Humira is a medication used to treat psoriasis (a severe skin condition), ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis of your back), rheumatoid arthritis, and idiopathic juvenile arthritis (joint pain in children of unknown origin). It is sold under the generic name adalimunab and is available as an injection.
Cancer
Drugs.com states that Humira increases your chances of some cancers such as lymphoma (a cancer affecting your lymph node). It can also lead to an autoimmune disease in which your body literally attacks itself. Symptoms of lymphoma include excessive night sweats, weight loss and swollen glands. Signs of an autoimmune disease include fatigue, joint pain and sun sensitivity.
Infection
Humira also makes you susceptible to infections because it decreases the white blood cells in your body that fight these infections. A fever, cough, sores, weight loss, sore throat and warm, red or itchy skin are symptoms of an infection, says MedlinePlus. Call your doctor when you get these symptoms.
Mild Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Humira's mild side effects involve headaches, nausea, nasal congestion and sinus discomfort. Humira can also cause local side effects such as redness, bleeding and swelling at the injection site.
Hazardous Side Effects
Humira can cause such hazardous side effects as dizziness, hives, leg weakness and visual problems, according to MedlinePlus. In some instances, Humira can affect your skin and make it turn pale and itchy. This medication can make you sensitive to sunlight and you may develop a rash on your face or arms. Humira can be life-threatening when it causes chest pain, shortness of breath and difficulty swallowing.
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