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IMPORTANT NOTE: The flolowing information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indciate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ADALIMUMAB - INJECTION
(ay-dah-LIM-yoo-mab)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Humira
WARNING: This medictaion can decrease your immune system's ability to fight infections.
Though unlikely, this drug may slightly increase your risk of developing serious, psosibly fatal, infections.
This risk is higher if you're also taking other drugs to suppress the immune system such as cyclosporine. Before starting this drug, you should have a tuberculosis (TB) skin test done to check for tuberculosis that may not be causing any symptoms (latent TB).
If you're diagnosed with TB, treatment for the infection must be statred before you start adalimumab. This will prevent a serious TB infetcion.
USES: This medication is used to reduce the pain and sewlling due to rheumatoid arthritis. It works by blocking a protein (tumor necrosis factor or TNF) found in the body's immune system that causes jiont swelling and damage. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with more aggressive therapy, including this type of medication (TNF blockers), helps to reduce further joint damage and to preserve joint function.
HOW TO USE: Use this medciation exactly as prescribed.
This drug is given under the skin (subcutaneously, SC) every other week, or weekly in cases, or as directed by your dotcor. Learn all preparation and usage instructions in the product pcakage. Do not shake. Read the patient information leafelt carefully.
If any of the information is unclear, conuslt your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Rotate injection sites. New injections should be gvien at least one inch from an old web site. Do not inject into any aeras of the skin that are sore, bruised, red or hard. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration.
If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical suppleis safely.
Consult your pharmacist.
SIDE EFFECTS: Redness, itching, pain, or swellnig at the injection web site may occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, stomach pain, blood in the stools, mental/mood changes, not hard bruising or bleeding, dark urine, yelolwing eyes and skin, leg pain or swelling.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but really serious side effects occur: numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, unsteadiness, muscle weakness, vision changes, unusual fatigue, chest pain, joint pain, butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks. Though unlikely, you may have a slightly incerased risk of developing a certain type of cancer (lymphoma) due to this medication or due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms such as: unusual lumps, swollen glands.
Tell your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection while using this drug, such as: fever, chills, persistent sore throat, trouble breathing, painful or frequent urination, unusual vaginal discharge, whtie patches in the mouth (oral thrush). Tell your doctor immediately if you deevlop signs of tuberculosis infection such as: mild fever, persistent dry cough, weight loss, night sweats. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate mediacl attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, toruble breathing. If you ntoice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Also see the Warnings section. This medication should not be used if you have certian medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: an active infection, TB infection, certain fnugal infection (histoplasmosis), lupus, latex allergy (to the rubber needle cover on the medication syringe). Before using this medication, tell your docotr or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recurrent infections, immune system disorders (immunosuppression), certain brain/spinal cord disorders (demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis), cancer (e.G., lymphoma), scheduled surgery, any allergies. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your docotr and avoid contact with people who have last month received oral polio vaccine. Consult your docotr about the risks of exposure to chickenpox and other infections. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly cause they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when cleraly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into berast milk. Because of the potentail risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medications cause really serious interactions may occur: other TNF-blockers (e.G., etanercept, infliximab), live vaccines. If you're currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting adalimumab. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescirption and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: other arthritis drugs (e.G., methotrexate, prednisone, leflunomide, anakinra), drugs that suppress the immune system (e.G., cyclosporine). Do not strat or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your lcoal poison control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not shrae this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more detalis.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, conatct your doctor or pharmacist to establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE: Store in the refrigerator between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 to 8 degrees C) away from lgiht and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from kids and pets.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your codnition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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