Humira (adalimumab) is a prescription medication used to manage certain inflammatory conditions, including specific types of eye inflammation. It is a recognized treatment option for individuals experiencing persistent inflammatory responses. This article will explore Humira’s function in addressing eye inflammation, its mechanism of action, administration methods, and considerations regarding potential side effects.
What is Humira and How Does It Treat Eye Inflammation?
Humira (adalimumab) is a biologic medication that functions as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha blocker. Biologics are drugs derived from living organisms, designed to target specific components of the immune system. TNF-alpha is a protein naturally produced by the body, which, when present in excessive amounts, can contribute to inflammation.
Humira is approved for treating non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis in adults and children aged 2 years and older. Intermediate uveitis affects the middle part of the eye, posterior uveitis impacts the back, and panuveitis involves inflammation in all parts. This medication helps reduce inflammation by targeting the immune system’s inflammatory pathways.
Clinical studies show that Humira can increase the time non-infectious uveitis is controlled, potentially reducing inflammation in the middle and back of the eye. This can result in a decrease in vitreous haze (cloudiness in the middle of the eye) and inflammatory cells in the front of the eye. It may also help prevent new lesions from forming on the back of the eye and contribute to maintaining visual clarity.
How Humira Works to Reduce Eye Inflammation
Humira works by targeting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)-alpha, a cytokine that promotes inflammation. In conditions like uveitis, an overproduction of TNF-alpha contributes to ongoing inflammation and damage within the eye.
Adalimumab, the active ingredient in Humira, is a human monoclonal antibody designed to bind directly to TNF-alpha. By binding to TNF-alpha, Humira effectively neutralizes its activity, preventing it from interacting with its receptors on cells. This blockage disrupts the inflammatory cascade that TNF-alpha would otherwise trigger. As a result, the inflammatory response in the eye is reduced, helping to alleviate symptoms and potentially prevent further damage.
Administering Humira and What to Expect
Humira is administered through subcutaneous injection, meaning it is injected under the skin. For adults with uveitis, the typical starting dose is 80 mg, followed by a maintenance dose of 40 mg every other week, beginning one week after the initial dose. The injection can be self-administered at home after proper training from a healthcare professional.
For children aged 2 years and older, the dosage is determined by their body weight. For example, children weighing 10 kg to less than 15 kg typically receive 10 mg every other week, while those weighing 15 kg to less than 30 kg receive 20 mg every other week. Children weighing 30 kg or more receive 40 mg every other week. The first injection for children should be supervised by a healthcare professional.
Patients should store Humira in its original container in the refrigerator until it is ready for use. While individual responses vary, disease control has been observed as early as 2 to 6 weeks after starting Humira for non-infectious uveitis. Patients may experience a reduction in symptoms like cloudiness or inflammatory cells, contributing to improved visual clarity over time.
Managing Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Humira can cause side effects, ranging from mild to more serious. Common mild side effects include injection site reactions (pain, redness, rash, swelling, itching, or bruising), headaches, upper respiratory infections, and a general rash. Injection site reactions typically resolve within a few days.
More serious side effects, though less common, warrant immediate medical attention. Humira can increase the risk of serious infections, including tuberculosis, viral, fungal, or bacterial infections. Patients are typically tested for tuberculosis before starting and monitored throughout treatment. Reactivation of the hepatitis B virus can also occur in carriers.
Other serious concerns include nervous system problems (numbness, tingling, vision changes, limb weakness) and effects on blood cell counts (fever, easy bruising, unusual bleeding). New or worsening heart failure, liver problems (yellow skin or eyes, severe fatigue), and immune reactions like a lupus-like syndrome are also possible. Patients should discuss their full medical history and any concerns with their doctor before and during treatment.