Humira – Package Leaflet: InfoCons β Consumer Protection presents, in an accessible format, the official package leaflet of the medicine Humira, as authorised in the European Union and published in the Union Register of medicinal products.
Before anything else
Read all of this leaflet carefully before your child starts using this medicine because it contains important information. β Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
β Your doctor will also give you a Patient Reminder Card , which contains important safety
information that you need to b e aware of before your child begins using Humira and during treatment with Humira. Keep this Patient Reminder Card with you or your child. β If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. β This medicine has been prescribed for your child only. Do n ot pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as your child. β If your child gets any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
βΉοΈ 1. What Humira is and what it is used for
Humira contains the active substance adalimumab.
Humira is used to treat
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Plaque psoriasis
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
- Crohnβs disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Non-infectious uveitis The active ingredient in Humira, adalimumab, is a human monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that attach to a specific target .
The target of adalimumab is a protein called tumour necrosis factor (TNFΞ±), which is involved in the immune (defence) system and is present at increased levels in the inflammatory diseases listed above. By attaching to TNFΞ±, Humira decreases the process of inflammation in these diseases.
Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints.
462 Humira is used to treat moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults. You may first be given other disease-modifying medicines, such as methotrexate. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Humira.
Humira can also be used to treat severe, active and progressive rheumatoid arthritis without previous methotrexate treatment.
Humira can slow down the damage to the joints caused by the inflammatory disease and can help them move more freely.
Your doctor will decide if Humira should be used with methotrexate or alone.
Plaque psoriasis Plaque psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales. Plaque psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing them to crumble, become thickened and lift away from the nail bed which can be painful.
Humira is used to treat moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis in adults .
Hidradenitis suppurativa Hidradenitis suppurativa (sometimes called acne inversa) is a chronic and often painful inflammatory skin disease. Symptoms may include tender nodules (lumps) and abscesses (boils) that may leak pus. It most commonly affects specific areas of the skin, such as under the breasts, the armpits, inner thighs, groin and buttocks. Scarring may also occur in affected areas.
Humira is used to treat
- moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults and
- moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years .
Humira can reduce the number of nodules and abscesses caused by the disease and the pain that is often associated with the disease. You may first be given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Humira.
Crohnβs disease Crohnβs disease is an inflammatory disease of the digestive tract.
Humira is used to treat
- moderate to severe Crohnβs disease in adults and
- moderate to severe Crohnβs disease in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years .
You may first be given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Humira.
Ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the large intestine.
Humira is used to treat
- moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in adults and
- moderate to severe ulcerative colitis in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years .
You may first be given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Humira.
Non-infectious uveitis Non-infectious uveitis is an inflammatory disease affecting certain parts of the eye.
Humira is used to treat
- adults with non-infectious uveitis with inflammation affecting the back of the eye
- children with chronic non -infectious uveitis from 2 years of age with inflammation affecting the front of the eye This inflammation may lead to a decrease of vision and/or the presence of floaters in the eye (black dots or wispy lines that move across the field of vision). Humira works by reducing this inflammatio n. You may first be given other medicines. If you do not respond well enough to these medicines, you will be given Humira.
β οΈ 2. What you need to know before you use Humira
Do not use Humira
- If you are allergic to adalimumab or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
- If you have active tuberculosis or other severe infections (see βWarnings and precautionsβ). It is important that you tell your doctor if you have s ymptoms of infections, for example, fever, wounds, feeling tired, dental problems.
- If you have moderate or severe heart failure. It is important to tell your doctor if you have had or have a serious heart condition (see βWarnings and precautionsβ).
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Humira.
Allergic reactions
- If you get allergic reactions with symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, dizziness, swelling or rash do not inject more Humira and contact your doct or immediately since, in rare cases, these reactions can be life threatening.
Infections
- If you have an infection, including long -term infection or an infection in one part of the body (for example, leg ulcer) consult your doctor before starting Humira. If you are unsure, contact your doctor.
- You might get infections more easily while you are receiving Humira treatment. This risk may increase if you have problems with your lungs. These infections may be serious and include:
- tuberculosis 464 β’ infections caused by viruses, fungi, parasites or bacteria
- severe infection in the blood (sepsis) In rare cases, these infections can be life -threatening. It is important to tell your doctor if you get symptoms such as fever, wounds, feeling tired or dental problems. Yo ur doctor may tell you to stop using Humira for some time.
