Adalimumab (Humira) Injection for patients with Crohns Disease

Adalimumab (Humira) Injection
for patients with Crohns
Disease
Patient Information Leaflet
Originator: Lynne Edwards
Date: March 2011
Version: 2
Date for Review: March 2014
DGOH Ref No: DGOH/PIL/00748
Adalimumab (Humira) Injection for patients
with Crohns Disease
What if I need more information regarding
Adalimumab treatment?
Adalimumab is for use in the treatment of Crohns Disease, trials
have taken place that show, it is effective. It can only be used on a
named patient basis for patients who have failed to respond to
other treatments.
Talk to your IBD Specialist Nurse, GP, hospital consultant or
pharmacist about Adalimumab.
The decision for you to have Adalimumab has been reached by
your Consultant in charge of your treatment and will depend on
certain criteria. Drug funding will have to be obtained, this can take
a little while.
What is Adalimumab?
Adalimumab (Humira) is a new medication that is used primarily in
Rheumatoid Arthritis however trials have proved that it is effective
in Crohns Disease. Crohns Disease is due to an inflammatory
process within the bowel. It is thought that a substance called
Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) plays a major part in causing
inflammation. By blocking this TNF the level of inflammation is
reduced. You may have already had treatment with another Anti
TNF treatment by the name of Infliximab.
We want you to be as informed as possible regarding this
treatment and your Crohns Disease.
Alternatives
This treatment has been offered to you because alternative
treatments you have tried have been ineffective for your disease
process. This will have been discussed with you already, however
if you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact your
IBD Specialist Nurse.
Further information
If you have any concerns or questions or if there is anything that
you do not understand, please do not hesitate to ask a member of
staff prior to discharge or contact the ward on 01384 456111 ext
2440.
Results cannot be guaranteed but research shows that
Adalimumab
can
effective. but research shows that
Results
cannot
bebe
guaranteed
Adalimumab can be effective.
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Can I drink alcohol whilst receiving
Adalimumab?
The national guidelines for alcohol consumption are set at 21 units
per week for men and 14 units per week for women. It is
recommended you stay within the guidelines. Any alcohol drunk
should be consumed evenly over one week. (1 unit = a half pint of
normal strength beer or 1 glass of wine or 1 pub measure of spirit).
Can I smoke whilst having treatment?
Smoking is not recommended in Crohns Disease; you will already
have been advised by your doctor, or IBD specialist nurse,
regarding this. If you continue to smoke, you are not allowing
yourself to have the full benefits of the treatment.
Adalimumab is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection
once every 2 weeks. Initially this will be given by your Specialist
Nurse but most patients will be able to give their own injections or
be able to have their partner/carer give the injections to them; your
Specialist Nurse will be able to provide further information and
training on how to do this.
How long does it take for Adalimumab to
work?
Most people notice a response quite quickly, but each patient is an
individual. Response can be noticed in the first 2 weeks. Full effect
of the drug can take up to 3 months.
Do I need to take any other precautions
whilst receiving treatment?
It is important to remember that it is a treatment not a cure.
It is important to remember that it is a treatment not a cure.
It is recommended that you have a Pneumonia Vaccine prior to
commencing Adalimumab, this is then repeated between 5-10
years. It is also advisable to have an annual flu jab.
You should avoid live vaccines; these include Polio and Rubella
(German Measles) vaccine.
Will I have a reaction/side effects to the
treatment?
Always let your General Practitioner (GP) that you are receiving
Adalimumab before having any vaccinations.
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How is Adalimumab given?
All medicines can cause side effects, although most patients never
experience any. The most common side effects include a mild
reaction at the injection site and includes itching, soreness,
redness, pain and swelling around the injection site, it is usually
mild and settles down. Other mild side effects can include
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headache, runny nose, rashes, nausea and diarrhoea, chest
infections, possible abscess formation and tiredness. Rarely
dehydration can occur. Very rarely some reactions to drugs can
cause serious reactions such as anaphylactic reactions, which may
need emergency treatment.
Do I take my other medication whilst having
Adalimumab?
Yes. Your doctor will know what medication you are taking for your
Crohns Disease, however if you are taking other tablets then you
must tell him before commencing Adalimumab.
Delayed reactions to Adalimumab have not as yet been reported.
Reactivation of Tuberculosis (TB) can occur and active infections
can be made worse therefore if you have signs of active infection,
advice should be sought before continuing with course of
treatment. Heart failure can be made worse, these will have been
taken into consideration prior to treatment commencing.
Do I need any special tests whilst receiving
Adalimumab?
There are no specific blood tests required whilst receiving
Adalimumab however you will need regular hospital appointments
to monitor your response to treatment. Your routine blood tests for
your Crohns Disease will continue to be monitored as before.
You will have a chest x-ray prior to commencement of treatment
unless you have already had one done.
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At present however, little is known about drug reactions with
Adalimumab although no specific interactions have been noted to
date.
Does Adalimumab affect pregnancy?
Recent limited research performed suggests that it may be safe to
use if you are pregnant or become pregnant whilst being treated
with adalimumab, we do not advise this however and it may alter or
postpone your treatment should you become pregnant.
It is recommended you use contraception during and after
treatment for 6 months after treatment. If you are breastfeeding,
then treatment may be postponed until your baby is weaned,
however recent research says that breastfeeding is now possible.
In men receiving adalimumab research suggests there is no need
for contraception.
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