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HUMIRA is part of a class of medications called TNF (tumor necrosis factor) blockers. HUMIRA works by neutralizing TNF, a protein in your body that can cause inflammation. HUMIRA blocks TNF in your body and helps reduce the inflammation too much TNF can cause.
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How is HUMIRA different from other medications that treat psoriasis?

HUMIRA is a medication that is taken by injection. And once your doctor shows you how to take HUMIRA, the injections can be taken in the convenience of your own home. Starting one week after the initial dose (two injections), you only need to take one injection of HUMIRA every other week.
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Can I use HUMIRA if I'm taking other medicines for my psoriasis or other conditions?

Yes, you can take other medicines if your doctor has prescribed them, or has told you it's okay to take them while you're taking HUMIRA. It's important that you tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking for other conditions (for example, high blood pressure medicine) before you start taking HUMIRA.
You also should tell your doctor about any over-the-counter drugs, painkillers, herbal medicines, and vitamin and mineral supplements you're taking. You should not take HUMIRA with other TNF blockers or with another medication called Kineret® (anakinra). If you have questions, you should ask your doctor.
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How do I use HUMIRA?

You take HUMIRA by giving yourself an injection under the skin, every other week (starting one week after your initial dose). HUMIRA cannot be taken by mouth. Ask your doctor to show you or a caregiver how to inject HUMIRA. Make sure you have been shown how to inject HUMIRA before you do it yourself. If you accidentally take more HUMIRA than you were told to take, you should call your doctor.
You can call your doctor or the HUMIRA Patient Resource Center at 1.800.4HUMIRA (448.6472) if you have any questions about giving yourself an injection. Someone you know can also help you with your injection.
Remember to take this medicine just as your doctor has told you and do not miss any dose.
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When should I use HUMIRA?

Some patients find it helpful to inject HUMIRA in the morning or at bedtime. However, once you find a time that you prefer, taking the medication at a consistent time can help you remember to take it. It's also a good idea to mark your calendar ahead of time with the dates of your treatment. This may help you remember when to take it. Always follow your doctor's instructions on when and how often to take HUMIRA.
If you forget to take HUMIRA when you're supposed to, inject the next dose right away. Then take your next dose when your next scheduled dose is due. This will put you back on schedule. If you have any questions, consult your doctor.
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How should I store HUMIRA?

HUMIRA needs to be stored in a refrigerator (2°C-8°C/36°F-46°F) in its original container and protected from light until it's used. HUMIRA should never be put in the freezer or frozen. Refrigerated HUMIRA remains stable until the expiration date printed on the pre-filled syringe or Pen. If you need to take it with you, such as when you're traveling, store it in a cool carrier with an ice pack and protect the prefilled syringe from light. Do not use a Pen or prefilled syringe if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or has flakes or particles in it. Care should be taken to avoid dropping or crushing the product as it contains a glass syringe.
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How often and for how long will I have to use HUMIRA?

The recommended dose of HUMIRA for adult patients with psoriasis is 80 mg (two 40-mg HUMIRA Pens) on Day 1, and then 40 mg (one HUMIRA Pen) every other week beginning on Day 8. Always follow your doctor's instructions about when and how often to use HUMIRA.
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Will HUMIRA cure my disease?

Unfortunately, there are no current treatments available that can cure psoriasis. However, HUMIRA is a TNF blocker that can help improve skin symptoms associated with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.
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How long before I will start to see and feel improvement?

In clinical trials, many people taking HUMIRA for psoriasis saw an improvement in skin symptoms in 16 weeks. However, individual results may vary. Talk to your healthcare professional to learn more about how HUMIRA might work for you.
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What should I do with my used Pen or syringe after I take HUMIRA? Can I reuse the needle?

HUMIRA comes in single-dose, pre-filled Pens or in pre-filled syringes. The needle is not removable or reusable.
You should always check with your healthcare provider for instructions on how to properly dispose of used Pens and syringes. You should follow any special state or local laws regarding the proper disposal of Pens and syringes. DO NOT throw the Pen or syringe in the household trash or recycle. Here are some tips that you may find helpful:
Place the used Pens and syringes in a "Sharps" container, which is specially made for disposing of used syringes and needles. Or you can use a hard plastic container with a screw-on cap or ****l container with a plastic lid labeled "used syringes." Do not use glass or clear plastic containers. You should always keep the container out of the reach of children.
When the container is about two-thirds full, tape the cap or lid down so it doesn't come off, then dispose of it as instructed by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not throw the container in the household trash or recycle. Sign up for our free Sharps disposal service at myHUMIRA.com.
Items used in preparation of your injection, such as gauze or cotton balls, may be placed in the trash, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. The dose tray and cover may be recycled.
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What is the most important information I should know about HUMIRA?

HUMIRA is a medicine that affects your immune system. HUMIRA can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Serious infections have happened in patients receiving HUMIRA. These infections include TB (tuberculosis) and infections caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. Some patients have died from these infections.
HUMIRA may not be right for you. Before starting HUMIRA, tell your doctor if you:

• think you have any kind of infection, even if it is very minor (such as an open sore).
• are being treated for an infection
• have signs of an infection, such as a fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms
• have warm, red, or painful skin
• get a lot of infections or have infections that keep coming back
• have or had hepatitis B infection. If you are a chronic carrier of the virus that causes hepatitis B, taking HUMIRA could cause the hepatitis B virus to become an active infection again.
• have TB, or have been in close contact with someone who has TB. Your doctor should test you for TB before starting HUMIRA. If your doctor prescribes any medicine for the treatment of TB, you should start taking it before starting HUMIRA and take the full course of TB medicine prescribed.
• have lived in an area where TB or histoplasmosis is common. If you do not know if you have lived in an area where TB or histoplasmosis is common, ask your doctor.
• were born in, lived in, or traveled to countries where there is more risk of getting TB. Ask your doctor if you are not sure.
• take the medicine Kineret (anakinra). You may have a higher chance for serious infections and a low white blood cell count when taking HUMIRA with Kineret.
• are scheduled to have major surgery

After starting HUMIRA, call your doctor right away if you get an infection, or any sign of an infection, including:

• a fever
• feel very tired
• a cough
• flu-like symptoms
• warm, red, or painful skin
• open sores on your body

HUMIRA can make you more likely to get infections or make an infection that you may have worse.