humira
Pharmaranks rates Humira 3.6/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Humira (Adalimumab) is a tumor necrosis factor blocker used to treat Juvenile Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn Disease.
Adalimumab · by Abbvie
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Adalimumab
- Drug class
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Blocker
- Form
- Kit
- Strength
- Adalimumab 40MG/0.8ML
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Abbvie
- FDA application
- BLA125057
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Humira?
From the FDA label:Adalimumab is a tumor necrosis factor blocker. Adalimumab is a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody created using phage display technology resulting in an antibody with human derived heavy and light chain variable regions and human IgG1:k constant regions. Adalimumab is produced by recombinant DNA technology in a mammalian cell (Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO)) expression system and is purified by a process that includes specific viral inactivation and removal steps. It consists of 1330 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 148 kilodaltons. HUMIRA (adalimumab) injection is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free solution for subcutaneous administration. The drug product is supplied as either a single-dose, prefilled pen (HUMIRA Pen) or as a single-dose, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe. Enclosed within the pen is a single-dose, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe. The solution of HUMIRA is clear and colorless, with a pH of about 5.2. Each 80 mg/0.8 mL prefilled syringe or prefilled pen delivers 0.8 mL (80 mg) of drug product. Each 0.8 mL of HUMIRA contains adalimumab (80 mg), mannitol (33.6 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.8 mg), and Water for Injection, USP. Each 40 mg/0.4 mL prefilled syringe or prefilled pen delivers 0.4 mL (40 mg) of drug product. Each 0.4 mL of HUMIRA contains adalimumab (40 mg), mannitol (16.8 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.4 mg), and Water for Injection, USP.…
How to use
Administer by subcutaneous injection ( 2 ) Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis ( 2.1 ): Adults: 40 mg every other week. Some patients with RA not receiving methotrexate may benefit from increasing the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis or Pediatric Uveitis ( 2.2 ): Pediatric Weight 2 Years of Age and Older Recommended Dosage 10 kg (22 lbs) to less than 15 kg (33 lbs) 10 mg every other week 15 kg (33 lbs) to less than 30 kg (66 lbs) 20 mg every other week 30 kg (66 lbs) and greater 40 mg every other week Crohn's Disease ( 2.3 ): Adults: 160 mg on Day 1 (given in one day or split over two consecutive days); 80 mg on Day 15; and 40 mg every other week starting on Day 29. Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older : Pediatric Weight Recommended Dosage Days 1 and 15 Starting on Day 29 17 kg (37 lbs) to less than 40 kg (88 lbs) Day 1: 80 mg Day 15: 40 mg 20 mg every other week 40 kg (88 lbs) and greater Day 1: 160 mg (single dose or split over two consecutive days) Day 15: 80 mg 40 mg every other week Ulcerative Colitis ( 2.4 ) : Adults: 160 mg on Day 1 (given in one day or split over two consecutive days), 80 mg on Day 15 and 40 mg every other week starting on Day 29. Discontinue in patients without evidence of clinical remission by eight weeks (Day 57). Pediatric Patients 5 Years of Age and Older :…
Side effects
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) ] Neurologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 ) ] Hematological Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) ] Heart Failure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) ] Autoimmunity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ] Most common adverse reactions (>10%) are: infections (e.g. upper respiratory, sinusitis), injection site reactions, headache and rash. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AbbVie Inc. at 1-800-633-9110 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The most common adverse reaction with HUMIRA was injection site reactions. In placebo-controlled trials, 20% of subjects treated with HUMIRA developed injection site reactions (erythema and/or itching, hemorrhage, pain or swelling), compared to 14% of…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
Patients treated with HUMIRA are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. Discontinue HUMIRA if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis. Reported infections include: Active tuberculosis (TB), including reactivation of latent TB. Patients with TB have frequently presented with disseminated or extrapulmonary disease. Test patients for latent TB before HUMIRA use and during therapy. Initiate treatment for latent TB prior to HUMIRA use. Invasive fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and pneumocystosis. Patients with histoplasmosis or other invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease. Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infection. Consider empiric anti-fungal therapy in patients at risk for invasive fungal infections who develop severe systemic illness. Bacterial, viral and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens, including Legionella and Listeria. Carefully consider the risks and benefits of treatment with HUMIRA prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection. Monitor patients closely for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with HUMIRA, including the possible development of TB in patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. MALIGNANCY Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers including HUMIRA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Post-marketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have been reported in patients treated with TNF blockers including HUMIRA. These cases have had a very aggressive disease course and have been fatal. The majority of reported TNF blocker cases have occurred in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and the majority were in adolescent and young adult males. Almost all these patients had received treatment with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (6–MP) concomitantly with a TNF blocker at or prior to diagnosis. It is uncertain whether the occurrence of HSTCL is related to use of a TNF blocker or a TNF blocker in combination with these other immunosuppressants [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. WARNING: SERIOUS INFECTIONS AND MALIGNANCY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. SERIOUS INFECTIONS ( 5.1 , 6.1 ): Increased risk of serious infections leading to hospitalization or death, including tuberculosis (TB), bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal infections (such as histoplasmosis), and infections due to other opportunistic pathogens. Discontinue HUMIRA if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis during treatment. Perform test for latent TB; if positive, start treatment for TB prior to starting HUMIRA. Monitor all patients for active TB during treatment, even if initial latent TB test is negative. MALIGNANCY ( 5.2 ): Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers including HUMIRA. Post-marketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have occurred in adolescent and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease treated with TNF blockers including HUMIRA.
