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HUMIRA
(adalimumab) Injection
WARNING
SERIOUS INFECTIONS AND MALIGNANCY
Patients treated with HUMIRA are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Most patients who developed these infections were taking concomitant immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or corticosteroids.
Discontinue HUMIRA if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis.
Reported infections include:
Carefully consider the risks and benefits of treatment with HUMIRA prior to initiating therapy in patients with chronic or recurrent infection.
Monitor patients closely for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with HUMIRA, including the possible development of TB in patients who tested negative for latent TB infection prior to initiating therapy [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS].
Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers including HUMIRA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Post-marketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have been reported in patients treated with TNF blockers including HUMIRA. These cases have had a very aggressive disease course and have been fatal. The majority of reported TNF blocker cases have occurred in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and the majority were in adolescent and young adult males. Almost all these patients had received treatment with azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (6–MP) concomitantly with a TNF blocker at or prior to diagnosis. It is uncertain whether the occurrence of HSTCL is related to use of a TNF blocker or a TNF blocker in combination with these other immunosuppressants [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
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), as a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe, or as a single-use institutional use vial. 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 80 mg/0.8 mL prefilled syringe or prefilled pen delivers 0.8 mL (80 mg) of drug product. Each 0.8 mL of HUMIRA contains adalimumab (80 mg), mannitol (33.6 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.8 mg), and Water for Injection, USP.
Each 40 mg/0.4 mL prefilled syringe or prefilled pen delivers 0.4 mL (40 mg) of drug product. Each 0.4 mL of HUMIRA contains adalimumab (40 mg), mannitol (16.8 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.4 mg), and Water for Injection, USP.
Each 40 mg/0.8 mL prefilled syringe, prefilled pen, or single-use institutional use vial delivers 0.8 mL (40 mg) of drug product. Each 0.8 mL of HUMIRA contains adalimumab (40 mg), citric acid monohydrate (1.04 mg), dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate (1.22 mg), mannitol (9.6 mg), monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate (0.69 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.8 mg), sodium chloride (4.93 mg), sodium citrate (0.24 mg) and Water for Injection, USP. Sodium hydroxide is added as necessary to adjust pH.
Each 20 mg/0.2 mL prefilled syringe delivers 0.2 mL (20 mg) of drug product. Each 0.2 mL of HUMIRA contains adalimumab (20 mg), mannitol (8.4 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.2 mg), and Water for Injection, USP.
Each 20 mg/0.4 mL prefilled syringe delivers 0.4 mL (20 mg) of drug product. Each 0.4 mL of HUMIRA contains adalimumab (20 mg), citric acid monohydrate (0.52 mg), dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate (0.61 mg), mannitol (4.8 mg), monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate (0.34 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.4 mg), sodium chloride (2.47 mg), sodium citrate (0.12 mg) and Water for Injection, USP. Sodium hydroxide is added as necessary to adjust pH.
Each 10 mg/0.1 mL prefilled syringe delivers 0.1 mL (10 mg) of drug product. Each 0.1 mL of HUMIRA contains adalimumab (10 mg), mannitol (4.2 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.1 mg), and Water for Injection, USP.
Each 10 mg/0.2 mL prefilled syringe delivers 0.2 mL (10 mg) of drug product. Each 0.2 mL of HUMIRA contains adalimumab (10 mg), citric acid monohydrate (0.26 mg), dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate (0.31 mg), mannitol (2.4 mg), monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate (0.17 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.2 mg), sodium chloride (1.23 mg), sodium citrate (0.06 mg) and Water for Injection, USP. Sodium hydroxide is added as necessary to adjust pH.
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 non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
HUMIRA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients 2 years of age and older. HUMIRA can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate.
HUMIRA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with active psoriatic arthritis. HUMIRA can be used alone or in combination with non-biologic DMARDs.
HUMIRA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms in adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.
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.
HUMIRA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms and inducing and maintaining clinical remission in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease who have had an inadequate response to corticosteroids or immunomodulators such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or methotrexate.
HUMIRA is indicated for inducing and sustaining clinical remission in adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who have had an inadequate response to immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids, azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). The effectiveness of HUMIRA has not been established in patients who have lost response to or were intolerant to TNF blockers [see Clinical Studies].
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 WARNING and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
HUMIRA is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa.
HUMIRA is indicated for the treatment of non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.
HUMIRA is administered by subcutaneous injection.
The recommended dose of HUMIRA for adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), or ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is 40 mg administered every other week. Methotrexate (MTX), other non-biologic DMARDS, glucocorticoids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and/or analgesics may be continued during treatment with HUMIRA. In the treatment of RA, some patients not taking concomitant MTX may derive additional benefit from increasing the dosing frequency of HUMIRA to 40 mg every week.
The recommended dose of HUMIRA for patients 2 years of age and older with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or pediatric uveitis is based on weight as shown below. MTX, glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, and/or analgesics may be continued during treatment with HUMIRA.
| Patients (2 years of age and older) | Dose |
| 10 kg (22 lbs) to <15 kg (33 lbs) | 10 mg every other week (10 mg Prefilled Syringe) |
| 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) |
HUMIRA has not been studied in patients with polyarticular JIA or pediatric uveitis less than 2 years of age or in patients with a weight below 10 kg.
The recommended HUMIRA dose regimen for adult patients with Crohn's disease (CD) is 160 mg initially on Day 1 (given in one day or split over 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 and/or corticosteroids may be continued during treatment with HUMIRA. Azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] or MTX may be continued during treatment with HUMIRA if necessary. The use of HUMIRA in CD beyond one year has not been evaluated in controlled clinical studies.
The recommended HUMIRA dose regimen for pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with Crohn's disease (CD) is based on body weight as shown below:
| Pediatric Patients | Induction Dose | Maintenance Dose Starting at Week 4 (Day 29) |
| 17 kg (37 lbs) to < 40 kg (88 lbs) |
|
|
| ≥ 40 kg (88 lbs) |
|
|
The recommended HUMIRA dose regimen for adult patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is 160 mg initially on Day 1 (given in one day or split over two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg two weeks later (Day 15). Two weeks later (Day 29) continue with a dose of 40 mg every other week.
Only continue HUMIRA in patients who have shown evidence of clinical remission by eight weeks (Day 57) of therapy. Aminosalicylates and/or corticosteroids may be continued during treatment with HUMIRA. Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] may be continued during treatment with HUMIRA if necessary.
The recommended dose of HUMIRA for adult patients with plaque psoriasis (Ps) or Uveitis (UV) 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 Ps beyond one year has not been evaluated in controlled clinical studies.
The recommended dose of HUMIRA for adult patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an initial dose of 160 mg (given in one day or split over two consecutive days), followed by 80 mg two weeks later (Day 15). Begin 40 mg weekly dosing two weeks later (Day 29).
Prior to initiating HUMIRA and periodically during therapy, evaluate patients for active tuberculosis and test for latent infection [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
HUMIRA is intended for use under the guidance and supervision of a physician. A patient may self-inject HUMIRA or a caregiver may inject HUMIRA using either the HUMIRA Pen or prefilled syringe if a physician determines that it is appropriate, and with medical follow-up, as necessary, after proper training in subcutaneous injection technique.
You may leave HUMIRA at room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes before injecting. Do not remove the cap or cover while allowing it to reach room temperature. Carefully inspect the solution in the HUMIRA Pen, prefilled syringe, or single-use institutional use vial for particulate matter and discoloration prior to subcutaneous administration. If particulates and discolorations are noted, do not use the product. HUMIRA does not contain preservatives; therefore, discard unused portions of drug remaining from the syringe. NOTE: Instruct patients sensitive to latex not to handle the needle cover of the HUMIRA 40 mg/0.8 mL Pen and 40 mg/0.8 mL, 20 mg/0.4 mL and 10 mg/0.2 mL prefilled syringe because it may contain natural rubber latex [see HOW SUPPLIED/Storage And Handling for specific information].
Instruct patients using the HUMIRA Pen or prefilled syringe to inject the full amount in the syringe, according to the directions provided in the Instructions for Use [see Instructions for Use].
Injections should occur at separate sites in the thigh or abdomen. Rotate injection sites and do not give injections into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red or hard.
The HUMIRA single-use institutional use vial is for administration within an institutional setting only, such as a hospital, physician's office or clinic. Withdraw the dose using a sterile needle and syringe and administer promptly by a healthcare provider within an institutional setting. Only administer one dose per vial. The vial does not contain preservatives; therefore, discard unused portions.
Injection: 80 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA is provided by a single-use pen (HUMIRA Pen), containing a 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle and a black needle cover. Injection: 40 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA is provided by a single-use pen (HUMIRA Pen), containing a 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed ½ inch needle and a needle cover. Injection: 40 mg/0.4 mL of HUMIRA is provided by a single-use pen (HUMIRA Pen), containing a 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle and a black needle cover.
Injection: 80 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA is provided by a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle and a black needle cover.
Injection: 40 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA is provided by a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed ½ inch needle and a needle cover.
Injection: 40 mg/0.4 mL of HUMIRA is provided by a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle and a black needle cover.
Injection: 20 mg/0.4 mL of HUMIRA is provided by a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed ½ inch needle and a needle cover.
Injection: 20 mg/0.2 mL of HUMIRA is provided by a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle and a black needle cover.
Injection: 10 mg/0.2 mL of HUMIRA is provided by a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed ½ inch needle and a needle cover.
Injection: 10 mg/0.1 mL of HUMIRA is provided by a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle and a black needle cover.
Injection: 40 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA is provided by a single-use, glass vial for institutional use only.
HUMIRA® (adalimumab) is supplied as a preservative-free, sterile solution for subcutaneous administration. The following packaging configurations are available.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing two alcohol preps and two dose trays. Each dose tray consists of a single-use pen, containing a 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed ½ inch needle, providing 40 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA. The needle cover may contain natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-4339-02.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing two alcohol preps and two dose trays. Each dose tray consists of a single-use pen, containing a 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle, providing 40 mg/0.4 mL of HUMIRA. The black needle cover is not made with natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-0554-02.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing 6 alcohol preps and 6 dose trays (Starter Package for Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis or Hidradenitis Suppurativa). Each dose tray consists of a single-use pen, containing a 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed ½ inch needle, providing 40 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA. The needle cover may contain natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-4339-06.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing 6 alcohol preps and 6 dose trays (Starter Package for Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis or Hidradenitis Suppurativa). Each dose tray consists of a single-use pen, containing a 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle, providing 40 mg/0.4 mL of HUMIRA. The black needle cover is not made with natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-0554-06.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing 4 alcohol preps and 3 dose trays (Starter Package for Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis or Hidradenitis Suppurativa). Each dose tray consists of a single-use pen, containing a 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle, providing 80 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA. The black needle cover is not made with natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-0124-03.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing 4 alcohol preps and 4 dose trays (Psoriasis/Uveitis Starter Package). Each dose tray consists of a single-use pen, containing a 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed ½ inch needle, providing 40 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA. The needle cover may contain natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 00744339-07.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing 4 alcohol preps and 4 dose trays (Psoriasis/Uveitis Starter Package). Each dose tray consists of a single-use pen, containing a 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle, providing 40 mg/0.4 mL of HUMIRA. The black needle cover is not made with natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-0554-04.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing 4 alcohol preps and 3 dose trays (Psoriasis/Uveitis Starter Package). One dose tray consists of a single-use pen, containing a 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle, providing 80 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA. The other two dose trays each consist of a single-use pen, containing a 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle, providing 40 mg/0.4 mL of HUMIRA. The black needle cover is not made with natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-1539-03.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing two alcohol preps and two dose trays. Each dose tray consists of a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed ½ inch needle, providing 40 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA. The needle cover may contain natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-3799-02.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing two alcohol preps and two dose trays. Each dose tray consists of a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle, providing 40 mg/0.4 mL of HUMIRA. The black needle cover is not made with natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-0243-02.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing two alcohol preps and two dose trays. Each dose tray consists of a single-use, 1 mL pre-filled glass syringe with a fixed ½ inch needle, providing 20 mg/0.4 mL of HUMIRA. The needle cover may contain natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-9374-02.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing two alcohol preps and two dose trays. Each dose tray consists of a single-use, 1 mL pre-filled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle, providing 20 mg/0.2 mL of HUMIRA. The black needle cover is not made with natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-0616-02.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing two alcohol preps and two dose trays. Each dose tray consists of a single-use, 1 mL pre-filled glass syringe with a fixed ½ inch needle, providing 10 mg/0.2 mL of HUMIRA. The needle cover may contain natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-6347-02.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing two alcohol preps and two dose trays. Each dose tray consists of a single-use, 1 mL pre-filled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle, providing 10 mg/0.1 mL of HUMIRA. The black needle cover is not made with natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-0817-02.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing 6 alcohol preps and 6 dose trays (Pediatric Starter Package). Each dose tray consists of a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed ½ inch needle, providing 40 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA. The needle cover may contain natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-3799-06.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing 4 alcohol preps and 3 dose trays (Pediatric Starter Package). Each dose tray consists of a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle, providing 80 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA. The black needle cover is not made with natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-2540-03.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing 4 alcohol preps and 3 dose trays (Pediatric Starter Package). Each dose tray consists of a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed ½ inch needle, providing 40 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA. The needle cover may contain natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-3799-03.
HUMIRA is supplied in a carton containing 2 alcohol preps and 2 dose trays (Pediatric Starter Package). One dose tray consists of a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle, providing 80 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA. The other dose tray consists of a single-use, 1 mL prefilled glass syringe with a fixed thin wall, ½ inch needle, providing 40 mg/0.4 mL of HUMIRA. The black needle cover is not made with natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-0067-02.
HUMIRA is supplied for institutional use only in a carton containing a single-use, glass vial, providing 40 mg/0.8 mL of HUMIRA. The vial stopper is not made with natural rubber latex. The NDC number is 0074-3797-01.
Do not use beyond the expiration date on the container. HUMIRA must be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). DO NOT FREEZE. Do not use if frozen even if it has been thawed.
Store in original carton until time of administration to protect from light.
If needed, for example when traveling, HUMIRA may be stored at room temperature up to a maximum of 77°F (25°C) for a period of up to 14 days, with protection from light. HUMIRA should be discarded if not used within the 14-day period. Record the date when HUMIRA is first removed from the refrigerator in the spaces provided on the carton and dose tray.
Do not store HUMIRA in extreme heat or cold.
Manufactured by: AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL 60064, U.S.A. US License Number 1889. Revised: Sep 2018
The most serious adverse reactions described elsewhere in the labeling include the following:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
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 in patients with RA (i.e., Studies RA-I, RAII, 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 in these RA studies were clinical flare reaction (0.7%), rash (0.3%) and pneumonia (0.3%).
