Taking HUMIRA
Here’s what you need to know about taking HUMIRA.
Important information about changes to your HUMIRA (adalimumab) treatment.
Please be assured that:
- Your HUMIRA still has the same active ingredient (adalimumab) as before, which means it continues to work in the same way.
- Your prescribed dose will not need to change, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
- You should continue to take your HUMIRA at the same time (as prescribed by your doctor) and store it in the same way as you did before.
- You may wish to call your pharmacist to ensure your HUMIRA is in stock, before filling your HUMIRA prescription.
Key changes
- Contains no citrate
- Has fewer other inactive ingredients
- Is delivered in a lower volume
The HUMIRA Pen has been re-designed to simplify the injection process and help improve your injection experience:
HUMIRA single-use pen instructions
Instructions for using the HUMIRA single-use pen
HUMIRA single-use syringe instructions
Instructions for using the HUMIRA single-use syringe
Frequently Asked Questions
sleeper
Will the re-formulated HUMIRA work as well as my current HUMIRA?
Your HUMIRA still has the same active ingredient (adalimumab) as before, which means it continues to work in the same way.
Will my injection feel different?
Does my dose change now that the injection volume has been reduced?
Will HUMIRA cost any more at the pharmacy?
I already have a supply of HUMIRA in my fridge, what should I do?
Speak to your healthcare practitioner should you have any additional questions about your condition or the use of your prescribed medication.
Remembering to take your HUMIRA
Some people find it helpful to inject HUMIRA in the morning or at bedtime. However, once you find a time that you prefer, using the medicine at a consistent time can help you remember to take it. It’s also a good idea to mark your calendar with the dates of your treatment as this may help you remember when to use it. Always follow your doctor’s instructions on when and how often to use HUMIRA.
If you forget to use HUMIRA when you’re supposed to, inject the next dose as soon as you remember. Then inject your next dose as you would have on your originally scheduled day, had you not forgotten the dose. Do not give yourself two injections to make up for the injection that you missed. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take the next dose when you are meant to.
Order a replacement sharps container
If you are taking the HUMIRA brand of adalimumab you can request a replacement sharps container by contacting requests@ordersharps.co.nz.
You will need to provide your name, address and the last 4 numbers of the LOT number. The LOT number is located on either the top or bottom flap of your medication box or the side of your HUMIRA pen/syringe.
Storing and travelling with HUMIRA
Keep HUMIRA in the outer carton until it is time to use it. HUMIRA must be kept in the refrigerator (2- 8°C) but don’t allow it to freeze. If you are travelling, a single HUMIRA pre-filled pen or pre-filled syringe may be stored at room temperature (below 25°C) for a maximum period of 14 days, but it must be protected from light. Once removed from the refrigerator for room temperature storage, the syringe or pen must be used within 14 days or discarded even if it is returned to the refrigerator. If additional syringes or pens are being carried, they should be refrigerated (kept between 2-8°C).
When planning to travel overseas it is important that you:
- talk to your doctor about travelling with HUMIRA
- carry a letter from your doctor detailing what HUMIRA is, how much you will be taking, and stating that it is for your own personal use
- leave HUMIRA in its original packaging so it is clearly labelled with your name and dosage instructions (if you are taking HUMIRA pens/syringes with you)
- You should carry your HUMIRA with you as hand luggage onto the airplane. Confirm with the airline about carrying HUMIRA on the plane and through customs
- keep HUMIRA at the correct storage conditions outlined above
