Adalimumab
WARNING: RISK OF SERIOUS INFECTIONS
Tuberculosis (frequently disseminated or extrapulmonary at clinical presentation), invasive fungal infections, and other opportunistic infections, have been observed in patients receiving HUMIRA. Some of these infections have been fatal. Anti- tuberculosis treatment of patients with latent tuberculosis infection reduces the risk of reactivation in patients receiving treatment with HUMIRA. However, active tuberculosis has developed in patients receiving HUMIRA whose screening for latent tuberculosis infection was negative.
Patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis risk factors and be tested for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating HUMIRA and during therapy. Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection should be initiated prior to therapy with HUMIRA. Physicians should monitor patients receiving HUMIRA for signs and symptoms of active tuberculosis, including patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection. [See WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS]
DRUG DESCRIPTION
HUMIRA (adalimumab) is a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody specific for human tumor necrosis factor (TNF). HUMIRA was created using phage display technology resulting in an antibody with human derived heavy and light chain variable regions and human IgG1:K constant regions. Adalimumab is produced by recombinant DNA technology in a mammalian cell expression system and is purified by a process that includes specific viral inactivation and removal steps. It consists of 1330 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 148 kilodaltons.
HUMIRA is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free solution of adalimumab for subcutaneous administration. The drug product is supplied as either a single-use, prefilled pen (HUMIRA Pen) or as a single-dose, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe. Enclosed within the pen is a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe. The solution of HUMIRA is clear and colorless, with a pH of about 5.2. Each prefilled syringe delivers 0.8 mL (40 mg) of drug product. Each 0.8 mL of HUMIRA contains 40 mg adalimumab, 4.93 mg sodium chloride, 0.69 mg monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, 1.22 mg dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, 0.24 mg sodium citrate, 1.04 mg citric acid monohydrate, 9.6 mg mannitol, 0.8 mg polysorbate 80, and Water for Injection, USP. Sodium hydroxide added as necessary to adjust pH. Each pediatric prefilled syringe delivers 0.4 mL (20 mg) of drug product. Each 0.4 mL of HUMIRA contains 20 mg adalimumab, 2.47 mg sodium chloride, 0.34 mg monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, 0.61 mg dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, 0.12 mg sodium citrate, 0.52 mg citric acid monohydrate, 4.8 mg mannitol, 0.4 mg polysorbate 80, and Water for Injection, USP. Sodium hydroxide added as necessary to adjust pH.
INDICATIONS
Rheumatoid Arthritis
HUMIRA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms, inducing major clinical response, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. HUMIRA can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate or other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
HUMIRA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 4 years of age and older. HUMIRA can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate.
Psoriatic Arthritis
HUMIRA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms of active arthritis, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in patients with psoriatic arthritis. HUMIRA can be used alone or in combination with DMARDs.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
HUMIRA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.
Crohn's Disease
HUMIRA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms and inducing and maintaining clinical remission in adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy. HUMIRA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms and inducing clinical remission in these patients if they have also lost response to or are intolerant to infliximab.
Plaque Psoriasis
HUMIRA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, and when other systemic therapies are medically less appropriate. HUMIRA should only be administered to patients who will be closely monitored and have regular follow-up visits with a physician [see BOXED WARNINGS and WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS].
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
HUMIRA is administered by subcutaneous injection.
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis
The recommended dose of HUMIRA for adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis is 40 mg administered every other week. Methotrexate, glucocorticoids, salicylates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics or other DMARDs may be continued during treatment with HUMIRA. In rheumatoid arthritis, some patients not taking concomitant methotrexate may derive additional benefit from increasing the dosing frequency of HUMIRA to 40 mg every week.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
The recommended dose of HUMIRA for patients 4 to 17 years of age with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis is based on weight as shown below. Methotrexate, glucocorticoids, salicylates, NSAIDs or analgesics may be continued during treatment with HUMIRA.
Pediatric Patients
(4 to 17 years) Dose
15 kg (33 lbs) to < 30 kg (66 lbs) 20 mg every other week
(20 mg Prefilled Syringe)
? 30 kg (66 lbs) 40 mg every other week
(HUMIRA Pen or 40 mg Prefilled Syringe)
Limited data are available for HUMIRA treatment in pediatric patients with a weight below 15 kg.
