What Is Humira (Adalimumab)?
Humira is an antibody that is injected into our bodies through a surface injection. Humira is believed to prevent the harmful inflammatory conditions caused by the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) in various arthritic conditions and Crohn’s disease of the intestine. When our body is injured, it produces an inflammation in response to the injury making it possible to repair the raptured tissues. The body responds to the inflammation, by producing TNF.
Manufacturer Information
Humira was produced in 1993 by through a scientific corroboration between Bioresearch Corporation and the Cambridge Antibody Technology. After the prototypes, the mass production and product marketing was handed to Abbott Laboratories, after it bought the pharmaceutical wing of Bioresearch Corporation in January 2013. Abbott Laboratories was to later split into two different companies; AbbVie and Abbott. AbbVie took over from BASF for future manufacture, development and marketing of Humira.
List of Ingredients
- Adalimumab
- sodium chloride
- monobasic sodium phosphate dehydrate
- dibasic sodium phosphate dehydrate
- sodium citrate
- acid monohydrate
- mannitol
- polysorbate
- Water for Injection
How Does Humira (Adalimumab) Work?
Humira works the same as natural antibodies secreted by the immune system. It specifically isolates and bonds to the harmful TNF alpha. TNF increase the inflammation and the signs resulting from the inflammation; fever, tenderness, pain and swelling of the joints (arthritis) and fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea in Crohn’s disease. Inflammation in our joints leads to week joints worsening the cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
Humira (Adalimumab) Advantages
- Humira (Adalimumab) is injected on the surface of the body thus hastening it’s absorption into the body
- Humira (Adalimumab) has a quick turnaround (one day up to 2 months) as compared to competition
- Clinical trials have been conducted
Who Benefits From Taking Humira?
People suffering from;
- Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Moderate to severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
- Moderate to severe Crohn’s disease (CD)
Humira (Adalimumab) Disadvantages
- Humira (Adalimumab) is available on prescription only
- You require a skilled person or training to administer Humira (Adalimumab)
- Costs approximately $1,662 per month
- Humira (Adalimumab) side effects some that are fatal
Directions for Use
Humira is available only on prescription and is administered through a subcutaneously injection once a week or once in a fortnight depending on the disease.
What Happens If I Overdose?
You should NEVER overdose and if it happens accidentally, consult your caregiver immediately.
What Should I Avoid?
- anakinra
- abatacept
- etanercept
- infliximab
- golimumab
- certolizumab
The Cost of Humira (Adalimumab)
Humira (Adalimumab) costs approximately $1,662 per month!
What Research Has Been Done?
Several clinical studies have been conducted on Humira to determine effectiveness, side effects and drug interactions.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Humira has so many side effects ranging from mild to severe;
- Fever, sore throat, chills, vomiting, flu and diarrhea
- Upper respiratory infection
- Lack of breath and Chest pain
- Ankles or foot inflammation
- Seizure
- Acute lower back pain
- Abdominal pain
- Confusion
- Weakness in your fingers or toes
- Urinary tract infections
- Numbness of joints
- Unbalance eye movement
- Headache
- Balance and problems of sight
- Wheezing
- Coughing blood or mucus
- Tingly feeling,;
- Speaking and swallowing complications
- “Runaway” bladder
- Redness in the leg
- Flu syndrome
- Nausea
How Can This Medicine Affect Other Medicines?
If you are under medication, you should inform your caregiver prior from taking Humira. Humira (Adalimumab) may affect other medications including herbal medicines, over-the-counter-drugs and supplements. Humira may interact with;
- Anakinra
- Certolizumab
- Etanercept
- Infliximab
- Abatacept and
- Golimumab
Is Humira (Adalimumab) Effective?
Humira boasts of a decent rate of effectiveness, but at what cost and risks? Humira has been in a highly controlled environment proven to help in the rehabilitation of;
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Crohn’s disease
- Chronic psoriasis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Ulcerative colitis
However, as much as it is effective it comes with numerous side effects which make it impractical in the real world. Humira can only be used by a small group of people due to the side effects involved and its numerous interactions.
Is Humira (Adalimumab) Right For You?
Humira is a well researched prescription product. However, it has numerous side effects and the different clinical studies differ when it comes to turnaround time. Unless this is your last option and only in severe conditions, Humira might not be the right product for you. Nevertheless, it is a prescription only substance and thus you should consult your caregiver.
What Should I Expect When Taking Humira (Adalimumab)?
Humira has quite a decent turnaround, but it comes at a painful cost and risk. As much as you will expect positive results, you should also brace yourself for the side effects which range from mild to severe.
Will Humira (Adalimumab) Show Results?
Like explained earlier, clinical studies have shown Humira to be effective in a strictly controlled environment which might not be practical outside the scopes of a scientific research. The majority of consumers using Humira complained of severe side effects amidst the healing effects. In fact, most of the consumers have resulted from withdrawing usage and seeking alternative medications
How Long Does It Take To See The Result?
The turnaround time is anything between 24 hrs and two months periods. In cases of mild pain, the product will work within a few days. Sustained usage is paramount for the healing effects to last.
Warnings
Do not take Humira if;
- You are allergic to latex or rubber, sodium citrate, adalimumab or Mannitol, acid monohydrate polysorbate 80 or monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate sodium chloride, citric
- You have, suspect to have or you have recently had an infection
- You have or suspect to have tuberculosis
- You are taking Kineret (anakinra)
- You are taking Orencia (abatacept)
Notify your caregiver if you are suffering from;
- Fungal infection
- Heart disease
- Autoimmune disease
- Demyelinating disease
- multiple sclerosis
- Cancer
- Liver or kidney problems
- Recurrent infections, or any conditions that increases the risk of infection
- Taking immunosuppressant medications
- TB (tuberculosis)
- You are a carrier of the hepatitis B virus
Final Verdict
As much as Humira is effective to treat joint conditions, it is very expensive and has very many risks. It should only be used when all other natural supplements have failed!
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