Warnings
Important safety information
Serious infections: Do not start HUMIRA during an active infection. If an infection develops, monitor carefully, and stop HUMIRA if infection becomes serious. ( 5.1 ) Invasive fungal infections: For patients who develop a systemic illness on HUMIRA, consider empiric antifungal therapy for those who reside or travel to regions where mycoses are endemic. ( 5.1 ) Malignancies: Incidence of malignancies was greater in HUMIRA-treated patients than in controls ( 5.2 ) Anaphylaxis or serious hypersensitivity reactions may occur ( 5.3 ) Hepatitis B virus reactivation: Monitor HBV carriers during and several months after therapy. If reactivation occurs, stop HUMIRA and begin anti-viral therapy. ( 5.4 ) Demyelinating disease: Exacerbation or new onset, may occur. ( 5.5 ) Cytopenias, pancytopenia: Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop, and consider stopping HUMIRA. ( 5.6 ) Heart failure: Worsening or new onset, may occur. ( 5.8 ) Autoimmunity: Stop HUMIRA if lupus-like syndrome or autoimmune hepatitis develops. ( 5.9 ) 5.1 Serious Infections Patients treated with HUMIRA are at increased risk for developing serious infections involving various organ systems and sites that may lead to hospitalization or death. Opportunistic infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, parasitic, or other opportunistic pathogens including aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, legionellosis, listeriosis, pneumocystosis and tuberculosis have been reported with TNF blockers. Patients have frequently presented with disseminated rather than localized disease. The concomitant use of a TNF blocker and abatacept or anakinra was associated with a higher risk of serious infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); therefore, the concomitant use of HUMIRA and these biologic products is not recommended in the treatment of patients with RA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 , 5.11 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )] . Treatment with HUMIRA should not be initiated in patients with an active infection, including localized infections. Patients 65 years of age and older, patients with co-morbid conditions and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressants (such as corticosteroids or methotrexate), may be at greater risk of infection. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment prior to initiating therapy in patients: with chronic or recurrent infection; who have been exposed to tuberculosis; with a history of an opportunistic infection; who have resided or traveled in areas of endemic tuberculosis or endemic mycoses, such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis; or with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection. Tuberculosis Cases of reactivation of tuberculosis and new onset tuberculosis infections have been reported in patients receiving HUMIRA, including patients who have previously received treatment for latent or active tuberculosis. Reports included cases of pulmonary and extrapulmonary (i.e., disseminated) tuberculosis. Evaluate patients for tuberculosis risk factors and test for latent infection prior to initiating HUMIRA and periodically during therapy. Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection prior to therapy with TNF blocking agents has been shown to reduce the risk of tuberculosis reactivation during therapy. Prior to initiating HUMIRA, assess if treatment for latent tuberculosis is needed; and consider an induration of ≥ 5 mm a positive tuberculin skin test result, even for patients previously vaccinated with Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG). Consider anti-tuberculosis therapy prior to initiation of HUMIRA in patients with a past history of latent or active tuberculosis in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed, and for patients with a negative test for latent tuberculosis but having risk factors for tuberculosis infection. Despite prophylactic treatment for tuberculosis, cases of reactivated tuberculosis have occurred in patients treated with HUMIRA. Consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of tuberculosis is recommended to aid in the decision whether initiating anti-tuberculosis therapy is appropriate for an individual patient. Strongly consider tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis in patients who develop a new infection during HUMIRA treatment, especially in patients who have previously or recently traveled to countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, or who have had close contact with a person with active tuberculosis. Monitoring Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with HUMIRA, including the development of tuberculosis in patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy. Tests for latent tuberculosis infection may also be falsely negative while on therapy with HUMIRA. Discontinue HUMIRA if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis. For a patient who develops a new infection during treatment with HUMIRA, closely monitor them, perform a prompt and complete diagnostic workup appropriate for an immunocompromised patient, and initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Invasive Fungal Infections If patients develop a serious systemic illness and they reside or travel in regions where mycoses are endemic, consider invasive fungal infection in the differential diagnosis. Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infection. Consider appropriate empiric antifungal therapy, taking into account both the risk for severe fungal infection and the risks of antifungal therapy, while a diagnostic workup is being performed. To aid in the management of such patients, consider consultation with a physician with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal infections. 