Crohn's Disease
The recommended HUMIRA dose regimen for adult patients with Crohn's disease is 160 mg initially at Day1 (given as four 40 mg injections in one day or as two 40 mg injections per day for two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg two weeks later (Day 15). Two weeks later (Day 29) begin a maintenance dose of 40 mg every other week. Aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and/or immunomodulatory agents (e.g., 6- mercaptopurine and azathioprine) may be continued during treatment with HUMIRA. The use of HUMIRA in Crohn's disease beyond one year has not been evaluated in controlled clinical studies.
Plaque Psoriasis
The recommended dose of HUMIRA for adult patients with plaque psoriasis is an initial dose of 80 mg, followed by 40 mg given every other week starting one week after the initial dose. The use of HUMIRA in moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis beyond one year has not been evaluated in controlled clinical studies.
General Considerations for Administration
HUMIRA is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a physician. A patient may self-inject HUMIRA if a physician determines that it is appropriate, and with medical follow-up, as necessary, after proper training in subcutaneous injection technique.
The solution in the HUMIRA Pen or prefilled syringe should be carefully inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to subcutaneous administration. If particulates and discolorations are noted, the product should not be used. HUMIRA does not contain preservatives; therefore, unused portions of drug remaining from the syringe should be discarded. NOTE: The needle cover of the syringe contains dry rubber (latex), which should not be handled by persons sensitive to this substance.
Patients using the HUMIRA Pen or prefilled syringe should be instructed to inject the full amount in the syringe (0.8 mL), which provides 40 mg of HUMIRA, according to the directions provided in the Medication Guide [see Medication Guide].
Patients (15 kg to < 30 kg) using the pediatric pre-filled syringe, or their caregivers, should be instructed to inject the full amount in the syringe (0.4 mL), which provides 20 mg of HUMIRA, according to the directions provided in the Medication Guide.
Injection sites should be rotated and injections should never be given into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red or hard.
SIDE EFFECTS
Clinical Studies Experience
The most serious adverse reactions were [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS]:
Serious Infections
Neurologic Reactions
Malignancies
The most common adverse reaction with HUMIRA was injection site reactions. In placebo-controlled trials, 20% of patients treated with HUMIRA developed injection site reactions (erythema and/or itching, hemorrhage, pain or swelling), compared to 14% of patients receiving placebo. Most injection site reactions were described as mild and generally did not necessitate drug discontinuation.
The proportion of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions during the double-blind, placebo-controlled portion of Studies RA-I, RA-II, RA-III and RA-IV was 7% for patients taking HUMIRA and 4% for placebo-treated patients. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of HUMIRA were clinical flare reaction (0.7%), rash (0.3%) and pneumonia (0.3%).
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying and controlled conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not predict the rates observed in a broader patient population in clinical practice.
Infections
In placebo-controlled rheumatoid arthritis trials, the rate of infection was 1 per patient-year in the HUMIRA-treated patients and 0.9 per patient-year in the placebo-treated patients. The infections consisted primarily of upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis and urinary tract infections. Most patients continued on HUMIRA after the infection resolved. The incidence of serious infections was 0.04 per patient-year in HUMIRA treated patients and 0.02 per patient-year in placebo-treated patients. Serious infections observed included pneumonia, septic arthritis, prosthetic and post-surgical infections, erysipelas, cellulitis, diverticulitis, and pyelonephritis [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS].
Tuberculosis and Opportunistic Infections
In completed and ongoing global clinical studies that include over 13,000 patients, the overall rate of tuberculosis is approximately 0.26 per 100 patient-years. In over 4500 patients in the US and Canada, the rate is approximately 0.07 per 100 patient-years. These studies include reports of miliary, lymphatic, peritoneal, as well as pulmonary. Most of the cases of tuberculosis occurred within the first eight months after initiation of therapy and may reflect recrudescence of latent disease. Cases of opportunistic infections have also been reported in these clinical trials at an overall rate of approximately 0.075/100 patient- years. Some cases of opportunistic infections and tuberculosis have been fatal [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS].
Malignancies
More cases of malignancy have been observed in HUMIRA-treated patients compared to control-treated patients in clinical trials [seeWARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS].
