Injecting medication at home can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. If your doctor has prescribed Hyrimoz for your condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, uveitis or Crohn’s disease, this comprehensive guide on how to inject Hyrimoz at home will walk you through every step with clarity and confidence.
What is Hyrimoz?
Hyrimoz® (adalimumab-adaz), which you may be preparing to administer, is not just a standard therapeutic agent; it is, in fact, a biosimilar medication. As a biosimilar, it is highly similar to an existing biological medication, known as the ‘reference product’, which in this case is adalimumab, marketed under the brand name Humira®. Extensive comparison through analytical studies has shown that Hyrimoz matches its reference in terms of potency, safety, and efficacy.
Despite the similarities, it is important to note that biosimilars are not labeled as “generic” versions of biologic medications because biologics are derived from living cells and are inherently complex, and it is impossible to create an exact copy. Rest assured, before approval, Hyrimoz has gone through rigorous regulatory pathways to confirm that it is as safe and efficacious as the original biologic.
Preparing for Your First Self-Injection
Excited? Maybe a little nervous? Totally normal feelings when you’re about to take charge of your health in a hands-on way.
How to Inject Hyrimoz at Home – Starting Steps
Clean Workspace: First thing’s first—find yourself a clean, well-lit area to prepare.
Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and water. It’s simple, but it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent infection.
Gather Supplies: Get your Hyrimoz pre-filled syringe or pen, alcohol wipes, cotton balls, and a sharps container for disposal.
Storage Savvy: Remember, Hyrimoz should be stored in the refrigerator. If it’s too cold to the touch, let it sit out for 30 minutes to reach room temperature. Never use a microwave or hot water to warm it.
Step-by-Step Injection Guide
Here’s the meat and potatoes of what you came for—how to inject Hyrimoz at home:
Check It: Inspect your Hyrimoz. It should be clear, and colorless to slightly yellow. If it’s cloudy or has particles, don’t use it.
Skin Selection: Choose your injection spot—either the front of your thighs or your belly, avoiding the waistline and staying two inches clear of the navel.
Clean Up: Swipe the selected area with an alcohol wipe and let it air dry.
Get Grip-Ready: Hold the pen firmly. Remove the needle cover when you’re set to go.
Pinch an Inch: With your free hand, gently pinch the skin around the injection site.
Needle in, Steady: Press the pen firmed onto your pinched skin at 90-degree angle.
Plunge with Confidence: Press the plunger down and steadily until all the medication is injected. It typically take 10 to 15 seconds.
Release and Withdraw: Let go of your skin. Pull the needle out while keeping it at the same angle it went in.
Praise and Press: Give yourself a little internal high-five for a job well done. Place a cotton ball over the site and apply pressure for a bit. If there’s bleeding, that’s okay. Just keep the pressure on a little longer.
Sensible Disposal: Don’t recap the needle. Pop it straight into the sharps container. Of note, Hyrimoz does have a free sharp container delivery service to your home as well as free returns.
Doesn’t sound too tricky, right? Remember, practice makes perfect.
Common Concerns
Feeling some nerves approach as the injection day circles on your calendar? It’s totally okay.
What About Side Effects?
Hyrimoz, like any medication, can come with side effects, including:
Injection site reactions
Upper respiratory infections
Headaches
Rash
For a complete list, always refer to the medication guide provided with your prescription as well as your doctor.
Tips and Tricks for Successful Home Injections
Consistency is Key: Stick to a routine. Consistent timing can help make self-injections second nature.
Record Keeping: Keep a diary of your injection sites. This helps in rotating sites and tracking your condition.
Support System: Get your family or friends involved. A support system can offer a helping hand or emotional backing.
In Conclusion: Empower Yourself
Learning how to inject Hyrimoz at home is a commitment to your well-being and health autonomy. Even though administering your injection might feel overwhelming at first, with each little push of the plunger, you’ll become more adept and confident in your ability to manage your treatment.