- Tell your doctor if you live or travel in regions where fungal infections (for example, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis or blastomycosis) are very common.
- Tell your doctor if you have had infections which keep coming back or other conditions that increase the risk of infections.
- If you are over 65 years you may be more likely to get infections while taking Humira. You and your doctor should pay special attention to signs of infection while you are being treated with Humira. It is important to tell your doctor if you get symptoms of infections, such as fever, wounds, feeling tired or dental problems.
Tuberculosis
- It is very important that you tell your doctor if you have ever had tuberculo sis, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has had tuberculosis. If you have active tuberculosis, do not use Humira.
- As cases of tuberculosis have been reported in patients treated with Humira, your doctor will check you for signs and symp toms of tuberculosis before starting Humira. This will include a thorough medical evaluation including your medical history and appropriate screening tests (for example, chest X -ray and a tuberculin test). The conduct and results of these tests should be r ecorded on your Patient Reminder Card .
- Tuberculosis can develop during therapy even if you have received treatment for the prevention of tuberculosis.
- If symptoms of tuberculosis (for example, cough that does not go away, weight loss, lack of energy, mild fever), or any other infection appear during or after therapy tell your doctor immediately.
Hepatitis B
- Tell your doctor if you are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), if you have active HBV or if you think you might be at risk of getting HBV.
- Your doctor should test you for HBV. In people who carry HBV, Humira can cause the virus to become active again.
- In some rare cases, especially if you are taking other medicines that suppress the immune system, reactivation of HBV can be life -threatening.
Surgery or dental procedure
- If you are about to have surgery or dental procedures please inform your doctor t hat you are taking Humira. Your doctor may recommend temporary discontinuation of Humira.
465 Demyelinating disease
- If you have or develop a demyelinating disease (a disease that affects the insulating layer around the nerves, such as multiple sclerosis ), your doctor will decide if you should receive or continue to receive Humira. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms like changes in your vision, weakness in your arms or legs or numbness or tingling in any part of your body.
Vaccinations
- Certain vaccines may cause infections and should not be given while receiving Humira.
- Check with your doctor before you receive any vaccines.
- It is recommended that children, if possible, be given all the scheduled vaccinations for their age before they start treatment with Humira.
- If you received Humira while you were pregnant, your baby may be at higher risk for getting such an infection for up to approximately five months after the last Humira dose you received during pregnancy. It is important that you tell your baby’s doctors and other health care professionals about your Humira use during your pregnancy so they can decide when your baby should receive any vaccine.
Heart failure
- If you have mild heart failure and are being treated with Humira, you r heart failure status must be closely monitored by your doctor. It is important to tell your doctor if you have had or have a serious heart condition. If you develop new or worsening symptoms of heart failure (e.g. shortness of breath, or swelling of your feet), you must contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will decide if you should receive Humira.
Fever, bruising, bleeding or looking pale
- In some patients the body may fail to produce enough of the blood cells that fight off infections or help you to stop bleeding. Your doctor may decide to stop treatment. If you develop a fever that does not go away, develop light bruises or bleed very easily or look very pale, call your doctor right away.
Cancer
- There have been very rare cases of certain kinds of cancer in children and adult patients taking Humira or other TNF blockers.
- People with more serious rheumatoid arthritis that have had the disease for a long time may have a higher than average risk of getting lymphoma (a cance r that affects the lymph system) and leukaemia (a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow).
- If you take Humira the risk of getting lymphoma, leukaemia, or other cancers may increase. On rare occasions, an uncommon and severe type of lymphoma, has be en seen in patients taking Humira. Some of those patients were also treated with azathioprine or 6 – mercaptopurine.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking azathioprine or 6 -mercaptopurine with Humira.
- Cases of non-melanoma skin cancer have been observed in patients taking Humira.
- If new skin lesions appear during or after therapy or if existing lesions change appearance, tell your doctor.
466 β’ There have been cases of cancers, other than lymphoma in patient s with a specific type of lung disease called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) treated with another TNF blocker.
