For Inflammatory Bowel Disease
UC and Crohns disease are the most common inflammatory bowel diseases .
American Gastroenterological Association treatment guidelines strongly recommend both Stelara and Humira for moderate to severe UC in adults. Which drug your doctor prescribes will depend on many factors.
American Journal of Gastroenterology treatment guidelines strongly recommend tumor necrosis factor blockers, such as Humira, to treat moderate to severe Crohns disease. TNF blockers can help adults with Crohns reach and maintain remission when standard options havent worked well enough.
These guidelines also state that Stelara may be a good treatment option for some adults with moderate to severe Crohns disease. Stelara may benefit those whose condition hasnt improved with other drugs, including TNF blockers. And it may be a good option for those who havent used a TNF blocker for Crohns.
Note: If youd like to read about how each drug performed in certain studies, see the prescribing information for Stelara and for Humira.
Side Effects And Risks
Although Humira and Entyvio contain different active drugs, these medications can cause very similar side effects, but some different ones as well. Below are examples of these side effects.
Mild side effects
These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with Humira, with Entyvio, or with both Humira and Entyvio .
- Can occur with Humira:
- injection site reactions
for these side effects. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information, see FDA warnings at the beginning of this article.
Rated For Rheumatoid Arthritis Report
I took Humira for 9 months. My pain got much worse. I was taking it for Psoriatic Arthritis. I took my last dose a month ago and I am feeling much better. It caused high cholesterol and I have a lump in my throat and I am having trouble swallowing. I am seeing an ENT in a few weeks. A rare side effect is that Humira can cause parathyroid disease. While on Humira the pain Im my feet legs and ankles was so much worse. I could not sleep. I will post again after I see the EMT at the end of August.
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Humira: How Does Humira Work For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Jump to:Humira’s UsesHumira By ItselfSide EffectsEffectivenessDosage
Having rheumatoid arthritis can be a pain, literally. Joints ache and are stiff, and the chronic struggle with discomfort can wear you down and make you depressed and unhappy. Fortunately, there are medications like Humira that can brighten up your life again, help you feel better, and allow you to move around with less pain. But should you take them? Are they right for your needs, and are they safe? Getting those types of questions answered can help you work with your doctor to determine if Humira is right for you. Heres what you need to know about this particular medication, what it can do to help, and its side effects.
Humira For Other Conditions
In addition to the uses listed above, Humira may be used off-label. Off-label drug use is when a drug thats approved for one use is used for a different one thats not approved. And you may wonder if Humira is used for certain other conditions. Below is information on other possible uses for Humira.
Humira for osteoarthritis
Humira isnt approved by the FDA for treating osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis. But the drug may be used off-label for the condition.
One study looked at 56 people with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee. They were given an injection of either Humira or hyaluronic acid directly in their knee. Researchers found that people who received Humira reported more significant decreases in pain compared with people who received hyaluronic acid.
If youd like to learn more about using Humira for osteoarthritis, talk with your doctor. They can recommend the best treatments for you.
Humira for sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a condition in which inflamed cells in your body build up in masses or nodules on various organs. It most commonly affects the lungs and lymph nodes.
Humira isnt FDA-approved to treat sarcoidosis. But the drug may be used off-label for the condition.
A systematic review looked at studies of TNF blocker drugs for treating different types of sarcoidosis. The review found that Humira may work to treat forms of sarcoidosis that affect the skin or eyes.
Humira for IBS
Humira isnt FDA-approved to treat IBS.
Humira for lupus
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Savings Tip #: Use Your Insurance
The best way to save on Humira is to use your insurance. Yes, Humira is covered by most insurance plans, but there is a catch. Most plans require that patients submit a prior authorization form or complete step therapy before they will cover the drug. You can learn more about these restrictions here, but in essence, they make getting your drug more complicated.
If you find that Humira isnt covered by your insurance plan, ask your doctor about an appeal. The exact process will depend on your insurance, but often requires that you work with your doctor to submit an appeal letter.
Fertility Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
If youre planning to try for a baby, if you become pregnant, or if youre thinking of breastfeeding, we suggest you discuss your medications with your rheumatologist.
Current guidelines suggest that its fine for men and women to take adalimumab when trying for a baby.
Women can also take adalimumab in the first six months of pregnancy.
Youll usually be advised to come off adalimumab in the last three months of pregnancy so that your baby can have a normal vaccination schedule at birth. But if your arthritis is bad, you might be advised to take adalimumab throughout your entire pregnancy. If you do, then your baby should not have any live vaccines, such as a BCG, until theyre seven months old.
You should be OK to breastfeed while taking adalimumab, but the research is limited so it would be a good idea to talk to your doctor about this.
