What are the common side effects of humira?

What side effects do most patients report with Humira?

Most people experience injection-site reactions such as redness, swelling, itching, or pain at the spot where the shot is given. These reactions usually fade within a few days. [1]

Do infections occur more often while taking Humira?

Yes. Because Humira lowers immune activity, common infections like upper-respiratory colds, sinusitis, bronchitis, and urinary-tract infections are seen more frequently. Tuberculosis and fungal infections can also appear, sometimes in unusual locations. [1][2]

Can Humira trigger serious or rare reactions?

In a smaller number of patients the drug has been linked to serious infections, certain cancers such as lymphoma, heart failure, lupus-like syndrome, and nervous-system disorders including multiple-sclerosis-like symptoms. Blood disorders and severe allergic reactions are also possible. [2]

How do side effects compare with other TNF inhibitors?

Head-to-head studies show the overall pattern of side effects for Humira is similar to Enbrel and Remicade, although individual patients may tolerate one drug better than another. Injection-site reactions tend to be more noticeable with adalimumab than with infliximab infusions. [3]

When does the Humira patent expire and could that affect safety monitoring?

The main U.S. patent for Humira expired in 2023, opening the market to biosimilars. Ongoing post-marketing surveillance by the FDA continues to track long-term safety signals across both the originator and the new biosimilar versions. [1]

[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/Humira
[2] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/adalimumab-humira
[3] https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1304459