Autoantibodies
In the rheumatoid arthritis controlled trials, 12% of patients treated with HUMIRA and 7% of placebo-treated patients that had negative baseline ANA titers developed positive titers at week 24. Two patients out of 3046 treated with HUMIRA developed clinical signs suggestive of new-onset lupus-like syndrome. The patients improved following discontinuation of therapy. No patients developed lupus nephritis or central nervous system symptoms. The impact of long-term treatment with HUMIRA on the development of autoimmune diseases is unknown.
Immunogenicity
Patients in Studies RA-I, RA-II, and RA-III were tested at multiple time points for antibodies to adalimumab during the 6- to 12-month period. Approximately 5% (58 of 1062) of adult rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving HUMIRA developed low-titer antibodies to adalimumab at least once during treatment, which were neutralizing in vitro. Patients treated with concomitant methotrexate had a lower rate of antibody development than patients on HUMIRA monotherapy (1% versus 12%). No apparent correlation of antibody development to adverse reactions was observed. With monotherapy, patients receiving every other week dosing may develop antibodies more frequently than those receiving weekly dosing. In patients receiving the recommended dosage of 40 mg every other week as monotherapy, the ACR 20 response was lower among antibody-positive patients than among antibody-negative patients. The long-term immunogenicity of HUMIRA is unknown.
In patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, adalimumab antibodies were identified in 16% of HUMIRA-treated patients. In patients receiving concomitant methotrexate, the incidence was 6% compared to 26% with HUMIRA monotherapy.
In patients with ankylosing spondylitis, the rate of development of antibodies to adalimumab in HUMIRA-treated patients was comparable to patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In patients with psoriatic arthritis, the rate of antibody development in patients receiving HUMIRA monotherapy was comparable to patients with rheumatoid arthritis; however, in patients receiving concomitant methotrexate the rate was 7% compared to 1% in rheumatoid arthritis. In patients with Crohn's disease, the rate of antibody development was 2.6%. The immunogenicity rate was 8% for plaque psoriasis patients who were treated with HUMIRA monotherapy.
The data reflect the percentage of patients whose test results were considered positive for antibodies to adalimumab in an ELISA assay, and are highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. The observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay is highly dependent on several factors including assay sensitivity and specificity, assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies to adalimumab with the incidence of antibodies to other products may be misleading.
Other Adverse Reactions
The data described below reflect exposure to HUMIRA in 2468 patients, including 2073 exposed for 6 months, 1497 exposed for greater than one year and 1380 in adequate and well-controlled studies (Studies RA-I, RA-II, RA-III, and RA-IV). HUMIRA was studied primarily in placebo-controlled trials and in long-term follow up studies for up to 36 months duration. The population had a mean age of 54 years, 77% were female, 91% were Caucasian and had moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. Most patients received 40 mg HUMIRA every other week.
Table 1 summarizes reactions reported at a rate of at least 5% in patients treated with HUMIRA 40 mg every other week compared to placebo and with an incidence higher than placebo. Adverse reaction rates in patients treated with HUMIRA 40 mg weekly were similar to rates in patients treated with HUMIRA 40 mg every other week. In Study RA- III, the types and frequencies of adverse reactions in the second year open-label extension were similar to those observed in the one-year double-blind portion.
Table 1. Adverse Reactions Reported by ? 5% of Patients Treated with HUMIRA During Placebo-Controlled Period of Rheumatoid Arthritis StudiesAdverse Reaction
(Preferred Term) HUMIRA
40 mg subcutaneous
Every Other Week
(N=705) Placebo
(N=690)
Percentage Percentage
Respiratory
Upper respiratory infection 17 13
Sinusitis 11 9
Flu syndrome 7 6
Gastrointestinal
Nausea 9 8
Abdominal pain 7 4
Laboratory Tests*
Laboratory test abnormal 8 7
Hypercholesterolemia 6 4
Hyperlipidemia 7 5
Hematuria 5 4
Alkaline phosphatase increased 5 3
Other
Injection site pain 12 12
Headache 12 8
Rash 12 6
Accidental injury 10 8
Injection site reaction** 8 1
Back pain 6 4
Urinary tract infection 8 5
Hypertension 5 3
* Laboratory test abnormalities were reported as adverse reactions in European trials
** Does not include erythema and/or itching, hemorrhage, pain or swelling
Other Adverse Reactions
Other infrequent serious adverse reactions occurring at an incidence of less than 5% in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with HUMIRA were:
Body As A Whole: Fever, infection, pain in extremity, pelvic pain, sepsis, surgery, thorax pain, tuberculosis reactivated
Cardiovascular System: Arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, cardiovascular disorder, chest pain, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disorder, heart arrest, hypertensive encephalopathy, myocardial infarct, palpitation, pericardial effusion, pericarditis, syncope, tachycardia, vascular disorder