In the controlled portions of the 39 global HUMIRA clinical trials in adult patients with RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, Ps, HS and UV, the rate of serious infections was 4.3 per 100 patient-years in 7973 HUMIRA-treated patients versus a rate of 2.9 per 100 patient-years in 4848 control-treated patients. Serious infections observed included pneumonia, septic arthritis, prosthetic and post-surgical infections, erysipelas, cellulitis, diverticulitis, and pyelonephritis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In 52 global controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials in RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, Ps, HS and UV that included 24,605 HUMIRA-treated patients, the rate of reported active tuberculosis was 0.20 per 100 patient-years and the rate of positive PPD conversion was 0.09 per 100 patient-years. In a subgroup of 10,113 U.S. and Canadian HUMIRA-treated patients, the rate of reported active TB was 0.05 per 100 patient-years and the rate of positive PPD conversion was 0.07 per 100 patient-years. These trials included reports of miliary, lymphatic, peritoneal, and pulmonary TB. Most of the TB cases occurred within the first eight months after initiation of therapy and may reflect recrudescence of latent disease. In these global clinical trials, cases of serious opportunistic infections have been reported at an overall rate of 0.05 per 100 patient-years. Some cases of serious opportunistic infections and TB have been fatal [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
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.
There have been reports of severe hepatic reactions including acute liver failure in patients receiving TNF-blockers. In controlled Phase 3 trials of HUMIRA (40 mg SC every other week) in patients with RA, PsA, and AS with control period duration ranging from 4 to 104 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 3.5% of HUMIRA-treated patients and 1.5% of control-treated patients. Since many of these patients in these trials were also taking medications that cause liver enzyme elevations (e.g., NSAIDS, MTX), the relationship between HUMIRA and the liver enzyme elevations is not clear. In a controlled Phase 3 trial of HUMIRA in patients with polyarticular JIA who were 4 to 17 years, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 4.4% of HUMIRA-treated patients and 1.5% of control-treated patients (ALT more common than AST); liver enzyme test elevations were more frequent among those treated with the combination of HUMIRA and MTX than those treated with HUMIRA alone. In general, these elevations did not lead to discontinuation of HUMIRA treatment. No ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in the open-label study of HUMIRA in patients with polyarticular JIA who were 2 to <4 years.
In controlled Phase 3 trials of HUMIRA (initial doses of 160 mg and 80 mg, or 80 mg and 40 mg on Days 1 and 15, respectively, followed by 40 mg every other week) in adult patients with CD with a control period duration ranging from 4 to 52 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 0.9% of HUMIRA-treated patients and 0.9% of control-treated patients. In the Phase 3 trial of HUMIRA in pediatric patients with Crohn's disease which evaluated efficacy and safety of two body weight based maintenance dose regimens following body weight based induction therapy up to 52 weeks of treatment, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 2.6% (5/192) of patients, of whom 4 were receiving concomitant immunosuppressants at baseline; none of these patients discontinued due to abnormalities in ALT tests. In controlled Phase 3 trials of HUMIRA (initial doses of 160 mg and 80 mg on Days 1 and 15 respectively, followed by 40 mg every other week) in patients with UC with control period duration ranging from 1 to 52 weeks, ALT elevations ≥3 x ULN occurred in 1.5% of HUMIRA-treated patients and 1.0% of control-treated patients. In controlled Phase 3 trials of HUMIRA (initial dose of 80 mg then 40 mg every other week) in patients with Ps with control period duration ranging from 12 to 24 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 1.8% of HUMIRA-treated patients and 1.8% of control-treated patients. In controlled trials of HUMIRA (initial doses of 160 mg at Week 0 and 80 mg at Week 2, followed by 40 mg every week starting at Week 4), in subjects with HS with a control period duration ranging from 12 to 16 weeks, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 0.3% of HUMIRA-treated subjects and 0.6% of control-treated subjects. In controlled trials of HUMIRA (initial doses of 80 mg at Week 0 followed by 40 mg every other week starting at Week 1) in adult patients with uveitis with an exposure of 165.4 PYs and 119.8 PYs in HUMIRA-treated and control-treated patients, respectively, ALT elevations ≥ 3 x ULN occurred in 2.4% of HUMIRA-treated patients and 2.4% of control-treated patients.
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 RA patients receiving HUMIRA developed low-titer antibodies to adalimumab at least once during treatment, which were neutralizing in vitro. Patients treated with concomitant methotrexate (MTX) 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 polyarticular JIA who were 4 to 17 years of age, adalimumab antibodies were identified in 16% of HUMIRA-treated patients. In patients receiving concomitant MTX, the incidence was 6% compared to 26% with HUMIRA monotherapy. In patients with polyarticular JIA who were 2 to <4 years of age or 4 years of age and older weighing <15 kg, adalimumab antibodies were identified in 7% (1 of 15) of HUMIRA-treated patients, and the one patient was receiving concomitant MTX.
In patients with AS, the rate of development of antibodies to adalimumab in HUMIRA-treated patients was comparable to patients with RA.
In patients with PsA, the rate of antibody development in patients receiving HUMIRA monotherapy was comparable to patients with RA; however, in patients receiving concomitant MTX the rate was 7% compared to 1% in RA.
In adult patients with CD, the rate of antibody development was 3%.
In pediatric patients with Crohn's disease, the rate of antibody development in patients receiving HUMIRA was 3%. However, due to the limitation of the assay conditions, antibodies to adalimumab could be detected only when serum adalimumab levels were < 2 mcg/mL. Among the patients whose serum adalimumab levels were < 2 mcg/mL (approximately 32% of total patients studied), the immunogenicity rate was 10%.
In patients with moderately to severely active UC, the rate of antibody development in patients receiving HUMIRA was 5%. However, due to the limitation of the assay conditions, antibodies to adalimumab could be detected only when serum adalimumab levels were < 2 mcg/mL. Among the patients whose serum adalimumab levels were < 2 mcg/mL (approximately 25% of total patients studied), the immunogenicity rate was 20.7%.
In patients with Ps, the rate of antibody development with HUMIRA monotherapy was 8%. However, due to the limitation of the assay conditions, antibodies to adalimumab could be detected only when serum adalimumab levels were < 2 mcg/mL. Among the patients whose serum adalimumab levels were < 2 mcg/mL (approximately 40% of total patients studied), the immunogenicity rate was 20.7%. In Ps patients who were on HUMIRA monotherapy and subsequently withdrawn from the treatment, the rate of antibodies to adalimumab after retreatment was similar to the rate observed prior to withdrawal.
Anti-adalimumab antibodies were measured in clinical trials of subjects with moderate to severe HS with two assays (an original assay capable of detecting antibodies when serum adalimumab concentrations declined to < 2 mcg/mL and a new assay that is capable of detecting antiadalimumab antibody titers in all subjects, independent of adalimumab concentration). Using the original assay, the rate of anti-adalimumab antibody development in subjects treated with HUMIRA was 6.5%. Among subjects who stopped HUMIRA treatment for up to 24 weeks and in whom adalimumab serum levels subsequently declined to < 2 mcg/mL (approximately 22% of total subjects studied), the immunogenicity rate was 28%. Using the new titer-based assay, antiadalimumab antibody titers were measurable in 61% of HS subjects treated with HUMIRA. Antibodies to adalimumab were associated with reduced serum adalimumab concentrations. In general, the extent of reduction in serum adalimumab concentrations is greater with increasing titers of antibodies to adalimumab. No apparent association between antibody development and safety was observed.
In adult patients with non-infectious uveitis, anti-adalimumab antibodies were identified in 4.8% (12/249) of patients treated with adalimumab. However, due to the limitation of the assay conditions, antibodies to adalimumab could be detected only when serum adalimumab levels were < 2 mcg/mL. Among the patients whose serum adalimumab levels were < 2 mcg/mL (approximately 23% of total patients studied), the immunogenicity rate was 21.1%. Using an assay which could measure an anti-adalimumab antibody titer in all patients, titers were measured in 39.8% (99/249) of non-infectious uveitis adult patients treated with adalimumab. No correlation of antibody development to safety or efficacy outcomes was observed.
The data reflect the percentage of patients whose test results were considered positive for antibodies to adalimumab or titers, and are highly dependent on 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.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Studies
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. 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 Pooled RA
Studies (Studies RA-I, RA-II, RA-III, and RA-IV)
| HUMIRA 40 mg subcutaneous Every Other Week (N=705) |
Placebo (N=690) |
|
| Adverse Reaction (Preferred Term) | ||
| 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 | ||
| 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 injection site erythema, itching, hemorrhage, pain or swelling |
||
Other infrequent serious adverse reactions that do not appear in the Warnings and Precautions or Adverse Reaction sections that occurred at an incidence of less than 5% in HUMIRA-treated patients in RA studies were:
Body As A Whole: Pain in extremity, pelvic pain, surgery, thorax pain
Cardiovascular System: Arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, chest pain, coronary artery disorder, heart arrest, hypertensive encephalopathy, myocardial infarct, palpitation, pericardial effusion, pericarditis, syncope, tachycardia
Digestive System: Cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, esophagitis, gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hepatic necrosis, vomiting
Endocrine System: Parathyroid disorder
Hemic And Lymphatic System: Agranulocytosis, polycythemia
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
Nervous System: Confusion, paresthesia, subdural hematoma, tremor
Respiratory System: Asthma, bronchospasm, dyspnea, lung function decreased, pleural effusion
Special Senses: Cataract
Thrombosis: Thrombosis leg
Urogenital System: Cystitis, kidney calculus, menstrual disorder
In general, the adverse reactions in the HUMIRA-treated patients in the polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) trials (Studies JIA-I and JIA-II) were similar in frequency and type to those seen in adult patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Important findings and differences from adults are discussed in the following paragraphs.
In Study JIA-I, HUMIRA was studied in 171 patients who were 4 to 17 years of age, with polyarticular JIA. Severe adverse reactions reported in the study included neutropenia, streptococcal pharyngitis, increased aminotransferases, herpes zoster, myositis, metrorrhagia, and 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.
In Study JIA-I, 45% of patients experienced an infection while receiving HUMIRA with or without concomitant MTX in the first 16 weeks of treatment. The types of infections reported in HUMIRA-treated patients were generally similar to those commonly seen in polyarticular JIA patients who are not treated with TNF blockers. Upon initiation of treatment, the most common adverse reactions occurring in this patient population treated with HUMIRA were injection site pain and injection site reaction (19% and 16%, respectively). A less commonly reported adverse event in patients receiving HUMIRA was granuloma annulare which did not lead to discontinuation of HUMIRA treatment.
In the first 48 weeks of treatment in Study JIA-I, non-serious hypersensitivity reactions were seen in approximately 6% of patients and included primarily localized allergic hypersensitivity reactions and allergic rash.
In Study JIA-I, 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 patients treated with HUMIRA developed mild-to-moderate elevations of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) in Study JIA-I. 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.
In Study JIA-II, HUMIRA was studied in 32 patients who were 2 to <4 years of age or 4 years of age and older weighing <15 kg with polyarticular JIA. The safety profile for this patient population was similar to the safety profile seen in patients 4 to 17 years of age with polyarticular JIA.
In Study JIA-II, 78% of patients experienced an infection while receiving HUMIRA. These included nasopharyngitis, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infection, otitis media, and were mostly mild to moderate in severity. Serious infections were observed in 9% of patients receiving HUMIRA in the study and included dental caries, rotavirus gastroenteritis, and varicella.
In Study JIA-II, non-serious allergic reactions were observed in 6% of patients and included intermittent urticaria and rash, which were all mild in severity.
HUMIRA has been studied in 395 patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in two placebo-controlled trials and in an open label study and in 393 patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in two placebo-controlled studies. The safety profile for patients with PsA and AS treated with HUMIRA 40 mg every other week was similar to the safety profile seen in patients with RA, HUMIRA Studies RA-I through IV.
HUMIRA has been studied in 1478 adult patients with Crohn's disease (CD) in four placebo-controlled and two open-label extension studies. The safety profile for adult patients with CD treated with HUMIRA was similar to the safety profile seen in patients with RA.
HUMIRA has been studied in 192 pediatric patients with Crohn's disease in one double-blind study (Study PCD-I) and one open-label extension study. The safety profile for pediatric patients with Crohn's disease treated with HUMIRA was similar to the safety profile seen in adult patients with Crohn's disease.
During the 4-week open label induction phase of Study PCD-I, the most common adverse reactions occurring in the pediatric population treated with HUMIRA were injection site pain and injection site reaction (6% and 5%, respectively).
A total of 67% of children experienced an infection while receiving HUMIRA in Study PCD-I. These included upper respiratory tract infection and nasopharyngitis.
A total of 5% of children experienced a serious infection while receiving HUMIRA in Study PCD-I. These included viral infection, device related sepsis (catheter), gastroenteritis, H1N1 influenza, and disseminated histoplasmosis.
In Study PCD-I, allergic reactions were observed in 5% of children which were all non-serious and were primarily localized reactions.
HUMIRA has been studied in 1010 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) in two placebo-controlled studies and one open-label extension study. The safety profile for patients with UC treated with HUMIRA was similar to the safety profile seen in patients with RA.
HUMIRA has been studied in 1696 subjects with plaque psoriasis (Ps) in placebo-controlled and open-label extension studies. The safety profile for subjects with Ps treated with HUMIRA was similar to the safety profile seen in subjects with RA with the following exceptions. In the placebo-controlled portions of the clinical trials in Ps subjects, HUMIRA-treated subjects had a higher incidence of arthralgia when compared to controls (3% vs. 1%).
HUMIRA has been studied in 727 subjects with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in three placebo-controlled studies and one open-label extension study. The safety profile for subjects with HS treated with HUMIRA weekly was consistent with the known safety profile of HUMIRA.
Flare of HS, defined as ≥25% increase from baseline in abscesses and inflammatory nodule counts and with a minimum of 2 additional lesions, was documented in 22 (22%) of the 100 subjects who were withdrawn from HUMIRA treatment following the primary efficacy timepoint in two studies.
HUMIRA has been studied in 464 adult patients with uveitis (UV) in placebo-controlled and open-label extension studies and in 90 pediatric patients with uveitis (Study PUV-I). The safety profile for patients with UV treated with HUMIRA was similar to the safety profile seen in patients with RA.
