Drug Information: Humira Dosage Details - Potency, Forms, Timing, and Additional Information
Humira, a prescription injection, is used to treat several inflammatory conditions in both children and adults. The drug, known as adalimumab, is available in various dosage forms and strengths.
For children weighing 30 kg (about 66 lb) or more, the recommended Humira dosage is 40 mg every other week. However, for Crohn's disease in children ages 6 years and older, the dosage depends on the child's weight. For children weighing 17 kg to less than 40 kg (about 37 lb to 87 lb), the recommended dosage involves an initial dose of 80 mg, followed by 40 mg on day 15, and then 20 mg every other week starting on day 29.
In the case of ulcerative colitis, the dosage for children ages 5 years and older depends on the child's weight. For children weighing 20 kg to less than 40 kg (about 44 to 87 lb), the recommended dosage involves an initial dose of 80 mg, followed by 40 mg on days 8 and 15, and then either a 20-mg dose every week or a 40-mg dose every other week starting on day 29.
For children with weights between 10 kg to less than 15 kg (about 22 to 32 lb), the recommended Humira dosage is 10 mg every other week. Similarly, for children with weights between 15 kg to less than 30 kg (about 33 to 65 lb), the recommended dosage is 20 mg every other week.
For conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, hidradenitis suppurativa, ankylosing spondylitis, uveitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, the recommended Humira dosage is 40 mg every other week.
For plaque psoriasis, the recommended Humira dosage is a first dose of 80 mg followed by 40 mg every other week. For hidradenitis suppurativa in children ages 12 years and older, the dosage depends on the child's weight. For children weighing 30 kg to less than 60 kg (about 66 to 131 lb), the recommended dosage involves an initial dose of 80 mg, followed by 40 mg on day 8, and then a 40-mg dose every other week. For children weighing 60 kg (about 132 lb) or more, the recommended dosage involves an initial dose of 160 mg, which may be split into two 80-mg doses on back-to-back days, followed by 80 mg on day 15, and then a 40-mg dose every week or an 80-mg dose every other week starting on day 29.
Common side effects of Humira include injection site reactions (such as redness and swelling) and an increased risk of infections, including serious infections like pneumonia. Additional side effects may include headaches and abdominal pain. Serious side effects such as worsening heart failure, lupus-like syndrome, and autoimmune hepatitis can occur rarely.
In children, side effects are generally similar to adults, but monitoring is essential due to possible increased susceptibility to infections and immune-related issues. Humira interacts with other medications primarily through its immunosuppressive effects and potential metabolic interactions. Concurrent use with other biologics that suppress the immune system, like anakinra, is not recommended due to increased risk of serious infections and neutropenia without added benefit.
Humira can affect the metabolism of drugs processed by liver enzymes, so when used with medications like Descovy (a PrEP drug), or corticosteroids such as prednisone and methylprednisolone, there can be altered drug levels that may reduce effectiveness or increase side effects, necessitating careful monitoring and possible dose adjustments. No significant direct interactions with vaccines such as pertussis acellular are strongly flagged, but caution is advised with live vaccines due to Humira’s immunosuppressive effects.
Patients on Humira should be monitored for infections, possible autoimmune symptoms, and drug interactions, especially when combined with other immunomodulating agents or drugs metabolized by liver enzymes. Humira comes in various dosage forms, including single-dose prefilled pens, single-dose prefilled syringes, and single-dose vials of liquid solution. It is prescribed to treat multiple conditions, including plaque psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, psoriatic arthritis, hidradenitis suppurativa, ankylosing spondylitis, uveitis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
The article does not provide specific dosage information for juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older, as it is approved for treatment but the dosage information is not detailed. Nonetheless, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for personalised dosage and treatment guidance.
- AbbVie, the pharmaceutical company, manufactures Humira, a drug used to treat various chronic diseases and medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and ulcerative colitis.
- For children with Crohn's disease, the Humira dosage for treating Crohn's disease depends on the child's weight, with initial doses varying between 80 mg and 160 mg, followed by smaller doses every other week or weekly.
- Humira is also used to treat plaque psoriasis, with a recommended initial dose of 80 mg followed by 40 mg every other week.
- In the case of ulcerative colitis, children weighing 20 kg to less than 40 kg require an initial dose of 80 mg, followed by 40 mg on days 8 and 15, and then either a 20-mg dose every week or a 40-mg dose every other week starting on day 29.
- For hidradenitis suppurativa in children ages 12 and older, the dosage depends on their weight, with initial doses varying between 80 mg and 160 mg, followed by regular doses every other week or weekly.
- The common side effects of Humira include injection site reactions, increased risk of infections, headaches, and abdominal pain.
- In children, side effects may be more pronounced due to their susceptibility to infections and immune-related issues, so close monitoring is essential.
- Humira interacts with other medications, particularly those that suppress the immune system or are metabolized by liver enzymes, such as Descovy and corticosteroids like prednisone.
- Careful monitoring and possible dose adjustments are necessary to avoid altered drug levels that may reduce effectiveness or increase side effects when used with other medications or vaccines.
- Pfizer is another pharmaceutical company that produces treatments for chronic diseases and autoimmune disorders, including drugs for conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- When starting Humira treatments, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosage and treatment guidance, especially for conditions like juvenile idiopathic arthritis, for which detailed dosage information is not provided in the article.
