Humira is an injectable medication that belongs to a group of medications called biologics. Biologic drugs like Humira help reduce inflammation and manage symptoms of Crohn's by blocking the inflammatory reactions in your body. This can help ease Crohn's symptoms and assist with disease remission.

In clinical studies at 4 weeks, many Crohn's patients on HUMIRA achieved remission (few or no symptoms) and a majority saw symptom relief. HUMIRA has helped many people notice a significant difference in their symptoms in as little as 4 weeks; however, individual results may vary.

Adalimumab is used to treat Crohn's and Colitis, but it doesn't work for everyone. You take adalimumab by injection under your skin (subcutaneous injection). Adalimumab affects the way your immune system works. This means you may be more at risk of infections.

For example, each year a portion of patients who take either immunomodulator or biologic medications such as infliximab (Remicade) or adalimumab (Humira) stop responding to their medication. Sometimes a major symptom flare can signify that these medications are no longer working.

The drug suppresses the immune system by blocking the activity of TNF. TNF is a protein produced naturally by the body's immune system. Some people with certain autoimmune diseases produce too much TNF. Humira is designed to stop tumor necrosis factor-α, or TNF, from attacking healthy cells.

Humira contains the active drug adalimumab, which is a biologic medication. Biologics are medications made from living cells. Adalimumab belongs to a class of medications known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. (A class of medications is a group of drugs that work in a similar way.)

Immune system suppressors

• Azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran) and mercaptopurine (Purinethol, Purixan). These are the most widely used immunosuppressants for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Methotrexate (Trexall). This drug is sometimes used for people with Crohn's disease who don't respond well to other medications.

Doctors treat Crohn's disease with medicines, bowel rest, and surgery. No single treatment works for everyone with Crohn's disease. The goals of treatment are to decrease the inflammation in your intestines, to prevent flare-ups of your symptoms, and to keep you in remission.

Patients treated with HUMIRA are at increased risk for developing serious infections that may lead to hospitalization or death. These infections include active tuberculosis (TB), reactivation of latent TB, invasive fungal infections, and bacterial, viral and other infections due to opportunistic pathogens.

Humira can increase the risk of infections, and patients taking Humira may be advised to take dietary precautions. Preventing infections may include avoiding certain foods. For example, patients may be advised to take extra care in avoiding raw or undercooked animal products, such as eggs, meat and poultry.

Humira (adalimumab) is a medication that is used over the long-term. Your doctor will check your medication at regular intervals to be sure staying on Humira is appropriate for you. Your dose for Humira can also vary and depends on the condition being treated. However, many patients stay on Humira for many years.

Common side effects of HUMIRA include injection site reactions (pain, redness, rash, swelling, itching, or bruising), upper respiratory infections (sinus infections), headaches, rash, and nausea. These are not all of the possible side effects with HUMIRA.