As there have been a number of questions about the use of Humira (adalimumab) recently we thought it would be useful to post some information about this medication. It is used for a number of inflammatory and auto-immune conditions. However its use is contraindicated for PMR and is specifically warned about in the EULAR guidelines.
Unless you have a reasonably definite diagnosis of a condition for which Humira is proven effective, e.g. uveitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or one of several other diseases, you should probably avoid taking this drug.
Thanks for adding this post , as I'm probably one of the few that knows about the drug as it was being considered to treat me for Behcets / Uvietis rather than GCA/ PMR , I was getting to be surprised that its name was coming up lately as a treatment for PMR alone.
In my own case , it was considered for the treatment of Uvietis / Behcets whilst also suffering from a Connective Tissue Condition , known as EDS.
It came off the table as a need or priority when Behcets diagnosis was negative and GCA/ PMR was the priority , the more usual biologic for PMR/ GCA being more medically appropriate and safer to use.
Thanks for posting. It has been suggested to me that I could have Psoriatic Arthritis in addition to PMR. I have already decided that I will not try any other terrifying drugs, this confirms my decision.
Although psoriatic arthritis is one of the conditions it's used for I think you are wise to be cautious. This site really emphasises the seriousness of side effects: drugs.com/humira.html
Jane, I very much hope that you don’t have Psoriatic Arthritis as it’s a complex disease which recent research has proved affects much more than the skin and joints.
Biologic drugs have revolutionised the treatment of many auto immune/ Rheumatic/ inflammatory diseases saving both lives and organs. They have given me a quality of life that I value, “ terrifying “ is in the eye of the beholder, to me it’s the damage that my disease has done to my heart, not the medication I take to prevent further damage.
I am sorry . It did occur to me that my post was lacking in thought. I am really glad that Biologics have improved your quality of life beyond measure and that of others. My Psoriasis is confined to my feet and is controlled by moisturiser and occasional low dose cortisoid creme. The pain I experience has been identified by XRay as Osteoarthritis. I do not believe that I have Psoriatic Arthritis, it was suggested by a Rheumatologist who is not my usual one, during a discussion about coming off Prednisalone. I sincerely hope I do not have it. I wasn’t offered a definitive diagnostic test, just Methotrexate, which I have declined for now. I do tend to use dramatic language as friends and family point out. 🌷
Jane, please don’t apologise. Biologic drugs are very scary, the whole premise of tampering with the immune system isn’t ideal. Context is everything and it’s great to have forums to debate and exchange views on these issues.
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