Collagen Disorder: Lupus erythematosus syndrome
Digestive System: Cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, esophagitis, gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal disorder, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hepatic necrosis, vomiting
Endocrine System: Parathyroid disorder
Hemic And Lymphatic System: Agranulocytosis, granulocytopenia, leukopenia, lymphoma like reaction, pancytopenia, polycythemia [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS]
Metabolic And Nutritional Disorders: Dehydration, healing abnormal, ketosis, paraproteinemia, peripheral edema
Musculo-Skeletal System: Arthritis, bone disorder, bone fracture (not spontaneous), bone necrosis, joint disorder, muscle cramps, myasthenia, pyogenic arthritis, synovitis, tendon disorder
Neoplasia: Adenoma, carcinomas such as breast, gastrointestinal, skin, urogenital, and others; lymphoma and melanoma
Nervous System: Confusion, multiple sclerosis, paresthesia, subdural hematoma, tremor
Respiratory System: Asthma, bronchospasm, dyspnea, lung disorder, lung function decreased, pleural effusion, pneumonia
Skin And Appendages: Cellulitis, erysipelas, herpes zoster
Special Senses: Cataract
Thrombosis: Thrombosis leg
Urogenital System: Cystitis, kidney calculus, menstrual disorder, pyelonephritis
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Clinical Studies
In general, the adverse reactions in pediatric patients were similar in frequency and type to those seen in adult patients [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS and other sections under ADVERSE REACTIONS.]. Important findings and differences from adults are discussed in the following paragraphs.
HUMIRA has been studied in 171 pediatric patients, 4 to 17 years of age, with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Severe adverse reactions reported in the study included neutropenia, streptococcal pharyngitis, increased aminotransferases, herpes zoster, myositis, metrorrhagia, appendicitis. Serious infections were observed in 4% of patients within approximately 2 years of initiation of treatment with HUMIRA and included cases of herpes simplex, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, pharyngitis, and herpes zoster.
A total of 45% of children experienced an infection while receiving HUMIRA with or without concomitant MTX in the first 16 weeks of treatment. The types of infections reported in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients were generally similar to those commonly seen in outpatient JIA populations. Upon initiation of treatment, the most common adverse reactions occurring in the pediatric population treated with HUMIRA were injection site pain and injection site reaction (19% and 16%, respectively). A less commonly reported adverse event in children receiving HUMIRA was granuloma annulare which did not lead to discontinuation of HUMIRA treatment.
In the first 48 weeks of treatment, non-serious hypersensitivity reactions were seen in approximately 6% of children and included primarily localized allergic hypersensitivity reactions and allergic rash.
Isolated mild to moderate elevations of liver aminotransferases (ALT more common than AST) were observed in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis exposed to HUMIRA alone; liver function tests (LFT) elevations were more frequent among those treated with the combination of HUMIRA and MTX. In general, these elevations did not lead to discontinuation of HUMIRA treatment.
In the juvenile idiopathic arthritis trial, 10% of patients treated with HUMIRA who had negative baseline anti-dsDNA antibodies developed positive titers after 48 weeks of treatment. No patient developed clinical signs of autoimmunity during the clinical trial.
Approximately 15% of children treated with HUMIRA developed mild-to-moderate elevations of creatine phosphokinase (CPK). Elevations exceeding 5 times the upper limit of normal were observed in several patients. CPK levels decreased or returned to normal in all patients. Most patients were able to continue HUMIRA without interruption.
Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis Clinical Studies
HUMIRA has been studied in 395 patients with psoriatic arthritis in two placebo- controlled trials and in an open label study and in 393 patients with ankylosing spondylitis in two placebo-controlled studies. The safety profile for patients with psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis treated with HUMIRA 40 mg every other week was similar to the safety profile seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, HUMIRA Studies RA-I through IV. In the clinical trials of patients with psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, elevations of aminotransferases were observed (ALT more common than AST) in a greater proportion of patients receiving HUMIRA than in controls, both when HUMIRA was given as monotherapy and when it was used in combination with other immunosuppressive agents. Most elevations of ALT and AST observed were in the range of 1.5 to 3 times the upper limit of normal. In general, patients who developed ALT and AST elevations were asymptomatic, and the abnormalities decreased or resolved with either continuation or discontinuation of HUMIRA, or modification of concomitant medications.
