Humira
adalimumab
adalimumab
Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
Your doctor will also give you a Patient Reminder Card, which contains important safety information that you need to be aware of before your child begins using Humira and during
treatment with Humira. Keep this Patient Reminder Card with you or your child.
If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medicine has been prescribed for your child only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as your child.
If your child gets any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
What Humira is and what it is used for
What you need to know before your child uses Humira
How to use Humira
Possible side effects
5 How to store Humira
Contents of the pack and other information
Injecting Humira
Humira contains the active substance adalimumab.
Humira is intended for the treatment of the inflammatory diseases described below:
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Enthesitis-related arthritis
Paediatric plaque psoriasis
Paediatric Crohn’s disease
Paediatric uveitis
The active ingredient in Humira, adalimumab, is a human monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that attach to a specific target.
The target of adalimumab is a protein called tumour necrosis factor (TNFα), which is involved in the immune (defence) system and is present at increased levels in the inflammatory diseases listed above. By attaching to TNFα, Humira decreases the process of inflammation in these diseases.
Polyarticularjuvenileidiopathicarthritis
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints that usually first appears in childhood.
Humira is used to treat polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis in patients from 2 years of age. Your child may first be given other disease-modifying medicines, such as methotrexate. If these medicines do not work well enough, your child will be given Humira to treat his/her polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
Your doctor will decide if Humira should be used with methotrexate or alone. Enthesitis-relatedarthritis
Enthesitis-related arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints and the places where tendons join the bone.
Humira is used to treat enthesitis-related arthritis in patients from 6 years of age. Your child may first be given other disease-modifying medicines, such as methotrexate. If these medicines do not work well enough, your child will be given Humira to treat his/her enthesitis-related arthritis.
Paediatricplaquepsoriasis
Plaque psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales. Plaque psoriasis can also affect the nails, causing them to crumble, become thickened and lift away from the nail bed which can be painful. Psoriasis is believed to be caused by a problem with the body’s immune system that leads to an increased production of skin cells.
Humira is used to treat severe chronic plaque psoriasis in children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 years for whom topical therapy and phototherapies have either not worked very well or are not suitable.
PaediatricCrohn’sdisease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the digestive tract.
Humira is used to treat moderate to severe Crohn’s disease in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years. Your child may first be given other medicines. If these medicines do not work well enough, your child
will be given Humira to reduce the signs and symptoms of his/her disease.
Paediatricuveitis
Non-infectious uveitis is an inflammatory disease affecting certain parts of the eye.
Humira is used to treat children with chronic non-infectious uveitis from 2 years of age with inflammation affecting the front of the eye
This inflammation may lead to a decrease of vision and/or the presence of floaters in the eye (black dots or wispy lines that move across the field of vision). Humira works by reducing this inflammation.
Your child may first be given other medicines. If these medicines do not work well enough, your child will be given Humira to reduce the signs and symptoms of his/her disease.
If your child is allergic to adalimumab or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
If your child has active tuberculosis or other severe infections (see “Warnings and precautions”).
It is important that you tell your doctor if your child has symptoms of infections, for example, fever, wounds, feeling tired, dental problems.
If your child has moderate or severe heart failure. It is important to tell your doctor if your child has had or has a serious heart condition (see “Warnings and precautions”).
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using Humira. Allergicreactions
If your child gets allergic reactions with symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, dizziness, swelling or rash do not inject more Humira and contact your doctor immediately since, in rare cases, these reactions can be life threatening.
Infections
If your child has an infection, including long-term infection or an infection in one part of the body (for example, leg ulcer) consult your doctor before starting Humira. If you are unsure, contact your doctor.
Your child might get infections more easily while he/she is receiving Humira treatment. This risk may increase if your child has problems with his/her lungs. These infections may be serious and include:
tuberculosis
infections caused by viruses, fungi, parasites or bacteria
severe infection in the blood (sepsis)
In rare cases, these infections can be life-threatening. It is important to tell your doctor if your child gets symptoms such as fever, wounds, feeling tired or dental problems. Your doctor may tell you to stop using Humira for some time.
Tell your doctor if your child lives or travels in regions where fungal infections (for example, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis or blastomycosis) are very common.
Tell your doctor if your child has had infections which keep coming back or other conditions that increase the risk of infections.
Your child and his/her doctor should pay special attention to signs of infection while your child is being treated with Humira. It is important to tell your doctor if your child gets symptoms of infections, such as fever, wounds, feeling tired or dental problems.