If you have COPD, or are a heavy smoker, you should discuss with your doctor whether treatment with a TNF blocker is appropriate fo r you.
Autoimmune disease
- On rare occasions, treatment with Humira could result in lupus -like syndrome. Contact your doctor if symptoms such as persistent unexplained rash, fever, joint pain or tiredness occur.
Children and adolescents
- Vaccinations: if possible, children should be up to date with all vaccinations before using Humira.
Other medicines and Humira
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines.
You should not take Humira with medic ines containing the following active substances due to increased risk of serious infection :
- anakinra
- abatacept.
Humira can be taken together with:
- methotrexate
- certain disease-modifying anti-rheumatic agents (for example, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and injectable gold preparations)
- steroids or pain medications including non -steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
If you have questions, please ask your doctor.
Pregnancy and breast -feeding
- You should consider the use of adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy and continue its use for at least 5 months a fter the last Humira treatment.
- If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice about taking this medic ine.
- Humira should only be used during a pregnancy if needed.
- According to a pregnancy study, there was no higher risk of birth defects when the mother had received Humira during pregnancy compared with mothers with the same dise ase who did not receive Humira.
- Humira can be used during breast -feeding.
- If you receive Humira during your pregnancy, your baby may have a higher risk for getting an infection.
- It is important that you tell your babyβs doctors and other health care professionals about your Humira use during your pregnancy before the baby receives any vaccine. For more information on vaccines see the βWarnings and precautionsβ section.
Driving and using machines
Humira may have a small effect on your ability to drive, cycle or use machines. Room spinning sensation and vision disturbances may occur after taking Humira.
π 3. How to use Humira
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The recommended doses for Humira in each of the approved uses are shown in the following table. Your doctor may prescribe another strength of Humira if you need a different dose.
Rheumatoid arthritis Age or body weight How much and how often to take? Notes Adults 40 mg every other week In rheumatoid arthritis, methotrexate is continued while using Humira. If your doctor decides that methotrexate is inappropriate, Humira can be given alone.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis and you do not receive methotrexate with your Hu mira therapy, your doctor may decide to give Humira 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week.
Plaque psoriasis Age or body weight How much and how often to take? Notes Adults First dose of 80 mg (one 80 mg injection), followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week after the first dose. If you have an inadequate response, your doctor may increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week.
Hidradenitis suppurativa Age or body weight How much and how often to take? Notes Adults First dose of 160 mg (two 80 mg injections in one day or one 80 mg injection per day for two consecutive days), followed by an 80 mg dose (one 80 mg injection) two weeks later. After two further weeks, continue with a dose of 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week, as prescribed by your doctor. It is recommended that you use an antiseptic wash daily on the affected areas.
468 Adolescents from 12 to 17 years of age weighing 30 kg or more First dose of 80 mg (one 80 mg injection), followed b y 40 mg every other week starting one week later. If you have an inadequate response to Humira 40 mg every other week, your doctor may increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week.
It is recommended that you use an antiseptic wash daily on the affected areas.
Crohnβs disease Age or body weight How much and how often to take? Notes Children, adolescents and adults from 6 to 17 years of age weighing 40 kg or more First dose of 80 mg ( one 80 mg injection), followed by 40 mg two weeks later.
If a faster response is required, the doctor may prescribe a first dose of 160 mg (two 80 mg injections in one day or one 80 mg injection per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg (one 80 mg injection) two weeks later.
Thereafter, the usual dose is 40 mg every other week. Your doctor may increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week .
Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age weighing less than 40 kg First dose of 40 mg, followed by 20 mg two weeks lat er.
If a faster response is required, the doctor may prescribe a first dose of 80 mg (one 80 mg injection), followed by 40 mg two weeks later.
Thereafter, the usual dose is 20 mg every other week. Your doctor may increase the dose frequency to 20 mg every week.
Ulcerative colitis Age or body weight How much and how often to take? Notes Adults First dose of 160 mg (two 80 mg injections in one day or one 80 mg injection per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg (one 80 mg injection) two weeks later.
Thereafter, the usual dose is 40 mg every other week.
Your doctor may increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week .