The following adverse reactions have been identified 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.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Diverticulitis, large bowel perforations including perforations associated with diverticulitis and appendiceal perforations associated with appendicitis, pancreatitis
General disorders and administration site conditions: Pyrexia
Hepato-biliary disorders: Liver failure, hepatitis
Immune system disorders: Sarcoidosis
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps): Merkel Cell Carcinoma (neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin)
Nervous system disorders: Demyelinating disorders (e.g., optic neuritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome), cerebrovascular accident
Respiratory disorders: Interstitial lung disease, including pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary embolism
Skin reactions: Stevens Johnson Syndrome, cutaneous vasculitis, erythema multiforme, new or worsening psoriasis (all sub-types including pustular and palmoplantar), alopecia
Vascular disorders: Systemic vasculitis, deep vein thrombosis
HUMIRA has been studied in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients taking concomitant methotrexate (MTX). Although MTX reduced the apparent adalimumab clearance, the data do not suggest the need for dose adjustment of either HUMIRA or MTX [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
In clinical studies in patients with RA, an increased risk of serious infections has been seen with the combination of TNF blockers with anakinra or abatacept, with no added benefit; therefore, use of HUMIRA with abatacept or anakinra is not recommended in patients with RA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. A higher rate of serious infections has also been observed in patients with RA treated with rituximab who received subsequent treatment with a TNF blocker. There is insufficient information regarding the concomitant use of HUMIRA and other biologic products for the treatment of RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, Ps, HS and UV. Concomitant administration of HUMIRA with other biologic DMARDS (e.g., anakinra and abatacept) or other TNF blockers is not recommended based upon the possible increased risk for infections and other potential pharmacological interactions.
Avoid the use of live vaccines with HUMIRA [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
The formation of CYP450 enzymes may be suppressed by increased levels of cytokines (e.g., TNFα, IL-6) during chronic inflammation. It is possible for a molecule that antagonizes cytokine activity, such as adalimumab, to influence the formation of CYP450 enzymes. Upon initiation or discontinuation of HUMIRA in patients being treated with CYP450 substrates with a narrow therapeutic index, monitoring of the effect (e.g., warfarin) or drug concentration (e.g., cyclosporine or theophylline) is recommended and the individual dose of the drug product may be adjusted as needed.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Patients treated with HUMIRA are at increased risk for developing serious infections involving various organ systems and sites that may lead to hospitalization or death [see BOXED WARNING]. Opportunistic infections due to bacterial, mycobacterial, invasive fungal, viral, parasitic, or other opportunistic pathogens including aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, legionellosis, listeriosis, pneumocystosis and tuberculosis have been reported with TNF blockers. Patients have frequently presented with disseminated rather than localized disease.
The concomitant use of a TNF blocker and abatacept or anakinra was associated with a higher risk of serious infections in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); therefore, the concomitant use of HUMIRA and these biologic products is not recommended in the treatment of patients with RA [see Use with Anakinra and Use with Abatacept and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Treatment with HUMIRA should not be initiated in patients with an active infection, including localized infections. Patients greater than 65 years of age, patients with co-morbid conditions and/or patients taking concomitant immunosuppressants (such as corticosteroids or methotrexate), may be at greater risk of infection. Consider the risks and benefits of treatment prior to initiating therapy in patients:
Cases of reactivation of tuberculosis and new onset tuberculosis infections have been reported in patients receiving HUMIRA, including patients who have previously received treatment for latent or active tuberculosis. Reports included cases of pulmonary and extrapulmonary (i.e., disseminated) tuberculosis. Evaluate patients for tuberculosis risk factors and test for latent infection prior to initiating HUMIRA and periodically during therapy.
Treatment of latent tuberculosis infection prior to therapy with TNF blocking agents has been shown to reduce the risk of tuberculosis reactivation during therapy. Prior to initiating HUMIRA, assess if treatment for latent tuberculosis is needed; and consider an induration of ≥ 5 mm a positive tuberculin skin test result, even for patients previously vaccinated with Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG).
Consider anti-tuberculosis therapy 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, and for patients with a negative test for latent tuberculosis but having risk factors for tuberculosis infection. Despite prophylactic treatment for tuberculosis, cases of reactivated tuberculosis have occurred in patients treated with HUMIRA. Consultation with a physician with expertise in the treatment of tuberculosis is recommended to aid in the decision whether initiating anti-tuberculosis therapy is appropriate for an individual patient.
Strongly consider tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis in patients who develop a new infection during HUMIRA treatment, especially in patients who have previously or recently traveled to countries with a high prevalence of tuberculosis, or who have had close contact with a person with active tuberculosis.
Closely monitor patients for the development of signs and symptoms of infection during and after treatment with HUMIRA, including the development of tuberculosis in patients who tested negative for latent tuberculosis infection prior to initiating therapy. Tests for latent tuberculosis infection may also be falsely negative while on therapy with HUMIRA.
Discontinue HUMIRA if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis. For a patient who develops a new infection during treatment with HUMIRA, closely monitor them, perform a prompt and complete diagnostic workup appropriate for an immunocompromised patient, and initiate appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
If patients develop a serious systemic illness and they reside or travel in regions where mycoses are endemic, consider invasive fungal infection in the differential diagnosis. Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infection. Consider appropriate empiric antifungal therapy, taking into account both the risk for severe fungal infection and the risks of antifungal therapy, while a diagnostic workup is being performed. To aid in the management of such patients, consider consultation with a physician with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of invasive fungal infections.
Consider the risks and benefits of TNF-blocker treatment including HUMIRA prior to initiating therapy in patients with a known malignancy other than a successfully treated non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) or when considering continuing a TNF blocker in patients who develop a malignancy.
In the controlled portions of clinical trials of some TNF-blockers, including HUMIRA, more cases of malignancies have been observed among TNF-blocker-treated adult patients compared to control-treated adult patients. During the controlled portions of 39 global HUMIRA clinical trials in adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), plaque psoriasis (Ps), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and uveitis (UV), malignancies, other than non-melanoma (basal cell and squamous cell) skin cancer, were observed at a rate (95% confidence interval) of 0.7 (0.48, 1.03) per 100 patient-years among 7973 HUMIRA-treated patients versus a rate of 0.7 (0.41, 1.17) per 100 patient-years among 4848 control-treated patients (median duration of treatment of 4 months for HUMIRA-treated patients and 4 months for control-treated patients). In 52 global controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials of HUMIRA in adult patients with RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, Ps, HS and UV, the most frequently observed malignancies, other than lymphoma and NMSC, were breast, colon, prostate, lung, and melanoma. The malignancies in HUMIRA-treated patients in the controlled and uncontrolled portions of the studies were similar in type and number to what would be expected in the general U.S. population according to the SEER database (adjusted for age, gender, and race).1
In controlled trials of other TNF blockers in adult patients at higher risk for malignancies (i.e., patients with COPD with a significant smoking history and cyclophosphamide-treated patients with Wegener’s granulomatosis), a greater portion of malignancies occurred in the TNF blocker group compared to the control group.
During the controlled portions of 39 global HUMIRA clinical trials in adult patients with RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, Ps, HS and UV, the rate (95% confidence interval) of NMSC was 0.8 (0.52, 1.09) per 100 patient-years among HUMIRA-treated patients and 0.2 (0.10, 0.59) per 100 patient-years among control-treated patients. Examine all patients, and in particular patients with a medical history of prior prolonged immunosuppressant therapy or psoriasis patients with a history of PUVA treatment for the presence of NMSC prior to and during treatment with HUMIRA.
In the controlled portions of clinical trials of all the TNF-blockers in adults, more cases of lymphoma have been observed among TNF-blocker-treated patients compared to control-treated patients. In the controlled portions of 39 global HUMIRA clinical trials in adult patients with RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, Ps, HS and UV, 2 lymphomas occurred among 7973 HUMIRA-treated patients versus 1 among 4848 control-treated patients. In 52 global controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials of HUMIRA in adult patients with RA, PsA, AS, CD, UC, Ps, HS and UV with a median duration of approximately 0.7 years, including 24,605 patients and over 40,215 patient-years of HUMIRA, the observed rate of lymphomas was approximately 0.11 per 100 patient-years. This is approximately 3-fold higher than expected in the general U.S. population according to the SEER database (adjusted for age, gender, and race).1 Rates of lymphoma in clinical trials of HUMIRA cannot be compared to rates of lymphoma in clinical trials of other TNF blockers and may not predict the rates observed in a broader patient population. Patients with RA and other chronic inflammatory diseases, particularly those with highly active disease and/or chronic exposure to immunosuppressant therapies, may be at a higher risk (up to several fold) than the general population for the development of lymphoma, even in the absence of TNF blockers. Post-marketing cases of acute and chronic leukemia have been reported in association with TNF-blocker use in RA and other indications. Even in the absence of TNF-blocker therapy, patients with RA may be at a higher risk (approximately 2-fold) than the general population for the development of leukemia.
Malignancies, some fatal, have been reported among children, adolescents, and young adults who received treatment with TNF-blockers (initiation of therapy ≤ 18 years of age), of which HUMIRA is a member [see BOXED WARNING]. Approximately half the cases were lymphomas, including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The other cases represented a variety of different malignancies and included rare malignancies usually associated with immunosuppression and malignancies that are not usually observed in children and adolescents. The malignancies occurred after a median of 30 months of therapy (range 1 to 84 months). Most of the patients were receiving concomitant immunosuppressants. These cases were reported post-marketing and are derived from a variety of sources including registries and spontaneous postmarketing reports.
Postmarketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have been reported in patients treated with TNF blockers including HUMIRA [see BOXED WARNING]. These cases have had a very aggressive disease course and have been fatal. The majority of reported TNF blocker cases have occurred in patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis and the majority were in adolescent and young adult males. Almost all of these patients had received treatment with the immunosuppressants azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine (6–MP) concomitantly with a TNF blocker at or prior to diagnosis. It is uncertain whether the occurrence of HSTCL is related to use of a TNF blocker or a TNF blocker in combination with these other immunosuppressants. The potential risk with the combination of azathioprine or 6mercaptopurine and HUMIRA should be carefully considered.
Anaphylaxis and angioneurotic edema have been reported following HUMIRA administration. If an anaphylactic or other serious allergic reaction occurs, immediately discontinue administration of HUMIRA and institute appropriate therapy. In clinical trials of HUMIRA in adults, allergic reactions (e.g., allergic rash, anaphylactoid reaction, fixed drug reaction, non-specified drug reaction, urticaria) have been observed.
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. Evaluate patients at risk for HBV infection for prior evidence of HBV infection before initiating TNF blocker therapy. 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. For patients who are carriers of HBV and require treatment with TNF blockers, closely monitor such patients 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, stop HUMIRA and initiate effective anti-viral therapy with appropriate supportive treatment. The safety of resuming TNF blocker therapy after HBV reactivation is controlled is not known. Therefore, exercise caution when considering resumption of HUMIRA therapy in this situation and monitor patients closely.
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 central nervous system demyelinating disease, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and optic neuritis, and peripheral demyelinating disease, including Guillain-Barré syndrome. Exercise caution in considering the use of HUMIRA in patients with preexisting or recent-onset central or peripheral nervous system demyelinating disorders; discontinuation of HUMIRA should be considered if any of these disorders develop. There is a known association between intermediate uveitis and central demyelinating disorders.
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. The causal relationship of these reports to HUMIRA remains unclear. Advise all patients 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. Consider discontinuation of HUMIRA therapy in patients with confirmed significant hematologic abnormalities.
Concurrent use of anakinra (an interleukin-1 antagonist) and another TNF-blocker, was associated with a greater proportion of serious infections and neutropenia and no added benefit compared with the TNF-blocker alone in patients with RA. Therefore, the combination of HUMIRA and anakinra is not recommended [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
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. Exercise caution when using HUMIRA in patients who have heart failure and monitor them carefully.
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, discontinue treatment [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
In a placebo-controlled clinical trial of patients with RA, no difference was detected in antipneumococcal 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 pediatric 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.
The safety of administering live or live-attenuated vaccines in infants exposed to HUMIRA in utero is unknown. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to vaccinating (live or live-attenuated) exposed infants [see Use In Specific Populations].
In controlled trials, the concurrent administration of TNF-blockers and abatacept was associated with a greater proportion of serious infections than the use of a TNF-blocker alone; the combination therapy, compared to the use of a TNF-blocker alone, has not demonstrated improved clinical benefit in the treatment of RA. Therefore, the combination of abatacept with TNF-blockers including HUMIRA is not recommended [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
REFERENCES
1. National Cancer Institute. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database (SEER) Program. SEER Incidence Crude Rates, 17 Registries, 2000-2007.
See FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide and Instructions for Use).
Provide the HUMIRA “Medication Guide” to patients or their caregivers, and provide them an opportunity to read it and ask questions prior to initiation of therapy and prior to each time the prescription is renewed. If patients develop signs and symptoms of infection, instruct them to seek medical evaluation immediately.
Advise patients of the potential benefits and risks of HUMIRA.
Inform patients that HUMIRA may lower the ability of their immune system to fight infections. Instruct patients of the importance of contacting their doctor if they develop any symptoms of infection, including tuberculosis, invasive fungal infections, and reactivation of hepatitis B virus infections.
Inform patients that the first injection is to be performed under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. If a patient or caregiver is to administer HUMIRA, instruct them in injection techniques and assess their ability to inject subcutaneously to ensure the proper administration of HUMIRA [see Instructions for Use].
For patients who will use the HUMIRA Pen, tell them that they:
Instruct patients to dispose of their used needles and syringes or used Pen in a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container immediately after use. Instruct patients not to dispose of loose needles and syringes or Pen in their household trash. Instruct patients that if they do not have a FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, they may use a household container that is made of a heavy-duty plastic, can be closed with a tight-fitting and puncture-resistant lid without sharps being able to come out, upright and stable during use, leak-resistant, and properly labeled to warn of hazardous waste inside the container.
Instruct patients that when their sharps disposal container is almost full, they will need to follow their community guidelines for the correct way to dispose of their sharps disposal container. Instruct patients that there may be state or local laws regarding disposal of used needles and syringes. Refer patients to the FDA’s website at http://www.fda.gov/safesharpsdisposal for more information about safe sharps disposal, and for specific information about sharps disposal in the state that they live in.
Instruct patients not to dispose of their used sharps disposal container in their household trash unless their community guidelines permit this. Instruct patients not to recycle their used sharps disposal container.
Long-term animal studies of HUMIRA have not been conducted to evaluate the carcinogenic potential or its effect on fertility.
Available studies with use of adalimumab during pregnancy do not reliably establish an association between adalimumab and major birth defects. Clinical data are available from the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS)/MotherToBaby HUMIRA Pregnancy Registry in pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or Crohn’s disease (CD). Registry results showed a rate of 10% for major birth defects with first trimester use of adalimumab in pregnant women with RA or CD and a rate of 7.5% for major birth defects in the disease-matched comparison cohort. The lack of pattern of major birth defects is reassuring and differences between exposure groups may have impacted the occurrence of birth defects (see Data).
