If you have an autoimmune or inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease, you know it can have a major impact on your life. Managing it well can reduce your symptoms and make it easier to do the things that matter to you.
Adalimumab (brand name Humira) is a medication that fights inflammation and reduces overactive immune responses. It may help keep your condition from getting worse and reduce flare-ups.
“Humira is used to treat various autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis and ankylosing spondylitis,” said Rachel S. Fagergren, a pharmacy intern with Banner Pharmacy Services. “It has been used in a wide range of autoimmune diseases beyond what it was initially approved for due to its versatility in suppressing inflammation.”
Humira is a biologic medication that is classified as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. TNF is a protein in the body that causes inflammation.
Benefits of adalimumab
Humira helps reduce pain, swelling and stiffness so you have fewer flare-ups and better symptom control. It can also help slow the progression of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, so you have less joint damage and your joints stay more functional and mobile.
Additionally, Humira can reduce fatigue and make it easier for you to perform your daily activities.
“It can take several weeks for Humira to show its full effects. Patience is vital, as some conditions may require several months of consistent use to see significant improvements,” Fagergren said.
Who can benefit from adalimumab?
You may be able to take Humira if you have:
- Moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis
- Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or other inflammatory conditions
- Not responded well to other treatments
How to use adalimumab
Humira is a medication that you inject under your skin. A health care provider can perform the injections or you can learn to do them yourself. You'll want to change your injection site regularly so no one area of your body gets irritated.
Many people use Humira once every two weeks, but your health care provider will recommend the dosage and frequency that's right for you.
Be sure to store Humira in the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature before you inject it to reduce discomfort. “Humira can be left at room temperature for up to 14 days,” Fagergren said. Never freeze the medication and keep it out of direct sunlight.
Possible side effects
Common side effects of Humira include:
- Reactions at the injection site such as redness, swelling or pain
- Headache
- Rash
- Nausea
For mild side effects, you can monitor your symptoms and share your concerns with your provider.
Serious side effects include:
- Infections: Humira can lower your immune system's ability to fight infections. “Watch for signs of infection, such as fever, fatigue or persistent cough and immediately report them to your health care provider,” Fagergren said.
- Allergic reactions: Get immediate medical attention for swelling, difficulty breathing or severe skin reactions.
- Increased risk of certain cancers: People using Humira have a slightly increased risk of developing certain types of cancers, including lymphomas and skin cancers. “Risk may be higher in children and adolescents,” Fagergren said. “Discuss your risk factors with your provider.”
Precautions and warnings
“Before starting Humira, you should undergo screening for tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis, as the medication can reactivate these infections. It is best to ensure all necessary vaccines are up to date before starting Humira,” Fagergren said.
You should not take Humira if you have a history of a severe allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients.
Talk to your provider about your risk based on the type of immune disorder you have and any history of cancer.
Adalimumab can interact with other immune-suppressing medications and increase your risk of infections. Do not combine Humira with other biologic medications and make sure your health care provider knows all the medications and supplements you are taking.
Your provider may recommend regular blood tests to check for infections, liver function issues or other possible side effects. They will also monitor for changes in symptoms and make sure Humira is working well for you.
Lifestyle tips for managing autoimmune conditions
Along with medication, you can take these steps to help manage autoimmune conditions:
- Choose a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Foods like leafy greens, berries and fatty fish can help reduce inflammation.
- Avoid processed foods, excessive sugar and high-fat foods, which can make inflammation worse.
- Stay hydrated.
- Consider talking to a dietitian about adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet.
- Get low-impact exercise, such as walking, swimming or cycling, which can help keep your joints mobile and reduce pain without putting too much strain on your body.
- Include stretching and strengthening exercises to help keep your muscles and joints healthy.
- Listen to your body and adjust your activity level based on your symptoms and energy levels.
- Practice mindfulness, meditation or yoga, since stress can make your symptoms worse.
- Join support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges.
- Consider talking to a counselor or therapist for emotional support.
- Work closely with your provider to create a treatment plan and stay informed about your condition and treatment options.
The bottom line
Adalimumab (Humira) is a biologic medication that can treat some autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. It may reduce symptoms, keep your disease from getting worse and improve your quality of life.
It’s important to talk to a health care provider about whether Humira is right for you. Your provider knows your condition, medical history and other treatments you may have tried.
If you’d like to connect with an expert to learn more about the ways to manage your autoimmune or inflammatory condition, reach out to an expert at Banner Health.
Other useful articles
- 10 Steps to Reduce Inflammation and Boost Your Immune Health
- 4 Common Autoimmune Diseases That Develop in Children and Teens
- How Rheumatoid Arthritis Could Harm Your Eyes and Your Vision
The content in this article is for informational use only. Always discuss any medication with your health care provider or pharmacist before taking it. Also, refer to the medication package insert supplied by the pharmaceutical manufacturer with your prescription.