Call to Action: Take the First Step
Every journey begins with a single step — your health journey is no different. If you’ve been prescribed Hyrimoz, start by discussing your treatment plan in-depth with your healthcare provider. Once you’re ready, gather your courage (and your supplies!) and take charge of your health, one injection at a time.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is offered to educate the general public. The information posted on this website does not replace professional medical advice but for general information purposes only. There is no Doctor – Patient relationship established. We strongly advised you to speak with your medical professional if you have questions concerning your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
HLA-B27 is a gene that provides instructions for making a protein called major histocompatibility complex, class I, B 27 (MHC Class 1 B 27). This protein plays an important role in the immune system by presenting antigens to T-cells. Approximately 6-8% of the general population carries the HLA-B27 gene, though prevalence varies among different ethnic groups. HLA-B27 positivity is closely associated with a group of inflammatory joint conditions known as seronegative spondyloarthropathies. The most well-known of these is ankylosing spondylitis, where up to 90% of patients test positive for HLA-B27. Other associated conditions include reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and acute anterior uveitis. While the exact mechanism is unclear, it is believed that HLA-B27 may present self-antigens to T-cells, triggering an autoimmune response that leads to chronic inflammation in the joints and eyes.
HLA-B27 and the Eye
The main ocular manifestation of HLA-B27 is uveitis, which is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye called the uvea. Up to 50% of cases of acute anterior uveitis are associated with HLA-B27. Although HLA-B27 is strongly linked to acute anterior uveitis, which involves the iris and ciliary body, it can also be associated with intermediate, posterior and panuveitis.
The exact mechanism for how HLA-B27 leads to increased uveitis risk is not fully understood. One theory is molecular mimicry, where HLA-B27 is similar in structure to molecules found in the eye, leading to cross-reactivity of the immune system. Another theory suggests HLA-B27 misfolds and elicits an inflammatory response. Regardless of the mechanism, HLA-B27 positive individuals have a greatly increased lifetime risk for developing recurrent uveitis.
Types of HLA-B27 Uveitis
The most common type of uveitis associated with HLA-B27 is acute anterior uveitis, which involves inflammation of the iris and ciliary body in the front of the eye. Up to 50% of all cases of acute anterior uveitis are linked to HLA-B27 positivity [1]. Anterior uveitis leads to redness, pain, and blurred vision.
While anterior uveitis is most typical, HLA-B27 positive individuals can also develop inflammation involving the posterior segment of the eye, including intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, and panuveitis [2]. Posterior inflammation is less common but can lead to more severe visual complications if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of HLA-B27 Uveitis
The most common symptoms of HLA-B27 associated uveitis are:
Acute onset of redness in one eye
Eye pain and discomfort, often severe
Blurred vision or reduced visual acuity
Photophobia or increased sensitivity to light
Tearing and discharge
Patients often describe a sudden onset of symptoms including severe pain, redness, and light sensitivity in one eye. Vision becomes blurred or cloudy. Discharge and tearing may occur as inflammation sets in. The symptoms arise rapidly and reach peak intensity over the course of a few days. Attacks often recur periodically in the same eye.
The acute anterior uveitis associated with HLA-B27 has a classic presentation but posterior uveitis involving the retina or choroid can also occur. Symptoms help differentiate anterior versus posterior inflammation. Vision loss, floaters, and photopsias point more to posterior segment issues.
In summary, the typical symptoms of HLA-B27 uveitis are unilateral red eye with blurred vision, pain, and tearing. The acute onset and recurrent nature helps differentiate it from other types of uveitis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is key to prevent complications from repeated bouts of inflammation.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing HLA-B27 uveitis involves a comprehensive eye examination, medical history assessment, and laboratory tests. Ophthalmologists may use several methods to evaluate the type and severity of uveitis:
Slit lamp exam – This allows close inspection of the front structures of the eye. Signs of inflammation in the anterior chamber such as flair and inflammatory cells can be observed. The architecture of the iris and lens are also examined for abnormalities.
