What is Humira and how does it work?

About Humira

HUMIRA (adalimumab) is a fully human monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins made by a type of blood cell to fight a foreign particle in the body.

HUMIRA recognises and binds to a specific protein (tumour necrosis factor or TNF-alpha), which is present at increased levels in a range of inflammatory conditions known as autoimmune diseases such as:

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Psoriasis
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Non-radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis
Uveitis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Crohn’s Disease
Hidradenitis Suppurativa

How Humira works inside the body

What is Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a naturally occurring cytokine (small protein) that is involved in normal inflammatory and immune responses. Elevated (higher than normal) levels of TNF are found in some inflammatory conditions.

The cause of autoimmune disease is currently not well understood but it has been found that increased levels of a protein called tumour necrosis factor (TNF ) plays a key role in the excessive inflammation that is a feature of these diseases.

TNF triggers inflammation as part of the body’s normal immune system response, however too much TNF can attack normal, healthy body tissue and cause tissue damage. HUMIRA binds to TNF and neutralises the function of TNF by blocking its interaction with receptors.

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 or single-use pre-filled pen and may contain 20mg, 40mg or 80mg 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, 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 funded prescription medicine under special authorial criteria – for certain indications and patients only. Your doctor can inform you if you are eligible to receive funding. Normal pharmacy and doctor's charge will 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. Ph: 0800 900 030. HUMIRA and Destination You are registered trademarks of AbbVie Biotechnology Ltd.