Adalimumab is actively transferred across the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy and may affect immune response in the in-utero exposed infant (see Clinical Considerations). In an embryo-fetal perinatal development study conducted in cynomolgus monkeys, no fetal harm or malformations were observed with intravenous administration of adalimumab during organogenesis and later in gestation, at doses that produced exposures up to approximately 373 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 40 mg subcutaneous without methotrexate (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Disease-Associated Maternal And Embryo/Fetal Risk
Published data suggest that the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with RA or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with increased disease activity. Adverse pregnancy outcomes include preterm delivery (before 37 weeks of gestation), low birth weight (less than 2500 g) infants, and small for gestational age at birth.
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
Monoclonal antibodies are increasingly transported across the placenta as pregnancy progresses, with the largest amount transferred during the third trimester (see Data). Risks and benefits should be considered prior to administering live or live-attenuated vaccines to infants exposed to HUMIRA in utero [see Use In Specific Populations].
Human Data
A prospective cohort pregnancy exposure registry conducted by OTIS/Mother To Baby in the U.S. and Canada between 2004 and 2016 compared the risk of major birth defects in live-born infants of 221 women (69 RA, 152 CD) treated with adalimumab during the first trimester and 106 women (74 RA, 32 CD) not treated with adalimumab.
The proportion of major birth defects among live-born infants in the adalimumab-treated and untreated cohorts was 10% (8.7% RA, 10.5% CD) and 7.5% (6.8% RA, 9.4% CD), respectively. The lack of pattern of major birth defects is reassuring and differences between exposure groups may have impacted the occurrence of birth defects. This study cannot reliably establish whether there is an association between adalimumab and major birth defects because of methodological limitations of the registry, including small sample size, the voluntary nature of the study, and the non-randomized design.
In an independent clinical study conducted in ten pregnant women with IBD treated with HUMIRA, adalimumab concentrations were measured in maternal serum as well as in cord blood (n=10) and infant serum (n=8) on the day of birth. The last dose of HUMIRA was given between 1 and 56 days prior to delivery. Adalimumab concentrations were 0.16-19.7 μg/mL in cord blood, 4.28-17.7 μg/mL in infant serum, and 0-16.1 μg/mL in maternal serum. In all but one case, the cord blood level of adalimumab was higher than the maternal serum level, suggesting adalimumab actively crosses the placenta. In addition, one infant had serum levels at each of the following: 6 weeks (1.94 μg/mL), 7 weeks (1.31 μg/mL), 8 weeks (0.93 μg/mL), and 11 weeks (0.53 μg/mL), suggesting adalimumab can be detected in the serum of infants exposed in utero for at least 3 months from birth.
Animal Data
In an embryo-fetal perinatal development study, pregnant cynomolgus monkeys received adalimumab from gestation days 20 to 97 at doses that produced exposures up to 373 times that achieved with the MRHD without methotrexate (on an AUC basis with maternal IV doses up to 100 mg/kg/week). Adalimumab did not elicit harm to the fetuses or malformations.
Limited data from case reports in the published literature describe the presence of adalimumab in human milk at infant doses of 0.1% to 1% of the maternal serum level. Published data suggest that the systemic exposure to a breastfed infant is expected to be low because adalimumab is a large molecule and is degraded in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the effects of local exposure in the gastrointestinal tract are unknown. There are no reports of adverse effects of adalimumab on the breastfed infant and no effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for HUMIRA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from HUMIRA or from the underlying maternal condition.
Safety and efficacy of HUMIRA in pediatric patients for uses other than polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), pediatric Crohn’s disease and pediatric uveitis have not been established. Due to its inhibition of TNFα, HUMIRA administered during pregnancy could affect immune response in the in utero-exposed newborn and infant. Data from eight infants exposed to HUMIRA in utero suggest adalimumab crosses the placenta [see Use In Specific Populations]. The clinical significance of elevated adalimumab levels in infants is unknown. The safety of administering live or live-attenuated vaccines in exposed infants is unknown. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to vaccinating (live or live-attenuated) exposed infants.
Post-marketing cases of lymphoma, including hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported among children, adolescents, and young adults who received treatment with TNF-blockers including HUMIRA [see BOXED WARNING and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
In Study JIA-I, HUMIRA was shown to reduce signs and symptoms of active polyarticular JIA in patients 4 to 17 years of age [see Clinical Studies]. In Study JIA-II, the safety profile for patients 2 to <4 years of age was similar to the safety profile for patients 4 to 17 years of age with polyarticular JIA [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. HUMIRA has not been studied in patients with polyarticular JIA less than 2 years of age or in patients with a weight below 10 kg.
The safety of HUMIRA in patients in the polyarticular JIA trials was generally similar to that observed in adults with certain exceptions [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
The safety and effectiveness of HUMIRA for reducing signs and symptoms and inducing and maintaining clinical remission have been established in pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease who have had an inadequate response to corticosteroids or immunomodulators such as azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or methotrexate. Use of HUMIRA in this age group is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of HUMIRA in adults with additional data from a randomized, double-blind, 52-week clinical study of two dose levels of HUMIRA in 192 pediatric patients (6 to 17 years of age) with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease [see Clinical Studies]. The safety and effectiveness of HUMIRA has not been established in pediatric patients with Crohn’s disease less than 6 years of age.
The safety and effectiveness of HUMIRA for the treatment of non-infectious uveitis have been established in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. The use of HUMIRA is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies of HUMIRA in adults and a 2:1 randomized, controlled clinical study in 90 pediatric patients [see Clinical Studies]. The safety and effectiveness of HUMIRA has not been established in pediatric patients with uveitis less than 2 years of age.
A total of 519 RA patients 65 years of age and older, including 107 patients 75 years of age and older, received HUMIRA in clinical studies RA-I through IV. No overall difference in effectiveness was observed between these patients and younger patients. The frequency of serious infection and malignancy among HUMIRA treated patients over 65 years of age was higher than for those under 65 years of age. Because there is a higher incidence of infections and malignancies in the elderly population, use caution when treating the elderly.
Doses up to 10 mg/kg have been administered to patients in clinical trials without evidence of dose-limiting toxicities. In case of overdosage, it is recommended that the patient be monitored for any signs or symptoms of adverse reactions or effects and appropriate symptomatic treatment instituted immediately.
None.
Adalimumab binds specifically to TNF-alpha and blocks its interaction with the p55 and p75 cell surface TNF receptors. Adalimumab also lyses surface TNF expressing cells in vitro in the presence of complement. Adalimumab does not bind or inactivate lymphotoxin (TNF-beta). TNF is a naturally occurring cytokine that is involved in normal inflammatory and immune responses. Elevated levels of TNF are found in the synovial fluid of patients with RA, JIA, PsA, and AS and play an important role in both the pathologic inflammation and the joint destruction that are hallmarks of these diseases. Increased levels of TNF are also found in psoriasis plaques. In Ps, treatment with HUMIRA may reduce the epidermal thickness and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The relationship between these pharmacodynamic activities and the mechanism(s) by which HUMIRA exerts its clinical effects is unknown.
Adalimumab also modulates biological responses that are induced or regulated by TNF, including changes in the levels of adhesion molecules responsible for leukocyte migration (ELAM-1, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 with an IC50 of 1-2 X 10-10M).
After treatment with HUMIRA, a decrease in levels of acute phase reactants of inflammation (C-reactive protein [CRP] and erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR]) and serum cytokines (IL-6) was observed compared to baseline in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A decrease in CRP levels was also observed in patients with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and hidradenitis suppurativa. Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-3) that produce tissue remodeling responsible for cartilage destruction were also decreased after HUMIRA administration.
The maximum serum concentration (Cmax) and the time to reach the maximum concentration (Tmax) were 4.7 ± 1.6 μg/mL and 131 ± 56 hours respectively, following a single 40 mg subcutaneous administration of HUMIRA to healthy adult subjects. The average absolute bioavailability of adalimumab estimated from three studies following a single 40 mg subcutaneous dose was 64%. The pharmacokinetics of adalimumab were linear over the dose range of 0.5 to 10.0 mg/kg following a single intravenous dose.
The single dose pharmacokinetics of adalimumab in RA patients were determined in several studies with intravenous doses ranging from 0.25 to 10 mg/kg. The distribution volume (Vss) ranged from 4.7 to 6.0 L. The systemic clearance of adalimumab is approximately 12 mL/hr. The mean terminal half-life was approximately 2 weeks, ranging from 10 to 20 days across studies. Adalimumab concentrations in the synovial fluid from five rheumatoid arthritis patients ranged from 31 to 96% of those in serum.
In RA patients receiving 40 mg HUMIRA every other week, adalimumab mean steady-state trough concentrations of approximately 5 μg/mL and 8 to 9 μg/mL, were observed without and with methotrexate (MTX), respectively. MTX reduced adalimumab apparent clearance after single and multiple dosing by 29% and 44% respectively, in patients with RA. Mean serum adalimumab trough levels at steady state increased approximately proportionally with dose following 20, 40, and 80 mg every other week and every week subcutaneous dosing. In longterm studies with dosing more than two years, there was no evidence of changes in clearance over time.
Adalimumab mean steady-state trough concentrations were slightly higher in psoriatic arthritis patients treated with 40 mg HUMIRA every other week (6 to 10 μg/mL and 8.5 to 12 μg/mL, without and with MTX, respectively) compared to the concentrations in RA patients treated with the same dose.
The pharmacokinetics of adalimumab in patients with AS were similar to those in patients with RA.
In patients with CD, the loading dose of 160 mg HUMIRA on Week 0 followed by 80 mg HUMIRA on Week 2 achieves mean serum adalimumab trough levels of approximately 12 μg/mL at Week 2 and Week 4. Mean steady-state trough levels of approximately 7 μg/mL were observed at Week 24 and Week 56 in CD patients after receiving a maintenance dose of 40 mg HUMIRA every other week.
In patients with UC, the loading dose of 160 mg HUMIRA on Week 0 followed by 80 mg HUMIRA on Week 2 achieves mean serum adalimumab trough levels of approximately 12 μg/mL at Week 2 and Week 4. Mean steady-state trough level of approximately 8 μg/mL was observed at Week 52 in UC patients after receiving a dose of 40 mg HUMIRA every other week, and approximately 15 μg/mL at Week 52 in UC patients who increased to a dose of 40 mg HUMIRA every week.
In patients with Ps, the mean steady-state trough concentration was approximately 5 to 6 μg/mL during HUMIRA 40 mg every other week monotherapy treatment.
In subjects with HS, a dose of 160 mg HUMIRA on Week 0 followed by 80 mg on Week 2 achieved serum adalimumab trough concentrations of approximately 7 to 8 μg/mL at Week 2 and Week 4. The mean steady-state trough concentrations at Week 12 through Week 36 were approximately 7 to 11 μg/mL during HUMIRA 40 mg every week treatment.
In patients with UV, the mean steady concentration was approximately 8 to 10 μg/mL during HUMIRA 40 mg every other week treatment.
Population pharmacokinetic analyses in patients with RA revealed that there was a trend toward higher apparent clearance of adalimumab in the presence of anti-adalimumab antibodies, and lower clearance with increasing age in patients aged 40 to >75 years.
Minor increases in apparent clearance were also predicted in RA patients receiving doses lower than the recommended dose and in RA patients with high rheumatoid factor or CRP concentrations. These increases are not likely to be clinically important.
No gender-related pharmacokinetic differences were observed after correction for a patient’s body weight. Healthy volunteers and patients with rheumatoid arthritis displayed similar adalimumab pharmacokinetics.
No pharmacokinetic data are available in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.
In Study JIA-I for patients with polyarticular JIA who were 4 to 17 years of age, the mean steady-state trough serum adalimumab concentrations for patients weighing <30 kg receiving 20 mg HUMIRA subcutaneously every other week as monotherapy or with concomitant MTX were 6.8 μg/mL and 10.9 μg/mL, respectively. The mean steady-state trough serum adalimumab concentrations for patients weighing ≥30 kg receiving 40 mg HUMIRA subcutaneously every other week as monotherapy or with concomitant MTX were 6.6 μg/mL and 8.1 μg/mL, respectively. In Study JIA-II for patients with polyarticular JIA who were 2 to <4 years of age or 4 years of age and older weighing <15 kg, the mean steady-state trough serum adalimumab concentrations for patients receiving HUMIRA subcutaneously every other week as monotherapy or with concomitant MTX were 6.0 μg/mL and 7.9 μg/mL, respectively.
In pediatric subjects with CD weighing ≥ 40 kg, the mean ±SD serum adalimumab concentrations were 15.7±6.5 mcg/mL at Week 4 following subcutaneous doses of 160 mg at Week 0 and 80 mg at Week 2 and the mean ±SD steady-state trough serum adalimumab concentrations were 10.5±6.0 mcg/mL at Week 52 following subcutaneous doses of 40 mg every other week. In pediatric subjects with CD weighing < 40 kg, the mean ±SD serum adalimumab concentrations were 10.6±6.1 mcg/mL at Week 4 following subcutaneous doses of 80 mg at Week 0 and 40 mg at Week 2 and the mean ±SD steady-state trough serum adalimumab concentrations were 6.9±3.6 mcg/mL at Week 52 following subcutaneous doses of 20 mg every other week.
The efficacy and safety of HUMIRA were assessed in five randomized, double-blind studies in patients ≥18 years of age with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosed according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria. Patients had at least 6 swollen and 9 tender joints. HUMIRA was administered subcutaneously in combination with methotrexate (MTX) (12.5 to 25 mg, Studies RA-I, RA-III and RA-V) or as monotherapy (Studies RA-II and RA-V) or with other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (Study RA-IV).
Study RA-I evaluated 271 patients who had failed therapy with at least one but no more than four DMARDs and had inadequate response to MTX. Doses of 20, 40 or 80 mg of HUMIRA or placebo were given every other week for 24 weeks.
Study RA-II evaluated 544 patients who had failed therapy with at least one DMARD. Doses of placebo, 20 or 40 mg of HUMIRA were given as monotherapy every other week or weekly for 26 weeks.
Study RA-III evaluated 619 patients who had an inadequate response to MTX. Patients received placebo, 40 mg of HUMIRA every other week with placebo injections on alternate weeks, or 20 mg of HUMIRA weekly for up to 52 weeks. Study RA-III had an additional primary endpoint at 52 weeks of inhibition of disease progression (as detected by X-ray results). Upon completion of the first 52 weeks, 457 patients enrolled in an open-label extension phase in which 40 mg of HUMIRA was administered every other week for up to 5 years.
Study RA-IV assessed safety in 636 patients who were either DMARD-naive or were permitted to remain on their pre-existing rheumatologic therapy provided that therapy was stable for a minimum of 28 days. Patients were randomized to 40 mg of HUMIRA or placebo every other week for 24 weeks.
Study RA-V evaluated 799 patients with moderately to severely active RA of less than 3 years duration who were ≥18 years old and MTX naïve. Patients were randomized to receive either MTX (optimized to 20 mg/week by week 8), HUMIRA 40 mg every other week or HUMIRA/MTX combination therapy for 104 weeks. Patients were evaluated for signs and symptoms, and for radiographic progression of joint damage. The median disease duration among patients enrolled in the study was 5 months. The median MTX dose achieved was 20 mg.
