Adalimumab reduces the effects of a substance in the body that can cause inflammation.

Adalimumab is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. It is also used to treat Crohn’s disease after other drugs have been tried without successful treatment of symptoms.

Adalimumab may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Before you start treatment with adalimumab, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections.

Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.

Adalimumab is given as an injection under the skin of your stomach or thigh. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be given instructions on how to inject your medicine at home. Do not use this medicine at home if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles and syringes used in giving the medicine.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Adalimumab is usually given every other week, although you may need to use it once a week. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Use each pre-filled syringe of adalimumab only one time. Throw away any unused portion of the medication. Do not save it for later use.

Throw away used needles and syringes in a puncture-proof container. If your medicine does not come with such a container, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets. Your pharmacist can tell you how to properly dispose of the container.

Adalimumab can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

It is important to use adalimumab regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store adalimumab in the refrigerator but do not allow it to freeze. If you travel with the prefilled syringe, keep it in a small cooler with an ice pack and protect it from light.

Do not remove the prefilled syringe from the refrigerator or cooler until you are ready to give yourself an injection. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.

There may be other drugs that can affect adalimumab. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a "live” vaccine while you are being treated with adalimumab.

Avoid injecting adalimumab into skin that is bruised, red, tender, or hard.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of adalimumab is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

Use the medication as soon as you remember, and then go back to your regular injection schedule. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Before you start treatment with adalimumab, your doctor may perform tests to make sure you do not have tuberculosis or other infections.

Treatment with adalimumab may increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer or autoimmune disorders (such as a lupus-like syndrome). Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

Adalimumab can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with adalimumab. Contact your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as: fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding, pale skin, or unusual weakness.

Do not receive a "live” vaccine while you are being treated with adalimumab.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to adalimumab, or if you are also being treated with anakinra (Kineret).

Before using adalimumab, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• an active or recent infection;

• a history of tuberculosis;

• hepatitis B;

• congestive heart failure;

• lupus;

• an allergy to latex rubber;

• a disease that affects the nerves or muscles, such as multiple sclerosis, myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre syndrome; or

• if you are scheduled to have major surgery or receive any vaccines.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use adalimumab, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Your name may need to be listed on a Humira pregnancy registry when you start using this medication.

It is not known whether adalimumab passes into breast milk. Do not use adalimumab without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Using this medication may increase your risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast, colon, prostate, or lung cancer, or melanoma (a tumor that usually affects the skin). You may also develop an autoimmune disorder such as a lupus-like syndrome. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk.

Your pharmacist has information about adalimumab written for health professionals that you may read.

Adalimumab is available with a prescription under the brand name Humira. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.