| TNF alpha is a cytokine, a unique protein that is | | | | occurred in patients receiving Humira. In some cases, |
| produced during the inflammatory response. TNF | | | | these infections have been fatal. Before starting the |
| alpha is not only the result of inflammation, it is also a | | | | drug, a patient should be tested for TB. Any |
| substance that promotes the inflammation. Increased | | | | medication prescribed for the treatment of TB should |
| levels of TNF are found in several inflammatory | | | | start before beginning Humira and should be |
| conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic | | | | continued until the full course of medication is |
| arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. Drugs that block | | | | completed. |
| tumor necrosis factor (TNF) have been found to be | | | | Since Humira suppresses important parts of the |
| particularly effective for the treatment of these | | | | immune system, a patient should not receive |
| serious forms of inflammatory arthritis. | | | | vaccines containing live virus. |
| Adalimumab (Humira) is constructed from a fully | | | | Having an infection could put a patient at risk for |
| human monoclonal antibody. It binds to TNF alpha, | | | | serious side effects from Humira. |
| preventing it from activating TNF receptors. | | | | TNF-blocking agents have been associated with |
| It acts like a barrier to the interaction between TNF | | | | reactivation of hepatitis B. Some cases have been |
| alpha and receptors for TNF alpha on immune cells. | | | | fatal. |
| This prevents TNF alpha from perpetuating | | | | Rare cases of demyelinating syndromes such as |
| inflammation and the pain, tenderness and swelling of | | | | multiple sclerosis have been reported. |
| joints in patients with different types of arthritis. | | | | Anti-TNF drugs should be used with caution in |
| Humira reduces the signs and symptoms of | | | | patients with congestive heart failure. |
| rheumatoid arthritis, the arthritis of psoriasis, and | | | | Combining Humira and Kineret (anakinra) is not |
| ankylosing spondylitis. It also prevents the | | | | recommended |
| progression of joint destruction in patients with | | | | Humira is contraindicated in pregnancy as well as for |
| rheumatoid arthritis and the arthritis of psoriasis. | | | | use in nursing mothers. |
| Humira can be used alone or in combination with | | | | There have been rare cases of severe allergic |
| methotrexate. The drug has been approved for use | | | | reactions after taking Humira. Lymphoma and |
| in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and | | | | pancytopenia (low blood counts) have also been |
| ankylosing spondylitis. | | | | rarely reported in patients taking anti-TNF therapy. |
| It comes in a 40 mg prefilled syringe and is | | | | The most common side-effects are injection site |
| administered subcutaneously every two weeks. The | | | | reactions, upper respiratory tract infections, |
| syringe must be kept refrigerated. | | | | headache, and nausea. |
| Serious infections, including tuberculosis, have | | | | |