The percent of HUMIRA treated patients achieving ACR 20, 50 and 70 responses in Studies RAII and III are shown in Table 2.
Table 2: ACR Responses in Studies RA-II and RA-III
(Percent of Patients)
| Response | Study RA-II Monotherapy (26 weeks) | Study RA-III Methotrexate Combination (24 and 52 weeks) | |||
| Placebo N=110 |
HUMIRA 40 mg every other week N=113 |
HUMIRA 40 mg weekly N=103 |
Placebo/ MTX N=200 |
HUMIRA /MTX 40 mg every other week N=207 |
|
| ACR20 | |||||
| Month 6 | 19% | 46%* | 53%* | 30% | 63%* |
| Month 12 | NA | NA | NA | 24% | 59%* |
| ACR50 | |||||
| Month 6 | 8% | 22%* | 35%* | 10% | 39%* |
| Month 12 | NA | NA | NA | 10% | 42%* |
| ACR70 | |||||
| Month 6 | 2% | 12%* | 18%* | 3% | 21%* |
| Month 12 | NA | NA | NA | 5% | 23%* |
| * p<0.01, HUMIRA vs. placebo | |||||
The results of Study RA-I were similar to Study RA-III; patients receiving HUMIRA 40 mg every other week in Study RA-I also achieved ACR 20, 50 and 70 response rates of 65%, 52% and 24%, respectively, compared to placebo responses of 13%, 7% and 3% respectively, at 6 months (p<0.01).
The results of the components of the ACR response criteria for Studies RA-II and RA-III are shown in Table 3. ACR response rates and improvement in all components of ACR response were maintained to week 104. Over the 2 years in Study RA-III, 20% of HUMIRA patients receiving 40 mg every other week achieved a major clinical response, defined as maintenance of an ACR 70 response over a 6-month period. ACR responses were maintained in similar proportions of patients for up to 5 years with continuous HUMIRA treatment in the open-label portion of Study RA-III.
Table 3: Components of ACR Response in Studies RA-II
and RA-III
| Parameter (median) | Study RA-II | Study RA-III | ||||||
| Placebo N=110 |
HUMIRAa N=113 |
Placebo/MTX N=200 |
HUMIRAa/MTX N=207 |
|||||
| Baseline | Wk 26 | Baseline | Wk 26 | Baseline | Wk 24 | Baseline | Wk 24 | |
| Number of tender joints (0-68) | 35 | 26 | 31 | 16* | 26 | 15 | 24 | 8* |
| Number of swollen joints (0-66) | 19 | 16 | 18 | 10* | 17 | 11 | 18 | 5* |
| Physician global assessmentb | 7.0 | 6.1 | 6.6 | 3.7* | 6.3 | 3.5 | 6.5 | 2.0* |
| Patient global assessmentb | 7.5 | 6.3 | 7.5 | 4.5* | 5.4 | 3.9 | 5.2 | 2.0* |
| Painb | 7.3 | 6.1 | 7.3 | 4.1* | 6.0 | 3.8 | 5.8 | 2.1* |
| Disability index (HAQ)c | 2.0 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 1.5* | 1.5 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 0.8* |
| CRP (mg/dL) | 3.9 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 1.8* | 1.0 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 0.4* |
| a 40 mg HUMIRA administered every other week b Visual analogue scale; 0 = best, 10 = worst c Disability Index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire; 0 = best, 3 = worst, measures the patient’s ability to perform the following: dress/groom, arise, eat, walk, reach, grip, maintain hygiene, and maintain daily activity * p<0.001, HUMIRA vs. placebo, based on mean change from baseline |
||||||||
The time course of ACR 20 response for Study RA-III is shown in Figure 1.
In Study RA-III, 85% of patients with ACR 20 responses at week 24 maintained the response at 52 weeks. The time course of ACR 20 response for Study RA-I and Study RA-II were similar.
Figure 1: Study RA-III ACR 20 Responses over 52 Weeks
 |
In Study RA-IV, 53% of patients treated with HUMIRA 40 mg every other week plus standard of care had an ACR 20 response at week 24 compared to 35% on placebo plus standard of care (p<0.001). No unique adverse reactions related to the combination of HUMIRA (adalimumab) and other DMARDs were observed.
In Study RA-V with MTX naïve patients with recent onset RA, the combination treatment with HUMIRA plus MTX led to greater percentages of patients achieving ACR responses than either MTX monotherapy or HUMIRA monotherapy at Week 52 and responses were sustained at Week 104 (see Table 4).
Table 4: ACR Response in Study RA-V (Percent of
Patients)
| Response | MTXb N=257 |
HUMIRAc N=274 |
HUMIRA/MTX N=268 |
| ACR20 | |||
| Week 52 | 63% | 54% | 73% |
| Week 104 | 56% | 49% | 69% |
| ACR50 | |||
| Week 52 | 46% | 41% | 62% |
| Week 104 | 43% | 37% | 59% |
| ACR70 | |||
| Week 52 | 27% | 26% | 46% |
| Week 104 | 28% | 28% | 47% |
| Major Clinical Response a | 28% | 25% | 49% |
| a Major clinical response is defined as
achieving an ACR70 response for a continuous six month period b p<0.05, HUMIRA/MTX vs. MTX for ACR 20 p<0.001, HUMIRA/MTX vs. MTX for ACR 50 and 70, and Major Clinical Response c p<0.001, HUMIRA/MTX vs. HUMIRA |
|||
At Week 52, all individual components of the ACR response criteria for Study RA-V improved in the HUMIRA/MTX group and improvements were maintained to Week 104.
In Study RA-III, structural joint damage was assessed radiographically and expressed as change in Total Sharp Score (TSS) and its components, the erosion score and Joint Space Narrowing (JSN) score, at month 12 compared to baseline. At baseline, the median TSS was approximately 55 in the placebo and 40 mg every other week groups. The results are shown in Table 5. HUMIRA/MTX treated patients demonstrated less radiographic progression than patients receiving MTX alone at 52 weeks.
Table 5: Radiographic Mean Changes Over 12 Months in
Study RA-III
| Placebo/MTX | HUMIRA/MTX 40 mg every other week | Placebo/MTX-HUMIRA/MTX (95% Confidence Interval*) | P-value** | |
| Total Sharp score | 2.7 | 0.1 | 2.6 (1.4, 3.8) | <0.001 |
| Erosion score | 1.6 | 0.0 | 1.6 (0.9, 2.2) | <0.001 |
| JSN score | 1.0 | 0.1 | 0.9 (0.3, 1.4) | 0.002 |
| *95% confidence intervals for the differences in change
scores between MTX and HUMIRA. **Based on rank analysis |
||||
In the open-label extension of Study RA-III, 77% of the original patients treated with any dose of HUMIRA were evaluated radiographically at 2 years. Patients maintained inhibition of structural damage, as measured by the TSS. Fifty-four percent had no progression of structural damage as defined by a change in the TSS of zero or less. Fifty-five percent (55%) of patients originally treated with 40 mg HUMIRA every other week have been evaluated radiographically at 5 years. Patients had continued inhibition of structural damage with 50% showing no progression of structural damage defined by a change in the TSS of zero or less.
In Study RA-V, structural joint damage was assessed as in Study RA-III. Greater inhibition of radiographic progression, as assessed by changes in TSS, erosion score and JSN was observed in the HUMIRA/MTX combination group as compared to either the MTX or HUMIRA monotherapy group at Week 52 as well as at Week 104 (see Table 6).
Table 6: Radiographic Mean Change* in Study RA-V
| MTXa N=257 |
HUMIRAab N=274 |
HUMIRA/MTX N=268 |
||
| 52 Weeks | Total Sharp score | 5.7 (4.2, 7.3) | 3.0 (1.7, 4.3) | 1.3 (0.5, 2.1) |
| Erosion score | 3.7 (2.7, 4.8) | 1.7 (1.0, 2.4) | 0.8 (0.4, 1.2) | |
| JSN score | 2.0 (1.2, 2.8) | 1.3 (0.5, 2.1) | 0.5 (0.0, 1.0) | |
| 104 Weeks | Total Sharp score | 10.4 (7.7, 13.2) | 5.5 (3.6, 7.4) | 1.9 (0.9, 2.9) |
| Erosion score | 6.4 (4.6, 8.2) | 3.0 (2.0, 4.0) | 1.0 (0.4, 1.6) | |
| JSN score | 4.1 (2.7, 5.4) | 2.6 (1.5, 3.7) | 0.9 (0.3, 1.5) | |
| * mean (95% confidence interval) a p<0.001, HUMIRA/MTX vs. MTX at 52 and 104 weeks and for HUMIRA/MTX vs. HUMIRA at 104 weeks b p<0.01, for HUMIRA/MTX vs. HUMIRA at 52 weeks |
||||
In studies RA-I through IV, HUMIRA showed significantly greater improvement than placebo in the disability index of Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-DI) from baseline to the end of study, and significantly greater improvement than placebo in the health-outcomes as assessed by The Short Form Health Survey (SF 36). Improvement was seen in both the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and the Mental Component Summary (MCS).
In Study RA-III, the mean (95% CI) improvement in HAQ-DI from baseline at week 52 was 0.60 (0.55, 0.65) for the HUMIRA patients and 0.25 (0.17, 0.33) for placebo/MTX (p<0.001) patients. Sixty-three percent of HUMIRA-treated patients achieved a 0.5 or greater improvement in HAQ-DI at week 52 in the double-blind portion of the study. Eighty-two percent of these patients maintained that improvement through week 104 and a similar proportion of patients maintained this response through week 260 (5 years) of open-label treatment. Mean improvement in the SF-36 was maintained through the end of measurement at week 156 (3 years).
In Study RA-V, the HAQ-DI and the physical component of the SF-36 showed greater improvement (p<0.001) for the HUMIRA/MTX combination therapy group versus either the MTX monotherapy or the HUMIRA monotherapy group at Week 52, which was maintained through Week 104.
The safety and efficacy of HUMIRA was assessed in two studies (Studies JIA-I and JIA-II) in patients with active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
The safety and efficacy of HUMIRA were assessed in a multicenter, randomized, withdrawal, double-blind, parallel-group study in 171 patients who were 4 to 17 years of age with polyarticular JIA. In the study, the patients were stratified into two groups: MTX-treated or nonMTX-treated. All patients had to show signs of active moderate or severe disease despite previous treatment with NSAIDs, analgesics, corticosteroids, or DMARDS. Patients who received prior treatment with any biologic DMARDS were excluded from the study.
The study included four phases: an open-label lead in phase (OL-LI; 16 weeks), a double-blind randomized withdrawal phase (DB; 32 weeks), an open-label extension phase (OLE-BSA; up to 136 weeks), and an open-label fixed dose phase (OLE-FD; 16 weeks). In the first three phases of the study, HUMIRA was administered based on body surface area at a dose of 24 mg/m² up to a maximum total body dose of 40 mg subcutaneously (SC) every other week. In the OLE-FD phase, the patients were treated with 20 mg of HUMIRA SC every other week if their weight was less than 30 kg and with 40 mg of HUMIRA SC every other week if their weight was 30 kg or greater. Patients remained on stable doses of NSAIDs and or prednisone (≤0.2 mg/kg/day or 10 mg/day maximum).
Patients demonstrating a Pediatric ACR 30 response at the end of OL-LI phase were randomized into the double blind (DB) phase of the study and received either HUMIRA or placebo every other week for 32 weeks or until disease flare. Disease flare was defined as a worsening of ≥30% from baseline in ≥3 of 6 Pediatric ACR core criteria, ≥2 active joints, and improvement of >30% in no more than 1 of the 6 criteria. After 32 weeks or at the time of disease flare during the DB phase, patients were treated in the open-label extension phase based on the BSA regimen (OLEBSA), before converting to a fixed dose regimen based on body weight (OLE-FD phase).
At the end of the 16-week OL-LI phase, 94% of the patients in the MTX stratum and 74% of the patients in the non-MTX stratum were Pediatric ACR 30 responders. In the DB phase significantly fewer patients who received HUMIRA experienced disease flare compared to placebo, both without MTX (43% vs. 71%) and with MTX (37% vs. 65%). More patients treated with HUMIRA continued to show pediatric ACR 30/50/70 responses at Week 48 compared to patients treated with placebo. Pediatric ACR responses were maintained for up to two years in the OLE phase in patients who received HUMIRA throughout the study.
HUMIRA was assessed in an open-label, multicenter study in 32 patients who were 2 to <4 years of age or 4 years of age and older weighing <15 kg with moderately to severely active polyarticular JIA. Most patients (97%) received at least 24 weeks of HUMIRA treatment dosed 24 mg/m²up to a maximum of 20 mg every other week as a single SC injection up to a maximum of 120 weeks duration. During the study, most patients used concomitant MTX, with fewer reporting use of corticosteroids or NSAIDs. The primary objective of the study was evaluation of safety [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
The safety and efficacy of HUMIRA was assessed in two randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled studies in 413 patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Upon completion of both studies, 383 patients enrolled in an open-label extension study, in which 40 mg HUMIRA was administered every other week.
Study PsA-I enrolled 313 adult patients with moderately to severely active PsA (>3 swollen and >3 tender joints) who had an inadequate response to NSAID therapy in one of the following forms: (1) distal interphalangeal (DIP) involvement (N=23); (2) polyarticular arthritis (absence of rheumatoid nodules and presence of plaque psoriasis) (N=210); (3) arthritis mutilans (N=1); (4) asymmetric PsA (N=77); or (5) AS-like (N=2). Patients on MTX therapy (158 of 313 patients) at enrollment (stable dose of ≤30 mg/week for >1 month) could continue MTX at the same dose. Doses of HUMIRA 40 mg or placebo every other week were administered during the 24-week double-blind period of the study.
Compared to placebo, treatment with HUMIRA resulted in improvements in the measures of disease activity (see Tables 7 and 8). Among patients with PsA who received HUMIRA, the clinical responses were apparent in some patients at the time of the first visit (two weeks) and were maintained up to 88 weeks in the ongoing open-label study. Similar responses were seen in patients with each of the subtypes of psoriatic arthritis, although few patients were enrolled with the arthritis mutilans and ankylosing spondylitis-like subtypes. Responses were similar in patients who were or were not receiving concomitant MTX therapy at baseline.
Patients with psoriatic involvement of at least three percent body surface area (BSA) were evaluated for Psoriatic Area and Severity Index (PASI) responses. At 24 weeks, the proportions of patients achieving a 75% or 90% improvement in the PASI were 59% and 42% respectively, in the HUMIRA group (N=69), compared to 1% and 0% respectively, in the placebo group (N=69) (p<0.001). PASI responses were apparent in some patients at the time of the first visit (two weeks). Responses were similar in patients who were or were not receiving concomitant MTX therapy at baseline.