If youre on methotrexate as well as adalimumab, you should stop taking methotrexate, and use contraception for at least three months before trying to become pregnant. You mustnt take methotrexate if youre pregnant or breastfeeding. But its fine for men to take methotrexate when trying to father a baby.
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Rated For Hidradenitis Suppurativa Report
The clicking sound prior to the injection makes it so scary. The needle slowly sliding makes it more Painful. The shape of the tip makes it hard to grab extra soon and inject without losing the majority of the meds. When I go back to my Dr in a few weeks, I am going to switch from the pens to a syringe, because the injection can be given faster so it will be less painful.
Remember Tell Your Doctor Right Away If You Have An Infection Or Symptoms Of An Infection Including:
- Fever, sweats, or chills
- Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
- Diarrhea or stomach pain
- Urinating more often than normal
- Feeling very tired
HUMIRA is given by injection under the skin.
This is the most important information to know about HUMIRA. For more information, talk to your health care provider.
Uses
HUMIRA is a prescription medicine used:
- To reduce the signs and symptoms of:
- Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults. HUMIRA can be used alone, with methotrexate, or with certain other medicines. HUMIRA may prevent further damage to your bones and joints and may help your ability to perform daily activities.
- Moderate to severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children 2 years of age and older. HUMIRA can be used alone or with methotrexate.
- Psoriatic arthritis in adults. HUMIRA can be used alone or with certain other medicines. HUMIRA may prevent further damage to your bones and joints and may help your ability to perform daily activities.
- Ankylosing spondylitis in adults.
- Moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in people 12 years and older.
US-HUM-210186
US-HUMR-210021
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Place Of Adalimumab In Therapy
Adalimumab in combination with MTX or standard antirheumatic therapies, or as monotherapy, is effective in the treatment of adults with active RA who have had an inadequate response to DMARDs. Adalimumab is also effective in the treatment of patients with moderately to severely active PsA, improving both joint and skin manifestations of the disease as well as disability due to joint damage . In the ATLAS trial, adalimumab significantly reduced the signs and symptoms of active AS and established a sustained clinical response in patients who had an inadequate response or intolerance to NSAID therapy . ACR treatment guidelines recommend the use of biologic agents in patients who have a contraindication to MTX therapy or who have not achieved adequate disease control with MTX because of poor efficacy or tolerability. Unlike traditional DMARDs, patients receiving adalimumab do not require routine laboratory monitoring for adverse effects. As with the other TNF antagonists, patients must be screened for infections prior to commencing therapy and monitored for the presence of infection during therapy.
What Else Should I Know
The adalimumab pen or pre-filled syringe must be refrigerated in its original container. Do not freeze this medicine. If you are traveling, you may store adalimumab at room temperature at a maximum of 77oF for up to 14 days.
You must continue your regular visits to the rheumatologist. Your doctor will monitor you for any improvements in your disease and for any signs of infections. Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers, including adalimumab.
A Federal Drug Administration approved medication guide can be found at:
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Do Stelara And Humira Work The Same Way
Stelara and Humira both work by suppressing overactive parts of your immune system. This helps lower inflammation that causes tissue damage and the symptoms of your condition. But they dont work in exactly the same way.
Heres how these drugs compare:
- Stelara lowers inflammation by blocking interleukin-12 and interleukin-23. These are inflammatory substances that your immune system makes in response to antigens . If your immune system overproduces these substances, it causes too much inflammation that can damage healthy tissues. This damage brings about symptoms of your condition.
- Humira lowers inflammation by blocking tumor necrosis factor .TNF is another substance that your immune system makes that leads to inflammation. It signals other immune cells so they can help fight infections. If your immune system makes too much TNF, it can cause too much inflammation that damages healthy tissues. This damage causes symptoms of your condition.
Is It Safe To Have Surgery While Im Taking Humira
Theres not a lot of research on whether its safe to have surgery while taking Humira.
One potential side effect of Humira is an increased risk of serious infections,* such as tuberculosis . This is because Humira can weaken your immune system. Having surgery also places you at a higher risk for infection. So theres concern that having surgery while taking Humira can raise your risk further.
In a review of clinical studies, people with RA who stopped taking drugs called tumor necrosis factor blockers for at least one dose before surgery had a lower risk of infection.
If you plan on having surgery while taking Humira, talk with your doctor. Theyll help determine the right treatment plan for you.
for serious infections. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from Food and Drug Administration . For more information, see FDA warnings at the beginning of this article.
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Ra Is A Chronic Progressive Disease That Can Cause Irreversible Joint Damage
- RA is a chronic condition, which means its for life.
- RA occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints.