Tuberculosis
As cases of tuberculosis have been reported in patients treated with Humira, your doctor will check your child for signs and symptoms of tuberculosis before starting Humira. This will include a thorough medical evaluation including your child’s medical history and appropriate screening tests (for example, chest X-ray and a tuberculin test). The conduct and results of these tests should be recorded on your child’s Patient Reminder Card.
It is very important that you tell your doctor if your child has ever had tuberculosis, or if your child has been in close contact with someone who has had tuberculosis. If your child has active tuberculosis, do not use Humira.
Tuberculosis can develop during therapy even if your child has received treatment for the prevention of tuberculosis.
If symptoms of tuberculosis (for example, cough that does not go away, weight loss, lack of energy, mild fever), or any other infection appear during or after therapy tell your
doctor immediately.
HepatitisB
Tell your doctor if your child is a carrier of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), if he/she has active HBV or if you think he/she might be at risk of getting HBV.
Your doctor should test your child for HBV. In people who carry HBV, Humira can cause the virus to become active again.
In some rare cases, especially if your child is taking other medicines that suppress the immune system, reactivation of HBV can be life-threatening.
Surgeryordentalprocedure
If your child is about to have surgery or dental procedures please inform your doctor that your child is taking Humira. Your doctor may recommend temporary discontinuation of Humira.
Demyelinatingdisease
If your child has or develops a demyelinating disease (a disease that affects the insulating layer around the nerves, such as multiple sclerosis), your doctor will decide if he/she should receive or continue to receive Humira. Tell your doctor immediately if your child experiences symptoms like changes in vision, weakness in arms or legs or numbness or tingling in any part of the body.
Vaccinations
Certain vaccines may cause infections and should not be given while receiving Humira.
Check with your doctor before your child receives any vaccines.
It is recommended that children, if possible, be given all the scheduled vaccinations for their age before they start treatment with Humira.
If your child received Humira while she was pregnant, her baby may be at higher risk for getting such an infection for up to approximately five months after the last Humira dose
she received during pregnancy. It is important that you tell her baby's doctors and other health care professionals about your child’s Humira use during her pregnancy so they can
decide when her baby should receive any vaccine.
Heartfailure
If your child has mild heart failure and is being treated with Humira, his/her heart failure status must be closely monitored by your doctor. It is important to tell your doctor if your child has had or has a serious heart condition. If he/she develops new or worsening symptoms of heart failure
(e.g. shortness of breath, or swelling of your feet), you must contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will decide if your child should receive Humira.
Fever,bruising,bleedingorlookingpale
In some patients the body may fail to produce enough of the blood cells that fight off infections or help your child to stop bleeding. Your doctor may decide to stop treatment. If your child develops a fever that does not go away, develops light bruises or bleeds very easily or looks very pale, call your doctor right away.
Cancer
There have been very rare cases of certain kinds of cancer in children and adult patients taking Humira or other TNF blockers.
People with more serious rheumatoid arthritis that have had the disease for a long time may have a higher than average risk of getting lymphoma (a cancer that affects the lymph system) and leukaemia (a cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow).
If your child takes Humira the risk of getting lymphoma, leukaemia, or other cancers may increase. On rare occasions, an uncommon and severe type of lymphoma, has been seen in patients taking Humira. Some of those patients were also treated with azathioprine or 6- mercaptopurine.
Tell your doctor if your child is taking azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine with Humira.
Cases of non-melanoma skin cancer have been observed in patients taking Humira.
If new skin lesions appear during or after therapy or if existing lesions change appearance, tell your doctor.
There have been cases of cancers, other than lymphoma in patients with a specific type of lung disease called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) treated with another TNF blocker. If your child has COPD, or is a heavy smoker, you should discuss with your doctor whether treatment with a TNF blocker is appropriate for your child.
Autoimmunedisease
On rare occasions, treatment with Humira could result in lupus-like syndrome. Contact your doctor if symptoms such as persistent unexplained rash, fever, joint pain or tiredness occur.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if your child is taking, has recently taken or might take any other medicines.
Your child should not take Humira with medicines containing the following active substances due to increased risk of serious infection:
anakinra
abatacept.
Humira can be taken together with:
methotrexate
certain disease-modifying anti-rheumatic agents (for example, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, leflunomide and injectable gold preparations)
steroids or pain medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
If you have questions, please ask your doctor.
Your child should consider the use of adequate contraception to prevent pregnancy and continue its use for at least 5 months after the last Humira treatment.
If your child is pregnant, thinks she may be pregnant or is planning to have a baby, ask her doctor for advice about taking this medicine.