Table 7: ACR Response in Study PsA-I (Percent of
Patients)
| Placebo N=162 |
HUMIRA* N=151 |
|
| ACR20 | ||
| Week 12 | 14% | 58% |
| Week 24 | 15% | 57% |
| ACR50 | ||
| Week 12 | 4% | 36% |
| Week 24 | 6% | 39% |
| ACR70 | ||
| Week 12 | 1% | 20% |
| Week 24 | 1% | 23% |
| * p<0.001 for all comparisons between HUMIRA and placebo | ||
Table 8: Components of Disease Activity in Study PsA-I
| Parameter: median | Placebo N=162 |
HUMIRA* N=151 |
||
| Baseline | 24 weeks | Baseline | 24 weeks | |
| Number of tender jointsa | 23.0 | 17.0 | 20.0 | 5.0 |
| Number of swollen jointsb | 11.0 | 9.0 | 11.0 | 3.0 |
| Physician global assessmentc | 53.0 | 49.0 | 55.0 | 16.0 |
| Patient global assessmentc | 49.5 | 49.0 | 48.0 | 20.0 |
| Painc | 49.0 | 49.0 | 54.0 | 20.0 |
| Disability index (HAQ) d | 1.0 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 0.4 |
| CRP (mg/dL)e | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.2 |
| * p<0.001 for HUMIRA vs. placebo comparisons based on
median changes a Scale 0-78 b Scale 0-76 c Visual analog scale; 0=best, 100=worst d Disability Index of the Health Assessment Questionnaire; 0=best, 3=worst; measures the patient’s ability to perform the following: dress/groom, arise, eat, walk, reach, grip, maintain hygiene, and maintain daily activity. e Normal range: 0-0.287 mg/dL |
||||
Similar results were seen in an additional, 12-week study in 100 patients with moderate to severe psoriatic arthritis who had suboptimal response to DMARD therapy as manifested by ≥3 tender joints and ≥3 swollen joints at enrollment.
Radiographic changes were assessed in the PsA studies. Radiographs of hands, wrists, and feet were obtained at baseline and Week 24 during the double-blind period when patients were on HUMIRA or placebo and at Week 48 when all patients were on open-label HUMIRA. A modified Total Sharp Score (mTSS), which included distal interphalangeal joints (i.e., not identical to the TSS used for rheumatoid arthritis), was used by readers blinded to treatment group to assess the radiographs.
HUMIRA-treated patients demonstrated greater inhibition of radiographic progression compared to placebo-treated patients and this effect was maintained at 48 weeks (see Table 9).
Table 9: Change in Modified Total Sharp Score in
Psoriatic Arthritis
| Placebo N=141 |
HUMIRA N=133 |
||
| Week 24 | Week 24 | Week 48 | |
| Baseline mean | 22.1 | 23.4 | 23.4 |
| Mean Change ± SD | 0.9 ± 3.1 | -0.1 ± 1.7 | -0.2 ± 4.9* |
| * <0.001 for the difference between HUMIRA, Week 48 and Placebo, Week 24 (primary analysis) | |||
In Study PsA-I, physical function and disability were assessed using the HAQ Disability Index (HAQ-DI) and the SF-36 Health Survey. Patients treated with 40 mg of HUMIRA every other week showed greater improvement from baseline in the HAQ-DI score (mean decreases of 47% and 49% at Weeks 12 and 24 respectively) in comparison to placebo (mean decreases of 1% and 3% at Weeks 12 and 24 respectively). At Weeks 12 and 24, patients treated with HUMIRA showed greater improvement from baseline in the SF-36 Physical Component Summary score compared to patients treated with placebo, and no worsening in the SF-36 Mental Component Summary score. Improvement in physical function based on the HAQ-DI was maintained for up to 84 weeks through the open-label portion of the study.
The safety and efficacy of HUMIRA 40 mg every other week was assessed in 315 adult patients in a randomized, 24 week double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who had an inadequate response to glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, analgesics, methotrexate or sulfasalazine. Active AS was defined as patients who fulfilled at least two of the following three criteria: (1) a Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI) score ≥4 cm, (2) a visual analog score (VAS) for total back pain ≥ 40 mm, and (3) morning stiffness ≥ 1 hour. The blinded period was followed by an open-label period during which patients received HUMIRA 40 mg every other week subcutaneously for up to an additional 28 weeks.
Improvement in measures of disease activity was first observed at Week 2 and maintained through 24 weeks as shown in Figure 2 and Table 10.
Responses of patients with total spinal ankylosis (n=11) were similar to those without total ankylosis.
Figure 2: ASAS 20 Response By Visit, Study AS-I
 |
At 12 weeks, the ASAS 20/50/70 responses were achieved by 58%, 38%, and 23%, respectively, of patients receiving HUMIRA, compared to 21%, 10%, and 5% respectively, of patients receiving placebo (p <0.001). Similar responses were seen at Week 24 and were sustained in patients receiving open-label HUMIRA for up to 52 weeks.
A greater proportion of patients treated with HUMIRA (22%) achieved a low level of disease activity at 24 weeks (defined as a value <20 [on a scale of 0 to 100 mm] in each of the four ASAS response parameters) compared to patients treated with placebo (6%).
Table 10: Components of Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease
Activity
| Placebo N=107 |
HUMIRA N=208 |
|||
| Baseline mean | Week 24 mean | Baseline mean | Week 24 mean | |
| ASAS 20 Response Criteria* | ||||
| Patient’s Global Assessment of Disease Activitya* | 65 | 60 | 63 | 38 |
| Total back pain* | 67 | 58 | 65 | 37 |
| Inflammationb* | 6.7 | 5.6 | 6.7 | 3.6 |
| BASFIc* | 56 | 51 | 52 | 34 |
| BASDAId score* | 6.3 | 5.5 | 6.3 | 3.7 |
| BASMIe score* | 4.2 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 3.3 |
| Tragus to wall (cm) | 15.9 | 15.8 | 15.8 | 15.4 |
| Lumbar flexion (cm) | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| Cervical rotation (degrees) | 42.2 | 42.1 | 48.4 | 51.6 |
| Lumbar side flexion (cm) | 8.9 | 9.0 | 9.7 | 11.7 |
| Intermalleolar distance (cm) | 92.9 | 94.0 | 93.5 | 100.8 |
| CRPf* | 2.2 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 0.6 |
| a Percent of subjects with at least a 20% and
10-unit improvement measured on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) with 0 = “none” and
100 = “severe” b mean of questions 5 and 6 of BASDAI (defined in ‘d’) c Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index d Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index e Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index f C-Reactive Protein (mg/dL) * statistically significant for comparisons between HUMIRA and placebo at Week 24 |
||||
A second randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 82 patients with ankylosing spondylitis showed similar results.
Patients treated with HUMIRA achieved improvement from baseline in the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (ASQoL) score (-3.6 vs. -1.1) and in the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) Physical Component Summary (PCS) score (7.4 vs. 1.9) compared to placebo-treated patients at Week 24.
The safety and efficacy of multiple doses of HUMIRA were assessed in adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease, CD, (Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI) ≥ 220 and ≤ 450) in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Concomitant stable doses of aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and/or immunomodulatory agents were permitted, and 79% of patients continued to receive at least one of these medications.
Induction of clinical remission (defined as CDAI < 150) was evaluated in two studies. In Study CD-I, 299 TNF-blocker naïve patients were randomized to one of four treatment groups: the placebo group received placebo at Weeks 0 and 2, the 160/80 group received 160 mg HUMIRA at Week 0 and 80 mg at Week 2, the 80/40 group received 80 mg at Week 0 and 40 mg at Week 2, and the 40/20 group received 40 mg at Week 0 and 20 mg at Week 2. Clinical results were assessed at Week 4.
In the second induction study, Study CD-II, 325 patients who had lost response to, or were intolerant to, previous infliximab therapy were randomized to receive either 160 mg HUMIRA at Week 0 and 80 mg at Week 2, or placebo at Weeks 0 and 2. Clinical results were assessed at Week 4.
Maintenance of clinical remission was evaluated in Study CD-III. In this study, 854 patients with active disease received open-label HUMIRA, 80 mg at week 0 and 40 mg at Week 2. Patients were then randomized at Week 4 to 40 mg HUMIRA every other week, 40 mg HUMIRA every week, or placebo. The total study duration was 56 weeks. Patients in clinical response (decrease in CDAI ≥70) at Week 4 were stratified and analyzed separately from those not in clinical response at Week 4.
A greater percentage of the patients treated with 160/80 mg HUMIRA achieved induction of clinical remission versus placebo at Week 4 regardless of whether the patients were TNF blocker naïve (CD-I), or had lost response to or were intolerant to infliximab (CD-II) (see Table 11).
Table 11: Induction of Clinical Remission in Studies
CD-I and CD-II (Percent of Patients)
| CD-I | CD-II | |||
| Placebo N=74 |
HUMIRA 160/80 mg N=76 |
Placebo N=166 |
HUMIRA 160/80 mg N=159 |
|
| Week 4 | ||||
| Clinical remission | 12% | 36%* | 7% | 21%* |
| Clinical response | 34% | 58%** | 34% | 52%** |
| Clinical remission is CDAI score < 150; clinical
response is decrease in CDAI of at least 70 points. * p<0.001 for HUMIRA vs. placebo pairwise comparison of proportions ** p<0.01 for HUMIRA vs. placebo pairwise comparison of proportions |
||||
In Study CD-III at Week 4, 58% (499/854) of patients were in clinical response and were assessed in the primary analysis. At Weeks 26 and 56, greater proportions of patients who were in clinical response at Week 4 achieved clinical remission in the HUMIRA 40 mg every other week maintenance group compared to patients in the placebo maintenance group (see Table 12). The group that received HUMIRA therapy every week did not demonstrate significantly higher remission rates compared to the group that received HUMIRA every other week.
Table 12: Maintenance of Clinical Remission in CD-III
(Percent of Patients)
| Placebo N=170 |
40 mg HUMIRA every other week N=172 |
|
| Week 26 | ||
| Clinical remission | 17% | 40%* |
| Clinical response | 28% | 54%* |
| Week 56 | ||
| Clinical remission | 12% | 36%* |
| Clinical response | 18% | 43%* |
| Clinical remission is CDAI score < 150; clinical
response is decrease in CDAI of at least 70 points. *p<0.001 for HUMIRA vs. placebo pairwise comparisons of proportions |
||
Of those in response at Week 4 who attained remission during the study, patients in the HUMIRA every other week group maintained remission for a longer time than patients in the placebo maintenance group. Among patients who were not in response by Week 12, therapy continued beyond 12 weeks did not result in significantly more responses.
A randomized, double-blind, 52-week clinical study of 2 dose levels of HUMIRA (Study PCD-I) was conducted in 192 pediatric patients (6 to 17 years of age) with moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease (defined as Pediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (PCDAI) score > 30).2 Enrolled patients had over the previous two year period an inadequate response to corticosteroids or an immunomodulator (i.e., azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or methotrexate). Patients who had previously received a TNF blocker were allowed to enroll if they had previously had loss of response or intolerance to that TNF blocker.
Patients received open-label induction therapy at a dose based on their body weight (≥40 kg and <40 kg). Patients weighing ≥40 kg received 160 mg (at Week 0) and 80 mg (at Week 2). Patients weighing <40 kg received 80 mg (at Week 0) and 40 mg (at Week 2). At Week 4, patients within each body weight category (≥40 kg and <40 kg) were randomized 1:1 to one of two maintenance dose regimens (high dose and low dose). The high dose was 40 mg every other week for patients weighing ≥40 kg and 20 mg every other week for patients weighing <40 kg. The low dose was 20 mg every other week for patients weighing ≥40 kg and 10 mg every other week for patients weighing <40 kg.
Concomitant stable dosages of corticosteroids (prednisone dosage ≤40 mg/day or equivalent) and immunomodulators (azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, or methotrexate) were permitted throughout the study.
At Week 12, patients who experienced a disease flare (increase in PCDAI of ≥ 15 from Week 4 and absolute PCDAI > 30) or who were non-responders (did not achieve a decrease in the PCDAI of ≥ 15 from baseline for 2 consecutive visits at least 2 weeks apart) were allowed to dose-escalate (i.e., switch from blinded every other week dosing to blinded every week dosing); patients who dose-escalated were considered treatment failures.
At baseline, 38% of patients were receiving corticosteroids, and 62% of patients were receiving an immunomodulator. Forty-four percent (44%) of patients had previously lost response or were intolerant to a TNF blocker. The median baseline PCDAI score was 40.
Of the 192 patients total, 188 patients completed the 4 week induction period, 152 patients completed 26 weeks of treatment, and 124 patients completed 52 weeks of treatment. Fifty-one percent (51%) (48/95) of patients in the low maintenance dose group dose-escalated, and 38% (35/93) of patients in the high maintenance dose group dose-escalated.
At Week 4, 28% (52/188) of patients were in clinical remission (defined as PCDAI ≤ 10).
The proportions of patients in clinical remission (defined as PCDAI ≤ 10) and clinical response (defined as reduction in PCDAI of at least 15 points from baseline) were assessed at Weeks 26 and 52.
At both Weeks 26 and 52, the proportion of patients in clinical remission and clinical response was numerically higher in the high dose group compared to the low dose group (Table 13). The recommended maintenance regimen is 20 mg every other week for patients weighing < 40 kg and 40 mg every other week for patients weighing ≥ 40 kg. Every week dosing is not the recommended maintenance dosing regimen [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Table 13: Clinical Remission and Clinical Response in
Study PCD-I
| Low Maintenance Dose† (20 or 10 mg every other week) N = 95 |
High Maintenance Dose# (40 or 20 mg every other week) N = 93 |
|
| Week 26 | ||
| Clinical Remission‡ | 28% | 39% |
| Clinical Response§ | 48% | 59% |
| Week 52 | ||
| Clinical Remission‡ | 23% | 33% |
| Clinical Response§ | 28% | 42% |
| †The low maintenance dose was 20 mg every other week for
patients weighing ≥ 40 kg and 10 mg every other week for patients
weighing < 40 kg. #The high maintenance dose was 40 mg every other week for patients weighing ≥ 40 kg and 20 mg every other week for patients weighing < 40 kg. ‡Clinical remission defined as PCDAI ≤ 10. §Clinical response defined as reduction in PCDAI of at least 15 points from baseline. |
||
The safety and efficacy of HUMIRA were assessed in adult patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (Mayo score 6 to 12 on a 12 point scale, with an endoscopy subscore of 2 to 3 on a scale of 0 to 3) despite concurrent or prior treatment with immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids, azathioprine, or 6-MP in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies (Studies UC-I and UC-II). Both studies enrolled TNF-blocker naïve patients, but Study UC-II also allowed entry of patients who lost response to or were intolerant to TNF-blockers. Forty percent (40%) of patients enrolled in Study UC-II had previously used another TNF-blocker.
