See the DrugPatentWatch profile for humira
Common Side Effects of Humira
Humira (adalimumab), used for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease, frequently causes injection-site reactions such as redness, itching, pain, or swelling, affecting up to 20% of users.[1] Other common issues include headache, rash, nausea, and upper respiratory infections.[1][2]
Serious Risks and Warnings
It carries a black box warning for increased risk of serious infections like tuberculosis or fungal infections, which can become life-threatening; patients should be screened beforehand.[1] Humira also raises chances of lymphoma, other cancers, and hepatitis B reactivation in carriers.[1][2] Heart failure may worsen, and it can trigger new or reactivated demyelinating disorders like multiple sclerosis.[1]
Side Effects by Condition Treated
In rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis trials, serious infections occurred in 4% of patients versus 1% on placebo.[2] For Crohn's disease, abscesses or opportunistic infections appear more often.[2] Pediatric ulcerative colitis users report higher rates of hypersensitivity reactions.[1]
What Happens If You Get an Infection on Humira?
Stop the drug and seek immediate care for signs like fever, cough, or weight loss—over 50% of serious infections in trials involved hospitalized pneumonia or sepsis.[2] Live vaccines are contraindicated during treatment.[1]
Long-Term Side Effects Patients Report
Extended use links to higher malignancy risk, with standardized incidence ratios showing elevated non-melanoma skin cancers and lymphomas.[2] Liver enzyme elevations occur in about 4% of cases.[1] Autoimmune reactions like lupus-like syndrome affect less than 1%.[2]
How Common Are Allergic Reactions?
Serious allergic responses, including anaphylaxis, happen in under 1% but require discontinuation.[1] Angioedema or serum sickness-like symptoms emerge days to years after starting.[2]
[1]: Humira Prescribing Information (FDA)
[2]: Humira Safety Data (AbbVie)