Humira (adalimumab) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Humira can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include injection site reactions, rash, and infections.

Specifically, Humira is used to treat:

The active ingredient in Humira is adalimumab. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) The drug comes as an injection that’s given under your skin.

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that Humira can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Below are a few of the more common side effects reported by people who used Humira in studies. These side effects can vary depending on the condition the drug is being used to treat.

More common side effects that have been reported with Humira include:

  • injection site reactions*
  • infections
  • headache
  • rash†

* For a description of injection site reactions, see the “FAQ about Humira’s side effects” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

You may experience mild side effects during your Humira treatment. These side effects can vary depending on the condition the drug is being used to treat.

Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Humira include:

* For a description of injection site reactions, see the “FAQ about Humira’s side effects” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed, too. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And don’t stop using Humira unless your doctor recommends you do so.

Humira may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. For more information, see the Humira prescribing information.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Humira, visit MedWatch.

Although serious side effects are not common with Humira, they are possible. Before you start using Humira, you should know the serious side effects to watch for during your treatment.

Serious side effects that have been reported with Humira include:

  • risk of cancer*
  • risk of serious infections*
  • heart failure
  • lupus-like syndrome
  • nervous system problems
  • decreases in certain types of blood cells
  • allergic reaction†
  • hepatitis B reactivation (if you already have the hepatitis B virus)
  • liver damage†

* Humira has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

If you develop serious side effects while receiving Humira, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

It’s possible to have long-term side effects from Humira treatment. Examples of long-term side effects that Humira can cause include:

  • risk of cancer*
  • risk of liver damage†
  • heart failure
  • lupus-like syndrome
  • nervous system problems

* Humira has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

For more information about how often long-term side effects may occur with Humira, see the drug’s prescribing information. If you have any concerns about long-term side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Humira’s side effects.

Is there a higher risk of side effects after the first dose of Humira compared with later doses?

Not necessarily. Side effects from Humira may occur at any point throughout your treatment. But you may have a higher risk of allergic reaction after your first dose of Humira compared with later doses.

If you have any concerns about side effects from Humira, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Humira cause side effects that could affect my skin?

Yes, Humira could cause side effects that affect your skin. Because Humira is given as an injection under your skin, it can cause an injection site reaction. (This is a reaction in the area where you inject the drug.)

Injection site reactions may include symptoms such as:

  • redness or deepening of skin color
  • itching
  • bruising
  • swelling or pain

Another side effect of Humira is a rash. For more information, see the “Side effects explained” section below.

If you have any concerns about skin-related side effects from Humira, talk with your doctor. For more information about how often these side effects may have occurred in studies of Humira, see the prescribing information.

Does Humira cause eye-related side effects?

It’s possible. Although Humira is not known to specifically cause eye-related side effects, it may cause other side effects that can affect your eyes. For example, Humira can cause nervous system problems. Symptoms of some nervous system problems include changes in your vision.

Humira can also cause liver damage. One symptom of liver damage is jaundice, which can cause the whites of your eyes to become yellow.

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Humira. In certain cases, allergic reactions may cause your eyes to swell.

If you notice any vision changes or other changes in your eyes (such as swelling or yellowing) while using Humira, call your doctor right away.

Learn more about some of the side effects Humira may cause.

Serious infections

Humira has a boxed warning for the risk of serious infection while using the drug. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Serious infections that could occur include pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), and fungal infections.

Although serious infections are possible, they’re not a common side effect of Humira.

Symptoms of a serious infection may include:

  • trouble breathing
  • dizziness
  • fever

What might help

Your doctor will test you for TB before you start using Humira. If you do have TB or any other infections, such as hepatitis B, your doctor may need to treat the infection before you start using Humira.

You may have a higher risk of serious infection if you use Humira along with certain medications, specifically Kineret (anakinra) or Orencia (abatacept), to treat your condition. If you are using Kineret or Orencia, your doctor will likely recommend switching one of your medications. This way, you’re not taking Humira in combination with either drug.

If you develop symptoms of a serious infection, see your doctor right away. Serious infections can be life threatening, so it’s important that they’re treated as soon as possible.

Cancer

Humira has a boxed warning for the risk of cancer during treatment. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Cancer is a rare but serious side effect that may occur with Humira. Receiving Humira may raise your risk of skin cancer and blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Symptoms of cancer to watch for include:

  • weight loss
  • a sore that doesn’t heal
  • a lump under your skin
  • fatigue (low energy)

What might help

It’s important to watch for any symptoms of cancer during your treatment with Humira. If you do notice any symptoms, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may also do certain blood tests to check for cancer.

If you have any concerns about cancer during your Humira treatment, talk with your doctor.

Rash

Rash is a common side effect of Humira. Some people using Humira develop a rash as a side effect of the medication. Others may experience redness or deepening of skin color, or swelling at the injection site after a dose of Humira.

A rash could also be a symptom of a more serious side effect of Humira. For example, some people using Humira can develop a rash if they have an allergic reaction to the drug. You can also develop a rash from lupus-like syndrome, which is a possible side effect of Humira.

What might help

If you notice a rash during your Humira treatment, talk with your doctor. They may be able to recommend creams or medications to relieve your rash symptoms. In addition, they can determine whether the rash is serious.