Humira should only be used during a pregnancy if needed.
According to a pregnancy study, there was no higher risk of birth defects when the mother had received Humira during pregnancy compared with mothers with the same disease who did not receive Humira.
Humira can be used during breast-feeding.
If your child received Humira during her pregnancy, her baby may have a higher risk for getting an infection.
It is important that you tell her baby’s doctor and other health care professionals about her Humira use during her pregnancy before the baby receives any vaccine. For more information on vaccines see the “Warnings and precautions” section.
Humira may have a small effect on your child’s ability to drive, cycle or use machines. Room spinning sensation and vision disturbances may occur after taking Humira.
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
The recommended doses for Humira in each of the approved uses are shown in the following table. Your doctor may prescribe another strength of Humira if your child needs a different dose.
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis | ||
Age or body weight | How much and how often to take? | Notes |
Children, adolescents and adults from 2 years of age weighing 30 kg or more | 40 mg every other week | Not applicable |
Children and adolescents from 2 years of age weighing 10 kg to less than 30 kg | 20 mg every other week | Not applicable |
Enthesitis-related arthritis | ||
Age or body weight | How much and how often to take? | Notes |
Children, adolescents and adults from 6 years of age weighing 30 kg or more | 40 mg every other week | Not applicable |
Children and adolescents from 6 years of age weighing 15 kg to less than 30 kg | 20 mg every other week | Not applicable |
Paediatric plaque psoriasis | ||
Age or body weight | How much and how often to take? | Notes |
Children and adolescents from 4 to 17 years of age weighing 30 kg or more | First dose of 40 mg, followed by 40 mg one week later. Thereafter, the usual dose is 40 mg every other week. | Not applicable |
Children and adolescents from 4 to 17 years of age weighing 15 kg to less than 30 kg | First dose of 20 mg, followed by 20 mg one week later. Thereafter, the usual dose is 20 mg every other week. | Not applicable |
Paediatric Crohn’s disease | ||
Age or body weight | How much and how often to take? | Notes |
Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age weighing 40 kg or more | First dose of 80 mg, followed by 40 mg two weeks later. If a faster response is required, your child’s doctor may prescribe a first dose of 160 mg, followed by 80 mg two weeks later. Thereafter, the usual dose is 40 mg every other week. | Your child’s doctor may increase the dosage to 40 mg every week or 80 mg every other week. |
Children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age weighing less than 40 kg | First dose of 40 mg, followed by 20 mg two weeks later. If a faster response is required, the doctor may prescribe a first dose of 80 mg, followed by 40 mg two weeks later. Thereafter, the usual dose is 20 mg every other week. | Your child’s doctor may increase the dose frequency to 20 mg every week. |
Paediatric uveitis | ||
Age or body weight | How much and how often to take? | Notes |
Children and adolescents from 2 years of age weighing less than 30 kg | 20 mg every other week | Your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 40 mg to be administered one week prior to the start of the usual dose of 20 mg every other week. Humira is recommended for use in combination with methotrexate. |
Children and adolescents from 2 years of age weighing 30 kg or more | 40 mg every other week | Your doctor may prescribe an initial dose of 80 mg to be administered one week prior to the start of the usual dose of 40 mg every other week. Humira is recommended for use in combination with methotrexate. |
Humira is administered by injection under the skin (by subcutaneous injection).
If you accidentally inject Humira more frequently than told to by your doctor or pharmacist, call your doctor or pharmacist and tell them that your child has taken more. Always take the outer carton of the medicine with you, even if it is empty.
If you forget to give your child an injection, you should inject the next dose of Humira as soon as you remember. Then give your child’s next dose as you would have on the originally scheduled day, had you not forgotten a dose.
The decision to stop using Humira should be discussed with your doctor. Your child’s symptoms may return if you stop using Humira.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most side effects are mild to moderate. However, some may be serious and require treatment. Side effects may occur at least up to 4 months after the last Humira injection.
severe rash, hives or other signs of allergic reaction
swollen face, hands, feet
trouble breathing, swallowing
shortness of breath with physical activity or upon lying down or swelling of the feet
signs of infection such as fever, feeling sick, wounds, dental problems, burning on urination
feeling weak or tired
coughing
tingling
numbness
double vision
arm or leg weakness
a bump or open sore that doesn't heal
signs and symptoms suggestive of blood disorders such as persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, paleness
The symptoms described above can be signs of the below listed side effects, which have been observed with Humira.