Intraocular pressure measurement – Increased pressure may indicate inflammation of the trabecular meshwork or steroid response. Low pressure can occur with severe inflammation.
Dilated pupil exam – Drops are used to open up the pupil so the ophthalmologist can thoroughly inspect the posterior segment with an ophthalmoscope. Active inflammation of the retina or choroid may be visible.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) – This non-invasive imaging technique can reveal subtle changes in the retina and measure areas of macular edema.
Fluorescein angiography – A dye injected into the arm travels to the blood vessels in the eye. This allows detailed visualization of retinal vasculitis, vascular leakage, and macular edema.
Lab tests – HLA-B27 blood testing confirms the genetic marker. Complete blood count, inflammatory markers, syphilis testing, and x-rays may be ordered to rule out other potential causes of uveitis.
Treatment
Treatment for HLA-B27 uveitis focuses on controlling acute flare ups and preventing recurrent episodes of inflammation. The main treatments include:
Topical corticosteroid eye drops such as prednisolone or dexamethasone are used to rapidly decrease inflammation and symptoms during an acute attack. High potency drops may be given frequently (up to every hour) upon onset of a flare up.
Immunomodulatory medications can be used to reduce the body’s autoimmune response and prevent recurrent episodes of uveitis. Common options include methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, and newer biologic agents like adalimumab or infliximab. These are often used along with low-dose corticosteroid drops to maintain remission.
According to research, “Treatment for HLA-B27 uveitis can range from local corticosteroids to immunosuppressive drugs, and now numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors in the management of HLA-B27-associated uveitis” (Source)
The treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient based on the severity and recurrence pattern of their inflammation. The goal is to find the lowest effective doses needed to control the uveitis long-term.
During monitoring exams, the ophthalmologist will perform a slit lamp exam to carefully inspect the anterior chamber for signs of recurrent inflammation. Intraocular pressure will also be checked to screen for steroid-induced glaucoma. Dilated fundus exam and optical coherence tomography may be done to check for cystoid macular edema and other posterior segment complications. Patients are instructed to contact their ophthalmologist immediately if symptoms of recurrent uveitis flare up between scheduled visits.
Regular monitoring aims to achieve quiescence of inflammation and prevent permanent vision loss from complications. Studies show that 60-90% of patients respond well to proper management and maintain 20/20 visual acuity long-term. However, ongoing adherence to treatment and follow-up care is imperative.
Complications
Chronic inflammation due to HLA-B27 uveitis can lead to several complications that threaten vision and eye health. The most common complications include:
Posterior Synechiae
Up to 40% of patients develop posterior synechiae, which are adhesions between the iris and lens [1]. These adhesions can permanently damage the drainage system and cause angle closure glaucoma.
Cataract
Around 20% of HLA-B27 uveitis cases result in cataract formation, particularly with repeated inflammation [2]. Cataracts cause blurred vision and eventual blindness if left untreated.
Glaucoma
Increased eye pressure is common in HLA-B27 uveitis. Glaucoma develops in up to 10% of patients and can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss if uncontrolled [3].
Cystoid Macular Edema (CME)
Chronic inflammation can also result in CME, which is fluid accumulation in the macula causing blurred central vision. Regular eye exams are key to detecting CME early.
Prognosis
With timely diagnosis and proper management of HLA-B27 associated uveitis, the prognosis for vision is generally good. Studies show that with consistent steroid and immunomodulatory treatment to control inflammation, most patients can maintain useful vision and experience minimal complications.
According to a 10-year study published in Ocular Immunology and Inflammation, 95% of HLA-B27 positive uveitis patients achieved complete remission or only rare episodic inflammation when treated with systemic immunosuppression along with steroid eye drops. The study concluded that recurrent HLA-B27 anterior uveitis responds well to therapy and monitoring.
Patients need to work closely with their ophthalmologist for regular exams and screenings to detect recurrences early. With vigilant monitoring and treatment compliance, most can retain 20/20 vision despite having a chronic uveitis condition.
