Humira (Adalimumab) kit
AbbVie Inc.
WARNING: SERIOUS INFECTIONS AND MALIGNANCY
SERIOUS INFECTIONS
Patients treated with HUMIRA are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . 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:
● Active tuberculosis (TB), including reactivation of latent TB. Patients with TB have frequently presented with disseminated or extrapulmonary disease. Test patients for latent TB before HUMIRA use and during therapy. Initiate treatment for latent TB prior to HUMIRA use.
● Invasive fungal infections, including histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, candidiasis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, and pneumocystosis. Patients with histoplasmosis or other invasive fungal infections may present with disseminated, rather than localized, disease. Antigen and antibody testing for histoplasmosis may be negative in some patients with active infection. Consider empiric anti-fungal therapy in patients at risk for invasive fungal infections who develop severe systemic illness.
● Bacterial, viral and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens, including Legionella and Listeria.
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 ( 5.1 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] .
MALIGNANCY
Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers including HUMIRA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . 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 ( 5.2 )] .
WARNING: SERIOUS INFECTIONS AND MALIGNANCY
See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning.
SERIOUS INFECTIONS ( 5.1 , 6.1 ):
-
Increased risk of serious infections leading to hospitalization or death, including tuberculosis (TB), bacterial sepsis, invasive fungal infections (such as histoplasmosis), and infections due to other opportunistic pathogens.
-
Discontinue HUMIRA if a patient develops a serious infection or sepsis during treatment.
-
Perform test for latent TB; if positive, start treatment for TB prior to starting HUMIRA.
- Monitor all patients for active TB during treatment, even if initial latent TB test is negative.
MALIGNANCY ( 5.2 ):
-
Lymphoma and other malignancies, some fatal, have been reported in children and adolescent patients treated with TNF blockers including HUMIRA.
- Post-marketing cases of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL), a rare type of T-cell lymphoma, have occurred in adolescent and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease treated with TNF blockers including HUMIRA.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE
HUMIRA is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker indicated for:
-
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) (
1.1
): 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 RA.
-
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) (
1.2
): reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular JIA in patients 2 years of age and older.
-
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) (
1.3
): reducing signs and symptoms, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with active PsA.
-
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
(
1.4
): reducing signs and symptoms in adult patients with active AS.
-
Crohn’s Disease (CD) (
1.5
): treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older.
-
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) (
1.6
): treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults and pediatric patients 5 years of age and older.
Limitations of Use: Effectiveness has not been established in patients who have lost response to or were intolerant to TNF blockers.
-
Plaque Psoriasis (Ps) (
1.7
): 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.
-
Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) (
1.8
): treatment of moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in patients 12 years of age and older.
- Uveitis (UV) ( 1.9 ): treatment of non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.
1.1 Rheumatoid Arthritis
HUMIRA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms, inducing major clinical response, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function in adult patients with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. HUMIRA can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate or other non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
1.2 Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
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.
1.3 Psoriatic Arthritis
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.
1.4 Ankylosing Spondylitis
HUMIRA is indicated for reducing signs and symptoms in adult patients with active ankylosing spondylitis.
1.5 Crohn’s Disease
HUMIRA is indicated for the treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older.
1.6 Ulcerative Colitis
HUMIRA is indicated for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adults and pediatric patients 5 years of age and older.
Limitations of Use
The effectiveness of HUMIRA has not been established in patients who have lost response to or were intolerant to TNF blockers [see Clinical Studies (
14.7
,
14.8
)].
1.7 Plaque Psoriasis
HUMIRA is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy, and when other systemic therapies are medically less appropriate. HUMIRA should only be administered to patients who will be closely monitored and have regular follow-up visits with a physician [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 ) ].
1.8 Hidradenitis Suppurativa
HUMIRA is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa in patients 12 years of age and older.
1.9 Uveitis
HUMIRA is indicated for the treatment of non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis in adults and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older.
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
- Administer by subcutaneous injection (2)
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis ( 2.1 ):
-
Adults: 40 mg every other week.