injection site reactions (including pain, swelling, redness or itching)
respiratory tract infections (including cold, runny nose, sinus infection, pneumonia)
headache
abdominal pain
nausea and vomiting
rash
musculoskeletal pain
serious infections (including blood poisoning and influenza)
intestinal infections (including gastroenteritis)
skin infections (including cellulitis and shingles)
ear infections
oral infections (including tooth infections and cold sores)
reproductive tract infections
urinary tract infection
fungal infections
joint infections
benign tumours
skin cancer
allergic reactions (including seasonal allergy)
dehydration
mood swings (including depression)
anxiety
difficulty sleeping
sensation disorders such as tingling, prickling or numbness
migraine
nerve root compression (including low back pain and leg pain)
vision disturbances
eye inflammation
inflammation of the eye lid and eye swelling
vertigo (feeling of dizziness or spinning)
sensation of heart beating rapidly
high blood pressure
flushing
haematoma (collection of blood outside of blood vessels)
cough
asthma
shortness of breath
gastrointestinal bleeding
dyspepsia (indigestion, bloating, heart burn)
acid reflux disease
sicca syndrome (including dry eyes and dry mouth)
itching
itchy rash
bruising
inflammation of the skin (such as eczema)
breaking of finger nails and toe nails
increased sweating
hair loss
new onset or worsening of psoriasis
muscle spasms
blood in urine
kidney problems
chest pain
oedema (swelling)
fever
reduction in blood platelets which increases risk of bleeding or bruising
impaired healing
opportunistic infections (which include tuberculosis and other infections that occur when resistance to disease is lowered)
neurological infections (including viral meningitis)
eye infections
bacterial infections
diverticulitis (inflammation and infection of the large intestine)
cancer
cancer that affects the lymph system
melanoma
immune disorders that could affect the lungs, skin and lymph nodes (most commonly presenting as sarcoidosis)
vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
tremor (shaking)
neuropathy (disorder of the nerves)
stroke
hearing loss, buzzing
sensation of heart beating irregularly such as skipped beats
heart problems that can cause shortness of breath or ankle swelling
heart attack
a sac in the wall of a major artery, inflammation and clot of a vein, blockage of a blood vessel
lung diseases causing shortness of breath (including inflammation)
pulmonary embolism (blockage in an artery of the lung)
pleural effusion (abnormal collection of fluid in the pleural space)
inflammation of the pancreas which causes severe pain in the abdomen and back
difficulty in swallowing
facial oedema (swelling of the face)
gallbladder inflammation, gallbladder stones
fatty liver
night sweats
scar
abnormal muscle breakdown
systemic lupus erythematosus (including inflammation of skin, heart, lung, joints and other organ systems)
sleep interruptions
impotence
inflammations
leukaemia (cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow)
severe allergic reaction with shock
multiple sclerosis
nerve disorders (such as eye nerve inflammation and Guillain-Barré syndrome that may cause muscle weakness, abnormal sensations, tingling in the arms and upper body)
heart stops pumping
pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of the lung)
intestinal perforation (hole in the intestine)
hepatitis
reactivation of hepatitis B
autoimmune hepatitis (inflammation of the liver caused by the body's own immune system)
cutaneous vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels in the skin)
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (early symptoms include malaise, fever, headache and rash)
facial oedema (swelling of the face) associated with allergic reactions
erythema multiforme (inflammatory skin rash)
lupus-like syndrome
angioedema (localized swelling of the skin)
lichenoid skin reaction (itchy reddish-purple skin rash)
hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (a rare blood cancer that is often fatal)
Merkel cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer)
Kaposi’s sarcoma, a rare cancer related to infection with human herpes virus 8. Kaposi’s sarcoma most commonly appears as purple lesions on the skin
liver failure
worsening of a condition called dermatomyositis (seen as a skin rash accompanying muscle weakness)
weight gain (for most patients, the weight gain was small)
Some side effects observed with Humira may not have symptoms and may only be discovered through blood tests. These include:
low blood measurements for white blood cells
low blood measurements for red blood cells
increased lipids in the blood
elevated liver enzymes
high blood measurements for white blood cells
low blood measurements for platelets
increased uric acid in the blood
abnormal blood measurements for sodium
low blood measurements for calcium
low blood measurements for phosphate
high blood sugar
high blood measurements for lactate dehydrogenase
autoantibodies present in the blood
low blood potassium
elevated bilirubin measurement (liver blood test)
low blood measurements for white blood cells, red blood cells and platelet count
If your child gets any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side
effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via thenationalreportingsystem listedinAppendixV. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the label/blister/carton after EXP. Store in a refrigerator (2C – 8C). Do not freeze.
