Adalimumab (Humira ) Information for patients Ophthalmology (Uveitis) Large Print

Transcription

1 Adalimumab (Humira ) Information for patients Ophthalmology (Uveitis) Large Print

2 What is Adalimumab? Adalimumab is a drug that was not originally marketed to treat Uveitis and it is important that you know such use is outside of the manufacturer's licence. It is given to patients however who have this condition as it has proved to be useful in controlling the symptoms of their illness. It is important that you read the manufacturer's leaflet as well as this one because it contains general information about the drug that you will need to know. However, please remember that it is not written for patients with Uveitis so some of the information in it may not be relevant to you. Further information for patients on the use of unlicensed and off licence medicines is available. Do ask a member of staff for a copy. page 2 of 12

3 Why have I been given Adalimumab? You have been given this drug to improve your eye condition. It is not a pain reliever and therefore doesn't work rapidly, but tends to improve the symptoms over a longer period of time. If you are on painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, it is important that you should continue to take them as well unless your doctor advises you otherwise. What does Adalimumab look like? Adalimumab (trade name Humira) is available as either a pre-filled pen or syringe. How will Adalimumab help me? Adalimumab is an anti-tnf (anti-tumour necrosis factor) drug. It blocks the action of TNF proteins and so reduces inflammation. Adalimumab can help to relieve your symptoms. If you respond to Adalimumab you will see an improvement in symptoms in 2-12 weeks. page 3 of 12

4 How is Adalimumab taken? The usual dose is 40mg once every 2 weeks, given by subcutaneous injection (an injection under the skin). You, your partner or another member of your family can learn to give the injections. Most patients learn to self administer and find the pre-filled pen most convenient to use. Are there any side effects? All drugs can cause side-effects, although most patients do not have any. The most common side-effects are reactions at the injection site such as redness, swelling or pain. These are not usually serious. This medication can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infection. This is rare, and you will have regular blood tests to check for this. page 4 of 12

5 Please tell your doctor or specialist nurse straight away if you develop any of the following after starting Adalimumab: A sore throat A fever Any signs of infection Any new symptoms or anything else that concerns you What are the risks? There may be a slightly increased risk of certain types of cancer in patients using such drugs. Such a link has not been proven but is currently being researched. Please discuss this with your doctor if you are worried. Please remember it is very important for you to attend for regular blood tests, as this is how any drug-induced side effects can be diagnosed. You must not continue to use Adalimumab unless you are having regular checks. page 5 of 12

6 Can I take other medicines along with Adalimumab? Some drugs may interact with Adalimumab and you should tell any doctor treating you that you are using Adalimumab. It is sensible not to take 'over the counter' preparations without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first. If you need to be immunised, then you must tell your GP that you are on this medication as some vaccines are 'live' and should not be given to patients on Adalimumab. These include: Oral polio MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) Yellow Fever BCG (Tuberculosis) Oral typhoid page 6 of 12

7 The following immunisations are not 'live' and can be given although they may be less effective whilst you are on this drug: Hepatitis Influenza Absorbed diphtheria (low dose) and tetanus vaccines for adults and adolescents Pneumococcal Vaccine Hib (Haemophilus Influenza b) Typhoid Meningococcal Vaccines page 7 of 12

8 Can I start a family whilst on Adalimumab? The risk of Adalimumab to an unborn baby isn't known so women of child bearing age are often advised to use contraception whilst on the drug. If you are planning a family or become pregnant whilst taking Adalimumab, you should discuss this with your doctor as soon as possible. If you father a child, your partner must tell her doctor that the baby was conceived while you were taking Adalimumab. May I drink alcohol while taking Adalimumab? You can drink alcohol while on Adalimumab. However if you are also taking Methotrexate you should only drink alcohol in small amounts (no more than 4 units per week) because Methotrexate and alcohol can interact and damage your liver. page 8 of 12

9 Is there anything else I should know about Adalimumb? You should avoid contact with anyone who has chicken pox or shingles especially if you have never had these infections. If you do develop either, seek medical advice immediately. It is recommended that you carry a biological therapy alert card which you can get from your doctor or specialist nurse. If you then become unwell, anyone treating you will know you are on Adalimumab. page 9 of 12

10 What happens if I miss a dose? Give the missed injection as soon as you remember. Do not inject more frequently than every 2 weeks. If you are concerned contact your doctor or specialist nurse. Try to keep to a regular injection schedule to minimise missing doses Is there anything I should look out for when I go home? Please tell your doctor or specialist nurse straight away if you develop any of the following after starting Adalimumab: A sore throat A fever Any signs of infection Any new symptoms or anything else that concerns you page 10 of 12

11 Who should I contact if I have any concerns? If you have any concerns or would like more information please feel free to discuss this with us: Useful contact numbers Emergency Eye Centre Uveitis Nurse Specialist bleep 2646 Medicines Advice Line Monday to Friday, 9.00am pm page 11 of 12

12 Important facts to remember Keep all medicines out of children's reach. Take your medicine as prescribed. Do not stop or change the dose unless your doctor tells you to. Do not give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. Make sure you attend your follow-up hospital appointments even when you feel well and your symptoms are under control. Please inform your specialist nurse or doctor if you are unable to attend your clinic appointment so that alternative arrangements can be made. Make sure you have enough medication until your next appointment. Produced with support from Sheffield Hospitals Charity Working hard to fund improvements that make life better for patients and their families Please donate to help us do more Registered Charity No Alternative formats may be available on request. Please Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2016 Re-use of all or any part of this document is governed by copyright and the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005 SI 2005 No Information on re-use can be obtained from the Information Governance Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. PD6614-PIL2576LP v3 Issue Date: February Review Date: February 2018