- Some patients with RA not receiving methotrexate may benefit from increasing the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis or Pediatric Uveitis ( 2.2 ):
Pediatric Weight
2 Years of Age and Older |
Recommended Dosage |
10 kg (22 lbs) to less than 15 kg (33 lbs) | 10 mg every other week |
15 kg (33 lbs) to less than 30 kg (66 lbs) | 20 mg every other week |
30 kg (66 lbs) and greater | 40 mg every other week |
Crohn's Disease ( 2.3 ):
-
Adults: 160 mg on Day 1 (given in one day or split over two consecutive days); 80 mg on Day 15; and 40 mg every other week starting on Day 29.
- Pediatric Patients 6 Years of Age and Older:
Pediatric Weight
|
Recommended Dosage | |
Days 1 and 15 | Starting on Day 29 | |
17 kg (37 lbs) to less than 40 kg (88 lbs) |
Day 1: 80 mg Day 15: 40 mg |
20 mg every other week |
40 kg (88 lbs) and greater |
Day 1: 160 mg (single dose or split over two consecutive days) Day 15: 80 mg |
40 mg every other week |
Ulcerative Colitis ( 2.4 ):
-
Adults: 160 mg on Day 1 (given in one day or split over two consecutive days), 80 mg on Day 15 and 40 mg every other week starting on Day 29. Discontinue in patients without evidence of clinical remission by eight weeks (Day 57).
- Pediatric Patients 5 Years of Age and Older:
Pediatric Weight
|
Recommended Dosage | |
Days 1 through 15 | Starting on Day 29* | |
20 kg (44 lbs) to less than 40 kg (88 lbs) |
Day 1: 80 mg Day 8: 40 mg Day 15: 40 mg |
40 mg every other week or 20 mg every week |
40 kg (88 lbs) and greater | Day 1: 160 mg (single dose or split over two consecutive days) Day 8: 80 mg Day 15: 80 mg |
80 mg every other week or 40 mg every week |
* Continue the recommended pediatric dosage in patients who turn 18 years of age and who are well-controlled on their HUMIRA regimen. |
Plaque Psoriasis or Adult Uveitis ( 2.5 ):
- Adults: 80 mg initial dose, followed by 40 mg every other week starting one week after initial dose.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa ( 2.6 ):
-
Adults:
○ Day 1: 160 mg (given in one day or split over two consecutive days)
○ Day 15: 80 mg
○ Day 29 and subsequent doses: 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week
- Adolescents 12 years of age and older:
Adolescent
Weight |
Recommended Dosage |
30 kg (66 lbs) to less than 60 kg (132 lbs) |
Day 1: 80 mg Day 8 and subsequent doses: 40 mg every other week |
60 kg (132 lbs) and greater |
Day 1: 160 mg (given in one day or split over two consecutive days) Day 15: 80 mg Day 29 and subsequent doses: 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week |
2.1 Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis
The recommended subcutaneous dosage 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 dosage of HUMIRA to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week.
2.2 Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis or Pediatric Uveitis
The recommended subcutaneous dosage 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.
Pediatric Weight
(2 Years of Age and older) |
Recommended Dosage |
10 kg (22 lbs) to less than 15 kg (33 lbs) | 10 mg every other week |
15 kg (33 lbs) to less than 30 kg (66 lbs) | 20 mg every other week |
30 kg (66 lbs) and greater | 40 mg every other week |
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.
2.3 Crohn’s Disease
Adults
The recommended subcutaneous dosage of HUMIRA 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 dosage 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 ( 5.2 ) ] or MTX may be continued during treatment with HUMIRA if necessary.
Pediatrics
The recommended subcutaneous dosage of HUMIRA for pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with Crohn’s disease (CD) is based on body weight as shown below:
Pediatric Weight
|
Recommended Dosage | |
Days 1 through 15 | Starting on Day 29 | |
17 kg (37 lbs) to less than 40 kg (88 lbs) |
Day 1: 80 mg Day 15: 40 mg |
20 mg every other week |
40 kg (88 lbs) and greater | Day 1: 160 mg (single dose or split over two consecutive days) Day 15: 80 mg |
40 mg every other week |
2.4 Ulcerative Colitis
Adults
The recommended subcutaneous dosage of HUMIRA for adult patients with ulcerative colitis 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 dosage of 40 mg every other week.