Concomitant stable doses of aminosalicylates and immunosuppressants were permitted. In Studies UC-I and II, patients were receiving aminosalicylates (69%), corticosteroids (59%) and/or azathioprine or 6-MP (37%) at baseline. In both studies, 92% of patients received at least one of these medications.
Induction of clinical remission (defined as Mayo score ≤ 2 with no individual subscores > 1) at Week 8 was evaluated in both studies. Clinical remission at Week 52 and sustained clinical remission (defined as clinical remission at both Weeks 8 and 52) were evaluated in Study UC-II.
In Study UC-I, 390 TNF-blocker naïve patients were randomized to one of three treatment groups for the primary efficacy analysis. The placebo group received placebo at Weeks 0, 2, 4 and 6. The 160/80 group received 160 mg HUMIRA at Week 0 and 80 mg at Week 2, and the 80/40 group received 80 mg HUMIRA at Week 0 and 40 mg at Week 2. After Week 2, patients in both HUMIRA treatment groups received 40 mg every other week.
In Study UC-II, 518 patients were randomized to receive either HUMIRA 160 mg at Week 0, 80 mg at Week 2, and 40 mg every other week starting at Week 4 through Week 50, or placebo starting at Week 0 and every other week through Week 50. Corticosteroid taper was permitted starting at Week 8.
In both Studies UC-I and UC-II, a greater percentage of the patients treated with 160/80 mg of HUMIRA compared to patients treated with placebo achieved induction of clinical remission. In Study UC-II, a greater percentage of the patients treated with 160/80 mg of HUMIRA compared to patients treated with placebo achieved sustained clinical remission (clinical remission at both Weeks 8 and 52) (Table 14).
Table 14: Induction of Clinical Remission in Studies
UC-I and UC-II and Sustained Clinical Remission in Study UC-II (Percent of
Patients)
| Study UC-I | Study UC-II | |||||
| Placebo N=130 |
HUMIRA 160/80 mg N=130 |
Treatment Difference (95% CI) | Placebo N=246 |
HUMIRA 160/80 mg N=248 |
Treatment Difference (95% CI) | |
| Induction of Clinical Remission (Clinical Remission at Week 8) | 9.2% | 18.5% | 9.3%* (0.9%, 17.6%) |
9.3% | 16.5% | 7.2%* (1.2%, 12.9%) |
| Sustained Clinical Remission (Clinical Remission at both Weeks 8 and 52) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 4.1% | 8.5% | 4.4%* (0.1%, 8.6%) |
| Clinical remission is defined as Mayo score ≤ 2
with no individual subscores > 1. CI=Confidence interval * p<0.05 for HUMIRA vs. placebo pairwise comparison of proportions |
||||||
In Study UC-I, there was no statistically significant difference in clinical remission observed between the HUMIRA 80/40 mg group and the placebo group at Week 8.
In Study UC-II, 17.3% (43/248) in the HUMIRA group were in clinical remission at Week 52 compared to 8.5% (21/246) in the placebo group (treatment difference: 8.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI): [2.8%, 14.5%]; p<0.05).
In the subgroup of patients in Study UC-II with prior TNF-blocker use, the treatment difference for induction of clinical remission appeared to be lower than that seen in the whole study population, and the treatment differences for sustained clinical remission and clinical remission at Week 52 appeared to be similar to those seen in the whole study population. The subgroup of patients with prior TNF-blocker use achieved induction of clinical remission at 9% (9/98) in the HUMIRA group versus 7% (7/101) in the placebo group, and sustained clinical remission at 5% (5/98) in the HUMIRA group versus 1% (1/101) in the placebo group. In the subgroup of patients with prior TNF-blocker use, 10% (10/98) were in clinical remission at Week 52 in the HUMIRA group versus 3% (3/101) in the placebo group.
The safety and efficacy of HUMIRA were assessed in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in 1696 adult subjects with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis (Ps) who were candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy.
Study Ps-I evaluated 1212 subjects with chronic Ps with ≥10% body surface area (BSA) involvement, Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) of at least moderate disease severity, and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) ≥12 within three treatment periods. In period A, subjects received placebo or HUMIRA at an initial dose of 80 mg at Week 0 followed by a dose of 40 mg every other week starting at Week 1. After 16 weeks of therapy, subjects who achieved at least a PASI 75 response at Week 16, defined as a PASI score improvement of at least 75% relative to baseline, entered period B and received open-label 40 mg HUMIRA every other week. After 17 weeks of open label therapy, subjects who maintained at least a PASI 75 response at Week 33 and were originally randomized to active therapy in period A were re-randomized in period C to receive 40 mg HUMIRA every other week or placebo for an additional 19 weeks. Across all treatment groups the mean baseline PASI score was 19 and the baseline Physician’s Global Assessment score ranged from “moderate” (53%) to “severe” (41%) to “very severe” (6%).
Study Ps-II evaluated 99 subjects randomized to HUMIRA and 48 subjects randomized to placebo with chronic plaque psoriasis with ≥10% BSA involvement and PASI ≥12. Subjects received placebo, or an initial dose of 80 mg HUMIRA at Week 0 followed by 40 mg every other week starting at Week 1 for 16 weeks. Across all treatment groups the mean baseline PASI score was 21 and the baseline PGA score ranged from “moderate” (41%) to “severe” (51%) to “very severe” (8%).
Studies Ps-I and II evaluated the proportion of subjects who achieved “clear” or “minimal” disease on the 6-point PGA scale and the proportion of subjects who achieved a reduction in PASI score of at least 75% (PASI 75) from baseline at Week 16 (see Table 15 and 16).
Additionally, Study Ps-I evaluated the proportion of subjects who maintained a PGA of “clear” or “minimal” disease or a PASI 75 response after Week 33 and on or before Week 52.
Table 15: Efficacy Results at 16 Weeks in Study Ps-I
Number of Subjects (%)
| HUMIRA 40 mg every other week N = 814 |
Placebo N = 398 |
|
| PGA: Clear or minimal* | 506 (62%) | 17 (4%) |
| PASI 75 | 578 (71%) | 26 (7%) |
| * Clear = no plaque elevation, no scale, plus or minus
hyperpigmentation or diffuse pink or red coloration Minimal = possible but difficult to ascertain whether there is slight elevation of plaque above normal skin, plus or minus surface dryness with some white coloration, plus or minus up to red coloration |
||
Table 16: Efficacy Results at 16 Weeks in Study Ps-II
Number of Subjects (%)
| HUMIRA 40 mg every other week N = 99 |
Placebo N = 48 |
|
| PGA: Clear or minimal* | 70 (71%) | 5 (10%) |
| PASI 75 | 77 (78%) | 9 (19%) |
| * Clear = no plaque elevation, no scale, plus or minus
hyperpigmentation or diffuse pink or red coloration Minimal = possible but difficult to ascertain whether there is slight elevation of plaque above normal skin, plus or minus surface dryness with some white coloration, plus or minus up to red coloration |
||
Additionally, in Study Ps-I, subjects on HUMIRA who maintained a PASI 75 were re-randomized to HUMIRA (N = 250) or placebo (N = 240) at Week 33. After 52 weeks of treatment with HUMIRA, more subjects on HUMIRA maintained efficacy when compared to subjects who were re-randomized to placebo based on maintenance of PGA of “clear” or “minimal” disease (68% vs. 28%) or a PASI 75 (79% vs. 43%).
A total of 347 stable responders participated in a withdrawal and retreatment evaluation in an open-label extension study. Median time to relapse (decline to PGA “moderate” or worse) was approximately 5 months. During the withdrawal period, no subject experienced transformation to either pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis. A total of 178 subjects who relapsed re-initiated treatment with 80 mg of HUMIRA, then 40 mg every other week beginning at week 1. At week 16, 69% (123/178) of subjects had a response of PGA “clear” or “minimal”.
A randomized, double-blind study (Study Ps-III) compared the efficacy and safety of HUMIRA versus placebo in 217 adult subjects. Subjects in the study had to have chronic plaque psoriasis of at least moderate severity on the PGA scale, fingernail involvement of at least moderate severity on a 5-point Physician’s Global Assessment of Fingernail Psoriasis (PGA-F) scale, a Modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI) score for the target-fingernail of ≥ 8, and either a BSA involvement of at least 10% or a BSA involvement of at least 5% with a total mNAPSI score for all fingernails of ≥ 20. Subjects received an initial dose of 80 mg HUMIRA followed by 40 mg every other week (starting one week after the initial dose) or placebo for 26 weeks followed by open-label HUMIRA treatment for an additional 26 weeks. This study evaluated the proportion of subjects who achieved “clear” or “minimal” assessment with at least a 2-grade improvement on the PGA-F scale and the proportion of subjects who achieved at least a 75% improvement from baseline in the mNAPSI score (mNAPSI 75) at Week 26.
At Week 26, a higher proportion of subjects in the HUMIRA group than in the placebo group achieved the PGA-F endpoint. Furthermore, a higher proportion of subjects in the HUMIRA group than in the placebo group achieved mNAPSI 75 at Week 26 (see Table 17).
Table 17: Efficacy Results at 26 Weeks
| Endpoint | HUMIRA 40 mg every other week* N=109 |
Placebo N=108 |
| PGA-F: ≥2-grade improvement and clear or minimal | 49% | 7% |
| mNAPSI 75 | 47% | 3% |
| *Subjects received 80 mg of HUMIRA at Week 0, followed by 40 mg every other week starting at Week 1. | ||
Nail pain was also evaluated and improvement in nail pain was observed in Study Ps-III.
Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies (Studies HS-I and II) evaluated the safety and efficacy of HUMIRA in a total of 633 adult subjects with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) with Hurley Stage II or III disease and with at least 3 abscesses or inflammatory nodules. In both studies, subjects received placebo or HUMIRA at an initial dose of 160 mg at Week 0, 80 mg at Week 2, and 40 mg every week starting at Week 4 and continued through Week 11. Subjects used topical antiseptic wash daily. Concomitant oral antibiotic use was allowed in Study HS-II.
Both studies evaluated Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR) at Week 12. HiSCR was defined as at least a 50% reduction in total abscess and inflammatory nodule count with no increase in abscess count and no increase in draining fistula count relative to baseline (see Table 18). Reduction in HS-related skin pain was assessed using a Numeric Rating Scale in patients who entered the study with an initial baseline score of 3 or greater on a 11 point scale.
In both studies, a higher proportion of HUMIRA- than placebo-treated subjects achieved HiSCR (see Table 18).
Table 18: Efficacy Results at 12 Weeks in Subjects
with Moderate to Severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa
| HS Study I | HS Study II* | |||
| Placebo | Humira 40 mg Weekly | Placebo | Humira 40 mg Weekly | |
| Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR) | N = 154 40 (26%) | N = 153 64 (42%) | N=163 45 (28%) | N=163 96 (59%) |
| *19.3% of subjects in Study HS-II continued baseline oral antibiotic therapy during the study. | ||||
In both studies, from Week 12 to Week 35 (Period B), subjects who had received HUMIRA were re-randomized to 1 of 3 treatment groups (HUMIRA 40 mg every week, HUMIRA 40 mg every other week, or placebo). Subjects who had been randomized to placebo were assigned to receive HUMIRA 40 mg every week (Study HS-I) or placebo (Study HS-II).
During Period B, flare of HS, defined as ≥25% increase from baseline in abscesses and inflammatory nodule counts and with a minimum of 2 additional lesions, was documented in 22 (22%) of the 100 subjects who were withdrawn from HUMIRA treatment following the primary efficacy timepoint in two studies.
The safety and efficacy of HUMIRA were assessed in adult patients with non-infectious intermediate, posterior and panuveitis excluding patients with isolated anterior uveitis, in two randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled studies (UV I and II). Patients received placebo or HUMIRA at an initial dose of 80 mg followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week after the initial dose. The primary efficacy endpoint in both studies was ´time to treatment failure´.
Treatment failure was a multi-component outcome defined as the development of new inflammatory chorioretinal and/or inflammatory retinal vascular lesions, an increase in anterior chamber (AC) cell grade or vitreous haze (VH) grade or a decrease in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).
Study UV I evaluated 217 patients with active uveitis while being treated with corticosteroids (oral prednisone at a dose of 10 to 60 mg/day). All patients received a standardized dose of prednisone 60 mg/day at study entry followed by a mandatory taper schedule, with complete corticosteroid discontinuation by Week 15.
Study UV II evaluated 226 patients with inactive uveitis while being treated with corticosteroids (oral prednisone 10 to 35 mg/day) at baseline to control their disease. Patients subsequently underwent a mandatory taper schedule, with complete corticosteroid discontinuation by Week 19.
Results from both studies demonstrated statistically significant reduction of the risk of treatment failure in patients treated with HUMIRA versus patients receiving placebo. In both studies, all components of the primary endpoint contributed cumulatively to the overall difference between HUMIRA and placebo groups (Table 19).
Table 19: Time to Treatment Failure in Studies UV I and
UV II
| UV I | UV II | |||||
| Placebo (N = 107) |
HUMIRA (N = 110) |
HR [95% CI]a | Placebo (N = 111) |
HUMIRA (N = 115) |
HR [95% CI]a | |
| Failureb n (%) | 84 (78.5) | 60 (54.5) | 0.50 [0.36, 0.70] | 61 (55.0) | 45 (39.1) | 0.57 [0.39, 0.84] |
| Median Time to Failure (Months) [95% CI] | 3.0 [2.7, 3.7] | 5.6 [3.9, 9.2] | N/A | 8.3 [4.8, 12.0] | NEc | N/A |
| aHR of HUMIRA versus placebo from proportional
hazards regression with treatment as factor. b Treatment failure at or after Week 6 in Study UV I, or at or after Week 2 in Study UV II, was counted as event. Subjects who discontinued the study were censored at the time of dropping out. c NE = not estimable. Fewer than half of at-risk subjects had an event. |
||||||
Figure 3: Kaplan-Meier Curves Summarizing Time to
Treatment Failure on or after Week 6 (Study UV I) or Week 2 (Study UV II)
 |
 |
Note: P# = Placebo (Number of Events/Number at Risk); A# = HUMIRA (Number of Events/Number at Risk).
The safety and efficacy of HUMIRA were assessed in a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled study of 90 pediatric patients from 2 to < 18 years of age with active JIA-associated non-infectious uveitis (PUV-I). Patients received either placebo or 20 mg adalimumab (if < 30 kg) or 40 mg adalimumab (if ≥ 30 kg) every other week in combination with a dose of methotrexate. Concomitant dosages of corticosteroids were permitted at study entry followed by a mandatory reduction in topical corticosteroids within 3 months.
