungary

AbbVie Kft.

Tel: +36 1 455 8600

Denmark

AbbVie A/S

Tlf: +45 72 30-20-28

Malta

V.J.Salomone Pharma Limited

Tel: +356 21220174

Germany

AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG

Tel: 00800 222843 33 (toll-free)

Tel: +49 (0) 611 / 1720-0

Netherlands

AbbVie B.V.

Tel: +31 (0)88 322 2843

Estonia

AbbVie OÜ

Tel: +372 623 1011

Norway

AbbVie AS

Tlf: +47 67 81 80 00

Greece

AbbVie ΦΑΡΜΑΚΕΥΤΙΚΗ Α.Ε.

Τηλ: +30 214 4165 555

Austria

AbbVie GmbH

Tel: +43 1 20589-0

Spain

AbbVie Spain, S.L.U.

Tel: +34 91 384 09 10

Poland

AbbVie Sp. z o.o.

Tel.: +48 22 37278 00

France

AbbVie

Tél: +33 (0) 1 45 60 13 00

Portugal

AbbVie, Lda.

Tel: +351 (0)21 1908400

Croatia

AbbVie d.o.o.

Tel: +385 (0)1 5625 501

Romania

AbbVie S.R.L.

Tel: +40 21 529 30 35

Ireland

AbbVie Limited

Tel: +353 (0)1 4287900

Slovenia

AbbVie Biofarmacevtska družba d.o.o.

Tel: +386 (1)32 08 060

Iceland

Vistor hf.

Tel: +354 535 7000

Slovak Republic

AbbVie s.r.o.

Tel: +421 2 5050 0777

Italy

AbbVie S.r.l.

Tel: +39 06 928921

Finland

AbbVie Oy

Puh/Tel: +358 (0)10 2411 200

Cyprus

Lifepharma (Z.A.M.) Ltd

Τηλ.: +357 22 34 74 40

Sweden

AbbVie AB

Tel: +46 (0)8 684 44 600

Latvia

AbbVie SIA

Tel: +371 67605000

Date of Last Revision of this Leaflet

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the European Medicines Agency website: http://www.ema.europa.eu.

To Request a Copy of this Leaflet in , or to Listen to it in , contact the local representative of the marketing authorization holder.

  1. How to Inject Humira
  • The following instructions explain how to inject Humira subcutaneously yourself using the pre-filled syringe. Read all the instructions carefully first and then follow them step by step.
  • Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will show you the technique for injecting yourself.
  • Do not attempt to inject yourself until you are sure you understand how to prepare and administer the injection.
  • After you have been properly trained, you or another person, such as a family member or friend, can give the injection.
  • Use each pre-filled syringe for one injection only.

Humira Pre-filled Syringe

Plunger

Wings

Needle Cap

Pre-filled syringe with transparent liquid showing plunger, cylindrical body, and metal needle attached

Do Not Use the Pre-filled Syringe and Call Your Doctor or Pharmacist If

  • the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or has flakes or particles in it
  • the expiration date (EXP) has passed
  • the liquid has been frozen or exposed to direct sunlight
  • the pre-filled syringe has been dropped or crushed

Do Not Remove the Needle Cap Until Just Before Injection. Keep Humira Out of Sight and Reach of Children.

STEP 1

Take Humira out of the refrigerator.

Let Humira reach room temperature between 15 and 30 minutesbefore injection.

  • Do notremove the needle cap while letting Humira reach room temperature
  • Do notheat Humira in any other way. For example, do notheat it in a microwave or in hot water

STEP 2

Syringe

Pre-filled syringe in its packaging next to a transparent needle protector and hands holding the syringe

Alcohol Swab

Check the expiration date (EXP). Do notuse the pre-filled syringe if the expiration date (EXP) has passed.

On a flat and clean surface, place:

  • 1 pre-filled syringe for single use and
  • 1 alcohol swab

Wash your hands and dry them.

STEP 3

Injectable Areas

Rear view of human torso showing application areas with patches and an enlarged circle of a hand applying a patch

Injectable Areas

Choose an injection site on your body:

  • On the front of your thighs or
  • On your stomach (abdomen) at least 5 cm away from your navel
  • At least 3 cm away from the last injection site

Clean the injection site with the alcohol swab in a circular motion.

  • Do notinject through clothing
  • Do notinject into irritated, bruised, red, hard, scarred, or stretch-marked skin, or into areas with psoriatic plaques

STEP 4

Hand holding a pre-filled syringe with needle inserted into a white and transparent skin applicator

Hold the pre-filled syringe with one hand.

Check the liquid in the pre-filled syringe.

  • Check that the liquid is clear and colorless
  • Do notuse the pre-filled syringe if the liquid is cloudy or has particles
  • Do notuse the pre-filled syringe if it has been dropped or crushed

Carefully remove the needle cap with your other hand. Dispose of the needle cap and do not reuse it.

  • Do nottouch the needle with your fingers or let it come into contact with anything

STEP 5

Hands holding a pre-filled syringe with a gray and circular safety device at the base

Hold the pre-filled syringe with the needle facing upwards.

  • Hold the pre-filled syringe at eye level to see the air it contains

Slowly push the plunger to remove the air through the needle

  • It is normal to see a few drops of liquid come out of the needle

STEP 6

Hand holding an auto-injector with exposed needle and an enlarged circle showing the injection point on the skin

Hold the body of the pre-filled syringe with one hand between your thumb and index finger, as if holding a pen.

Pinch the skin at the injection site with your other hand to make it rise and hold it firmly.

STEP 7

Hand injecting medication with syringe at a 45-degree angle in the arm skin, showing angle and point of needle insertion

Insert the needle into the skin at an approximate 45-degree angle, with a short and quick motion.

  • Once the needle is in the skin, release the pinch

Slowly push the plunger until it reaches the end, until all the liquid has been injected and the pre-filled syringe is empty.

STEP 8

Hand holding a syringe with needle inserted into the thigh, arrow indicating the injection point and another the direction of the needle

Cotton

When the injection is complete, slowly pull the needle out of the skin, keeping the pre-filled syringe at the same angle.

After completing the injection, place a cotton ball or gauze over the skin at the injection site.

  • Do notrub it
  • It is normal to have a slight bleeding at the injection site

STEP 9

Dispose of the pre-filled syringe in a special waste container as instructed by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Neverput the needle cap back on a needle.

  • Do notrecycle or throw the pre-filled syringe in household waste
  • Alwayskeep the pre-filled syringe and special waste container out of sight and reach of children

The needle cap, alcohol swab, cotton ball or gauze, blister, and packaging can be thrown away in household waste.

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