Description

Humira: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, and Safety Guide

What Is Humira?

Humira is a biologic that works by targeting a protein called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). This protein is important for inflammation. However, too much TNF activity may be involved in some autoimmune diseases.

Humira works by blocking TNF-alpha, which can help to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms of some conditions. If the drug is suitable for a patient’s diagnosis and medical history, a health professional may prescribe it.

Humira isn’t for everyone. Patients should also follow the healthcare professional’s instructions for its use and monitoring.

### What Is Humira Used For?

Doctors prescribe Humira for a variety of inflammatory conditions. The approved uses may be different depending on your age, diagnosis and the prescribing information in your local area.

1. Rheumatoid arthiritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that leads to inflammation in the joints. It can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement.

“Humira can reduce inflammation and improve joint symptoms in the right patients. In addition, controlling inflammation could help to prevent joint damage over time.

2. Artritis psoriática

It can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints and symptoms of psoriasis. Humira may help with joint inflammation and some skin symptoms. But different people react differently to treatment.

3. Spondylitis ankylosans

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine. It can cause chronic back pain and stiffness.

In the right patients Humira can decrease inflammation and improve symptoms. But it’s up to a doctor to decide if this treatment is right.

4. Plaque Type Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is a skin condition that causes raised, red patches with a silvery scale. Humira may help if you qualify for treatment and may help reduce the severity of symptoms in some patients.

5. Crohn’s Disease 6.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and abdominal pain.

Humira can help some patients control inflammation and prevent disease flares. Regular medical follow-up also helps doctors to see how well the treatment is working.

6. Colitis (Ulcerative)

Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation in the colon and rectum. It may cause diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and rectal bleeding.

Humira may help control symptoms and keep appropriate patients in remission. However, the physician has to evaluate the patient’s condition before beginning treatment.

7. Other Conditions Approved

Depending on the patient’s age and applicable prescribing guidelines, Humira may also be used in conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa and certain forms of uveitis. A few inflammatory conditions of young people may also qualify for treatment.

How Humira Works?

Humira blocks a protein called TNF-alpha, part of the body’s inflammatory response. This protein can be blocked when it causes an autoimmune disorder to decrease inflammation.

This may mean that some patients have less pain, swelling, stiffness, or other symptoms of the disease. Humira is not a cure for every condition it treats, and it may take time before you notice any benefits.

Advantages of Humira

The benefits of Humira may differ for each condition treated. Those patients that are appropriate may benefit from:

• Less inflammation and swelling.
• Better comfort and mobility of joints.
• Slight improvement of skin symptoms.
• Relief of symptoms associated with certain inflammatory bowel diseases.
• Helps to maintain remission in certain situations.
• Improved ability to manage daily activities when symptoms are addressed.

These benefits may be important, but the results vary from person to person. Therefore, patients are encouraged to follow up with their healthcare professional and discuss their progress.

Possible Side Effects of Humira

Humira, like all prescription medicines, can cause side effects. Possible side effects are:

• Redness, swelling, itching, or pain at the injection site.
• Headache.
• Rash.
• Minor respiratory infections.
• Some patients have nausea or other minor side effects.

Some side effects may require immediate medical attention. Humira can cause serious infections, including tuberculosis and certain fungal infections. It also can reactivate hepatitis B in people who have the virus.

Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat, severe weakness). Severe allergic reactions also require prompt medical attention.

Safety Precautions of Importance

Tell your healthcare provider about your medical history and all the medicines you take before you start Humira.

Some important precautions are

1. Infection screening: Your doctor should screen you for the risk of tuberculosis and other infections before you start treatment.
2. Vaccinations: Talk to your health care professional about vaccines. Live vaccines are generally avoided while on treatment.
3. Existing conditions: Tell us if you have a history of repeated infections, hepatitis B, heart failure, nervous system disorders, or cancer.
4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss with your health care professional advice that is right for you.
5. Regular checkups: Keep your appointments and tell your doctor right away if you notice any new or worsening symptoms.

Do not begin, end, or alter your treatment without consulting a doctor.

Summary

Humira is a biologic prescription medicine that helps control many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions by blocking a protein called TNF-alpha. It may help to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in appropriate patients. But it can also cause side effects and make you more likely to get serious infections.