If you're reading this, you or someone you know is probably taking Humira.Starting a new medication can be difficult, especially if you need an injection.
Here's everything you need to know about Humira.
In this guide, we will show you how to use Humira correctly. You will learn everything about preparation, use and storage.
And remember: you are not alone! Your doctor and his team are here to help you. When you are ready, let's get started!
Travel coolers and cooler bags for transporting cold Humira
What is Humira?
Humira is a biological medicine, specifically a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor , used to treat various autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (joint pain and stiffness), plaque psoriasis (red, scaly patches on the skin), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (problems in the digestive tract), to name a few.
It is a medication that is given as a subcutaneous injection just under the skin, usually every two weeks (twice a month). It is available only with a doctor's prescription. Doctors who specialize in diseases of the joints (rheumatologists), digestive system (gastroenterologists), skin (dermatologists) and eyes (ophthalmologists) usually prescribe Humira or similar medicines.
Developed by AbbVie Inc. , Humira is one of the most commonly prescribed injections for rheumatoid arthritis. In January 2023, AbbVie's patent on its active ingredient adalimumab expired, opening the door to cheaper generics (biosimilars) .
What kind of medicine is Humira and how does it work?
Humira contains the active ingredient adalimumab . This is a type of antibody (a protein that normally fights germs) that targets a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF is sort of the bad guy in your body that causes inflammation and problems in autoimmune diseases. Simply put, Humira binds to TNF and stops it , thereby reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms.
A step-by-step guide to Humira injections
Now we understand what Humira is, but how exactly is it used?
It is important that you follow the instructions carefully to make sure you use the medicine safely and effectively. As you will see, Humira comes in a prefilled pen that is already filled with your dose of the active ingredient adalimumab. Humira syringes are also available but are no longer commonly prescribed.
We will therefore focus on using the prefilled pen, which is very easy to use! In this guide, I will explain to you step by step how to use Humira with the prefilled pen .
But don't worry, you'll also find detailed instructions in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication. Your doctor will also show you how to give the injection before sending you home with your new Humira prescription.
Step 1: Preparing the Humira injection
Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need: your Humira pen, alcohol for disinfection, cotton or gauze, and a container for safe disposal of the material. Wash your hands thoroughly and find a clean area for the application.
Step 2: Check your Humira prefilled pen
After taking the Humira pen out of the refrigerator, it is advisable to let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes without shaking it or exposing it to heat. This will help make the injection less uncomfortable, as injecting a very cold medicine can be more painful. Use this time to make sure your Humira pen is OK:
- Check the expiration date.
- Observe through the pen windows that the solution is clear and free of particles
Step 3: Choose your Humira injection site
Humira is injected directly under the skin into the fatty tissue. The most recommended injection sites are the thigh and abdomen. But remember that it is very important to change the injection site each time to avoid skin complications.
Avoid injecting into areas with scars, bruises, or irritated skin, so choose a spot on your thigh or abdomen at least 5 cm from your belly button and gently clean the skin with an alcohol swab.
Step 4: Prepare your Humira Pen
You are now almost ready to inject Humira, so start by removing the protective cap from the pen by holding the pen with the cap facing up. Check that the small black needle guard has been removed with the cap. Do not touch the needle at this point or try to put the cap back on, as this could damage the needle.
Step 5: How to inject Humira
To inject your Humira dose with the pen, hold the clean area of skin firmly and gently stretch or squeeze it. Place the tip of the pen against the skin at a 90-degree angle . Press the pen firmly against the skin, but do not press the green button until you are ready.
When you are ready, you can trigger the injection by pressing the green button . You will hear a first click. It is very important to maintain pressure on the skin for about 10 seconds until you hear the second "click" or see the yellow indicator fill the window.
Never remove the injection pen before you hear this second click. Once you have heard the second click, you can lift the pen vertically; the needle guard will lock automatically.
Step 6: After the injection
If some blood comes out, don't worry, it can happen. Simply wipe the area with a cotton or gauze pad without rubbing. Remember to always dispose of your used Humira pens in a sharps container in your household trash so it doesn't hurt anyone.
Remember that the pen is for single use only! If you experience reactions such as redness, swelling or pain at the injection site , do not be alarmed - this is usually normal. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Humira Injection
Does it hurt to inject Humira?
The good news is that injecting Humira is not painful for most people. Most of the time, you will feel a slight pinch at the time of the injection. A useful trick to reduce the discomfort of a subcutaneous injection is to allow the pen to come to room temperature before injecting .
In addition, the injection technique also plays a role. A gentle and controlled needle insertion can help make the injection less painful. Relaxation and deep breathing during the injection can also help reduce muscle tension, which in turn can reduce the sensation of pain.
What to do if you forget a dose?
Humira treatment is a long-term treatment and it can happen to any of us that we forget a dose.
- If you notice relatively close to the time you missed a dose, give the injection as soon as possible. For example, if you noticed it on the same day or the day after your usual schedule, you can give the injection at that time.
- However, if you remember the missed dose when the time of the next dose is close (for example, when it is only a day or two away), it is best to skip the missed dose. In this case, continue with your regular schedule and give the next dose on the scheduled day. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose.
- If in doubt, you should ask your doctor for advice.
Keeping an injection calendar can help you avoid forgetting doses. There are also apps that can automatically remind you of your injection appointments.
How do I store my Humira pens?
I assume your doctor or pharmacist has already told you this, but it is particularly important so I would like to repeat it:
Adalimumab, the active ingredient in Humira, is a very sensitive biologic medicine that is sensitive to light and temperature . Humira and sun do not mix.
Proper storage of your Humira injections is crucial to maintaining their effectiveness and safety. Here I explain how to store Humira properly:
- Humira pens should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C.
- It is very important not to freeze Humira because freezing can damage the medicine. If a pen is frozen, you should not use it, even if it is thawed afterwards.
- Store your Humira pens in their original packaging to protect them from light and sunlight.
- If necessary, Humira pens can be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 14 days.
- However, once a pen has reached room temperature, it should not be refrigerated again.
If you must travel with your Humira injections , always transport them in a cooler with an ice pack or a Humira Cooler Bag , such as those from 4AllFamily, to keep them cool or protected from heat.
Remember! It is very important that you follow your doctor's instructions . This guide is not a substitute for his or her instructions and advice, so do not hesitate to ask him or her if you have any further questions.
