What is Humira?
Humira (Adalimumab) is an anti-inflammatory prescription drug produced by AbbVie. It was approved by the FDA in 2002 for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The name Humira is actually an acronym for HUman Monoclonal Antibody In Rheumatoid Arthritis.
What are the uses and side effects of Humira?
Humira is used to treat patients suffering from inflammatory conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s Disease, Psoriasis, Colitis and Ankylosing spondylitis. The drug suppresses the immune system’s response to these diseases. Because Humira is an immunosuppressant, their is risk of infection when taking Humira. Infection is the main side effect associated with Humira and patients should avoid exposure to infections when taking Humira.
Moderate to severe Crohn’s disease is tough, but I’ve managed. I got to be pretty good at managing my symptoms, except that managing my symptoms was all I was doing. When I finally told my doctor, he said my Crohn’s was not under control. He said Humira is for adults like me who’ve tried other medications but still experience the symptoms of moderate to severe Crohn’s disease. And that in clinical studies, the majority of patients on Humira saw significant symptom relief and many achieved remission.Humira can lower your ability to fight infections, including tuberculosis. Serious sometimes fatal infections and cancers including lymphoma have happened, as have blood, liver and nervous system problems, serious allergic reactions and new or worsening heart failure. Before treatment, get tested for TB. Tell your doctor if you’ve been to any areas where certain fungal infections are common. And if you’ve had TB, Hepatitis B are prone to infections or have flu-like symptoms or sores. Don’t start Humira if you have an infection.
If you’re still just managing your symptoms, ask your gastroenterologist about Humira. With Humira, remission is possible.
Have there been any lawsuits concerning Humira?
Yes, in 2013 a jury awarded a settlement to a man who claimed that his wife developed a fungal infection that caused her organs to fail after taking Humira.
More information about Humira
Please visit the sites below for more details on Humira
- Humira.com – official website
- EverydayHealth.com – Humira
- FDA Medication Guide – Humira