Is humira safe to take? Re potential lymphoma and leukemia?

[lee2021]

Hi all. I am very new to this platform but so grateful to have a place to ask some difficult questions to people who may understand. I have just started humira after reacting badly to mabthera. I have also previously been on methotrexate, azaoress, nivaquin abd high dose steroids to name a few. I have read some scary posts about humira causing lymphoma and leukemia, abd am quite worried. Has this stopped anyone from taking the drug when necessary?

[Jmiller623]

Hi Lee. I am goin got take a stab at this since this a good question with a complex answer.

Firstly, many with lupus, lupus like illnesses and Sjögrens are at an increased risk for lymphoma at baseline. Without treatment for autoimmune disorders, some go on to develop lymphoma as continuous inflammation can be a factor in promoting malignant transformation for many cancers.

With that being said, TNF inhibitors like Humira are known to make lupus worse or even set it off in someone who was otherwise undiagnosed. This would make me think that it may increase chances lymphoma not because it caused it but maybe because the predisposition was already there. Humira may speed up cancer transformation and progression through lack of check points dampened by the drug itself. Eg many people on TNF inhibitors should be followed by a good dermatologist as melanoma pops up frequently in such immunosuppressed individuals.

There are case reports of lymphoma and leukemia after Humira but these are rare. There is no reported, formal data on the incidence of which this happens on a large scale. This typically means correlation of cause/effect is hard to establish.

I think with any therapy, it’s all about risks vs benefits. The most common side effect that I see with Humira is injection site reaction and increased infections especially if the skin. Worst I’ve seen is a patient who had an untreated fungal infection go awry after treatment with Humira for over a year.

Don’t know if this answers your queries. I think if it’s something you’re worried about, certainly ask the prescribing provider about your concerns. Sending positive vibes and healing hugs. ❤️xx