Humira is the brand name for adalimumab, a medication prescribed to decrease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. It can also be used to reduce symptoms of Crohn's disease and psoriatic arthritis. The medication works to reduce a substance in the body that can cause inflammation. As with any medication, Humira has the risk of side effects. The medication is administered via an infection, which may also contribute to side effects.
Common Side Effects
Most individuals do not experience side effects with the use of Humira. Drugs.com points out the most commonly occurring side effects are mild and may include headache, stuffy nose, sinus pain, nausea and/or abdominal pain. The Mayo Clinic describes other commonly occurring side effects as abdominal or stomach fullness, body aches and/or pains, ear congestion, gas pains, loss of voice, lower back or side pain, thirst, trouble sleeping and/or sunken eyes. Most users experience mild discomfort at the site of injection including pain, redness, itching, swelling, bleeding and/or bruising.
Serious Side Effects
RxList.com points out several potential side effects that require medical attention. These serious side effects may include patchy skin color, red spots or rash on the skin, joint pain or swelling with a fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, vomiting, seizure, scaly skin rash, loss of hair, oral sores, tingling or numbness in the legs, bruising or bleeding easily, chest pain, chronic cough, coughing up blood, pain or burning during urination and/or difficulty breathing. Drugs.com points out other potential serious effects include swelling of the ankles or feet with breathing difficulties, confusion, unusual weakness, jaundice, red or purple scaly rash on the skin or on the cheeks and nose that worsens in sunlight. Other side effects the Mayo Clinic warns of include anxiety, blurred vision, blood in the urine, cloudy urine, blindness, bleeding from the gums or nose, agitation, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, broken bones, constipation, cold hands and feet, depression, forgetfulness, hallucination, loss of appetite, muscle cramps or spasms, mole that leaks fluid or bleeds, light colored stools, irregular breathing or pulse and/or spitting up blood.
Complications
Two complications that may occur with the use of Humira include severe allergic reaction and/or serious infection. Drugs.com recommends medical attention immediately when individuals experience signs of an allergic reaction. These symptoms may include hives, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, swelling of the lips, swelling of the tongue and/or throat. An infection that occurs during Humira treatment is considered serious, according to Drugs.com, and it may lead to death. Signs of infection include fever, sweating, chills, fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, sore throat, weight loss and/or flu symptoms.
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