Conclusion – the importance of recognizing HLA-B27 uveitis and controlling inflammation
HLA-B27 associated uveitis can lead to significant ocular complications and vision loss if left uncontrolled. However, with prompt diagnosis and proper management, the prognosis for maintaining good vision is favorable. It is critical for both patients and physicians to be aware of the connection between HLA-B27 and uveitis.
Patients who test positive for HLA-B27 should have regular dilated eye exams to screen for signs of uveitis, even in the absence of symptoms. At the first sign of inflammation, aggressive treatment is needed to eliminate active disease and prevent recurring attacks. Though challenging to manage, chronic uveitis in HLA-B27 patients can typically be well-controlled with corticosteroid therapy and secondary immunosuppressive medications as needed.
Close monitoring for elevated eye pressure, cataracts, macular edema and other complications is also essential. Early intervention with surgery may be required in some cases. With a tailored treatment approach and ongoing care, most HLA-B27 positive patients can achieve lasting remission and preserve their vision.
Medical Disclaimer
The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this article is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional
During the course of a workup for possible autoimmune arthritis or autoimmune back disease, your rheumatologist may order something called a HLA-B27 test. So what does a positive HLA-B27 mean?
HLA-B27 antigen
HLA-B27 is a genetic test. The majority of people who have a positive HLA-B27 are perfectly healthy. HOWEVER, having a positive HLA-B7 can put you at increased risk of developing what we call spondyloarthritis-associated diseases. This is a family of autoimmune diseases.
Spondyloarthritis-associated diseases
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), now called axial spondylitis
The answer to this question highly depends on your situation. As I mentioned earlier, many people who have a positive HLA-B27 are perfectly healthy. More specifically, the majority of these people do NOT have an autoimmune disease. Here are a few stats to put things into perspective.
About 6 to 9 % of Caucasians and 3 % of African-Americans have a positive HLA-B27.
However, having a positive HLA-B27 increases a person’s risk of ankylosing spondylitis by 50 to 100 times.
But only 2 % of people who have a positive HLA-B27 go on to develop ankylosing spondylitis.
About 50% of people with psoriatic arthritis that involves the spine have a positive HLA-B27.
60% of people diagnosed with reactive arthritis have a positive HLA-B27. These people tend to have more severe symptoms, non-joint symptoms (e.g., uveitis), and it tends to last longer.
In the West, 50% of cases of anterior uveitis is associated with a positive HLA-B27 and about half of these people will develop spondyloarthritis.
I was diagnosed with AS, should I have my kids tested?
Technically not unless a family member is experiencing symptoms suggestive of ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or any other spondyloarthritis-associated disease. Remember, only 2% of people with a positive HLA-B27 go on to develop ankylosing spondylitis, which is the main autoimmune disease associated with this test.
However, people who have a positive HLA-B27 AND have a first-degree relative with ankylosing spondylitis have a 15% to 20% risk of developing the disease at some point during their lifetime.
I guess the answer whether to or whether not to test your kids really is a matter of choice. My opinion is, if it’s going to happen it’s going to happen. All we really can do is try to make healthy life choices like eating clean, staying active, reduce stress, and making sure we sleep enough. Remember the Blue Zones Principles?
For some people, knowing they tested positive for HLA-B27 may increase their stress level and for others not knowing whether they test positive or not may be more harmful. Whatever decision you make is highly personal.
In summary
Why having a HLA-B27 increases risk of having ankylosing spondylitis as well as a host of different autoimmune diseases is still uncertain: arthrogenic peptide hypothesis, molecular mimicry, free heavy chain hypothesis, and unfolded protein hypothesis. These are very complex concepts, which I will hold off on discussing further.
If you think you may be suffering from a spondyloarthritis-associated condition, I encourage you to get in touch with your local rheumatologist. Here is a link to the American College of Rheumatology physician directory.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is offered to educate the general public. The information posted on this website does not replace professional medical advice, but for general information purposes only. There is no Doctor – Patient relationship established. We strongly advised you to speak with your medical professional if you have questions concerning your symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
