Humira (adalimumab) is a prescription brand-name medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat numerous conditions, including certain forms of the following:

The active drug in Humira, adalimumab, is a biologic medication. It belongs to a medication class called tumor necrosis factor blockers. (A medication class is a group of drugs that work in the same way.)

Humira comes as a liquid solution that’s given as a subcutaneous injection. It’s available in the following dosage forms:

  • single-dose prefilled pen
  • single-dose prefilled syringe
  • single-dose vial of liquid solution, which is used only by healthcare professionals

For information on the dosage of Humira, including its forms, strengths, and how to take the drug, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at Humira, including details about the drug’s uses, see this article.

This article describes typical dosages for Humira provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Humira, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.

Below is important information about the Humira dosage for its approved uses.

Humira forms

Humira comes as a liquid solution that’s given as a subcutaneous injection. It’s available in the following dosage forms:

  • single-dose prefilled pen
  • single-dose prefilled syringe
  • single-dose vial of liquid solution, which is used only by healthcare professionals

Humira strengths

Humira is available in the following strengths:

  • single-dose prefilled pen:
    • 40 milligrams (mg) per 0.4 milliliter (mL)
    • 40 mg/0.8 mL
    • 80 mg/0.8 mL
  • single-dose prefilled syringe:
    • 10 mg/0.1 mL
    • 10 mg/0.2 mL
    • 20 mg/0.2 mL
    • 20 mg/0.4 mL
    • 40 mg/0.4 mL
    • 40 mg/0.8 mL
    • 80 mg/0.8 mL
  • single-dose vial of liquid solution, which is used only by healthcare professionals:
    • 40 mg/0.8 mL

Typical dosages

Humira is given as a subcutaneous injection.

Your Humira dosing schedule will differ depending on the condition you’re using the drug to treat. Weekly dosing is used for some conditions, while dosing every other week is used for other conditions. Your first dose may differ from other doses you take. For example, the Humira starter kit dosage may differ from the dosage schedule you’ll use with prefilled pens or syringes.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for plaque psoriasis

The recommended Humira dosage for plaque psoriasis in adults is a first dose of 80 mg. Then, starting the next week, the dosage is 40 mg every other week.

Dosage for ulcerative colitis

The recommended Humira dosage for ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults is as follows:

  • day 1 (first dose): 160 mg, which may also be split over 2 days in a row
  • day 15: 80 mg
  • day 29: 40 mg

Then the dosage is 40 mg every other week for UC.

Dosage for rheumatoid arthritis

For treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults, the recommended Humira dosage is 40 mg every other week.

Your doctor might increase your dosage for RA in certain situations. Specifically, if you aren’t taking methotrexate (Trexall) with Humira, your doctor may recommend a Humira dosage of 40 mg every week. Or they may recommend 80 mg every other week.

Dosage for Crohn’s disease

The recommended Humira dosage for Crohn’s disease in adults is as follows:

  • day 1 (first dose): 160 mg, which may also be split over 2 days in a row
  • day 15: 80 mg
  • day 29: 40 mg

Then the dosage is 40 mg every other week.

Dosage for psoriatic arthritis

For treating psoriatic arthritis in adults, the recommended Humira dosage is 40 mg every other week.

Dosage for hidradenitis suppurativa

The recommended Humira dosage for hidradenitis suppurativa in adults is as follows:

  • day 1 (first dose): 160 mg, which may also be split over 2 days in a row
  • day 15: 80 mg
  • day 29 and beyond: 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week

Dosage for ankylosing spondylitis

For treating ankylosing spondylitis in adults, the recommended Humira dosage is 40 mg every other week.

Dosage for uveitis

The recommended Humira dosage for uveitis in adults is a first dose of 80 mg. Then, starting the next week, the dosage is 40 mg every other week.

Dosage for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Humira is approved to treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children ages 2 years and older. For details on the dosage for JIA, see “Children’s dosage” below.

Long-term use

Humira is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor decide that Humira is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Children’s dosage

Humira is approved to treat some conditions in children. The dosages depend on the child’s weight. In the sections below, “kg” stands for “kilograms” and “lb” stands for “pounds.”

Dosage for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

The Humira dosage for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children ages 2 years and older depends on the child’s weight. See the table below:

Child’s weightRecommended dosage
10 kg to less than 15 kg (about 22 lb to 32 lb)10 mg every other week
15 kg to less than 30 kg (about 33 lb to 65 lb)20 mg every other week
30 kg (about 66 lb) or more40 mg every other week

Dosage for uveitis in children ages 2 years and older

The Humira dosage for treating uveitis in children ages 2 years and older is the same as the dosage for treating JIA. For details, see “Dosage for juvenile idiopathic arthritis” above.

