Humira (adalimumab) is a drug used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and Crohn’s disease. Humira is a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody specific for human TNF alpha. Blocking the actions of TNF alpha has been shown to reduce the inflammation associated with inflammatory diseases. While TNF alpha inhibitors have proven to be a very effective therapy for inflammatory diseases, they also increase the patient’s risk of developing severe and even fatal infections. A patient using Humira is more susceptible to infections including tuberculosis and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria. Other possible side effects include certain types of cancer, allergic reactions, nervous system problems, blood problems, heart failure, and various immune reactions.
Despite the risk for serious infections and other harmful side effects, Humira has been proven to inhibit joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis when taken early in the course of the disease. They were also less likely to experience further damage multiple years later. Many patients who take Humira are able to achieve clinical remission from their inflammatory disease. In most studies, Humira is found to be effective and well-tolerated by patients suffering from an inflammatory disease.
Humira appears to have significant benefits but also potentially fatal side effects. Before taking Humira, it is important for the patient to weigh the costs and benefits of the drug.
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The negative effects of TNF alpha inhibition make sense because TNF has been shown to induce apoptosis and to inhibit tumorigenesis and viral replication.. However, I did read that the reports of lymphoma and solid tissue cancers were rare with this drug.. Do you know what the statistics are?
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