Crohn's Disease Clinical Studies
HUMIRA has been studied in 1478 patients with Crohn's disease in four placebo- controlled and two open-label extension studies. The safety profile for patients with Crohn's disease treated with HUMIRA was similar to the safety profile seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Plaque Psoriasis Clinical Studies
HUMIRA has been studied in 1696 patients with plaque psoriasis in placebo- controlled and open-label extension studies. The safety profile for patients with plaque psoriasis treated with HUMIRA was similar to the safety profile seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with the following exceptions. In the placebo-controlled portions of the clinical trials in plaque psoriasis patients, HUMIRA-treated patients had a higher incidence of arthralgia when compared to controls (3% vs. 1%).
Elevations of aminotransferases were observed (ALT more common than AST) in a greater proportion of patients receiving HUMIRA than in controls. Most elevations of ALT and AST observed were in the range of 1.5 to 3 times the upper limit of normal. In general, patients who developed ALT and AST elevations were asymptomatic, and most of the abnormalities decreased or resolved with either continuation or discontinuation of HUMIRA.
Postmarketing Experience
Adverse reactions have been reported during post-approval use of HUMIRA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to HUMIRA exposure.
Hematologic reactions: Thrombocytopenia [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS]
Hypersensitivity reactions: Anaphylaxis, angioneurotic edema [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS]
Respiratory disorders: Interstitial lung disease, including pulmonary fibrosis
Skin reactions: Cutaneous vasculitis, erythema multiforme
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Anakinra
Concurrent administration of anakinra (an interleukin-1 antagonist) and another TNF- blocking agent has been associated with an increased risk of serious infections, an increased risk of neutropenia and no additional benefit compared to these medicinal products alone. Therefore, the combination of anakinra with other TNF-blocking agents, including HUMIRA, may also result in similar toxicities [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS].
Live Vaccines
Live vaccines should not be given concurrently with HUMIRA [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS].
Methotrexate
HUMIRA has been studied in rheumatoid arthritis patients taking concomitant methotrexate. Although methotrexate reduced the apparent adalimumab clearance [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], the data do not suggest the need for dose adjustment of either HUMIRA or methotrexate.
WARNINGS
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS
Serious Infections
Serious infections, sepsis, tuberculosis and cases of opportunistic infections, including fatalities, have been reported with the use of TNF blocking agents including HUMIRA. Many of the serious infections have occurred in patients on concomitant immunosuppressive therapy that, in addition to their rheumatoid arthritis could predispose them to infections. In postmarketing experience, infections have been observed with various pathogens including viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoal organisms. Infections have been noted in all organ systems and have been reported in patients receiving HUMIRA alone or in combination with immunosuppressive agents.
Treatment with HUMIRA should not be initiated in patients with active infections including chronic or localized infections. Patients who develop a new infection while undergoing treatment with HUMIRA should be monitored closely. Administration of
HUMIRA should be discontinued if a patient develops a serious infection. Physicians should exercise caution when considering the use of HUMIRA in patients with a history of recurrent infection or underlying conditions which may predispose them to infections, or patients who have resided in regions where tuberculosis and histoplasmosis are endemic. The benefits and risks of HUMIRA treatment should be carefully considered before initiation of HUMIRA therapy.
As observed with other TNF blocking agents, tuberculosis associated with the administration of HUMIRA in clinical trials has been reported. While cases were observed at all doses, the incidence of tuberculosis reactivations was particularly increased at doses of HUMIRA that were higher than the recommended dose.
