Humira

Humira is the brand name of the drug, adalimumab. This up and comer is an immunosuppressive drug, specifically a monoclonal antibody. We often think of an antigen as only having one antibody, like a married couple. But, it’s more like antigens have multiple partners. This occurs because there are multiple epitopes (peptides or some molecule) on a single antigen. When researchers are trying to develop antibody drugs, they want to isolate a single antibody. A single antibody can be put through experimental tests and expect to give consistent results; whereas, if you have many types, and the composition each time is different, experimental results will change, too. What scientists have figured out is that by isolating a single type of antibody-producing B-cell, a single antigen-specific antibody can be isolated. These B-cells are fused with myelomma cells which are plasma cells that have gone bad (mutations). They can live indefinitely and provide the machinery that the B-cells of interest can use to make antibodies. These are then a serum that has a definite result.

Adalimumab is an antibody that specifically binds to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). TNF alpha is responsible for stimulating the inflammatory response. Chronic inflammation in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease can lead to major issues in joints and intestines respectively. This monoclonal antibody binds TNF which renders it useless. In this way, the antibody can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.

HUMIRA can cause serious side effects, including (This detailed list was found on the hyperlinked website):

• Serious infections. These include TB and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria. Symptoms related to TB include a cough, low-grade fever, weight loss, or loss of body fat and muscle.
• Hepatitis B infection in carriers of the virus. Symptoms include muscle aches, feeling very tired, dark urine, skin or eyes that look yellow, little or no appetite, vomiting, clay-colored bowel movements, fever, chills, stomach discomfort, and skin rash.
• Allergic reactions. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of your face, eyes, lips, or mouth.
• Nervous system problems. Signs and symptoms include numbness or tingling, problems with your vision, weakness in your arms or legs, and dizziness.
• Blood problems (decreased blood cells that help fight infections or stop bleeding). Symptoms include a fever that does not go away, bruising or bleeding very easily, or looking very pale.
• Heart failure (new or worsening). Symptoms include shortness of breath, swelling of your ankles or feet, and sudden weight gain.
• Immune reactions including a lupus-like syndrome. Symptoms include chest discomfort or pain that does not go away, shortness of breath, joint pain, or rash on your cheeks or arms that gets worse in the sun.
• Liver problems. Symptoms include feeling very tired, skin or eyes that look yellow, poor appetite or vomiting, and pain on the right side of your stomach (abdomen). These problems can lead to liver failure and death.
• Psoriasis (new or worsening). Symptoms include red scaly patches or raised bumps that are filled with pus.

Call your doctor or get medical care right away if you develop any of the above symptoms.Common side effects of HUMIRA include injection site reactions (pain, redness, rash, swelling, itching, or bruising), upper respiratory infections (sinus infections), headaches, rash, and nausea. These are not all of the possible side effects with HUMIRA. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

As will be described in the next chapter, Humira block TNF alpha. TNF alpha is a protein with complex effects. Yes, it is involved in inflammation but it has other roles, too. This is why there are so many possible side effects associated with this drug.

It must be reiterated that the drug is an immunosuppressant. It affects the ability of the immune system to protect you innately and specifically. If you are taking Humira, be sure to consult your doctor. It will increase the chances of getting infected by different bacteria and fungi. TB, specifically, is brought to attention on the website. There isn’t any information on exactly how you become more susceptible, but I can guess. I know that even though a drug has one effect (the one you’re taking it for), it certainly might have others, too. Perhaps it does not only attack (bind) to TNF alpha to reduce inflammation, but also affects other aspects of the immune response. However, suppressing the inflammatory response by itself is deadly. Inflammation is part of both the innate and adaptive response (it itself isn’t specific but can be triggered or enhanced by cells of the adaptive immunity). In this case, TNF is largely secreted by macrophages and monocytes. It acts as a signal for inflammation, but it also has a rule in controlling apoptosis and other mechanisms. Therefore, taking this drug will cripple your immune response and make it more likely to get infections (primary or latent).