469 Children and adolescents from 6 years of age weighing less than 40 kg First dose of 80 mg (one 80 mg injection), followed by 40 mg (one 40 mg injection) two weeks later.
Thereafter, the usual dose is 40 mg every other week. You should continue taking Humira at your usual dose, even after turning 18 years of age.
Children and adolescents from 6 years of age weighing 40 kg or more First dose of 160 mg ( two 80 mg injections in one day or one 80 mg injection per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg (one 80 mg injection) two weeks later.
Thereafter, the usual dose is 80 mg every other week. You should continue taking Humira at your usual dose, even after turning 18 years of age.
Non-infectious uveitis Age or body weight How much and how often to take? Notes Adults First dose of 80 mg ( one 80 mg injection), followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week after the first dose. Corticosteroids or other medicines that influence the immune system may be continued while using Humira.
Humira can also be given alone.
Children and adolescents from 2 years of age weighing less than 30 kg 20 mg every other week Your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 40 mg to be administered one week prior to the start of the usual dose of 20 mg every other week.
Humira is recommended for use in combination with methotrexate.
Children and adolescents from 2 years of age weighing 30 kg or more 40 mg every other week Your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 80 mg to be administered one week prior to the start of the usual dose of 40 mg every other week.
Humira is recommended for use in combination with methotrexate.
Method and route of administration Humira is administered by injection under the skin (by subcutaneous injection).
Detailed instructions on how to inject Humira are provided in section 7 β Injecting Humiraβ.
470 If you use more Humira than you should If you accidentally inject Humira more frequently than told to by your doctor or pharmacist, call your doctor or pharmacist and tell them that you have taken more . Always take the outer carton of the medicine with you, even if it is empty.
If you forget to use Humira
If you forget to give yourself an injection, you should inject the next dose of Humira as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose as you wou ld have on your originally scheduled day, had you not forgotten a dose.
If you stop using Humira
The decision to stop using Humira should be discussed with your doctor. Your symptoms may return if you stop using Humira.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
β 4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most side effects are mild to moderate. However, some may be serio us and require treatment. Side effects may occur at least up to 4 months after the last Humira injection.
Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following
- severe rash, hives or other signs of allergic reaction
- swollen face, hands, feet
- trouble breathing, swallowing
- shortness of breath with physical activity or upon lying down or swelling of the feet Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following
- signs of infection such as fever, feeling sick, wounds, dental problems, burning on urination
- feeling weak or tired
- coughing
- tingling
- numbness
- double vision
- arm or leg weakness
- a bump or open sore that doesn’t heal
- signs and symptoms suggestive of blood disorders such as persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, paleness The symptoms described above can be signs of the below listed side effects, which have been observed with Humira.
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- injection site reactions (including pain, swelling, redness or itching) 471 β’ respiratory tract infections (including cold, runny nose, sinus infection, pneumonia)
- headache
- abdominal pain
- nausea and vomiting
- rash
- musculoskeletal pain
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- serious infections (including blood poisoning and influenza)
- intestinal infections (including gastroenteritis)
- skin infections (including cellulitis and shingles)
- ear infections
- oral infections (including tooth infections and cold sores)
- reproductive tract infections
- urinary tract infection
- fungal infections
- joint infections
- benign tumours
- skin cancer
- allergic reactions (including seasonal allergy)
- dehydration
- mood swings (including depression)
- anxiety
- difficulty sleeping
- sensation disorders such as tingling, prickling or numbness
- migraine
- nerve root compression (including low back pain and leg pain)
- vision disturbances
- eye inflammation
- inflammation of the eye lid and eye swelling
- vertigo (feeling of dizziness or spinning)
- sensation of heart beating rapidly
- high blood pressure
- flushing
- haematoma (collection of blood outside of blood vessels)
- cough
- asthma
- shortness of breath
- gastrointestinal bleeding
- dyspepsia (indigestion, bloating, heart burn)
- acid reflux disease
- sicca syndrome (including dry eyes and dry mouth)
- itching
- itchy rash
- bruising
- inflammation of the skin (such as eczema)
- breaking of finger nails and toe nails
- increased sweating
- hair loss 472 β’ new onset or worsening of psoriasis
- muscle spasms
- blood in urine
- kidney problems
- chest pain
- oedema (swelling)
- fever
- reduction in blood platelets which increases risk of bleeding or bruising
