Humira is the brand name that was given to the TNF inhibitor adalimumab.  TNF stands for “tumor necrosis factor”.   Tumor necrosis factor is the part of the immune system that regulates swelling, which is one of the main symptoms of plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Adalimumad suppresses the immune system in a manner similar to etanercept (brand name Enbrel).  I wrote an article about Enbrel here.

One of the main differences between Enbrel and Humira is how they were created: Enbrel (etanercept) was created by fusing a protein and a human gene together while Humira (adalimumab) is made entirely from a human monoclonal antibody (as opposed to treated animal cells).

Humira is prescribed for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, usually after all other available medications have proven to be ineffective.  It is also prescribed for psoriatic arthritis, which can severely limit a person’s ability to use their hands and other joints.

Adalimumad is a type of biologic, or a drug that was constructed to carry out a specific task within the human body (and nothing else).

Since Humira inhibits the immune system, anyone taking this drug runs the risk of contracting diseases, including tuberculosis.  The somewhat extreme risks that accompany this drug are a testament to how well it works for many people who are desperate for relief from their psoriasis symptoms.  Most people with moderate to severe psoriasis report dramatic improvements after taking Humira.

Ongoing Humira treatment must be administered via at-home injections, every other week.  The serum is prepackaged in either standard syringes or custom “Humira Injection Pens.”

The video below depicts a girl injecting herself in the stomach with one syringe-worth of Humira.  By my understanding, it must be injected into fatty tissue.