Discontinue HUMIRA in adult patients without 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 ( 5.2 ) ] may be continued during treatment with HUMIRA if necessary.
Pediatrics
The recommended subcutaneous dosage of HUMIRA for pediatric patients 5 years of age and older with ulcerative colitis is based on body weight as shown below:
Pediatric Weight | Recommended Dosage | |
Days 1 through 15 | Starting on Day 29* | |
20 kg (44 lbs) to less than 40 kg (88 lbs) |
Day 1: 80 mg Day 8: 40 mg Day 15: 40 mg |
40 mg every other week or 20 mg every week |
40 kg (88 lbs) and greater | Day 1: 160 mg (single dose or split over two consecutive days) Day 8: 80 mg Day 15: 80 mg |
80 mg every other week or 40 mg every week |
* Continue the recommended pediatric dosage in patients who turn 18 years of age and who are well-controlled on their HUMIRA regimen. |
2.5 Plaque Psoriasis or Adult Uveitis
The recommended subcutaneous dosage 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.
2.6 Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Adults
The recommended subcutaneous dosage 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 or 80 mg every other week dosing two weeks later (Day 29).
Adolescents
The recommended subcutaneous dosage of HUMIRA for adolescent patients 12 years of age and older weighing at least 30 kg with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is based on body weight as shown below [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]:
Body Weight of Adolescent
Patients (12 years of age and older) |
Recommended Dosage |
30 kg (66 lbs) to less than 60 kg (132 lbs) |
|
60 kg (132 lbs) and greater |
|
2.7 Monitoring to Assess Safety
Prior to initiating HUMIRA and periodically during therapy, evaluate patients for active tuberculosis and test for latent infection [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ].
2.8 General Considerations for Administration
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.
HUMIRA can be taken out of the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes before injecting to allow the liquid to come to room temperature. 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-dose 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 ( 16 ) ].
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.
If a dose is missed, administer the dose as soon as possible. Thereafter, resume dosing at the regular scheduled time.
The HUMIRA single-dose 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.
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
HUMIRA is a clear and colorless solution available as:
-
Pen (HUMIRA Pen)
Injection: 80 mg/0.8 mL in a single-dose pen.
Injection: 40 mg/0.8 mL in a single-dose pen.
Injection: 40 mg/0.4 mL in a single-dose pen.
-
Prefilled Syringe
Injection: 80 mg/0.8 mL in a single-dose prefilled glass syringe.
Injection: 40 mg/0.8 mL in a single-dose prefilled glass syringe.
Injection: 40 mg/0.4 mL in a single-dose prefilled glass syringe.
Injection: 20 mg/0.4 mL in a single-dose prefilled glass syringe.
Injection: 20 mg/0.2 mL in a single-dose prefilled glass syringe.
Injection: 10 mg/0.2 mL in a single-dose prefilled glass syringe.
Injection: 10 mg/0.1 mL in a single-dose prefilled glass syringe.
-
Single-Dose Institutional Use Vial
Injection: 40 mg/0.8 mL in a single-dose, glass vial for institutional use only.
Injection:
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS
None.
None (4)
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
-
Serious infections: Do not start HUMIRA during an active infection. If an infection develops, monitor carefully, and stop HUMIRA if infection becomes serious. (5.1)
-
Invasive fungal infections: For patients who develop a systemic illness on HUMIRA, consider empiric antifungal therapy for those who reside or travel to regions where mycoses are endemic. (5.1)
-
Malignancies: Incidence of malignancies was greater in HUMIRA-treated patients than in controls (5.2)
-
Anaphylaxis or serious hypersensitivity reactions may occur (5.3)
-
Hepatitis B virus reactivation: Monitor HBV carriers during and several months after therapy. If reactivation occurs, stop HUMIRA and begin anti-viral therapy. (5.4)
-
Demyelinating disease: Exacerbation or new onset, may occur. (5.5)
-
Cytopenias, pancytopenia: Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop, and consider stopping HUMIRA. (5.6)
-
Heart failure: Worsening or new onset, may occur. (5.8)
- Lupus-like syndrome: Stop HUMIRA if syndrome develops. (5.9)
5.1 Serious Infections
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. 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 Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 , 5.11 ) and Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )].