- impaired healing
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- opportunistic infections (which include tuberculosis and other infections that occur when resistance to disease is lowered)
- neurological infections (including viral meningitis)
- eye infections
- bacterial infections
- diverticulitis (inflammation and infection of the large intestine)
- cancer
- cancer that affects the lymph system
- melanoma
- immune disorders that could affect the lungs, skin and lymph nodes (most commonly presenting as sarcoidosis)
- vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
- tremor (shaking)
- neuropathy (disorder of the nerves)
- stroke
- hearing loss, buzzing
- sensation of heart beating irregularly such as skipped beats
- heart problems that can cause shortness of breath or ankl e swelling
- heart attack
- a sac in the wall of a major artery, inflammation and clot of a vein, blockage of a blood vessel
- lung diseases causing shortness of breath (including inflammation)
- pulmonary embolism (blockage in an artery of the lung)
- pleural effusion (abnormal collection of fluid in the pleural space)
- inflammation of the pancreas which causes severe pain in the abdomen and back
- difficulty in swallowing
- facial oedema (swelling of the face)
- gallbladder inflammation, gallbladder stones
- fatty liver
- night sweats
- scar
- abnormal muscle breakdown
- systemic lupus erythematosus (including inflammation of skin, heart, lung, joints and other organ systems)
- sleep interruptions
- impotence
- inflammations 473 Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
- leukaemia (cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow)
- severe allergic reaction with shock
- multiple sclerosis
- nerve disorders (such as eye nerve inflammation and Guillain -BarrΓ© syndrome that may cause muscle weakness, abnormal sensations, tingling in the arms and upper body )
- heart stops pumping
- pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung)
- intestinal perforation (hole in the intestine)
- hepatitis
- reactivation of hepatitis B
- autoimmune hepatitis (inflammation of the liver caused by the body’s own immune system)
- cutaneous vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels in the skin)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (early symptoms include malaise, fever, headache and rash)
- facial oedema (swelling of the face) associated with allergic reactions
- erythema multiforme (inflammatory skin rash)
- lupus-like syndrome
- angioedema (localized swelling of the skin)
- lichenoid skin reaction ( itchy reddish-purple skin rash)
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
- hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (a rare blood cancer that is often fatal)
- Merkel cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer)
- Kaposiβs sarcoma, a rare cancer related to infection with human herpes virus 8. Kaposiβs sarcoma most commonly appears as purple lesions on the skin
- liver failure
- worsening of a condition called dermatomyositis (seen as a skin rash accompanying muscle weakness)
- weight gain (for most patients, the weight gain was small) Some side effects observed with Humira may not have symptoms and may only be discovered through blood tests. These include:
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- low blood measurements for white blood cells
- low blood measurements for red blood cells
- increased lipids in the blood
- elevated liver enzymes
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- high blood measurements for white blood cells
- low blood measurements for platelets
- increased uric acid in the blood
- abnormal blood measurements for sodium
- low blood measurements for calcium
- low blood measurements for phosphate
- high blood sugar
- high blood measurements for lactate dehydrogenase 474 β’ autoantibodies present in the blood
- low blood potassium
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- elevated bilirubin measurement (liver blood test)
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
- low blood measurements for white blood cells, red blood cells and platelet count
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safe ty of this medicine.
π‘οΈ 5. How to store Humira
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the label/blister/carton after EXP.
Store in a refrigerator (2 ο°C β 8ο°C). Do not freeze.
Keep the pre-filled pen in the outer carton in order to protect from light.
Alternative Storage:
When needed (for example, when you are travelling), a single Humira pre -filled pen may be stored at room temperature (up to 25Β°C) for a maximum period of 14 days β be sure to protect it from light. Once removed from the refrigerator for room temperature st orage, the pen must be used within 14 days or discarded, even if it is returned to the refrigerator .
You should record the date when the pen is first removed from refrigerator and the date after which it should be discarded.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
π¦ 6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Humira contains
The active substance is adalimumab.
The other ingredients are mannitol, polysorbate 80 and water for injections.
475 What the Humira pre -filled pen looks like and contents of the pack Humira 80 mg solution for injection in pre -filled pen is supplied as a sterile solution of 80 mg adalimumab dissolved in 0.8 ml solution.
