ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Considering HUMIRA for Ankylosing Spondylitis

If your Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms are continuing to impact you, HUMIRA may help

HUMIRA helps reduce pain and stiffness in many adults

The back pain and stiffness of Ankylosing Spondylitis can be severe and some people find that conventional medicines and treatments, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), may not do enough to relieve their symptoms.

HUMIRA is a biologic medicine that works by identifying and blocking a specific source of inflammation that contributes to Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms. HUMIRA may be an option for you.

HUMIRA for Ankylosing Spondylitis in New Zealand

HUMIRA is only available with a prescription, so if you are still experiencing symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis despite your current treatment, talk to your rheumatologist to see if HUMIRA is right for you.

The government medicine funding agency, PHARMAC, fully subsidises HUMIRA if your Ankylosing Spondylitis has not fully responded to other medicines prescribed by a specialist, and you meet other criteria required by PHARMAC. Your specialist will discuss whether HUMIRA is right for you, and whether you may qualify for PHARMAC funded treatment. Usual doctor’s consultation fees, and pharmacy prescription charges remain payable by you.

HUMIRA has been used for the treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis by Rheumatologists in New Zealand since 2009.

Find out more from our list of useful resources about Ankylosing Spondylitis that has been collated from New Zealand and overseas.

HUMIRA Safety Information

Safety information on this website includes some of the more important information to know about HUMIRA.

How does HUMIRA work?

HUMIRA is a fully human monoclonal antibody. HUMIRA recognises and binds to a specific protein (tumour necrosis factor or TNF-alpha), which is present at increased levels in inflammatory diseases such as Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Starting and taking HUMIRA

What you need to know about taking HUMIRA, including free support to help you get the best out of your HUMIRA treatment.

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When should I expect to see and feel an improvement?

HUMIRA can act quickly; most people with Ankylosing Spondylitis can expect to see improvement in their symptoms within 3 months and in some cases as early as two weeks.^§ You’ll need to be patient and stay on track with your dosing schedule. Some patients may not respond within these timeframes.

Getting results with HUMIRA

Based on clinical studies in adults with active Ankylosing Spondylitis, it is expected that nearly 60% of people may expect to have a reduction in symptoms with HUMIRA after 12 weeks of treatment.^§

Will HUMIRA cure my disease?

Unfortunately, currently there are no treatments available that can cure Ankylosing Spondylitis. HUMIRA will not cure your condition but can help manage your symptoms.

This site is intended for a New Zealand audience.

Important information about HUMIRA. HUMIRA is a prescription medicine containing adalimumab. HUMIRA is available as a single use, pre-filled syringe (containing 20mg or 40mg adalimumab) or single-use, pre-filled pen (containing 40mg adalimumab). It is used in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, enthesitis-related arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, chronic plaque psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, non-infectious uveitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. HUMIRA is only used in patients of a specific age group, in diseases of certain severity (e.g. moderate to severe), and/or after some other treatments have been tried (e.g. conventional therapy).

HUMIRA has risks and benefits. Refer to the Safety Information contained on this website for further details. If you have any questions about using HUMIRA, ask your healthcare professional and refer to the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) available here: HUMIRA PEN CMI or HUMIRA Pre-filled Syringe CMI or by calling freephone 0800 900 030. Ask your doctor if HUMIRA is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue, or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare professional.

HUMIRA is a fully funded medicine under Special Authority for most indications - normal pharmacy prescription charges apply. HUMIRA is not funded for enthesitis-related arthritis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis and ulcerative colitis – a pharmacy charge will apply. Normal doctor’s charges apply.

AbbVie is the company that brings you HUMIRA (adalimumab). For more information about AbbVie, visit www.AbbVie.co.nz | HUMIRA Data Sheet

AbbVie Limited, 6th floor, 156-158 Victoria street, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand 0800 900 030. HUMIRA and Destination You are registered trademarks of AbbVie Biotechnology Ltd.