This article describes Humira’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Humira. If you want to know more about Humira, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Humira is a brand-name medication that comes in an injectable form. Its active ingredient is adalimumab. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Humira is a biologic drug. (A biologic drug is sourced from living organisms.) It’s available in multiple biosimilar versions, such as Amjevita, Hadlima, Hulio, and others. A biosimilar medication is a drug that’s similar to a brand-name biologic drug (the parent drug). This article describes dosages of Humira.
Humira has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the end of this article.
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Form and strengths of Humira
Humira comes in the form and strengths below. The strengths are expressed in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) of solution.
| Form | Strengths |
|---|---|
| injection: single-dose prefilled pen | • 80 mg/0.8 mL • 40 mg/0.8 mL • 40 mg/0.4 mL |
| injection: single-dose prefilled syringe | • 80 mg/0.8 mL • 40 mg/0.8 mL • 40 mg/0.4 mL • 20 mg/0.2 mL • 10 mg/0.1 mL |
| injection: single-dose vial | • 40 mg/0.8 mL |
Humira is taken as a subcutaneous injection (injection given under the skin).
Dosage of Humira
This article describes the recommended dosages for Humira. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
Humira is used in some situations to treat certain inflammatory conditions.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Humira without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Humira in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Humira. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will determine how long you will take Humira based on your condition.
You inject Humira under your skin in the belly or thigh area. Each time you take Humira, you should inject it in a different area. Do not inject Humira in an area where the skin is broken, hard, bruised, red or discolored. If you have questions about injecting Humira, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis
The usual dosage of Humira for treating rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis in adults is 40 mg once every other week.
Dosage for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
The usual dosages of Humira for treating moderate to severe active Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis in adults are:
- Day 1: 160 mg once (given at once or split over 2 days)
- Day 15: 80 mg once
- Day 29 and ongoing: 40 mg every other week
Dosage for plaque psoriasis or uveitis
The usual dosages of Humira for treating moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis or uveitis (pain and inflammation in the eye) in adults are:
- Day 1: 80 mg once
- Day 8 and ongoing: 40 mg every other week
Dosage for hidradenitis suppurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a skin condition that causes painful sores in certain areas (usually under the arm or groin). The usual dosages of Humira for treating moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in adults are:
- Day 1: 160 mg once (given at once or split over 2 days)
- Day 15: 80 mg once
- Day 29 and ongoing: 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week
Dosages of Humira in children
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Humira. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will determine how long your child will take Humira based on their condition.
The usual dosages of Humira for treating certain inflammatory conditions in children are shown in the table below. Dosages are based on body weight in kilograms (kg). One kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
| Condition | Body weight in (kg) | Approximate body weight in (lb) | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| juvenile idiopathic arthritis or uveitis in children ages 2 years and older | 10 kg to less than 15 kg | 22 lb to less than 33 lb | 10 mg every other week |
| 15 kg to less than 30 kg | 33 lb to less than 66 lb | 20 mg every other week | |
| 30 kg and greater | 66 lb and greater | 40 mg every other week | |
| Crohn’s disease in children ages 6 years and older | 17 kg to less than 40 kg | 37 lb to less than 88 lb | day 1: 80 mg once day 15: 40 mg once day 29 and ongoing: 20 mg every other week |
| 40 kg and greater | 88 lb and greater | day 1: 160 mg once (given at once or split over 2 days) day 15: 80 mg once day 29 and ongoing: 40 mg every other week | |
| ulcerative colitis in children ages 5 years and older | 20 kg to less than 40 kg | 44 lb to less than 88 lb | day 1: 80 mg once day 8: 40 mg once day 15: 40 mg once day 29 and ongoing: 40 mg every other week or 20 mg every week |
| 40 kg and greater | 88 lb and greater | day 1: 160 mg once (given at once or split over 2 days) day 8: 80 mg once day 15: 80 mg once day 29 and ongoing: 80 mg every other week or 40 mg every week | |
| hidradenitis suppurativa in children ages 12 years and older | 30 kg to less than 60 kg | 66 lb to less than 132 lb | day 1: 80 mg once day 8 and ongoing: 40 mg every other week |
| 60 kg and greater | 132 lb and greater | day 1: 160 mg once (given at once or split over 2 days) day 15: 80 mg once day 29 and ongoing: 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week |
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Humira and its dosage.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Humira?
If you miss a dose of Humira, inject the dose as soon as possible. Then, take your next dose at your regular scheduled time. If you realize you missed your dose and it’s close to the time for your next day’s dose, just skip the missed dose. If you have questions about a missed Humira dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is Humira taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Humira as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Humira, talk with your doctor.
Humira coupon
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Get free cardOverdose of Humira
It’s important that you do not take more Humira than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
What to do if you use too much Humira
If you think you’ve used too much Humira, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Boxed warnings for Humira
Humira has boxed warnings about the risk of serious infections and cancer. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Risk of serious infections: Humira increases the risk of serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. This includes tuberculosis, bacterial sepsis, certain fungal infections, and other serious infections. Your doctor will monitor you for any serious infections. If you develop a serious infection while taking Humira, your doctor will stop the medication.
Risk of cancer: Humira use can increase the risks of certain cancers, including lymphoma. This risk is most often seen in children and adolescents taking Humira.
You can also talk with your doctor to learn more about these warnings.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.