Treatment with HUMIRA should not be initiated in patients with an active infection, including localized infections. Patients 65 years of age and older, 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:
- with chronic or recurrent infection;
- who have been exposed to tuberculosis;
- with a history of an opportunistic infection;
- who have resided or traveled in areas of endemic tuberculosis or endemic mycoses, such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis; or
- with underlying conditions that may predispose them to infection.
Tuberculosis
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.
Monitoring
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.
Invasive Fungal Infections
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.
5.2 Malignancies
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.
Malignancies in Adults
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.
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
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.
Lymphoma and Leukemia
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 in Pediatric Patients and Young Adults
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. 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. 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 6-mercaptopurine and HUMIRA should be carefully considered.
5.3 Hypersensitivity Reactions
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, hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., rash, anaphylactoid reaction, fixed drug reaction, non-specified drug reaction, urticaria) have been observed.
5.4 Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation
Use of TNF blockers, including HUMIRA, may increase the risk of reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in patients who are chronic carriers of this virus. In some instances, HBV reactivation occurring in conjunction with TNF blocker therapy has been fatal. The majority of these reports have occurred in patients concomitantly receiving other medications that suppress the immune system, which may also contribute to HBV reactivation. 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.
5.5 Neurologic Reactions
Use of TNF blocking agents, including HUMIRA, has been associated with rare cases of new onset or exacerbation of clinical symptoms and/or radiographic evidence of 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.
5.6 Hematological Reactions
Rare reports of pancytopenia including aplastic anemia have been reported with TNF blocking agents. Adverse reactions of the hematologic system, including medically significant cytopenia (e.g., thrombocytopenia, leukopenia) have been infrequently reported with HUMIRA. 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.
5.7 Increased Risk of Infection W hen Used with Anakinra
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 ( 7.2 ) ].
5.8 Heart Failure
Cases of worsening congestive heart failure (CHF) and new onset CHF have been reported with TNF blockers. Cases of worsening CHF have also been observed with HUMIRA. HUMIRA has not been formally studied in patients with CHF; however, in clinical trials of another TNF blocker, a higher rate of serious CHF-related adverse reactions was observed. Exercise caution when using HUMIRA in patients who have heart failure and monitor them carefully.
5.9 Autoimmunity
Treatment with HUMIRA may result in the formation of autoantibodies and, rarely, in the development of a lupus-like syndrome. If a patient develops symptoms suggestive of a lupus-like syndrome following treatment with HUMIRA, discontinue treatment [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 ) ].
5.10 Immunizations
In a placebo-controlled clinical trial of patients with RA, no difference was detected in anti-pneumococcal antibody response between HUMIRA and placebo treatment groups when the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine and influenza vaccine were administered concurrently with HUMIRA. Similar proportions of patients developed protective levels of anti-influenza antibodies between HUMIRA and placebo treatment groups; however, titers in aggregate to influenza antigens were moderately lower in patients receiving HUMIRA. The clinical significance of this is unknown. Patients on HUMIRA may receive concurrent vaccinations, except for live vaccines. No data are available on the secondary transmission of infection by live vaccines in patients receiving HUMIRA.
It is recommended that 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 ( 8.1 , 8.4 )].
5.11 Increased R isk of Infection When Used with Abatacept
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 ( 7.2 ) ].
