How long can you stay on Humira?
Humira (adalimumab) is considered a maintenance (long-term) medication. Your doctor will assess you at regular intervals to be sure staying on Humira is appropriate for you. Based on your antiinflammatory response, your treatment length may differ from other patients. Do not stop taking Humira unless your doctor tells you to stop.
Humira is a biologic drug used to treat many different autoimmune-types of diseases where inflammation leads to symptoms such as in rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, plaque psoriasis, adults and pediatric ulcerative colitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Humira will not cure these diseases but can help to relieve your symptoms and control your disease worsening.
Always follow your doctor's instructions about when and how often to use Humira. Your dose for Humira can also vary and depends on the condition being treated. However, many patients stay on Humira for years.
In some cases, your doctor may decide to lower your dose or stop your treatment all together. In a study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, researchers found that discontinuation of a biologic should not be attempted unless your doctor regularly assesses your activity, sets a treatment goal, and reinstates your medication if needed.
What is the mechanism of action for Humira?
Humira from AbbVie is a biologic injectable protein known as a monoclonal antibody. It's classified as a Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) alpha inhibitor, and binds to and blocks the action of TNF in your body to lower inflammation.
Humira is given as a self-administered subcutaneous injection (under the skin). Because TNF blockers like Humira affect the immune system, they can lower the ability to fight infections.
The most common side effects seen with Humira in clinical trials include upper respiratory tract infections, injection site reactions, headache and rash.
Related questions
- What happens when you stop taking Humira?
- What are the new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
- How much does Humira cost without insurance?
Bottom Line
- Humira (adalimumab) is a medication that is used over the long-term. Your doctor will check your medication at regular intervals to be sure staying on Humira is appropriate for you.
- Your dose for Humira can also vary and depends on the condition being treated. However, many patients stay on Humira for many years.
- Your treatment length may differ from other patients. Do not stop taking Humira unless your doctor tells you to stop.
This is not all the information you need to know about Humira (adalimumab) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Humira information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Humira Injection [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie Inc. Accessed March 8, 2021 at https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/humira.pdf
- Verhoef LM, van den Bemt BJF, van der Maas A, et al. Downâtitration and discontinuation strategies of tumour necrosis factor–blocking agents for rheumatoid arthritis in patients with low disease activity. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019, Issue 5. CD010455. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010455.pub3
Read next
Related medical questions
- How long can Humira be out of the fridge?
- What are monoclonal antibodies?
- What are biosimilar drugs and how do they compare to biologics?
- Can you drink alcohol while taking Humira?
- Can I take Humira after covid vaccine?
- Can you take Humira with antibiotics?
- How do you inject Humira?
- Is Humira an immunosuppressant?
- Cosentyx vs Humira: How do they compare?
- What's the difference between Cimzia and Humira?
- Does Humira cause muscle spasms?
- Is Humira good for treating hidradenitis suppurativa?
- Skyrizi vs Humira for plaque psoriasis - How do they compare?
- Is Amjevita interchangeable with Humira?
- Who are the actors in the Humira commercial?
- What are the new drugs for plaque psoriasis?
- What biosimilars have been approved in the United States?
- What are biologic drugs and how do they work?
- What causes Plaque Psoriasis?
- Does Humira make you feel tired?
- Does Humira cause hair loss?
- Humira and Pregnancy: What should I know?
- What is the difference between Amjevita and Humira?
- What is the difference between Cyltezo and Humira?
Drug information
- Humira Information for Consumers
- Humira prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Humira (detailed)
Related support groups
- Humira (69 questions, 370 members)