There’s a different way to treat non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis.*
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Spotlight on a common form of eye inflammation
Uveitis (u-vee-i-tis) is eye inflammation affecting the uvea, the area of the eye that includes the iris, choroid, and the ciliary body. It can also affect nearby parts of the eye, like the retina, vitreous, and optic nerve. (See eye diagram below.)
Parts of the eye
Sometimes uveitis, or eye inflammation, is caused by bacteria or a virus in the eye. This is called infectious uveitis. When uveitis is caused by something other than infection, it’s considered non-infectious uveitis.
Non-infectious uveitis can be acute, lasting for a short period of time, or chronic, lasting for a long period of time. The most severe types of non-infectious uveitis recur many times.
There are several types of non-infectious uveitis. Each type is named for the area of the eye that’s affected.
Intermediate uveitis
Also known as chronic cyclitis, vitritis, or pars planitis, this type of uveitis affects the middle of the eye, the ciliary body, the front of the retina, and the vitreous.
Posterior uveitis
This is a type of uveitis that affects the back of the eye, including the choroid, retina, and optic nerve.
Panuveitis
This type of uveitis is inflammation of all parts of the eye.
Non-infectious uveitis can be a chronic eye inflammatory condition. With non-infectious uveitis, there are several signs you may experience in one or both eyes.
A sudden appearance or worsening of symptoms is called a flare. Flares can recur over time.
Uveitis symptoms can include:
- Changes in vision
- Blurred vision
- Dark, floating spots (floaters)
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye pain or redness
If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, or if you are having a recurrence, talk to your doctor right away.
If you don’t have an eye specialist, find one near you.
Because children can’t always tell you what symptoms they’re experiencing, it may be difficult to determine if they are having eye or vision problems.
It’s helpful to know the behaviors that may be a sign your child has an eye or vision problem:
- Constant eye rubbing
- Extreme light sensitivity
- Difficulty following or tracking objects
- Squinting/trouble reading
- Sitting too close to the TV
- Difficulty reading the board at school
There are typically no symptoms in the beginning stages of pediatric uveitis, and when there are symptoms, they can go unnoticed for a long period of time.
Some physical symptoms children with non-infectious uveitis* may experience:
- Light sensitivity
- Eye redness
- Crossed eyes
- Different-sized pupils
- Headaches or vision problems
- Eyes that look milky or cloudy
Once symptoms do appear, damage to the eye may have already occurred.
This is why regular screenings with an eye doctor, also known as an ophthalmologist, are important if your child's pediatrician determines they are at risk.
Talk to your pediatrician or medical specialist about your child's symptoms and medical history. Be sure to mention if your child has an underlying autoimmune disorder and describe his or her symptoms if there are any.
If you have pain, redness, or any changes in your vision, you should have your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist.
Your ophthalmologist will ask about your medical history, conduct lab work, as well as do a thorough examination.
Uveitis diagnostic tests may include:
An eye chart
Used to test your visual acuity or how well you see at a distance
A funduscopic exam
Using a small instrument with a light, the doctor can take a closer look at the inside of your eye.
Ocular pressure test
An instrument, called a tonometer, is used to measure pressure in your eye.
A slit-lamp exam
A slit-lamp non-invasively inspects the front and the back parts of the eye. Your doctor may use a temporary dye to see the blood vessels more easily.
Blood test
Blood tests may be performed to determine if your uveitis is infectious or non-infectious.
It’s important to share your complete medical history, including any conditions you are currently being treated for. If you are diagnosed with non-infectious uveitis, your doctor may work with a rheumatologist to co-manage your condition.
Non-infectious uveitis is caused by inflammation, which can be very damaging; therefore, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following medications.
Corticosteroids (also called steroids) are medications used to treat inflammation in the eye. They may be in the form of eye drops, pills, injections in or around your eye, intravenous infusions, or implants.
Biologics are medicines that work to control inflammation and treat inflammatory conditions in the body.
Your doctor may prescribe other medications, such as an immunosuppressive agent.
It’s important to keep in mind that all medications have side effects. Make sure to discuss the risks and benefits with your health care provider.
*HUMIRA (adalimumab) is approved for the treatment of non-infectious intermediate, posterior, and panuveitis in adults and children 2 years of age and older.
HUMIRA Use1
HUMIRA is a prescription medicine used to treat non-infectious intermediate (middle part of the eye), posterior (back of the eye), and panuveitis (all parts of the eye) in adults and children 2 years of age and older.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
ABOUT HUMIRA® (adalimumab)1
What is the most important information I should know about HUMIRA?
You should discuss the potential benefits and risks of HUMIRA with your doctor. HUMIRA is a TNF blocker medicine that can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. You should not start taking HUMIRA if you have any kind of infection unless your doctor says it is okay.
- Serious infections have happened in people taking HUMIRA. These serious infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. Some people have died from these infections. Your doctor should test you for TB before starting HUMIRA, and check you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with HUMIRA, even if your TB test was negative. If your doctor feels you are at risk, you may be treated with medicine for TB.
