Humira Dosage, forms & strengths
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Get started todayHumira is a prescription drug manufactured by AbbVie containing adalimumab as the active ingredient. It is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker that is used alone or in combination with non-biologic DMARDs to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. It also treats Crohn’s disease, and ankylosing spondylitis, among other conditions. It is indicated for use in adults and/or children 2 years of age or older.
Humira forms and strengths
- Single-dose pen: 40 mg/0.4 mL, 40 mg/0.8 mL, 80 mg/0.8 mL
- Single-dose pre-filled syringe: 10 mg/0.1 mL, 10 mg/0.2 mL, 20 mg/0.2 mL, 20 mg/0.4 mL, 40 mg/0.4 mL, 40 mg/0.8 mL, 80 mg/0.8 mL
Humira dosage
Humira is a TNF blocker that is given as a subcutaneous injection to treat adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, plaque psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease. It also is indicated for the treatment of an autoimmune disorder of your sweat glands (hidradenitis suppurativa) and inflammation of your eye (uveitis).
Humira adult dosage chart
| Indication | Initial dose | Maintenance dose | Maximum dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rheumatoid arthritis | 40mg injected under the skin every other week. | 40mg injected under the skin every week or 80mg every other week. | 40mg every week |
| Psoriatic arthritis | 40mg injected under the skin every other week. | 40mg injected under the skin every other week. | 40mg every other week |
| Ankylosing spondylitis | 40mg injected under the skin every other week. | 40mg injected under the skin every other week. | 40mg every other week |
| Crohn’s disease | 160mg injected under the skin on Day 1, followed by 80mg 2 weeks later, then 40mg every other week thereafter. | 40mg injected under the skin every other week. | 40mg every other week |
| Ulcerative colitis | 160mg injected under the skin on Day 1, followed by 80mg 2 weeks later, then 40mg every other week starting 2 weeks later. | 40mg injected under the skin every other week. | 40mg every other week |
| Plaque psoriasis | 80mg injected under the skin for 1 dose, then 40mg every other week starting 1 week later. | 40mg injected under the skin every other week. | 40mg every other week |
| Uveitis | 80mg injected under the skin for 1 dose, then 40mg every other week starting 1 week later. | 40mg injected under the skin every other week. | 40mg every other week |
| Hidradenitis Suppurativa | 160mg injected under the skin on Day 1, followed by 80mg 2 weeks later, then 40mg every week starting 2 weeks later. | 40mg injected under the skin every other week or 80mg every other week. | 40mg every week |
Humira pediatric dosage chart
| Indication | Age | Initial dose | Maintenance dose | Maximum dose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis | 2 years of age and older | 10kg to less than 15kg: 10mg every other week. 15kg to less than 30kg: 20mg every other week. >30kg: 40mg every other week. | 10kg to less than 15kg: 10mg every other week. 15kg to less than 30kg: 20mg every other week. >30kg: 40mg every other week. | 10kg to less than 15kg: 10mg every other week. 15kg to less than 30kg: 20mg every other week. >30kg: 40mg every other week. |
| Pediatric uveitis | 2 years of age and older | 10kg to less than 15kg: 10mg every other week. 15kg to less than 30kg: 20mg every other week. >30kg: 40mg every other week. | 10kg to less than 15kg: 10mg every other week. 15kg to less than 30kg: 20mg every other week. >30kg: 40mg every other week. | 10kg to less than 15kg: 10mg every other week. 15kg to less than 30kg: 20mg every other week. >30kg: 40mg every other week. |
Humira dosage restrictions
Humira does not have any dosage restrictions. As long as you meet the age and/or weight requirements, you can safely take Humira.
How to take Humira
- Take Humira as prescribed by your healthcare professional. Do not exceed the prescribed dose of medication.
- If your doctor decides that you or a caregiver can give your injections of Humira at home, you should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject Humira.
- You can inject Humira on the front of your thighs or your lower abdomen (stomach). Do not use the area 2 inches around your belly button (navel). Rotate injection sites and use a different body area each time a shot is given.
- Don’t inject Humira into sore, tender, bruised, red, hard, or scarred skin. If you have psoriasis, do not inject Humira into any raised, thick, red, or scaly skin patches or lesions on your skin.
- Let your Humira pen or syringe warm up to room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled injection to help reduce pain and discomfort.
- Store Humira in the refrigerator between 36ºF to 46ºF (2ºC to 8ºC). Store it in the original carton away from heat, direct light, and moisture. You may also store Humira in its original carton at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) for up to 14 days.
- Do not freeze Humira. Do not use Humira if frozen, even if it has been thawed.
- Refrigerated Humira may be used until the expiration date printed on its carton or prefilled syringe.
- Please read the full Prescribing Information, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide included with this medication.
- This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Humira dosage FAQs
What are some common side effects of Humira?
In clinical trials, the most common adverse reactions to Humira include:
- Infections (upper respiratory, sinusitis)
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headache
- Rash
- Injection site reactions
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
Humira can cause serious side effects, such as:
- Increased risk of serious infections, such as sepsis, especially if you are taking other immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids
- Lymphoma, skin cancer, and other malignancies
- New or worsening heart failure
- Hepatitis B virus reactivation
- Serious allergic reaction
- Increased risk of nervous system disorders, including multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Formation of antibodies and development of lupus-like syndrome
- Decreased immune response to live vaccines
How long does it take for Humira to work?
Some people taking Humira will see a clinical response and symptom improvement in just 2 weeks. For others, it can take up to 3 months or longer.
How long does Humira stay in your system?
Humira has a half-life of 10 to 20 days so it can take over 3 months for it to completely clear out of your body.
What happens if I miss a dose of Humira?
If you miss a dose of Humira, inject the next dose as soon as you remember. Take your next dose as scheduled.
Can I get a flu shot while taking Humira?
Yes, you should get your annual flu shot while taking Humira as long as you avoid live vaccines. These are usually given as a nasal spray.
Which medications interact with Humira?
Some common drug interactions with Humira include:
- Live virus vaccines
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as anakinra and infliximab
- 6-mercaptopurine
- Azathioprine
- Cyclosporine
- Leflunomide
- Mycophenolate
- Rilonacept
- Tofacitinib
Is it safe to use Humira while pregnant?
Studies have not shown any association between Humira and major birth defects. It does cross the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy and may affect the baby’s immune system. You should ask your healthcare professional for medical advice concerning the risks and benefits of taking this medication during pregnancy.
Humira is present in breast milk but there are no reports of adverse effects on breastfed infants and no effects on milk production.
