A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Humira is a type of medication called a monoclonal antibody. It is a prescription drug that can target specific proteins in the body that lead to autoimmune disease. The following conditions can be treated with Humira:
Ankylosing spondylitis
Crohn disease
Hidradenitis suppurativa
Plaque psoriasis
Psoriatic arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ulcerative colitis
Uveitis
Humira works by binding to TNF-alpha, a protein free-floating in the blood. Normally, TNF-alpha activates many different immune system cells. For people with the above conditions, they have too much activity in their immune system. Humira helps to lower that activity back to normal.
Fact Table
Formula
C6428H9912N1694O1987S46
License
US FDA, EU EMA
Bioavailability
64%
Legal status
Rx-Only
Chemical Name
Adalimumab
Elimination half-life
3 hour
Dosage (Strength)
-
Pregnancy
not recommended
Brands
Humira
Protein binding
Not Available
PubChem CID
Not Available
MedlinePlus
a603010
ChEBI
Not Available
ATC code
L04AB04
DrugBank
DB00051
KEGG
D02597
Routes of administration
Subcutaneous
Directions
The directions for Humira are determined by your healthcare provider. The Humira dosage varies based on what condition is being treated.
Use Humira exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Humira should be stored in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C), and not in the freezer. If brought to room temperature, Humira will last for 14 days.
Ingredients
Adalimumab is the active ingredient in Humira.
Interactions
Serious drug-drug interactions with Humira include:
Abatacept
Anakinra
BCG
Certolizumab
Echinacea
Fingolimod
Inactivated vaccines
Leflunomide
Live vaccines
Natalizumab
Pimecrolimus
Sipuleucel-T
Tacrolimus
Tocilizumab
Vedolizumab
Cautions
Tell your doctor if you have a history of cardiovascular disease or heart failure before taking Humira.
Tell your doctor if you have a latent infection like hepatitis B or tuberculosis. Humira can reactivate these infections.
Humira may increase the risk of certain cancers.
This list is not a full list of the possible precautions while taking Humira. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for precautions that are applicable to you.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Prescription Required