Humira and Shingles

[Ninaseven]

I am in my 4th injection of Humira. I have come down with shingles. Has anyone else experienced this. I’m wondering if they are linked. Thanks

[Sheepish]

Hope you feel better soon. I know that being immune suppressed makes it easier to get sick, so if you have had chicken pox the virus lies dormant in your body and then resurfaces.

[Angels54]

This is usually linked to lo immune and stress, hope you better soon .

[Zatty]

Hi, when I was on Humira I got shingles (amongst a few other things as well along the way). I’m not sure if they are linked per se but as someone else has mentioned, the usual RA/biologic drugs act as immunosuppressants and so they can leave you vulnerable to various infections and illnesses. As Sheepish commented, the chickenpox virus can resurface as shingles as I understand it, so I imagine that is what has happened rather than necessarily being linked specifically to Humira. I suspect it is symptomatic of the whole system having to cope with so much stress and getting run down with it plus the compromised immunity side of things… also your body will be adjusting to the new drug which may make it more vulnerable? Anyway, hopefully it will pass quickly (I know it’s really painful) and you will feel better soon. I wish you much luck with your journey. Xx