Patient Information: Summary of Product Characteristics
Humira 40 mg 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.
Contents of the pack
Humira contains the active substance adalimumab.
Humira is used to treat
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.
Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints.
Humira is used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic 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 been treated with 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-skinned areas. 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
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 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.
Humira is used to treat
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 been treated with 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
You may have received other medicines before. 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
You may have received other medicines before. 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
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 before. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Humira.
Do not use Humira:
Warnings and precautions
Consult your doctor or pharmacist before you start using Humira.
Allergic reactions
Infections
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.
Tuberculosis
Hepatitis B
Surgery or dental procedure
Demyelinating disease
Vaccines
Heart failure
Fever, bruising, bleeding, or pale appearance
Cancer
Autoimmune disease
Children and adolescents
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:
Humira can be taken with:
If you are unsure, consult your doctor.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Driving and using machines
Humira has a minor influence on the ability to drive, cycle, or use machines. You may experience dizziness and vision disturbances after using Humira.
Follow exactly the administration instructions of this medication 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 do not receive 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 |
Entesis-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 obtain 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 |
Hidradenitis Suppurativa | ||
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 after the first dose. | If you obtain 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 | Initial 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 | 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 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 regimen. 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 regimen. 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 medicine 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.
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
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following effects
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)
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 1000 people)
Frequency Not Known(cannot be estimated from available data)
Some adverse effects observed with Humira may 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 1000 people)
Reporting 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.
Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children.
Do not use the Humira pre-filled pen after the expiration date shown on the packaging after "EXP".
Store in a refrigerator (between 2°C and 8°C). Do not freeze.
Keep the pre-filled pen in the outer packaging to protect it from light.
Alternative storage:
When necessary (e.g., when traveling), you can store a single Humira pre-filled pen 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 pen 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 pen from the refrigerator and the date after which you must discard the pen.
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.
Humira Composition
The active ingredient is adalimumab.
The other components are mannitol, polysorbate 80, and water for injectable preparations.
Product Appearance and Container Contents
Humira 40 mg injectable solution in a pre-filled pen is supplied as a sterile solution of 40 mg of adalimumab dissolved in 0.4 ml of solution.
The Humira pre-filled pen is a single-use, gray/purple two-tone pen containing a glass syringe with an adalimumab solution. It has two caps - one is gray and has a 1 printed on it, and the other is purple and has the number 2 printed on it. It has a window on each side of the pen through which you can see the Humira solution contained in the syringe.
Humira pre-filled pen is available in packs containing 1, 2, 4, and 6 pre-filled pens. The pack of 1 pre-filled pen comes with 2 alcohol swabs (one spare). For packs of 2, 4, and 6 pre-filled pens, each pre-filled pen comes with 1 alcohol swab. Only some pack 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 medicinal product by contacting the local representative of the marketing authorization holder:
België/Belgique/Belgien AbbVie SA Tél/Tel: +32 10 477811 | Lietuva AbbVie UAB Tel: +370 5 205 3023 |
Luxembourg/Luxemburg AbbVie SA Belgique/Belgien Tél/Tel: +32 10 477811 | |
Ceská republika AbbVie s.r.o. Tel: +420 233 098 111 | Magyarország AbbVie Kft. Tel: +36 1 455 8600 |
Danmark AbbVie A/S Tlf: +45 72 30-20-28 | Malta V.J.Salomone Pharma Limited Tel: +356 21220174 |
Deutschland AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG Tel: 00800 222843 33 (gebührenfrei) Tel: +49 (0) 611 / 1720-0 | Nederland AbbVie B.V. Tel: +31 (0)88 322 2843 |
Eesti AbbVie OÜ Tel: +372 623 1011 | Norge AbbVie AS Tlf: +47 67 81 80 00 |
Ελλάδα AbbVie ΦΑΡΜΑΚΕΥΤΙΚΗ Α.Ε. Τηλ: +30 214 4165 555 | Österreich AbbVie GmbH Tel: +43 1 20589-0 |
España AbbVie Spain, S.L.U. Tel: +34 91 384 09 10 | Polska 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 |
Hrvatska AbbVie d.o.o. Tel: +385 (0)1 5625 501 | România AbbVie S.R.L. Tel: +40 21 529 30 35 |
Ireland AbbVie Limited Tel: +353 (0)1 4287900 | Slovenija AbbVie Biofarmacevtska družba d.o.o. Tel: +386 (1)32 08 060 |
Ísland Vistor hf. Tel: +354 535 7000 | Slovenská republika AbbVie s.r.o. Tel: +421 2 5050 0777 |
Italia AbbVie S.r.l. Tel: +39 06 928921 | Suomi/Finland AbbVie Oy Puh/Tel: +358 (0)10 2411 200 |
Κύπρος Lifepharma (Z.A.M.) Ltd Τηλ.: +357 22 34 74 40 | Sverige AbbVie AB Tel: +46 (0)8 684 44 600 |
Latvija 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
Humira Pre-filled Pen
Gray Cap 1 | White Needle Shield | White Arrow | Purple Cap 2 |
Needle | Inspection Window | Purple Activation Button |
Do Not Use the Pre-filled Pen and Contact Your Doctor or Pharmacist If
Do Not Remove All Caps 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.
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STEP 2 Pen Alcohol Swab | Check the expiration date (EXP). Do notuse the pre-filled pen if the expiration date (EXP) has passed. On a flat, clean surface, place
Wash your hands and dry them. |
STEP 3 Injectable Areas Injectable Areas | Choose an injection site on your body:
Clean the injection site with the alcohol swab in a circular motion.
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STEP 4 | Hold the pre-filled pen with the gray cap 1 facing up. Check the inspection window.
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STEP 5 Cap 1 Cap 2 | Pull the gray cap 1 straight off. Dispose of it and do not put it back.
Pull the purple cap 2 straight off. Dispose of it and do not put it back. The pre-filled pen is now ready for use. Turn the pre-filled pen so that the white arrow points to the injection site. |
STEP 6 | Pinch the skin at the injection site with your other hand to make it rise and hold it firmly until you have finished administering the injection. Point the white arrow towards the injection site (thigh or abdomen). Place the white needle shield straight (at a 90-degree angle)against the injection site. Hold the pre-filled pen so that you can see the inspection window. Do notpress the purple activation button until you are ready to administer the injection. |
STEP 7 10 seconds | Firmly pushthe pre-filled pen against the injection site before starting the administration. Continue to pressto prevent the pre-filled pen from coming out of the skin during the injection. Pressthe purple activation button and count slowly to 10seconds.
The injection is complete when the yellow indicator has stopped moving. |
STEP 8 | When the injection is complete, slowly pull the pre-filled pen away from the skin. The white needle shield will cover the needle tip.
If there is more than a few drops of liquid at the injection site, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. After completing the injection, place a cotton ball or gauze on the skin at the injection site.
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STEP 9 Dispose of the pre-filled pen in a special sharps container as instructed by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
The caps, alcohol swab, cotton ball or gauze, blister, and packaging can be disposed of in household waste. |