Is Humira good for treating hidradenitis suppurativa?
Humira (adalimumab) is approved by the FDA to treat moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa in people 12 years of age and older. In studies, results were seen in 12 weeks. Humira will not cure hidradenitis suppurativa but may help to reduce your number of nodules and abscesses, relieve your painful symptoms and control your disease worsening.
Humira is currently the only medicine approved by the FDA to treat hidradenitis suppurativa. Humira is a medicine that can suppress your immune system and increase your risk for infections. Other treatment options include surgery to remove skin affected by the disease and antibiotics to treat any infections. Your doctor might also use Humira in addition to surgery to help control inflammation.
Orphan drug designation provides Humira seven years of market exclusivity for hidradenitis suppurativa.
How effective is Humira in studies for hidradenitis suppurativa?
- Is Humira good for hidradenitis suppurativa? In the two Phase 3, PIONEER I and PIONEER II studies of 633 people with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa, Humira reduced the total number of inflammatory nodules and abscesses by at least 50% in 12 weeks and was more effective than a placebo (an inactive treatment).
- There were no increases in the number of abscesses or draining wounds relative to when patients started the study.
The primary endpoint, the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinical Response (HiSCR) at Week 12, was defined as at least a 50% reduction in total abscess and inflammatory nodule count with no increase in abscess count and no increase in draining fistula count relative to baseline.
Subjects used topical antiseptic wash daily and oral antibiotic use was allowed in Study 2 (occurred in 19.3% of patients). At week 12, the dose of Humira was 40 mg given by subcutaneous injection weekly.
In both studies, more patients who received Humira than placebo-treated subjects achieved the primary endpoint of HiSCR.
- Study 1: Humira (42%) vs. placebo (26%)
- Study 2: Humira (59%) vs. placebo (28%)
In a second phase, from Week 12 to Week 35, 100 patients were re-randomized from Humira treatment to placebo only. In 22% of patients who were withdrawn from Humira treatment following the primary efficacy timepoint in the two studies, a flare of hidradenitis suppurativa was documented. A flare is defined as ≥25% increase from baseline in abscesses and inflammatory nodule counts and with a minimum of 2 additional lesions.
Related questions
- How much does Humira cost without insurance?
- What happens when you stop taking Humira?
- What are the new drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
What is hidradenitis suppurativa?
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic (long-lasting) and debilitating inflammatory skin disease. It is characterized by swollen, painful bumps (nodules) and abscesses typically located around the armpits, groin, and inner thighs, on the buttocks and under the breasts. It tends to start in young people after puberty, and can worsen and last for many years.
Risk factors that may increase your risk for hidradenitis suppurativa include:
- Age: Higher risk for people in their 20s and 30s
- Sex: Females over males are at greater risk
- Race: May be higher among Black people in the U.S.
- Family history: Can be inherited
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking tobacco
The exact cause of hidradenitis suppurativa is unknown, but it is thought the immune system plays a role in the disease and symptoms. The body may produce too many proteins, like cytokines and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) alpha, that lead to inflammation. Humira works by blocking TNF alpha, thought to contribute to the symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa.
Learn more: Is Humira an immunosuppressant?
How is Humira given for hidradenitis suppurativa?
Humira is given as a subcutaneous (just under the skin) injection. You or a caregiver can be taught by your healthcare provider to give these injections at home. Do not inject Humira until you have received training from your healthcare team.
After initial dosing over the first fews weeks, Humira is administered either every week or every 2 weeks for hidradenitis suppurativa. Doses for adolescents 12 years of age and older are based on their weight.
Related: Humira dosing (in more detail)
This is not all the information you need to know about Humira (adalimumab) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full Humira information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Humira Injection [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie Inc. 2/2021. Accessed May 25, 2022 at https://www.rxabbvie.com/pdf/humira.pdf
- Bukszpan D (author). Can Hidradenitis Suppurativa Be Cured? What You Need To Know. MyHSTeam. Accessed May 25, 2022 at https://www.myhsteam.com/resources/can-hidradenitis-suppurativa-be-cured
Read next
Does Humira cause weight gain or weight loss?
The manufacturer of Humira does not list weight gain or weight loss as a possible direct side effect associated Humira. However, other conditions, symptoms, or medications may affect your weight while you are using this medication. Clinical studies have also shown weight gain with Humira. Continue reading
How long does it take for Humira to work?
Most patients will start to feel relief from their symptoms within 2 to 12 weeks. Your results will vary based on your condition being treated and other factors, such as tolerability to treatment and other medications you may be using. Continue reading
How long can Humira be out of the fridge?
If you are traveling or not able to keep your Humira in the refrigerator, you can store it at room temperature up to a maximum of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) for a period of up to 14 days. Once your Humira Pen or prefilled syringe has reached room temperature, it must be used within 14 days even if it is put back in the refrigerator. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- What food should I avoid while taking Humira?
- What are monoclonal antibodies?
- How long can you stay on Humira?
- What are biosimilar drugs and how do they compare to biologics?
- Can you drink alcohol while taking Humira?
- Can you take Humira with antibiotics?
- Can I take Humira after covid vaccine?
- How do you inject Humira?
- Is Humira an immunosuppressant?
- Cosentyx vs Humira: How do they compare?
- What's the difference between Cimzia and Humira?
- Does Humira cause muscle spasms?
- Skyrizi vs Humira for plaque psoriasis - How do they compare?
- Is Amjevita interchangeable with Humira?
- Who are the actors in the Humira commercial?
- What are the new drugs for plaque psoriasis?
- What are biologic drugs and how do they work?
- What biosimilars have been approved in the United States?
- What causes Plaque Psoriasis?
- Does Humira make you feel tired?
- Does Humira cause hair loss?
- Humira and Pregnancy: What should I know?
- What is the difference between Amjevita and Humira?
- What is the difference between Cyltezo and Humira?
Drug information
- Humira Information for Consumers
- Humira prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Humira (detailed)
- Humira user reviews (689)
Related support groups
- Humira (69 questions, 370 members)
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa (6 questions, 41 members)