Keep the pre-filled syringe in the outer carton in order to protect from light. Alternative Storage:
When needed (for example, when you are travelling), a single Humira pre-filled syringe may be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C) for a maximum period of 14 days – be sure to protect it from light. Once removed from the refrigerator for room temperature storage, the syringe must be used within 14 days or discarded, even if it is returned to the refrigerator.
You should record the date when the syringe is first removed from refrigerator and the date after which it should be discarded.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
The active substance is adalimumab.
The other ingredients are mannitol, polysorbate 80 and water for injections.
Humira 20 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe for paediatric use is supplied as a sterile solution of 20 mg adalimumab dissolved in 0.2 ml solution.
The Humira pre-filled syringe is a glass syringe containing a solution of adalimumab.
The Humira pre-filled syringe is available in a pack containing 2 pre-filled syringes with 2 alcohol pads. Humira may be available as a vial, a pre-filled syringe and/or a pre-filled pen.
AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG Knollstrasse
67061 Ludwigshafen Germany
AbbVie Biotechnology GmbH Knollstrasse
67061 Ludwigshafen Germany
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing Authorisation Holder:
AbbVie SA
Tél/Tel: +32 10 477811
АбВи ЕООД Тел.:+359 2 90 30 430
AbbVie s.r.o.
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Tel: +49 (0) 611 / 1720-0
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Tel + 385 (0)1 5625 501
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To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in <Braille>,<largeprint>or<audio>, please contact the local representative of the Marketing Authorisation Holder.
The following instructions explain how to give your child a subcutaneous injection of Humira using the pre-filled syringe. First read all the instructions carefully and then follow them step by step.
You will be instructed by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist on the technique of injection.
Do not attempt to inject your child until you are sure that you understand how to prepare and give the injection.
After proper training, the injection can be given by your child or given by another person, for example, a family member or friend.
Only use each pre-filled syringe for one injection.
liquid is cloudy, discoloured, or has flakes or particles in it
expiry (EXP) date has passed
liquid has been frozen or left in direct sunlight
pre-filled syringe has been dropped or crushed
Take Humira out of the refrigerator.
Leave Humira at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before injecting.
STEP 2 Syringe Pad | Check the expiry (EXP) date. Do not use the pre-filled syringe if expiry (EXP) date has passed. Place the following on a clean, flat surface Wash and dry your hands. |
STEP 3 Injectable Areas Injectable Areas | Choose an injection site: Wipe the injection site in a circular motion with the alcohol pad. psoriasis plaques |
Do not remove the needle cover while allowing Humira to reach room temperature
Do not warm Humira in any other way. For example, do not warm it in a microwave or in hot water
1 single-use pre-filled syringe and
1 alcohol pad
On the front of your child’s thighs or
Your child’s belly (abdomen) at least 5 cm from his/her belly button (navel)
At least 3 cm from your child’s last injection site
Do not inject through clothes
Do not inject into skin that is sore, bruised, red, hard, scarred, has stretch marks, or areas with
STEP 4 | Hold the pre-filled syringe in one hand. Check the liquid in the pre-filled syringe. Gently pull the needle cover straight off with the other hand. Throw the needle cover away. Do not recap. |
STEP 5 | Hold the pre-filled syringe with the needle facing up. Slowly push the plunger in to push the air out through the needle. |
STEP 6 | Hold the body of the pre-filled syringe in one hand between |
the thumb and index fingers, like you would a pencil. | |
Squeeze the skin at your child’s injection site with your | |
other hand to make a raised area and hold it firmly. |
Make sure the liquid is clear and colourless
Do not use the pre-filled syringe if the liquid is cloudy or has particles
Do not use the pre-filled syringe if it has been dropped or crushed
Do not touch the needle with your fingers or let the needle touch anything
Hold the pre-filled syringe at eye level with one hand so you can see the air in the pre-filled syringe
It is normal to see a drop of liquid at the end of the needle
After the needle is in, let go of the skin you are holding
Slowly push the plunger all the way in until all of the liquid is injected and the pre-filled syringe is empty.
When the injection is completed, slowly pull the needle out of the skin while keeping the pre-filled syringe at the same angle.
After completing the injection, place a cotton ball or gauze pad on the skin over the injection site.
Slight bleeding at the injection site is normal
Throw away the used pre-filled syringe in a special disposal container as instructed by your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Never recap a needle.
The needle cover, alcohol pad, cotton ball or gauze pad, blister and packaging may be put in your household waste.