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:
- Serious Infections [see Warnings and Precautions
(
5.1
)
]
- Malignancies [see Warnings and Precautions
(
5.2
)
]
- Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions
(
5.3
)
]
- Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation [see Warnings and Precautions
(
5.4
)
]
- Neurologic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions
(
5.5
)
]
- Hematological Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions
(
5.6
)
]
- Heart Failure [see Warnings and Precautions
(
5.8
)
]
- Autoimmunity [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 ) ]
Most common adverse reactions (>10%) are: infections (e.g. upper respiratory, sinusitis), injection site reactions, headache and rash. (6.1)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact AbbVie Inc. at 1-800-633-9110 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
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, RA-II, RA-III and RA-IV) was 7% for patients taking HUMIRA and 4% for placebo-treated patients. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation of HUMIRA in these RA studies were clinical flare reaction (0.7%), rash (0.3%) and pneumonia (0.3%).
Infections
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 ( 5.1 ) ].
Tuberculosis and Opportunistic Infections
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 ( 5.1 ) ].
Autoantibodies
In the rheumatoid arthritis controlled trials, 12% of patients treated with HUMIRA and 7% of placebo-treated patients that had negative baseline ANA titers developed positive titers at week 24. Two patients out of 3046 treated with HUMIRA developed clinical signs suggestive of new-onset lupus-like syndrome. The patients improved following discontinuation of therapy. No patients developed lupus nephritis or central nervous system symptoms. The impact of long-term treatment with HUMIRA on the development of autoimmune diseases is unknown.
Liver Enzyme Elevations
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 Crohn’s Disease 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 adult 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 the controlled Phase 3 trial of HUMIRA in patients with pediatric ulcerative colitis (N=93), which evaluated efficacy and safety of a maintenance dose of 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every other week (N=31) and a maintenance dose of 0.6 mg/kg (maximum of 40 mg) every week (N=32), following body weight based induction doses of 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at Week 0 and Week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at Week 2 (N=63), or an induction dose of 2.4 mg/kg (maximum of 160 mg) at Week 0, placebo at Week 1, and 1.2 mg/kg (maximum of 80 mg) at Week 2 (N=30), ALT elevations ≥ 3 X ULN occurred in 1.1% (1/93) of 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.
Other Adverse Reactions
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 [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 ) ].
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.
HUMIRA 40 mg subcutaneous Every Other Week |
Placebo | |
(N=705) | (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 |
Less Common Adverse Reactions in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Studies
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
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Clinical Studies
In general, the adverse reactions in the HUMIRA-treated patients in the polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) trials (Studies JIA-I and JIA-II) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 ) ] were similar in frequency and type to those seen in adult patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 ) , Adverse Reactions ( 6 ) ]. 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 concentrations 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.
Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis Clinical Studies
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 [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 , 14.4 )]. 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.
Crohn’s Disease Clinical Studies
Adults: The safety profile of HUMIRA in 1478 adult patients with Crohn’s disease from four placebo-controlled and two open-label extension studies [see Clinical Studies ( 14.5 ) ] was similar to the safety profile seen in patients with RA.
Pediatric Patients 6 Years to 17 Years: The safety profile of HUMIRA in 192 pediatric patients from one double-blind study (Study PCD-I) and one open-label extension study [see Clinical Studies ( 14.6 ) ] 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.
Ulcerative Colitis Clinical Studies
Adults: The safety profile of HUMIRA in 1010 adult patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) from two placebo-controlled studies and one open-label extension study [see Clinical Studies ( 14.7 ) ] was similar to the safety profile seen in patients with RA.
Pediatric Patients 5 Years to 17 Years: The safety profile of HUMIRA in 93 pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis from one double-blind study and one open-label extension study [see Clinical Studies ( 14.8 ) ] was similar to the safety profile seen in adult patients with ulcerative colitis.
Plaque Psoriasis Clinical Studies
HUMIRA has been studied in 1696 subjects with plaque psoriasis (Ps) in placebo-controlled and open-label extension studies [see Clinical Studies ( 14.9 ) ]. 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%).
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Studies
HUMIRA has been studied in 727 subjects with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in three placebo-controlled studies and one open-label extension study [see Clinical Studies ( 14.10 ) ]. 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.
Uveitis Clinical 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) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.11 , 14.12 )] . The safety profile for patients with UV treated with HUMIRA was similar to the safety profile seen in patients with RA.