The Humira pre-filled pen is a single-use grey and plum-coloured pen which contains a glass syringe with Humira. There are two caps β one is grey and labelled β1β and the other is plum and labelled β2β. T here is a window on each side of the pen through which you can see the Humir a solution inside the syringe.
The Humira pre-filled pen is available in pack s containing:
- 1 pre-filled pen for patient use with 2 alcohol pads (1 spare)
- 3 pre-filled pens for patient use with 4 alcohol pads (1 spare) Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Humira may be available as a vial, a pre -filled syringe and/or a pre -filled pen.
Marketing Authorisation Holder
AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG Knollstrasse 67061 Ludwigshafen Germany
Manufacturer
AbbVie Biotechnology GmbH Knollstrasse 67061 Ludwigshafen Germany For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing Authorisation Holder:
BelgiΓ«/Belgique/Belgien AbbVie SA TΓ©l/Tel: +32 10 477811 Lietuva AbbVie UAB Tel: +370 5 205 3023 ΠΡΠ»Π³Π°ΡΠΈΡ ΠΠ±ΠΠΈ ΠΠΠΠ Π’Π΅Π».:+359 2 90 30 430 Luxembourg/Luxemburg AbbVie SA Belgique/Belgien TΓ©l/Tel: +32 10 477811 ΔeskΓ‘ republika AbbVie s.r.o.
Tel: +420 233 098 111 MagyarorszΓ‘g AbbVie Kft.
Tel.:+36 1 455 8600 Danmark AbbVie A/S Tlf: +45 72 30-20-28 Malta V.J.Salomone Pharma Limited Tel: +356 21220174 476 Deutschland AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG Tel: 00800 222843 33 (gebΓΌhrenfrei) Tel: +49 (0) 611 / 1720-0 Nederland AbbVie B.V.
Tel: +31 (0)88 322 2843 Eesti AbbVie OΓ Tel: +372 623 1011 Norge AbbVie AS Tlf: +47 67 81 80 00 Ξλλάδα AbbVie Ξ¦ΞΞ‘ΞΞΞΞΞ₯Ξ€ΞΞΞ Ξ.Ξ.
΀ηλ: +30 214 4165 555 Γsterreich AbbVie GmbH Tel: +43 1 20589-0 EspaΓ±a AbbVie Spain, S.L.U.
Tel: +34 91 384 09 10 Polska AbbVie Sp. z o.o.
Tel.: +48 22 372 78 00 France AbbVie TΓ©l: +33 (0) 1 45 60 13 00 Portugal AbbVie, Lda.
Tel: +351 (0)21 1908400 Hrvatska AbbVie d.o.o.
Tel + 385 (0)1 5625 501 RomΓ’nia AbbVie S.R.L.
Tel: +40 21 529 30 35 Ireland AbbVie Limited Tel: +353 (0)1 4287900 Slovenija AbbVie Biofarmacevtska druΕΎba d.o.o.
Tel: +386 (1)32 08 060 Γsland Vistor hf.
Tel: +354 535 7000 SlovenskΓ‘ republika AbbVie s.r.o.
Tel: +421 2 5050 0777 Italia AbbVie S.r.l.
Tel: +39 06 928921 Suomi/Finland AbbVie Oy Puh/Tel: +358 (0)10 2411 200 ΞΟΟΟΞΏΟ Lifepharma (Z.A.M.) Ltd ΀ηλ.: +357 22 34 74 40 Sverige AbbVie AB Tel: +46 (0)8 684 44 600 Latvija AbbVie SIA Tel: +371 67605000
This leaflet was last revised in
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: http://www.ema.europa.eu .
To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in <Braille>, <large print> or <audio> , please contact the local representative of the Marketing Authorisation Holder.
Ea 7. Injecting Humira
- The following instructions explain how to give yourself a subcutaneous injection of Humira using the pre-filled pen. First read all the instructions carefully a nd then follow them step by step.
- You will be instructed by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist on the technique of self -injection.
- Do not attempt to self -inject until you are sure that you understand how to prepare and give the injection.
- After proper training, the injection can be given by yourself or given by another person, for example, a family member or friend.
