Humira

What is Humira (adalimumab)?

Humira is a biologic medicine that works by blocking tumor necrosis factor‑alpha (TNF‑α), a key protein involved in chronic inflammation. It is supplied as a prefilled syringe or pen for subcutaneous injection and is typically used long term as part of a disease‑management plan for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Conditions Humira is used for

Humira may be prescribed by your specialist to help:

• Reduce joint pain, swelling and stiffness in moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis

• Improve joint symptoms and skin lesions in psoriatic arthritis

• Clear or reduce red, scaly plaques in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis

Your doctor will decide if Humira is appropriate based on your diagnosis, previous treatments and overall health.

How Humira works

Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to TNF‑α and helps:

• Decrease inflammatory activity in joints and skin

• Slow structural joint damage in some forms of inflammatory arthritis

• Improve day‑to‑day symptoms such as pain, stiffness and fatigue

Because it affects the immune system, Humira can increase susceptibility to infections and requires ongoing medical supervision.

Dosing and administration

Humira is given as a subcutaneous injection, usually into the thigh or abdomen. Your healthcare provider will:

• Choose a dosing schedule based on your condition and treatment goals

• Show you or your caregiver how to use the prefilled pen or syringe correctly

• Advise you what to do if you miss a dose or experience side effects

Do not change your dose or stop treatment without speaking to your prescriber.

Important safety information

Humira is a prescription medication and is not suitable for everyone. Before starting therapy, your healthcare provider will typically:

• Review your history of infections, tuberculosis exposure, hepatitis and vaccination status

• Discuss other medicines you take, including biologics, immunosuppressants and vaccines

• Explain possible risks such as serious infections, injection‑site reactions, changes in blood counts, allergic reactions and very rare neurologic or malignancy risks

Seek urgent medical advice if you notice symptoms of infection (fever, persistent cough, weight loss), severe shortness of breath, unusual bruising or bleeding, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Who should use Humira

Humira is generally considered for adults, and in some cases children, who:

• Have a confirmed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis or plaque psoriasis

• Have ongoing symptoms despite other standard therapies, or need a biologic based on specialist assessment

• Can commit to regular follow‑up and monitoring while on treatment

Only a qualified healthcare professional can determine whether Humira is appropriate for your situation.

Additional guidance

• Always use Humira exactly as instructed by your prescriber and follow the patient information that comes with the medication.

• Do not share your injection devices with anyone else.

• Keep all scheduled blood tests and medical appointments so your response and safety can be monitored over time.

If you have questions about Humira, potential alternatives, or how to use your injection device, speak with your rheumatologist, dermatologist or another qualified healthcare provider.