How long can you stay on it?

Drugs.com

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Humira (adalimumab) is considered a maintenance (long-term) medication. Your doctor will assess you at regular intervals to be sure staying on Humira is appropriate for you. Based on your antiinflammatory response, your treatment length may differ from other patients. Do not stop taking Humira unless your doctor tells you to stop.

Humira is a biologic drug used to treat many different autoimmune-types of diseases where inflammation leads to symptoms such as in rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, plaque psoriasis, adults and pediatric ulcerative colitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Humira will not cure these diseases but can help to relieve your symptoms and control your disease worsening.

Always follow your doctor's instructions about when and how often to use Humira. Your dose for Humira can also vary and depends on the condition being treated. However, many patients stay on Humira for years.

In some cases, your doctor may decide to lower your dose or stop your treatment all together. In a study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, researchers found that discontinuation of a biologic should not be attempted unless your doctor regularly assesses your activity, sets a treatment goal, and reinstates your medication if needed.

What is the mechanism of action for Humira?

Humira from AbbVie is a biologic injectable protein known as a monoclonal antibody. It's classified as a Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) alpha inhibitor, and binds to and blocks the action of TNF in your body to lower inflammation.

Humira is given as a self-administered subcutaneous injection (under the skin). Because TNF blockers like Humira affect the immune system, they can lower the ability to fight infections.

The most common side effects seen with Humira in clinical trials include upper respiratory tract infections, injection site reactions, headache and rash.

Bottom Line

  • Humira (adalimumab) is a medication that is used over the long-term. Your doctor will check your medication at regular intervals to be sure staying on Humira is appropriate for you.
  • Your dose for Humira can also vary and depends on the condition being treated. However, many patients stay on Humira for many years.
  • Your treatment length may differ from other patients. Do not stop taking Humira unless your doctor tells you to stop.

    • This is not all the information you need to know about Humira (adalimumab) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Humira information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

    Related medical questions

    Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

    The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

    Popular Keywords