- RA symptoms may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of physical function in areas such as your hands, wrists, shoulders, knees, and feet. Over time these symptoms can lead to irreversible joint damage.
- RA may result from a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and your immune system, even though the exact cause is unknown.
What Is A Package Insert
A package insert is required by the FDA and contains a summary of the essential scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of the drug for healthcare providers and consumers. A package insert typically includes information regarding specific indications, administration schedules, dosing, side effects, contraindications, results from some clinical trials, chemical structure, pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the specific drug. By carefully reviewing the package insert, you will get the most complete and current information about how to safely use this drug. If you do not have the package insert for the drug you are using, your pharmacist or physician may be able to provide you with a copy.
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What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Humira
You should discuss the potential benefits and risks of HUMIRA with your doctor. HUMIRA is a TNF blocker medicine that can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. You should not start taking HUMIRA if you have any kind of infection unless your doctor says it is okay.
- Serious infections have happened in people taking HUMIRA. These serious infections include tuberculosis and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your doctor should test you for TB before starting HUMIRA, and check you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with HUMIRA, even if your TB test was negative. If your doctor feels you are at risk, you may be treated with medicine for TB.
- Cancer. For children and adults taking TNF blockers, including HUMIRA, the chance of getting lymphoma or other cancers may increase. There have been cases of unusual cancers in children, teenagers, and young adults using TNF blockers. Some people have developed a rare type of cancer called hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma. This type of cancer often results in death. If using TNF blockers including HUMIRA, your chance of getting two types of skin cancer may increase. These types are generally not life-threatening if treated tell your doctor if you have a bump or open sore that doesnt heal.
Can I Switch Between Stelara And Humira
The short answer: Its possible.
Details: Stelara and Humira are both biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs . Biologics are newer, targeted therapies derived from living sources. And DMARDs suppress certain parts of your immune system to help reduce inflammation . This helps prevent damage to your healthy tissues and symptoms of your condition.
These drugs are both used to treat similar autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis or ulcerative colitis . So you may be able to switch between Stelara and Humira.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend the switch. For example:
- If you have psoriatic arthritis thats not controlled with Stelara, your doctor may suggest switching to Humira. This switch is recommended by the American College of Rheumatology.
- According to American Gastroenterological Association treatment guidelines, Stelara and Humira are both first-choice treatments for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis. So if you need to switch because of side effects or costs, it may be possible.
However, choosing to switch between these drugs isnt always a simple decision. Your doctor may or may not recommend it based on many factors, such as:
- your condition and other medical treatments
- your experience with past treatments
- your risk for serious side effects
- any side effects youve had
- your other medications
- recommendations from the latest treatment guidelines
- drug costs or availability
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What Are The Side Effects Of Stelara And Humira
Like many drugs, Stelara and Humira may cause side effects. These side effects may vary depending on the condition each drug is being used to treat. Overall, most common side effects of both drugs are mild, and serious side effects are rare.
Note: For more information about possible side effects, see this article on Stelara side effects and the side effects section of this Humira article.
Does Humira Work By Itself
Some people take Humira alone, and others take the drug in combination with methotrexate or another type of RA medication. Which option is best is something for you and your doctor to decide, based on how severe your RA already is when you are diagnosed, how fast it seems to be progressing, as well as other factors. It is very important to give your physician a detailed past medical history including allergies, and medications that you are currently taking, including other RA treatment medications, over the counter medications, and supplements.
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Humira For Ankylosing Spondylitis
Humira is FDA-approved to treat ankylosing spondylitis thats active in adults. Active means that you have symptoms. The goal of Humira is to reduce the signs and symptoms of AS.
AS is a form of arthritis that primarily affects your spine. It can also cause joint pain and stiffness in other parts of your body. AS results in severe inflammation in your vertebrae, which are the small bones that form your spine. AS can lead to chronic pain, disability, and spinal deformities in severe cases.
Sometimes AS can have periods of flare-ups. These are times when symptoms get worse. There can also be periods of remission. These are times when symptoms ease, become less frequent, or disappear.
Its not entirely known what causes AS. Its believed that incorrect immune system responses may play a role, meaning the immune system becomes active when it shouldnt. Humira treats AS by blocking a protein called TNF. This decreases the activity of your immune system, leading to a reduction in AS symptoms and flare-ups.
Effectiveness for ankylosing spondylitis
Humira has been proven effective for treating AS in adults.
Clinical studies looked at whether Humira was better than a placebo at easing AS symptoms.
Researchers found that 58% of people who took Humira had a 20% improvement in AS symptoms at week 12. In comparison, 21% of people who took placebo had a 20% improvement in AS symptoms.