Adalimumab - subcutaneous

Adalimumab is used to treat inflammation of the joints or intestines.

This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions, as decided by your doctor.

Adalimumab is given subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the abdomen or thighs).

Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you. Do not administer this medicine by yourself unless instructed with proper injection technique by your doctor.

This medicine must be administered regularly for it to be effective. Continue using Adalimumab even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.

Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any dose. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Adalimumab.

If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

- tuberculosis (lung infection) or if you resided or travelled from a place where there is tuberculosis
- liver inflammation due to an infection of hepatitis B virus
- active or any history of an infection
- damaged to nerve fibres in your brain or spinal cord
- heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood)

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery and dental work, inform your doctor or dentist that you are using Adalimumab.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

Adalimumab may cause dizziness with sensations of spinning or some problems with your eyesight. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, skin rash, nausea, stomach pain, back pain, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, cough, flu-like symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, inflammation of the sinuses) and pain, swelling, redness or itching at the injection site.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

- difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- signs of infection e.g. fever, chills, rapid breathing
- fast heartbeat

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are using other medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (e.g. abatacept, anakinra).

Avoid vaccinations during treatment or 3 months after treatment with Adalimumab. It is recommended for children to be up to date with all vaccinations before using this medicine.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Store in a refrigerator (2ºC-8ºC). Do not freeze. Protect from light by keeping it inside the outer carton.

This medicine should not be thrown in the household waste. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to properly dispose this medicine.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.