The primary endpoint was ‘time to treatment failure’. The criteria determining treatment failure were worsening or sustained non-improvement in ocular inflammation, or worsening of ocular co-morbidities.
HUMIRA significantly decreased the risk of treatment failure by 75% relative to placebo (HR = 0.25 [95% CI: 0.12, 0.49]) (Table 20).
Table 20: Analysis Results of Time to Treatment
Failure (Study PUV-I)
| Placebo (N=30) |
HUMIRA (N=60) |
HR (95% CI)a | |
| Failure (n[%]) | 18 (60%) | 16 (26.7%) | 0.25 (0.12, 0.49) |
| Median Time to Failure (Weeks) (95% CI)b | 24.1 (12.4, 81.0) | NEc | |
| a HR of adalimumab versus placebo from
proportional hazards regression with treatment as factor. b Estimated based on Kaplan-Meier curve. c NE = not estimable. Fewer than half of at-risk subjects had an event. |
|||
Figure 4: Kaplan-Meier Curves Summarizing Time to
Treatment Failure (Study PUV-I)
 |
Note: P = Placebo (Number at Risk); H = HUMIRA (Number at Risk).
REFERENCES
2. Hyams JS, Ferry GD, Mandel FS, et al. Development and validation of a pediatric Crohn's disease activity index. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1991;12:439-447.
HUMIRA®
(Hu-MARE-ah)
(adalimumab) injection
Read the Medication Guide that comes with HUMIRA before you start taking it and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This Medication Guide does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.
What is the most important information I should know about HUMIRA?
HUMIRA is a medicine that affects your immune system. HUMIRA can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Serious infections have happened in people taking HUMIRA. These serious infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections.
You should not start taking HUMIRA if you have any kind of infection unless your doctor says it is okay.
Before starting HUMIRA, tell your doctor if you:
After starting HUMIRA, call your doctor right away if you have an infection, or any sign of an infection.
HUMIRA can make you more likely to get infections or make any infection that you may have worse.
Cancer
What is HUMIRA?
HUMIRA is a medicine called a Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) blocker. HUMIRA is used:
What should I tell my doctor before taking HUMIRA?
HUMIRA may not be right for you. Before starting HUMIRA, tell your doctor about all of your health conditions, including if you:
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-thecounter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Especially tell your doctor if you use:
How should I take HUMIRA?
What are the possible side effects of HUMIRA?
HUMIRA can cause serious side effects, including:
See “What is the most important information I should know about HUMIRA?”
Call your doctor or get medical care right away if you develop any of the above symptoms. Your treatment with HUMIRA may be stopped. Common side effects with HUMIRA include:
These are not all the possible side effects with HUMIRA. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1800-FDA-1088.
How should I store HUMIRA?
Keep HUMIRA, injection supplies, and all other medicines out of the reach of children.
General information about the safe and effective use of HUMIRA.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use HUMIRA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give HUMIRA to other people, even if they have the same condition. It may harm them. This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about HUMIRA. If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about HUMIRA that is written for health professionals. For more information go to www.HUMIRA.com or you can enroll in a patient support program by calling 1-800-4HUMIRA (1-800-448-6472).
What are the ingredients in HUMIRA?
Active ingredient: adalimumab
HUMIRA Pen 40 mg/0.8 mL, HUMIRA 40 mg/0.8 mL prefilled syringe, HUMIRA 20 mg/0.4 mL prefilled syringe, HUMIRA 10 mg/0.2 mL prefilled syringe, and HUMIRA 40 mg/0.8 mL institutional use vial:
Inactive ingredients: citric acid monohydrate, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, mannitol, monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, polysorbate 80, sodium chloride, sodium citrate and Water for Injection. Sodium hydroxide is added as necessary to adjust pH.
HUMIRA Pen 80 mg/0.8 mL, HUMIRA 80 mg/0.8 mL prefilled syringe, HUMIRA Pen 40 mg/0.4 mL, HUMIRA 40 mg/0.4 mL prefilled syringe, HUMIRA 20 mg/0.2 mL prefilled syringe and HUMIRA 10 mg/0.1 mL prefilled syringe:
Inactive ingredients: mannitol, polysorbate 80, and Water for Injection.
Instructions for Use
HUMIRA®
(Hu-MARE-ah)
(adalimumab)
40 MG/0.8 ML
SINGLE-USE PEN
Do not try to inject HUMIRA yourself until you have been shown the right way to give the injections and have read and understand this Instructions for Use. If your doctor decides that you or a caregiver may be able to give your injections of HUMIRA at home, you should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject HUMIRA. It is important that you read, understand, and follow these instructions so that you inject HUMIRA the right way. It is also important to talk to your doctor to be sure you understand your HUMIRA dosing instructions. To help you remember when to inject HUMIRA, you can mark your calendar ahead of time. Call your healthcare provider if you or your caregiver have any questions about the right way to inject HUMIRA.
IMPORTANT:
See the section below called “Prepare the HUMIRA Pen”.
Gather the Supplies for Your Injection
If more comfortable, take your HUMIRA Pen out of the refrigerator 15 to 30 minutes before injecting to allow the liquid to reach room temperature. Do not remove the gray cap (Cap #1) or the plum-colored cap (Cap #2) while allowing it to reach room temperature. Do not warm HUMIRA in any other way (for example, do not warm it in a microwave or in hot water).
If you do not have all the supplies you need to give yourself an injection, go to a pharmacy or call your pharmacist. The figure below shows what the HUMIRA Pen looks like. See Figure A.
Figure A
 |
Check the carton, dose tray, and HUMIRA Pen.
See the “How should I store HUMIRA?” section at the end of this Instructions for Use.
Figure B
 |
Figure C
 |
Choose the Injection Site
Figure D
 |
Prepare the Injection Site
Preparing the HUMIRA Pen
Figure E
 |
Figure F
 |
The plum-colored activator button:
Figure G
 |
Figure H
 |
Position the Pen and Inject HUMIRA
Figure I
 |
Figure J
 |
Figure K
 |
Figure L
 |
Figure M
 |
How should I dispose of the used HUMIRA Pen?
Figure N
 |
How should I store HUMIRA?
Instructions for Use
HUMIRA®
(Hu-MARE-ah)
(adalimumab)
40 mg/0.4 mL
Single-Use Pen
Before Injecting: Your healthcare provider should show you how to use HUMIRA before you use it for the first time. Call your healthcare provider or 1-800-4HUMIRA (1-800-448-6472) if you need help.
 |
Do not use the Pen and call your healthcare provider or pharmacist if:
Keep the caps on until right before injection. Keep HUMIRA out of reach of children.
Read Instructions on All Pages Before Using the HUMIRA Pen
Take HUMIRA out of the refrigerator.
Leave HUMIRA at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before injecting.
 |
Check expiration date on the Pen label. Do not use the Pen if expiration date has passed.
Place the following on a clean, flat surface:
Wash and dry your hands.
 |
Choose an injection site:
Wipe the injection site in a circular motion with the alcohol swab.
 |
Hold the Pen with the Gray Cap #1 facing up.
Check the window.
 |
Pull the Gray Cap #1 straight off. Throw the cap away.
Pull the Plum-colored Cap #2 straight off.
Throw the cap away.
Turn the Pen so that the white arrow points toward the injection site.
 |
Squeeze the skin at your injection site to make a raised area and hold it firmly.
Point the white arrow toward the injection site.
Place the white needle sleeve straight (90° angle) against the injection site.
Hold the Pen so that you can see the inspection window.
 |
Push and keep pushing the Pen down against the injection site.
Press the plum activator button and count slowly for 10 seconds.
 |
When the injection is completed, slowly pull the Pen from the skin. The white needle sleeve will cover the needle tip.
If there are more than a few drops of liquid on the injection site, call 1-800-4HUMIRA (1-800448-6472) for help.
After completing the injection, place a cotton ball or gauze pad on the skin of the injection site.
 |
How should I dispose the used HUMIRA Pen?
 |
The Pen caps, alcohol swab, cotton ball or gauze pad, dose tray, and packaging may be placed in your household trash.
Questions About Using the HUMIRA Pen
What if I have not received in person training from a healthcare provider?
How do I know when the injection is complete?
What should I do if there are more than a few drops of liquid on the injection site?
What if I do not have an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container or proper household container?
Keep a record of the dates and locations of your injections. To help remember when to take HUMIRA, mark your calendar ahead of time.
 |
Instructions for Use
HUMIRA®
(Hu-MARE-ah)
(adalimumab)
Packages containing 80 mg/0.8 mL
Single-Use Pen
Before Injecting: Your healthcare provider should show you how to use HUMIRA before you use it for the first time. Call your healthcare provider or 1-800-4HUMIRA (1-800-448-6472) if you need help.
 |
Do not use the Pen and call your healthcare provider or pharmacist if:
Keep the caps on until right before injection. Keep HUMIRA out of reach of children.
Read Instructions on All Pages Before Using the HUMIRA Pen
Take HUMIRA out of the refrigerator.
Leave HUMIRA at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before injecting.
 |
Check expiration date on the Pen label.
Do not use the Pen if expiration date has passed.
Place the following on a clean, flat surface:
Wash and dry your hands.
 |
Choose an injection site:
Wipe the injection site in a circular motion with the alcohol swab.
 |
Hold the Pen with the Gray Cap #1 facing up.
Check the window.
 |
Pull the Gray Cap #1 straight off. Throw the cap away.
Pull the Plum-colored Cap #2 straight off. Throw the cap away.
Turn the Pen so that the white arrow points toward the injection site.
 |
Squeeze the skin at your injection site to make a raised area and hold it firmly.
Point the white arrow toward the injection site.
Place the white needle sleeve straight (90° angle) against the injection site.
Hold the Pen so that you can see the inspection window.
 |
Push and keep pushing the Pen down against the injection site.
Press the plum activator button and count slowly for 15 seconds.
 |
When the injection is completed, slowly pull the Pen from the skin. The white needle sleeve will cover the needle tip.
If there are more than a few drops of liquid on the injection site, call 1-800-4HUMIRA (1-800448-6472) for help.
After completing the injection, place a cotton ball or gauze pad on the skin of the injection site.
 |
How should I dispose the used HUMIRA Pen?
 |
The Pen caps, alcohol swab, cotton ball or gauze pad, dose tray, and packaging may be placed in your household trash.
Questions About Using the HUMIRA Pen
What if I have not received in-person training from a healthcare provider?
How do I know when the injection is complete?
What should I do if there are more than a few drops of liquid on the injection site?
What if I do not have an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container or proper household container?
Keep a record of the dates and locations of your injections. To help remember when to take HUMIRA, mark your calendar ahead of time.
 |
Instructions for Use
HUMIRA®
(Hu-MARE-ah)
(adalimumab)
40 MG/0.8 ML, 20 MG/0.4 ML AND 10 MG/0.2 ML
SINGLE-USE PREFILLED SYRINGE
Do not try to inject HUMIRA yourself until you have been shown the right way to give the injections and have read and understand this Instructions for Use. If your doctor decides that you or a caregiver may be able to give your injections of HUMIRA at home, you should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject HUMIRA. It is important that you read, understand, and follow these instructions so that you inject HUMIRA the right way. It is also important to talk to your doctor to be sure you understand your HUMIRA dosing instructions. To help you remember when to inject HUMIRA, you can mark your calendar ahead of time. Call your healthcare provider if you or your caregiver have any questions about the right way to inject HUMIRA.
Gather the Supplies for Your Injection
If more comfortable, take your HUMIRA prefilled syringe out of the refrigerator 15 to 30 minutes before injecting to allow the liquid to reach room temperature. Do not remove the needle cover while allowing it to reach room temperature. Do not warm HUMIRA in any other way (for example, do not warm it in a microwave or in hot water).
If you do not have all the supplies you need to give yourself an injection, go to a pharmacy or call your pharmacist.
The figure below shows what a prefilled syringe looks like. See Figure A.
Figure A
 |
Check the carton, dose tray, and prefilled syringe
See the “How should I store HUMIRA?” section at the end of this Instructions for Use.
Choose the Injection Site
Figure B
 |
Prepare the Injection Site
Prepare the Syringe and Needle
Figure C
 |
Figure D
 |
Figure E
 |
Figure F
 |
Position the Prefilled Syringe and Inject HUMIRA
Position the Syringe
Figure G
 |
Figure H
 |
Inject HUMIRA
Figure I
 |
If blood appears in the syringe:
Figure J
 |
If no blood appears in the syringe:
How should I dispose of used prefilled syringes and needles?
Figure K
 |
How should I store HUMIRA?
Instructions for Use
HUMIRA®
(Hu-MARE-ah)
(adalimumab)
80 mg/0.8 mL, 40 mg/0.4 mL, 20 mg/0.2 mL and 10 mg/0.1 mL
Single-Use Prefilled Syringe
Before Injecting: Your healthcare provider should show you how to use HUMIRA before you use it for the first time. Call your healthcare provider or 1-800-4HUMIRA (1-800-448-6472) if you need help.
 |
Do not use the prefilled syringe and call your healthcare provider or pharmacist if:
Keep the needle cover on until right before injection. Keep HUMIRA out of reach of children.
Read Instructions on All Pages Before Using the HUMIRA Single-Use Prefilled Syringe
Take HUMIRA out of the refrigerator.
Leave HUMIRA at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before injecting.
 |
Check expiration date on the prefilled syringe label. Do not use the prefilled syringe if expiration date has passed.
Place the following on a clean, flat surface:
Wash and dry your hands.
 |
Choose an injection site:
Wipe the injection site in a circular motion with the alcohol swab.
 |
Hold the prefilled syringe in one hand.
Gently pull the needle cover straight off with the other hand.
 |
Hold the prefilled syringe with the needle facing up.
 |
Hold the body of the prefilled syringe in one hand between the thumb and index fingers. Hold the prefilled syringe in your hand like a pencil. Do not pull back on the plunger at any time.
 |
Gently squeeze the area of cleaned skin at your injection site with your other hand. Hold the skin firmly.
Insert the needle into the skin at about a 45degree angle using a quick, dart-like motion.
Slowly push the plunger all the way in until all of the liquid is injected and the prefilled syringe is empty.
 |
When the injection is completed, slowly pull the needle out of the skin while keeping the prefilled syringe at the same angle.
After completing the injection, place a cotton ball or gauze pad on the skin of the injection site.
 |
How should I dispose the used HUMIRA prefilled syringe?
 |
The needle cover, alcohol swab, cotton ball or gauze pad, dose tray, and packaging may be placed in your household trash.
Questions About Using the HUMIRA Single-Use Prefilled Syringe
What if I have not received in-person training from a healthcare provider?
What if I do not have an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container or proper household container?
Always keep the prefilled syringe and the sharps disposal container out of the reach of children.
Keep a record of the dates and locations of your injections. To help remember when to take HUMIRA, mark your calendar ahead of time.
 |
This Instructions for Use has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
