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Humira (adalimumab) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in people 12 and older.
These insights are based on over 3,100 comments about Humira from myHSteam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Humira is a biologic medication that works by blocking a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF plays a role in inflammation in the body. By blocking TNF, Humira can reduce inflammation. For people with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa, this may help control the inflammation linked to painful lumps and tunnels under the skin.
Doctors prescribe Humira when someone age 12 or older has moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa. The medication is given as an injection under the skin. Treatment starts with higher doses at the beginning, followed by regular doses over time. The exact dose and schedule will depend on a person’s age and body weight. People may be able to give themselves injections at home after they are trained by a healthcare professional.
These insights are based on over 3,100 comments about Humira from myHSteam members.Members who use Humira often say it helps to stay consistent with dosing, give the medication time to work, and keep a close eye on side effects or signs of infection. Many also mention practical steps to make injections easier and suggest talking with your doctor quickly if Humira stops helping or causes new problems.
Try simple steps to make injections easier.
“I just switch sides of my stomach each time I inject, so I’m not doing it in the same place over and over again.”
Stay on schedule, and tell your doctor if you miss a dose.
“The delivery was delayed, and I was one week and one day late taking it. My lesions started to flare up and leak.”
Take infection risk seriously, and contact your doctor about symptoms.
“If you have ANY underlying health issues, have them addressed by more than one doctor before taking Humira.”
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In clinical studies of Humira for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa, the most common side effect, injection site reaction, occurred in about 20 percent of people. This included redness or discoloration, itching, bleeding, pain, or swelling where the shot was given.
Humira can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
AbbVie, the manufacturer of Humira, offers the Humira Complete Savings Card. Eligible people with commercial insurance could pay as little as $0 a month for their prescription.
The program also offers support from a Nurse Ambassador, access to an insurance specialist, and an app for treatment reminders, injection logs, and symptom tracking. To learn more, visit the Humira site or call 800-448-6472.
Before starting Humira, your doctor will evaluate you for active tuberculosis (TB) and test you for latent TB infection.
You can receive most vaccines while taking Humira, but you should not get live vaccines. Children should be up to date on vaccines before starting treatment.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to adalimumab or any ingredients in Humira.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Also let your doctor know if you have had recent infections, plan to travel to areas where certain fungal infections are common, or have had cancer or nervous system problems in the past.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Then go back to your regular dosing schedule.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Humira, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Humira?
In two studies of adults with hidradenitis suppurativa, 42 percent and 59 percent of people taking Humira showed improvement by week 12, compared with 26 percent and 28 percent of people taking a placebo (inactive treatment). This means the number of painful lumps and swollen bumps under the skin dropped by at least 50 percent, with no increase in abscesses or draining tunnels.
How often is Humira taken for hidradenitis suppurativa?
For adults with hidradenitis suppurativa, Humira is given as a subcutaneous injection under the skin. The initial dose is 160 milligrams on day 1 and 80 milligrams on day 15. Starting on day 29, the dose is 40 milligrams every week or 80 milligrams every other week.
Should I take Humira for hidradenitis suppurativa if I have an infection?
Humira should not be started if you have an active infection, including a local infection. Humira can increase the risk of serious infections, including tuberculosis, fungal infections, and other infections. If a serious infection or sepsis happens during treatment, Humira should be stopped.
On myHSteam, people share their experiences with hidradenitis suppurativa, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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