Humira is given as a subcutaneous injection, meaning it goes just under the skin rather than into a muscle or vein. Most people inject it themselves at home using either a prefilled pen or a prefilled syringe, typically every other week. The process is straightforward once you’ve been trained, and the whole injection takes only seconds.
Pen vs. Prefilled Syringe
Humira comes in two single-use devices that deliver the same amount of medication: an autoinjection pen and a prefilled syringe. The pen is by far the more popular choice. In a clinical comparison (the TOUCH trial), 88.5% of patients preferred the pen over the syringe. Patients rated it easier to use, more convenient, and faster. About 77% of patients also reported that the pen was less painful than the syringe.
The syringe does have one advantage: it gives you more control over how quickly the medication goes in. Some people find that injecting slowly reduces discomfort. If you have trouble gripping or pressing buttons, your doctor can help you decide which device works better for your hands.
The Citrate-Free Formulation
If you’ve heard that Humira injections sting, that reputation comes from the original formula. The current version removes citric acid from the solution, uses a smaller needle, and delivers less liquid per injection. The difference is dramatic. In a study of patients who switched from the original to the citrate-free version, median pain scores dropped from 7.5 out of 10 to just 1 out of 10. That six-point reduction was consistent enough to be statistically significant. If you’re anxious about injection pain, the current formulation is far more comfortable than what earlier patients experienced.
Where to Inject
The two approved injection sites are the front of your thighs and your abdomen. If you choose your abdomen, stay at least two inches away from your belly button. Rotate your injection site every time, keeping each new injection at least one inch from the last spot you used. Keeping a simple log of where you injected can help you stay on track.
Avoid injecting into skin that is tender, bruised, red, or hard, and skip areas with scars or stretch marks. If you have plaque psoriasis, don’t inject directly into raised, thick, or scaly patches.
How to Prepare the Injection
Humira is stored in the refrigerator, but injecting cold medication is uncomfortable. Take it out 15 to 30 minutes before your injection to let it reach room temperature. Leave the cap on while it warms up. Before injecting, look at the liquid through the viewing window. It should be clear and colorless. If you see particles or discoloration, don’t use that dose.
If you’re traveling, Humira can be stored at room temperature (up to 77°F) for up to 14 days. After 14 days outside the fridge, any unused medication should be discarded.
How Often You’ll Inject
Your injection schedule depends on your condition and whether you’re in a loading phase or on maintenance therapy. Most conditions settle into a routine of one injection every other week, but the path to get there varies.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis: 40 mg every other week from the start. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis who aren’t also taking methotrexate may move to weekly injections if they need a stronger response.
- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis: A higher loading sequence that starts at 160 mg on Day 1 (either all at once or split across two days), drops to 80 mg on Day 15, then settles to 40 mg every other week beginning on Day 29.
- Plaque psoriasis and uveitis: An initial 80 mg dose, then 40 mg every other week starting one week later.
Once you’re on maintenance, the rhythm is predictable. Many people pick a consistent day of the week, like every other Sunday, to make it easier to remember.
If You Miss a Dose
Take the missed injection as soon as you remember. Then resume your regular schedule from there. If you’re already close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and pick up on your usual timeline. Don’t double up by taking two doses at once.
Disposing of Used Devices
After each injection, place the used pen or syringe into a sharps disposal container immediately. Don’t recap needles or toss them in regular household trash. Fill the container only to about three-quarters full, then dispose of it through your community’s sharps program. Options vary by location but commonly include drop-off sites, mail-back programs, and special waste pickup services. Your local health department or trash service can tell you what’s available in your area. If you travel, carry a small travel-size sharps container with you.
Self-Injection vs. Clinical Administration
Humira is designed for home use, but you don’t start there. Your doctor or a nurse will train you on proper injection technique before you go solo. A caregiver can also be trained to give the injections if you’d prefer not to do it yourself. Some people receive their first dose in a clinical setting so their care team can monitor for any immediate reactions, then transition to self-injection for all future doses.