Before initiation of therapy with HUMIRA, patients should be evaluated for tuberculosis risk factors and should be tested for latent tuberculosis infection. Treatment of latent tuberculosis infections should be initiated prior to therapy with HUMIRA. When tuberculin skin testing is performed for latent tuberculosis infection, an induration size of 5 mm or greater should be considered positive, even if vaccinated previously with Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG). If latent infection is diagnosed, appropriate prophylaxis should be instituted in accordance with the current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The possibility of undetected latent tuberculosis should be considered, especially in patients who have immigrated from or traveled to countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis or had close contact with a person with active tuberculosis. All patients treated with HUMIRA should have a thorough history taken prior to initiating therapy. Some patients who have previously received treatment for latent or active tuberculosis have developed active tuberculosis while being treated with TNF blocking agents. Anti- tuberculosis therapy should be considered prior to initiation of HUMIRA in patients with a past history of latent or active tuberculosis in whom an adequate course of treatment cannot be confirmed. Anti-tuberculosis therapy prior to initiating HUMIRA should also be considered in patients who have several, or highly significant, risk factors for tuberculosis infection and have a negative test for latent tuberculosis, but the decision to initiate anti- tuberculosis therapy in these patients should only be made after taking into account both the risk for latent tuberculosis infection and the risks of anti-tuberculosis therapy. If necessary, consultation should occur with a physician with expertise in the treatment of tuberculosis.
Patients receiving HUMIRA should be monitored for signs and symptoms of active tuberculosis, particularly because tests for latent tuberculosis infection may be falsely negative. Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if signs or symptoms (e.g., persistent cough, wasting, weight loss, low grade fever) suggestive of a tuberculosis infection occur.
Malignancies
In the controlled portions of clinical trials of some TNF-blocking agents, including HUMIRA, more cases of malignancies have been observed among patients receiving those TNF blockers compared to control patients. During the controlled portions of HUMIRA trials in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, and plaque psoriasis, malignancies, other than lymphoma and non- melanoma (basal cell and squamous cell) skin cancer, were observed at a rate (95% confidence interval) of 0.6 (0.3, 1.0)/100 patient-years among 3853 HUMIRA-treated patients versus a rate of 0.4 (0.2, 1.0)/100 patient-years among 2183 control patients (median duration of treatment of 5.5 months for HUMIRA-treated patients and 3.9 months for control-treated patients). The size of the control group and limited duration of the controlled portions of studies precludes the ability to draw firm conclusions. In the controlled and uncontrolled open-label portions of the clinical trials of HUMIRA, the more frequently observed malignancies, other than lymphoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, were breast, colon, prostate, lung, and melanoma. These malignancies in HUMIRA-treated and control-treated patients were similar in type and number to what would be expected in the general population.1 During the controlled portions of HUMIRA rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, and plaque psoriasis trials, the rate (95% confidence interval) of non-melanoma (basal cell and squamous cell) skin cancers was 0.9 (0.57, 1.35)/100 patient-years among HUMIRA-treated patients and 0.3 (0.08, 0.80)/100 patient-years among control patients. The potential role of TNF blocking therapy in the development of malignancies is not known.
In the controlled portions of clinical trials of all the TNF-blocking agents, more cases of lymphoma have been observed among patients receiving TNF blockers compared to control patients. In controlled trials in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, and plaque psoriasis, 2 lymphomas were observed among 3853 HUMIRA-treated patients versus 1 among 2183 control patients. In combining the controlled and uncontrolled open-label portions of these clinical trials with a median duration of approximately 2 years, including 6539 patients and over 16,000 patient- years of therapy, the observed rate of lymphomas is approximately 0.11/100 patient-years. This is approximately 3-fold higher than expected in the general population.1 Rates in clinical trials for HUMIRA cannot be compared to rates of clinical trials of other TNF blockers and may not predict the rates observed in a broader patient population. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly those with highly active disease, are at a higher risk for the development of lymphoma.
Hypersensitivity Reactions
In postmarketing experience, anaphylaxis and angioneurotic edema have been reported rarely following HUMIRA administration. If an anaphylactic or other serious allergic reaction occurs, administration of HUMIRA should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy instituted. In clinical trials of HUMIRA in adults, allergic reactions overall (e.g., allergic rash, anaphylactoid reaction, fixed drug reaction, non- specified drug reaction, urticaria) have been observed in approximately 1% of patients.
Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation
Use of TNF blockers, including HUMIRA, may increase the risk of reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who are chronic carriers of this virus. In some instances, HBV reactivation occurring in conjunction with TNF blocker therapy has been fatal. The majority of these reports have occurred in patients concomitantly receiving other medications that suppress the immune system, which may also contribute to HBV reactivation. Patients at risk for HBV infection should be evaluated for prior evidence of HBV infection before initiating TNF blocker therapy. Prescribers should exercise caution in prescribing TNF blockers for patients identified as carriers of HBV. Adequate data are not available on the safety or efficacy of treating patients who are carriers of HBV with anti-viral therapy in conjunction with TNF blocker therapy to prevent HBV reactivation. Patients who are carriers of HBV and require treatment with TNF blockers should be closely monitored for clinical and laboratory signs of active HBV infection throughout therapy and for several months following termination of therapy. In patients who develop HBV reactivation, HUMIRA should be stopped and effective anti-viral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment should be initiated. The safety of resuming TNF blocker therapy after HBV reactivation is controlled is not known. Therefore, prescribers should exercise caution when considering resumption of HUMIRA therapy in this situation and monitor patients closely.