Liver damage

Liver damage is a rare but serious side effect that can occur with Humira. Symptoms of liver damage may include:

  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of your eyes)
  • abdominal pain
  • fatigue

What might help

Before using Humira, talk with your doctor about any liver problems you currently have or have had in the past. Your doctor will likely monitor your liver function through blood tests during your treatment.

If you develop any symptoms of liver damage during your treatment with Humira, tell your doctor right away. Liver damage can be very serious and even life threatening.

If you have questions or concerns about liver damage during your Humira treatment, talk with your doctor.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Humira can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or a topical product, such as hydrocortisone cream, to manage your symptoms.

If your doctor confirms you had a mild allergic reaction to Humira, they’ll recommend whether you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Humira, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Humira treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects you’re having. Then, you can share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful to do when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things like:

  • what dose of drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon after starting that dose you had the side effect
  • what your symptoms were from the side effect
  • how it affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were also taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help your doctor learn more about how the drug affects you. And your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Humira comes with several warnings.

Boxed warnings

Humira has boxed warnings for risk of serious infections and risk of cancer. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

  • Serious infections. Humira can cause serious infections, which may be life threatening. If you have any infections before starting Humira, be sure to tell your doctor. They’ll likely recommend treating your infection so it doesn’t become serious. Your doctor will also test you for tuberculosis (TB) before starting Humira. If you have TB, it will be treated before you start using Humira.
  • Cancer. Humira may raise your risk of certain types of cancer, such as skin cancer and blood cancer (including leukemia and lymphoma). If you have cancer or have had it in the past, talk with your doctor before using Humira. They’ll recommend the most appropriate drug and may monitor you more closely throughout your treatment.

To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Other warnings

Humira may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you receive Humira. The list below includes factors to consider.

Hepatitis B. If you have hepatitis B or have had it in the past, using Humira may cause reactivation of the virus. Be sure to tell your doctor if you’ve ever had hepatitis B. They’ll likely monitor you more closely throughout your Humira treatment to make sure your hepatitis B symptoms don’t return.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Humira or any of its ingredients, you should not use Humira. Humira’s needle cover may contain natural rubber or latex. If you have allergies to rubber or latex, talk with your doctor before using Humira. They may be able to prescribe a form of Humira that does not contain natural rubber or latex. Or they may recommend a different treatment that’s safer for you to use.

Recent vaccinations. If you’ve received a vaccine recently, tell your doctor before you begin Humira treatment. You should not receive certain vaccines while taking Humira. Your doctor may want to make sure you’re up to date on your vaccinations before you start Humira.

Nervous system problems. Before using Humira, tell your doctor if you have certain nervous system problems or have had them in the past. Examples include multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Humira may cause nerve conditions. If you already have one of these conditions, Humira may make it worse. Your doctor may monitor you more closely during your Humira treatment, or they may recommend a different medication for your condition.

Heart failure. Humira may cause heart failure. If you have heart failure or have had it in the past, Humira could make your condition worse. If you have heart failure, talk with your doctor before using Humira. Your doctor may monitor your heart more closely to make sure the drug isn’t causing your heart failure to worsen.

Psoriasis. Humira may cause symptoms of psoriasis to worsen. If you have psoriasis or have had it in the past, talk with your doctor before using Humira. They may monitor your skin more closely to check that your symptoms don’t get worse during your Humira treatment.

Liver problems. Humira may cause you to develop liver problems. If you have liver problems or have had them in the past, tell your doctor before using Humira. Your doctor may monitor your liver function through blood tests to make sure your liver problems aren’t getting worse.

Alcohol use and Humira

Humira isn’t known to interact with alcohol. But both alcohol and Humira may affect your liver. This means that drinking alcohol during your Humira treatment may raise your risk of liver damage.

Alcohol may also worsen the symptoms of your condition. For example, your symptoms of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may become worse if you drink alcohol.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much may be safe for you to drink during your Humira treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while using Humira

It’s not known whether Humira is safe to receive during pregnancy.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using Humira. They may recommend a different treatment option for you.

Breastfeeding during treatment with Humira may not be safe. This is because Humira passes into breast milk. It’s not known at this time whether Humira may cause harm to a child who is breastfed by someone taking the drug.

If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor before using Humira. They may recommend a different treatment option for your condition.

Some people may experience side effects while using Humira. In most cases, side effects will be mild and may improve over time. But in some cases, side effects can be serious.

If you have any questions about side effects that can occur with Humira, talk with your doctor. Here are some questions that you may want to ask:

  • Can I still receive Humira if I’ve had cancer in the past?
  • Is it dangerous if I become pregnant during my Humira treatment?
  • How often should I have regular appointments so that any side effects can be prevented or managed?
  • If I decide I want to stop my Humira treatment, will I experience withdrawal symptoms?
  • Does my risk of side effects increase if I’m taking other medications or have certain medical conditions?

To learn more about Humira, see these articles:

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Q:

If I experience side effects from Humira, can I temporarily stop my treatment and then restart it once the side effects improve?

Anonymous

A:

If you experience side effects while using Humira that don’t go away over time or become bothersome, talk with your doctor. They may have you temporarily stop using Humira until the side effects go away. Your doctor would then determine whether it’s appropriate for you to restart treatment.

You should not stop using Humira unless your doctor recommends it. If you have concerns about side effects you’re experiencing with Humira, talk with your doctor about next steps.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
Was this helpful?

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.