Adalimumab, which is sold under the brand name Humira®, is one of the most frequently used systemic treatments for chronic plaque psoriasis, among other autoimmune diseases like psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and uveitis.
It belongs to a class of drugs referred to as biologics. Unlike other medications which affect the immune system as a whole, these drugs work on specific targets in the immune system.
Read MoreHow Does Humira Work?
Humira® is a monoclonal antibody a type of protein that identifies and binds to molecules known as TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor). These molecules are pro-inflammatory cytokines (small proteins) that drive inflammation in the body causing symptoms of psoriasis. When Humira® targets and binds to TNF, they inhibit the inflammatory effect and alleviate psoriasis.How is Humira Taken?
Humira® can be given through subcutaneous injection (under the skin). Your doctor will decide about the dosage and how often you will need to administer the medication.
Your doctor will also teach you how to inject the medication into yourself and tell you about your administration options like using a pre-filled single-use syringe, or a pre-filled single-use auto-injector pen (which is easier as both come pre-loaded with the exact dose of medicine inside). However, if you're unable to inject the medication yourself, don't worry as you can seek help from a healthcare professional or a family member after they've been trained.
For more information and supporting instructional videos about administering Humira®, please click here.
How Effective is Humira?
Real-world evidence for Humira® has been reported to show great efficacy when it comes to treating patients with psoriasis. Results were measured using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores which revealed a 75% reduction in the PASI score in more than 70% of patients making it the golden standard method of treatment.
Additionally, a recent study published in the journal of Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Diseases in 2018, reiterated the favorable safety and efficacy of Adalimumab (Humira®) from 15 years' worth of compiled scientific evidence and clinical practice.
Current guidelines support the use of Humira® as a monotherapy (single treatment).
Although Humira® has proven to be very effective in treating plaque psoriasis, it's worth noting that it needs to be used on a long-term basis as it's not considered to be a cure.
Additionally, Humira®:
- Can be unsuitable for some people
- May not work for everyone
- May cause intolerable side effects
- May stop working suddenly
Thus, it's important to ask your doctor whether you're eligible for taking this medication and about the risks and benefits associated with it.
Humira's Most Common Side Effects
Before listing the most common mild and serious side effects, you should know that these can be experienced differently from person to person. These include the following:
- Manageable infections (like sinus or cold)
- Rashes
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Allergic reactions at the injection site (causing bleeding, pain, swelling, and redness)
Other serious side effects include the following:
- Heart failure.
- Lupus-like syndrome (induced by the drug).
- Disorders affecting the nervous system (like seizures and multiple sclerosis).
- Damage to the liver.
- Low level of red blood cells (causing anemia and other conditions).
- Severe allergic reactions (these include swelling of the face, lips, eyes, mouth, and trouble breathing). You should immediately seek help from your doctor or go to an emergency room if you have these symptoms.
- Higher risk of cancer.
- High risk of serious infections (like Tuberculosis).
If you find yourself experiencing any side effects that are not mentioned here, please contact your doctor immediately. You can also report back any adverse event through the FDA MedWatch program.
You can learn more about Humira® clinical trial results, indications, and side effects here.
What Should I Watch Out for After Taking Humira?
The most important thing to know about Humira® is that it can put you at risk for the following:
Serious infections. Since Humira® is a TNF blocker, it can suppress your immune system and lead to getting serious infections that might be fatal, some people have previously died from these infections. Thus, your doctor will regularly test you for Tuberculosis (TB) and watch out for signs and symptoms of other bacterial, fungal or viral infections as well.
Cancer. There have been some reports of patients developing cancer when they were on Humira®. Thus, it can increase your susceptibility to lymphoma, skin cancers, and other types of cancers as well. You should follow up with your doctor while you're on this medication so that they can monitor you closely.
Additionally, Humira® may not be the best treatment option for you if you previously had or currently have any of the following conditions:
- Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Allergic reactions (to rubber or latex or any of Humira® components)
- Any condition that affects the nervous system
- Heart failure
- Any condition that affects the liver
What Should I Tell My Doctor Before Using Humira?
Before initiating treatment with Humira®, you should tell your doctor about any previous health conditions and medications you're taking so that they can accurately assess your eligibility. These include the following:
- If you have had an infection or are being treated currently for an infection.
- If you have diabetes.
- If you have frequent and recurrent infections.
- If you have signs or symptoms of an infection (like fatigue, muscle aches, fever, high temperature, sweating heavily, chills, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, blood in phlegm, cough, painful sores on the body, warm and red patches on the body, diarrhea, increased rate of urination, burning while urination, or stomach aches).
- If you have had Tuberculosis or are at risk of getting it either by being close to someone who has it or living in an area where it's prevalent.
- If you're undergoing surgery.
- If you have or previously had Hepatitis B (HBV).
- If you have or previously had any type of cancer.
- If you have or previously had heart failure.
- If you have signs of a nervous system condition like tingling and numbness or have a neurological disease.
- If you're scheduled to get vaccinated.
- If you're allergic to any of Humira's components or rubber, or latex.
- If you are or planning to get pregnant.
- If you're breastfeeding.
- If you're taking any other medications or supplements.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- Is Humira suitable for me?
- What are the risks and benefits of Humira?
- How can I improve the quality of my life?
- What should I do when I'm on the medication?
- What are Humira's storage instructions?
- What should I avoid when I'm on the medication?
- Are there any other alternative treatments for Humira?
- What happens if I stop Humira?
- Can I get pregnant while being treated with Humira?
The Bottom Line
Humira® is classified as a biological drug that treats chronic plaque psoriasis among other conditions. Although it's considered the golden standard treatment it's still not a cure.
Patients should learn about the risks and benefits of Humira® before taking it as well as maintain regular checkups with their doctors to avoid any unwanted side effects or complications.
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