Dosage for Crohn’s disease in children ages 6 years and older

The Humira dosage for treating Crohn’s disease in children ages 6 years and older depends on the child’s weight, as detailed below:

  • For children weighing 17 kg to less than 40 kg (about 37 lb to 87 lb):
    • On day 1, your child’s first dose will be 80 mg.
    • Then they’ll receive 40 mg on day 15.
    • Starting on day 29, they’ll have a 20-mg dose every other week.
  • For children weighing 40 kg (about 88 lb) or more:
    • On day 1, your child’s first dose will be 160 mg. This may also be split into two 80-mg doses on back-to-back days.
    • Then they’ll receive 80 mg on day 15.
    • Starting on day 29, they’ll have a 40-mg dose every other week.

Dosage for ulcerative colitis in children ages 5 years and older

The Humira dosage for treating ulcerative colitis in children ages 5 years and older depends on the child’s weight, as detailed below:

  • For children weighing 20 kg to less than 40 kg (about 44 lb to 87 lb):
    • On day 1, your child’s first dose will be 80 mg.
    • Then they’ll receive 40 mg on days 8 and 15.
    • Starting on day 29, they’ll have either a 20-mg dose every week or a 40-mg dose every other week.
  • For children weighing 40 kg (about 88 lb) or more:
    • On day 1, your child’s first dose will be 160 mg. This may also be split into two 80-mg doses on back-to-back days.
    • Then they’ll receive 80 mg on days 8 and 15.
    • Starting on day 29, they’ll have a 40-mg dose every week or an 80-mg dose every other week.

Dosage for hidradenitis suppurativa in children ages 12 years and older

The Humira dosage for treating hidradenitis suppurativa in children ages 12 years and older depends on the child’s weight, as detailed below:

  • For children weighing 30 kg to less than 60 kg (about 66 lb to 131 lb):
    • On day 1, your child’s first dose will be 80 mg.
    • They’ll receive 40 mg on day 8.
    • Then they’ll have a 40-mg dose every other week.
  • For children weighing 60 kg (about 132 lb) or more:
    • On day 1, your child’s first dose will be 160 mg. This may also be split into two 80-mg doses on back-to-back days.
    • They’ll receive 80 mg on day 15.
    • Starting on day 29, they’ll have a 40-mg dose every week or an 80-mg dose every other week.

If you forget a Humira dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then take your next scheduled dose at your regular time.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app.

The Humira dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Humira to treat
  • the form of Humira you take
  • your age
  • other medical conditions you may have
  • other medications you may take
  • body weight, in children

Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. If you have questions about factors that can affect your Humira dosage, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Humira comes as a liquid solution that’s given as a subcutaneous injection. This is an injection given just under the skin. The drug comes in three forms:

  • single-dose prefilled pen
  • single-dose prefilled syringe
  • single-dose vial of liquid solution, which is used only by healthcare professionals

You may be able to give yourself Humira injections at home instead of going to your doctor’s office. If this is an option for you, your doctor or pharmacist can show you how to give yourself Humira injections.

But in some cases, you may need to go to your doctor’s office for injections. You and your doctor can determine the best location for you to receive Humira.

Where to inject Humira

You can inject Humira into your abdomen (belly) or the front of your thighs. It’s important that you vary the site where you inject the drug. Pick a spot at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) away from the place where you injected your last dose. This reduces your risk for injection site reactions, such as pain or itching.

Keep in mind that you should not inject Humira into skin that’s tender, hard, or bruised. And you should not inject the drug into skin that’s red or a deeper color than usual.

For detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to give yourself or your child a Humira injection, see this video on the drug website.

It’s important that you do not use more Humira than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to side effects or overdose.

If you use more than the recommended amount of Humira

Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve used or received too much Humira. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

You should not stop taking Humira on your own.

The drug itself isn’t likely to cause withdrawal symptoms. (Withdrawal refers to symptoms that can occur if you stop taking a drug that your body is dependent on.) But if you stop using Humira, symptoms of your condition may come back or worsen. This has been reported to occur as long as months after people stopped using Humira.

If you’re thinking about ending your Humira treatment, be sure to talk with your doctor.

The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Humira for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.

As with any drug, never change your dosage of Humira without your doctor’s approval. If you have questions about the dosage of Humira that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.

Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Humira. These additional articles might be helpful to you:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.