What it means
A monoclonal antibody (TNF blocker) used for rheumatoid arthritisROO-muh-toyd ar-THRY-tisA long-term autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints.rheumat/o flowing, joint pain-oid likearthr/o joint-itis inflammationFull entry , psoriasis, Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis and other autoimmune diseases. It calms the immune system, so it raises the risk of serious infections, including reactivation of tuberculosistoo-ber-kyoo-LOH-sisAn infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most often attacks the lungs.tubercul/o small swelling-osis abnormal conditionFull entry , and of some cancers. Many biosimilars are sold.
For the nurse
A tuberculosis test is done before starting. Teach the client to inject SUBQ, rotating sites, to report fever or signs of infection, and to avoid live vaccines.
At a glance
| Drug class | tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker; disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (biologic) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Humira; biosimilars such as Amjevita, Hadlima and Abrilada |
| Also written | Humira, Amjevita, Hadlima |
Related terms
rheumatoid arthritis
A long-term autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints.
tuberculosis
An infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most often attacks the lungs.
inflammatory bowel disease
A group of long-term diseases, mainly Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, in which the lining of the digestive tract becomes inflamed.
immune system
The body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.