- Only use each pre-filled pen for one injection.
Humira Pre-filled Pen Grey Cap 1 White Needle Sleeve White Arrow Plum -coloured Cap 2 Needle Inspection Window Plum Activator Button
Do not use the pre-filled pen and call your doctor or pharmacist if the
- liquid is cloudy, discoloured, or has flakes or particles in it
- expiry (EXP) date has passed
- liquid has been frozen or left in direct sunlight
- pre-filled pen has been dropped or crushed Do not remove the caps until just before injection. Keep Humira out of the sight and reach of children.
STEP 1 Take Humira out of the refrigerator.
Leave Humira at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before injecting.
- Do not remove the Grey or Plum -coloured Caps while allowing Humira to reach room temperature
- Do not warm Humira in any other way. For example, do not warm it in a microwave or in hot water ‘a 478 STEP 2 Pen Pad Check expiry (EXP) date. Do not use the pre-filled pen if expiry (EXP) date has passed.
Place the following on a clean, flat surface
- 1 single-use pre-filled pen and
- 1 alcohol pad Wash and dry your hands.
STEP 3 Injectable Areas Injectable Areas Choose an injection site:
- On the front of your thighs or
- Your belly (abdomen) at least 5 cm from your belly button (navel)
- At least 3 cm from your last injection site Wipe the injection site in a circular motion with the alcohol pad.
- Do not inject through clothes
- Do not inject into skin that is sore, bruised, red, hard, scarred, has stretch marks, or areas with psoriasis plaques 479 STEP 4 Hold the pre-filled pen with the Grey Cap 1 pointing up.
Check the inspection window.
- It is normal to see 1 or more bubbles in the window
- Make sure the liquid is clear and colourless
- Do not use the pre-filled pen if the liquid is cloudy or has particles
- Do not use the pre-filled pen if it has been dropped or crushed STEP 5 Cap 1 Cap 2 Pull the Grey Cap 1 straight off. Throw the cap away. Do not recap.
- Check that the small black needle cover of the syringe has been removed with the cap
- It is normal to see a few drops of liquid come out of the needle Pull the Plum-coloured Cap 2 straight off. Throw the cap away. Do not recap.
The pre-filled pen is now ready to use.
Turn the pre-filled pen so that the white arrow points toward the injection site.
STEP 6 Squeeze the skin at your injection site wit h your other hand to make a raised area and hold it firmly until the injection is complete.
Point the white arrow toward the injection site (thigh or abdomen).
Place the white needle sleeve straight (90Λ angle) against the injection site.
Hold the pre-filled pen so that you can see the inspection window.
Do not press the plum activator button until you are ready to inject.
480 STEP 7 15 Seconds Firmly push the pre-filled pen down against the injection site before starting the injection .
Keep pushing down to prevent the pre-filled pen from moving away from the skin during the injection.
Press the plum activator button and count slowly for 15 seconds.
- A loud βclickβ will signal the start o f the injection
- Keep pushing the pre-filled pen down firmly against the injection site until the injection is complete.
The injection is complete when the yellow indicator has stopped moving.
STEP 8 When the injection is completed, slowly pull the pre-filled pen from the skin. The white needle sleeve will cover the needle tip.
- A small amount of liquid on the injection site is normal If there are more than a few drops of liquid on the injection site, contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
After completing the injection, place a cotton ball or gauze pad on the skin over the injection site.
- Do not rub
- Slight bleeding at the injection site is normal STEP 9 Throw away the used pre -filled pen in a special disposal container as instructed by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
- Do not recycle or throw the pre -filled pen in the household waste
- Always keep the pre-filled pen and the special disposal container out of the sight and reach of
children
The caps, alcohol pad, cotton ball or gauze pad, blist er and packaging may be put in your household waste.
π Package Leaflet β official source
This article reproduces the information in the official package leaflet, as authorised in the European Union. You can consult the original document here: Product information Humira (PDF, ec.europa.eu).
You can check this medicine at any time in the Union Register of medicinal products (EU number EU/1/03/256).
β οΈ Important: This article is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice or the package leaflet inside the medicine box. Read the leaflet carefully before use. For any questions about your treatment, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. If you experience side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist and report them through your national reporting system.