5.2 Malignancies Consider the risks and benefits of TNF-blocker treatment including HUMIRA prior to initiating therapy in patients with a known malignancy other than a successfully treated non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) or when considering continuing a TNF blocker in patients who develop a malignancy. Malignancies in Adults In the controlled portions of clinical trials of some TNF-blockers, including HUMIRA, more cases of malignancies have been observed among TNF-blocker-treated adult subjects compared to control-treated adult subjects. During the controlled portions of 39 global HUMIRA clinical trials in adult subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), plaque psoriasis (Ps), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and uveitis (UV), malignancies, other than non-melanoma (basal cell and squamous cell) skin cancer, were observed at a rate (95% confidence interval) of 0.7 (0.48, 1.03) per 100 patient-years among 7973 HUMIRA-treated subjects versus a rate of 0.7 (0.41, 1.17) per 100 patient-years among 4848 control-treated subjects (median duration of treatment of 4 months for HUMIRA-treated subjects and 4 months for control-treated subjects). In 52 global controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials of HUMIRA in adult subjects with RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, Ps, HS and UV, the most frequently observed malignancies, other than lymphoma and NMSC, were breast, colon, prostate, lung, and melanoma. The malignancies in HUMIRA-treated subjects in the controlled and uncontrolled portions of the studies were similar in type and number to what would be expected in the general U.S. population according to the SEER database (adjusted for age, gender, and race). 1 In controlled trials of other TNF blockers in adult subjects at higher risk for malignancies (i.e., subjects with COPD with a significant smoking history and cyclophosphamide-treated subjects with Wegener’s granulomatosis), a greater portion of malignancies occurred in the TNF blocker group compared to the control group.…
Who should not take Humira
None. None ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Doses up to 10 mg/kg have been administered to patients in clinical trials without evidence of dose-limiting toxicities. In case of overdosage, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for any signs or symptoms of adverse reactions or effects and appropriate symptomatic treatment instituted immediately. Consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or medical toxicologist for additional overdose management recommendations.
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Abatacept: Increased risk of serious infection. ( 5.1 , 5.11 , 7.2 ) Anakinra: Increased risk of serious infection. ( 5.1 , 5.7 , 7.2 ) Live vaccines: Avoid use with HUMIRA. ( 5.10, 7.3 ) 7.1 Methotrexate HUMIRA has been studied in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients taking concomitant methotrexate (MTX). Although MTX reduced the apparent adalimumab clearance, the data do not suggest the need for dose adjustment of either HUMIRA or MTX [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ] . 7.2 Biological Products In clinical studies in patients with RA, an increased risk of serious infections has been observed with the combination of TNF blockers with anakinra or abatacept, with no added benefit; therefore, use of HUMIRA with abatacept or anakinra is not recommended in patients with RA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 , 5.11 )] . A higher rate of serious infections has also been observed in patients with RA treated with rituximab who received subsequent treatment with a TNF blocker. There is insufficient information regarding the concomitant use of HUMIRA and other biologic products for the treatment of RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, Ps, HS and UV. Concomitant administration of HUMIRA with other biologic DMARDS (e.g., anakinra and abatacept) or other TNF blockers is not recommended based upon the possible increased risk for infections and other potential pharmacological interactions. 7.3 Live Vaccines Avoid the use of live vaccines with HUMIRA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 ) ] . 7.4 Cytochrome P450 Substrates The formation of CYP450 enzymes may be suppressed by increased concentrations of cytokines (e.g., TNFα, IL-6) during chronic inflammation. It is possible for a molecule that antagonizes cytokine activity, such as adalimumab, to influence the formation of CYP450 enzymes. Upon initiation or discontinuation of HUMIRA in patients being treated with CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, monitoring of the effect (e.g., warfarin) or drug concentration (e.g., cyclosporine or theophylline) is recommended and the individual dose of the drug product may be adjusted as needed.
Storing Humira, and how long it keeps
Quoted from this product’s own FDA label. Storage belongs to the product and its device, not to the drug in general — a pen and a tablet of the same medicine are kept completely differently.
- “Do not store HUMIRA in extreme heat or cold.”
Drug class
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Humira ranks — best-rated tumor necrosis factor blocker for:
Dosage forms
Kit
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Humira treat?
- Humira (Adalimumab) may be used to treat juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, crohn disease, ankylosing spondylitis, uveitis, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How is Humira rated?
- pharmaranks gives Humira a composite score of 3.6 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Humira?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Humira. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Humira?
- Humira is marketed by Abbvie. You can see Abbvie's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Humira a brand-name or generic drug?
- Humira is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Adalimumab.
- Is Humira available over the counter?
- No. Humira is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Humira come in?
- Humira is currently marketed as kit, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Humira?
- Humira is classified as tumor necrosis factor blocker, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Humira FDA-registered?
- Humira is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number BLA125057. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Humira been recalled by the FDA?
- Humira has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Humira safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Humira a recall-safety score of 72/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Humira?
- Humira's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ] Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ] Hepatitis B Virus Reactiv… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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humira
72/100