Neurologic Reactions
Use of TNF blocking agents, including HUMIRA, has been associated with rare cases of new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of demyelinating disease. Prescribers should exercise caution in considering the use of HUMIRA in patients with preexisting or recent-onset central nervous system demyelinating disorders.
Hematological Reactions
Rare reports of pancytopenia including aplastic anemia have been reported with TNF blocking agents. Adverse reactions of the hematologic system, including medically significant cytopenia (e.g., thrombocytopenia, leukopenia) have been infrequently reported with HUMIRA [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The causal relationship of these reports to HUMIRA remains unclear. All patients should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if they develop signs and symptoms suggestive of blood dyscrasias or infection (e.g., persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, pallor) while on HUMIRA. Discontinuation of HUMIRA therapy should be considered in patients with confirmed significant hematologic abnormalities.
Use with Anakinra
Serious infections were seen in clinical studies with concurrent use of anakinra (an interleukin-1 antagonist) and another TNF-blocking agent, with no added benefit. Because of the nature of the adverse reactions seen with this combination therapy, similar toxicities may also result from combination of anakinra and other TNF blocking agents. Therefore, the combination of HUMIRA and anakinra is not recommended [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Heart Failure
Cases of worsening congestive heart failure (CHF) and new onset CHF have been reported with TNF blockers. Cases of worsening CHF have also been observed with HUMIRA. HUMIRA has not been formally studied in patients with CHF; however, in clinical trials of another TNF blocker, a higher rate of serious CHF-related adverse reactions was observed. Physicians should exercise caution when using HUMIRA in patients who have heart failure and monitor them carefully.
Autoimmunity
Treatment with HUMIRA may result in the formation of autoantibodies and, rarely, in the development of a lupus-like syndrome. If a patient develops symptoms suggestive of a lupus-like syndrome following treatment with HUMIRA, treatment should be discontinued [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Immunizations
In a placebo-controlled clinical trial of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, no difference was detected in anti-pneumococcal antibody response between HUMIRA and placebo treatment groups when the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine and influenza vaccine were administered concurrently with HUMIRA. Similar proportions of patients developed protective levels of anti-influenza antibodies between HUMIRA and placebo treatment groups; however, titers in aggregate to influenza antigens were moderately lower in patients receiving HUMIRA. The clinical significance of this is unknown. Patients on HUMIRA may receive concurrent vaccinations, except for live vaccines. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving HUMIRA.
It is recommended that juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients, if possible, be brought up to date with all immunizations in agreement with current immunization guidelines prior to initiating HUMIRA therapy. Patients on HUMIRA may receive concurrent vaccinations, except for live vaccines.
Immunosuppression
The possibility exists for TNF blocking agents, including HUMIRA, to affect host defenses against infections and malignancies since TNF mediates inflammation and modulates cellular immune responses. In a study of 64 patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with HUMIRA, there was no evidence of depression of delayed-type hypersensitivity, depression of immunoglobulin levels, or change in enumeration of effector T- and B-cells and NK-cells, monocyte/macrophages, and neutrophils. The impact of treatment with HUMIRA on the development and course of malignancies, as well as active and/or chronic infections, is not fully understood [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS]. The safety and efficacy of HUMIRA in patients with immunosuppression have not been evaluated.
Patient Counseling Information
See Medication Guide
Patient Counseling
Patients should be advised of the potential benefits and risks of HUMIRA. Physicians should instruct their patients to read the Medication Guide before starting HUMIRA therapy and to reread each time the prescription is renewed.
Immunosuppression
Inform patients that HUMIRA may lower the ability of their immune system to fight infections. Instruct the patient of the importance of contacting their doctor if they develop any symptoms of infection, including tuberculosis and reactivation of hepatitis B virus infections.
Patients should be counseled about the risk of lymphoma and other malignancies while receiving HUMIRA.