6.2 Immunogenicity
As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. The detection of antibody formation is highly dependent on the sensitivity and specificity of the assay. Additionally, the observed incidence of antibody (including neutralizing antibody) positivity in an assay may be influenced by several factors including assay methodology, sample handling, timing of sample collection, concomitant medications, and underlying disease. For these reasons, comparison of the incidence of antibodies in the studies described below with the incidence of antibodies in other studies or to other adalimumab products may be misleading.
There are two assays that have been used to measure anti-adalimumab antibodies. With the ELISA, antibodies to adalimumab could be detected only when serum adalimumab concentrations were < 2 mcg/mL. The ECL assay can detect anti-adalimumab antibody titers independent of adalimumab concentrations in the serum samples. The incidence of anti-adalimumab antibody (AAA) development in patients treated with HUMIRA are presented in Table 2.
Indications | Study Duration | Anti-Adalimumab Antibody Incidence by ELISA (n/N) | Anti-Adalimumab Antibody Incidence by ECL Assay (n/N) | ||
In all patients who received adalimumab | In patients with serum adalimumab concentrations < 2 mcg/mL | ||||
Rheumatoid Arthritisa
|
6 to 12 months | 5% (58/1062) | NR | NA | |
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) | 4 to 17 years of ageb | 48 weeks | 16% (27/171) | NR | NA |
2 to 4 years of age or ≥ 4 years of age and weighing < 15 kg | 24 weeks | 7% (1/15)c | NR | NA | |
Psoriatic Arthritisd | 48 weekse | 13% (24/178) | NR | NA | |
Ankylosing Spondylitis | 24 weeks | 9% (16/185) | NR | NA | |
Adult Crohn’s Disease | 56 weeks | 3% (7/269) | 8% (7/86) | NA | |
Pediatric Crohn’s Disease | 52 weeks | 3% (6/182) | 10% (6/58) | NA | |
Adult Ulcerative Colitis | 52 weeks | 5% (19/360) | 21% (19/92) | NA | |
Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis | 52 weeks | 3% (3/100) | 13% (3/23) | 33% (33/100)i | |
Plaque Psoriasisf | Up to 52 weeksg | 8% (77/920) | 21% (77/372) | NA | |
Hidradenitis Suppurativa | 36 weeks | 7% (30/461) | 28% (58/207)h | 61% (272/445)j | |
Non-infectious Uveitis | 52 weeks | 5% (12/249) | 21% (12/57) | 40% (99/249)k |
n: number of patients with anti-adalimumab antibody; NR: not reported; NA: Not applicable (not performed)
a In patients receiving concomitant methotrexate (MTX), the incidence of anti-adalimumab antibody was 1% compared to 12% with HUMIRA monotherapy
b In patients receiving concomitant MTX, the incidence of anti-adalimumab antibody was 6% compared to 26% with HUMIRA monotherapy
c This patient received concomitant MTX
d In patients receiving concomitant MTX, the incidence of antibody development was 7% compared to 1% in RA
e Subjects enrolled after completing 2 previous studies of 24 weeks or 12 weeks of treatments.
f In plaque psoriasis 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
g One 12-week Phase 2 study and one 52-week Phase 3 study
h Among subjects in the 2 Phase 3 studies 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)
i No apparent association between antibody development and safety was observed. The association of antibody development and efficacy outcome was not assessed due to limited number of subjects in each treatment group stratified by anti-adalimumab antibody titer.
j No apparent association between antibody development and safety was observed
k No correlation of antibody development to safety or efficacy outcomes was observed
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Patients in Studies RA-I, RA-II, and RA-III were tested at multiple time points for antibodies to adalimumab using the ELISA during the 6- to 12-month period. 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.
6.3 Postmarketing Experience
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-Barré 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, lichenoid skin reaction
Vascular disorders: Systemic vasculitis, deep vein thrombosis
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS
7.1 Methotrexate
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 ( 12.3 ) ].
7.2 Biological Products
In clinical studies in patients with RA, an increased risk of serious infections has been observed 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 ( 5.7