Humira

Humira is a brand of adalimumab, a recombinant fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody supplied as a sterile subcutaneous injection solution. It is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) that targets tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and is prescribed for chronic immune-mediated inflammatory conditions affecting the joints, skin, gut and eyes.

GNH USA supplies Humira as a licensed, GDP-compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals and procurement teams worldwide.

Humira is prescribed across rheumatology, dermatology, gastroenterology and ophthalmology where tumour necrosis factor-alpha drives chronic inflammation. - Rheumatoid and juvenile idiopathic arthritis: reduces joint inflammation, slows structural damage and improves physical function. - Psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: relieves peripheral and axial symptoms where conventional therapy is inadequate. - Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: induces and maintains remission in moderate to severe disease. - Plaque psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa: clears skin lesions and reduces abscess and nodule formation. - Non-infectious uveitis: controls intraocular inflammation and reduces corticosteroid dependence.

Adverse effects reflect immune suppression; report fever, persistent cough or unusual symptoms to the treating clinician promptly. Common Side Effects: - Injection site reactions: redness, itching, swelling or pain that usually settles without treatment. - Upper respiratory tract infections: sinusitis, nasopharyngitis and bronchitis occur frequently. - Headache and rash: generally mild and manageable during continued therapy. - Nausea and abdominal pain: mild gastrointestinal upset, often early in treatment. Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Serious infections: tuberculosis, invasive fungal and opportunistic infections may become disseminated; seek urgent care. - Malignancy: lymphoma and other cancers have been reported, including hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in younger patients. - Demyelinating disease and heart failure: new or worsening neurological or cardiac symptoms require immediate review. - Hepatitis B reactivation and blood disorders: monitor for jaundice, bruising or persistent sore throat.

Safe use depends on screening before initiation and vigilance for infection throughout treatment. - Screen for tuberculosis: test for latent infection and treat it before starting therapy. - Test for hepatitis B: carriers risk reactivation and need monitoring during and after treatment. - Avoid live vaccines: complete all required immunisations before initiation. - Use caution in heart failure: TNF blockade may worsen moderate to severe cardiac failure. - Withhold during active infection: do not start or continue while a serious infection is present. - Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated in the original carton, do not freeze, and protect from light.

All concurrent immunomodulators, vaccines and narrow therapeutic index medicines should be reviewed with a clinical pharmacist before Humira is administered. Major Interactions (Avoid): - Anakinra and abatacept: combined biologic therapy raises serious infection risk without added benefit. - Other TNF inhibitors: concurrent use compounds immunosuppression and is not recommended. - Live attenuated vaccines: measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and yellow fever may cause infection. Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Methotrexate: reduces adalimumab clearance; commonly co-prescribed, but monitor for toxicity. - Narrow therapeutic index drugs: normalising cytokine levels can alter warfarin, ciclosporin and theophylline handling. - Other immunosuppressants: azathioprine and ciclosporin add to infection risk; monitor blood counts.