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Humira is a biologic medication that treats inflammatory conditions. In this article, we look at the safety and risks associated with taking Humira and drinking alcohol. We also discuss other Humira side effects and interactions.According to Humira’s patient information sheets, “There are no particular risks associated with alcohol when you are taking HUMIRA.”
Adalimumab (Humira) is an injectable biologic medication that doctors prescribe to treat inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. People who take Humira and drink alcohol should also consider that other medications they may take for chronic conditions can interact with these two substances.
Abbvie, the manufacturers of Humira, report that there are no immediate concerns that authorities have associated with taking Humira and drinking alcohol. However, researchers have conducted few studies on how Humira interacts with alcohol. As a result, they do not really know exactly how much alcohol is safe or the specific risks.
Most concerns regarding medicines and the liver relate to the fact the liver breaks down alcohol waste products and also breaks down many medicines. Drinking alcohol and taking certain medicines can place extra demands on the liver, causing liver damage. However, the liver does not break down Humira. This mean, it is less likely that drinking alcohol and using Humira will cause damage compared with other medications, such as acetaminophen.
Because of the way Humira is broken down in the body, drinking alcohol in moderation is likely to be safe for those who take the medication. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drinking in moderation is having 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. Drinking alcohol to excess can be harmful on many body systems, especially the liver.
One of the possible side effects for Humira use is liver injury, though this is rare. According to the National Institutes of Health, most Humira-related liver injury occurs within a few months of starting to take Humira. While doctors do not know exactly why Humira can damage the liver, they believe the medicine could impair immune function and contribute to liver inflammationbecause of its effects on the immune system.
Because the liver breaks down alcohol, doctors believe it is possible that drinking alcohol could increase the risk of this side effect. However, scientists need to do more research.Those who take Humira for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may also take the medication methotrexate. Traditionally, doctors encourage a person to limit or avoid alcohol while taking methotrexate due to the risks for elevated liver enzymes and liver damage.
According to a study published in the BMJ, those who take methotrexate can typically drink in moderation, or up to 14 units of alcohol a week, without the risk of liver damage. If a person takes a higher dose of methotrexate, alcohol may be more likely to damage the liver. People can speak to their doctor about their personal risks given the medications they take and their medical conditions.Humira is an effective treatment, though, like all prescription medications, it can cause side effects. People can discuss potential side effects with their doctor.
People may experience the following mild side effects after taking Humira:
injection site reactions, such as a rash, swelling, bruising, or itching
muscle aches
coughing
diarrhea
fatigue
burning sensation when urinating
blood in mucus
shortness of breath
stomach upset
weight loss
If a person experiences these side effects, they can talk to their doctor about whether they should continue taking Humira. Examples of the most serious side effects relating to taking Humira include:
Affected liver function: Certain symptoms, including yellowing of the eyes or skin, right-sided abdominal pain, vomiting, and fatigue, suggest a person is experiencing liver problems.
Affected nervous system functions: Sometimes, a person may experience numbness and tingling in their extremities, vision changes, and dizziness.
Allergic reactions: A person can be allergic to Humira. Allergic reactions may range from difficulty breathing to swelling of the eyes, lips, and face.
Blood changes: Humira can cause easy bleeding, bruising, or a pale complexion.
Immune system changes: Sometimes, a person can experience a lupus-like reaction to taking Humira. This includes symptoms such as joint pain, rash on the cheeks or arms, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath.
Increased risks for infections: These include tuberculosis and other opportunistic infections due to viral, bacterial, or fungal illnesses.
These are rare and severe side effects that doctors have associated with taking Humira.
Other interactions with Humira
Humira can interact with a number of medications. A person should always talk to their doctor about prescription medications and supplements they may be taking. Examples of medicines that interact negatively include:
abatacept
cancer treatments, such as doxorubicin, vincristine, and carboplatin
corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, and prednisone
cyclosporine
Echinacea
rituximab
tacrolimus
theophyllines
live vaccines, such as adenovirus, influenza nasal, varicella, or yellow fever vaccines
warfarin
Just because a person takes these medicines does not mean they cannot take Humira. A doctor can evaluate every medication, and how they may interact with each other to determine the best times and dosages of each one.