- Cancer. For children and adults taking TNF blockers, including HUMIRA, the chance of getting lymphoma or other cancers may increase. There have been cases of unusual cancers in children, teenagers, and young adults using TNF blockers. Some people have developed a rare type of cancer called hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma. This type of cancer often results in death. If using TNF blockers including HUMIRA, your chance of getting two types of skin cancer (basal cell and squamous cell) may increase. These types are generally not life-threatening if treated; tell your doctor if you have a bump or open sore that doesn’t heal.
What should I tell my doctor BEFORE starting HUMIRA?
Tell your doctor about all of your health conditions, including if you:
- Have an infection, are being treated for infection, or have symptoms of an infection
- Get a lot of infections or infections that keep coming back
- Have diabetes
- Have TB or have been in close contact with someone with TB, or were born in, lived in, or traveled where there is more risk for getting TB
- Live or have lived in an area (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys) where there is an increased risk for getting certain kinds of fungal infections, such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or blastomycosis. These infections may happen or become more severe if you use HUMIRA. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if you have lived in these areas
- Have or have had hepatitis B
- Are scheduled for major surgery
- Have or have had cancer
- Have numbness or tingling or a nervous system disease such as multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Have or had heart failure
- Have recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine. HUMIRA patients may receive vaccines, except for live vaccines. Children should be brought up to date on all vaccines before starting HUMIRA
- Are allergic to rubber, latex, or any HUMIRA ingredients
- Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed
- Have a baby and you were using HUMIRA during your pregnancy. Tell your baby’s doctor before your baby receives any vaccines
Also tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. You should not take HUMIRA with ORENCIA® (abatacept), KINERET® (anakinra), REMICADE® (infliximab), ENBREL® (etanercept), CIMZIA® (certolizumab pegol), or SIMPONI® (golimumab). Tell your doctor if you have ever used RITUXAN® (rituximab), IMURAN® (azathioprine), or PURINETHOL® (mercaptopurine, 6-MP).
What should I watch for AFTER starting HUMIRA?
HUMIRA can cause serious side effects, including:
- Serious infections. These include TB and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria. Symptoms related to TB include a cough, low-grade fever, weight loss, or loss of body fat and muscle.
- Hepatitis B infection in carriers of the virus. Symptoms include muscle aches, feeling very tired, dark urine, skin or eyes that look yellow, little or no appetite, vomiting, clay-colored bowel movements, fever, chills, stomach discomfort, and skin rash.
- Allergic reactions. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of your face, eyes, lips, or mouth.
- Nervous system problems. Signs and symptoms include numbness or tingling, problems with your vision, weakness in your arms or legs, and dizziness.
- Blood problems (decreased blood cells that help fight infections or stop bleeding). Symptoms include a fever that does not go away, bruising or bleeding very easily, or looking very pale.
- Heart failure (new or worsening). Symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling of your ankles or feet, and sudden weight gain.
- Immune reactions including a lupus-like syndrome. Symptoms include chest discomfort or pain that does not go away, shortness of breath, joint pain, or rash on your cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sun.
- Liver problems. Symptoms include feeling very tired, skin or eyes that look yellow, poor appetite or vomiting, and pain on the right side of your stomach (abdomen). These problems can lead to liver failure and death.
- Psoriasis (new or worsening). Symptoms include red scaly patches or raised bumps that are filled with pus.
Call your doctor or get medical care right away if you develop any of the above symptoms.
Common side effects of HUMIRA include injection site reactions (pain, redness, rash, swelling, itching, or bruising), upper respiratory infections (sinus infections), headaches, rash, and nausea. These are not all of the possible side effects with HUMIRA. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Remember, tell your doctor right away if you have an infection or symptoms of an infection, including:
- Fever, sweats, or chills
- Muscle aches
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Blood in phlegm
- Weight loss
- Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
- Diarrhea or stomach pain
- Burning when you urinate
- Urinating more often than normal
- Feeling very tired
HUMIRA is given by injection under the skin.
This is the most important information to know about HUMIRA. For more information, talk to your health care provider.
Uses
HUMIRA is a prescription medicine used:
- To reduce the signs and symptoms of:
- Moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults. HUMIRA can be used alone, with methotrexate, or with certain other medicines. HUMIRA may prevent further damage to your bones and joints and may help your ability to perform daily activities.
- Moderate to severe polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children 2 years of age and older. HUMIRA can be used alone or with methotrexate.
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults. HUMIRA can be used alone or with certain other medicines. HUMIRA may prevent further damage to your bones and joints and may help your ability to perform daily activities.
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults.
- Moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in people 12 years and older.
- To treat moderate to severe Crohn’s disease (CD) in adults and children 6 years of age and older.
- To treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults and children 5 years of age and older. It is not known if HUMIRA is effective in people who stopped responding to or could not tolerate anti-TNF medicines.
- To treat moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis (Ps) in adults who are ready for systemic therapy or phototherapy, and are under the care of a doctor who will decide if other systemic therapies are less appropriate.
- To treat non-infectious intermediate (middle part of the eye), posterior (back of the eye), and panuveitis (all parts of the eye) in adults and children 2 years of age and older.
US-HUM-210186
Please see the Full Prescribing Information, including the Medication Guide, for HUMIRA.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
If you are having difficulty paying for your medicine, AbbVie may be able to help. Visit AbbVie.com/myAbbVieAssist to learn more.
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Reference: 1. HUMIRA Injection [package insert]. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie Inc.