Adalimumab (Humira) Injection: Let's learn about this medicine in simple terms!

There are some diseases, the pain and discomfort that come with them are really difficult to live with. Many people suffer from autoimmune diseases, especially those that are caused by certain problems in the body's immune system. So today we are going to talk about Adalimumab injection, a slightly advanced drug that is used to treat several such diseases. This may have been prescribed to you by your doctor under the brand name Humira.

What diseases is this medicine used for?

Adalimumab is not a medicine that is given to treat a single disease. It mainly helps to control diseases caused by the body's immune system attacking its own healthy cells. Simply put, it controls unnecessary inflammation and swelling in the body.

Here are some of the main conditions for which your doctor may prescribe this medication:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This is a condition that most commonly occurs in adults and causes swollen, stiff, and painful joints.
• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA): A condition that affects children over 2 years of age and causes joint swelling and pain, as well as can affect a child's growth.
• Crohn's Disease: A disease that causes inflammation of the digestive system, especially the intestines. This causes symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, and weight loss.
• Ulcerative Colitis: This is also a condition that causes inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: This mainly affects the joints of the spine, causing back pain and stiffness.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: A condition in which the skin disease psoriasis is accompanied by inflammation of the joints.
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A skin condition that causes painful boils and acne-like bumps in sweaty areas such as the armpits and groin.
• Uveitis : A condition that causes inflammation of the inner parts of the eye, causing redness and pain.
• Plaque Psoriasis: A common skin disease that causes red, scaly patches on the skin.

How does this medicine work in the body?

To understand this, let's first understand a little about the immune system malfunction. Imagine that our body's defenses (the immune system) go a little crazy and start attacking our own healthy cells and tissues instead of foreign germs. This is how many of the diseases we talked about above develop.

When the immune system malfunctions in this way, inside the bodyA protein called Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is produced in excess. This TNF protein is what causes symptoms like pain, swelling, and inflammation, and it damages healthy cells.

Adalimumab works very simply. It's like a missile that goes straight to its target. When this drug enters the body, it seeks out those TNF proteins that are overproduced and deactivates them. More precisely, it blocks the ability of those TNF proteins to damage healthy cells. Then the pain, swelling, and inflammation are gradually controlled.

Things to tell your doctor before starting medication

This is very important. Before prescribing Adalimumab to you, your doctor should know your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• If you have cancer or have had it before.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you are scheduled to have surgery soon.
• If you have heart disease.
• If you are infected with Hepatitis B.
• If there are other weaknesses in the immune system.
• If you currently have an infectious condition in the body, for example, tuberculosis (TB) or other bacterial, fungal, or viral infection.
• If you have a nervous system disease such as multiple sclerosis.
• If you have recently received or are about to receive a vaccine.
• If you have allergies to adalimumab or to rubber or latex.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.

What are the possible side effects of the medication?

Like any medicine, Adalimumab can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. The most important thing is to be aware of these and take action if any serious symptoms occur.

How do you use this injection?

This medicine is given as a subcutaneous injection. You will usually be taught how to take it at the hospital or clinic. It is very important to take the exact dose on the exact day, as your doctor tells you. You should continue to take the medicine until he tells you to stop.

Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash . They should be placed in a sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor how to get one.

What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once. It is best to talk to your doctor about what to do if you miss a dose.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

How to store the medicine?

It is also very important to store this correctly.

• In the refrigerator: Store at a temperature between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius (inside the refrigerator, not in the door). Do not store in the freezer. Do not use the medicine if it freezes.
• At room temperature: If necessary, this medicine can be kept at room temperature for up to 14 days. However, if so, protect it from light and discard any remaining contents after 14 days.
• Dispose of expired medicines safely out of reach of children and pets.