home > drugs a-z list > humira (adalimumab) drug center > humira (adalimumab) drug - consumer side effects and precautions

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, stomach pain, blood in the stools, mental/mood changes, severe headache, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, yellowing eyes and skin, leg pain or swelling, numbness or tingling of the hands or feet, unsteadiness, unexplained muscle weakness, vision changes, extreme fatigue, joint pain, butterfly-shaped rash on the nose and cheeks.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: seizures, chest pain.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection while using this drug, such as: fever, chills, night sweats, persistent sore throat, trouble breathing, painful or frequent urination, persistent cough, unusual vaginal discharge, white patches in the mouth (oral thrush).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: See also Warnings section.

Before using adalimumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as natural rubber/latex), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: an active infection, TB infection, certain fungal infection (histoplasmosis), a certain type of heart disease (congestive heart failure), lupus.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: recurrent infections, hepatitis B infection, decreased bone marrow function, seizures, certain brain/spinal cord disorders (demyelinating disorders such as multiple sclerosis), history of cancer (e.g., lymphoma), scheduled surgery.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine. Consult your doctor about the risks of exposure to chickenpox and other infections.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.