Does Humira cause depression?

In this blog we will discuss whether humira causes depression.

We will also briefly discuss what Humira is, what it is used for, what its side effects are, and what precautions should be taken when using Humira.

Does Humira cause depression?

Humira, based on clinical trials, has not been observed or reported to have caused depression and is a relatively safe and FDA approved medication. 

Micheal Kerr for healthline noted that If you have been experiencing depression after you have started treatment with humira, it is possible that the depression is mostly caused as a result of the stress of living with the disease that you are treating with humira. 

Researchers estimate that depression is one of the most common complications of chronic illness and that one-third of individuals with a serious medical condition have symptoms of depression.

It is speculated that this is because of the challenge of adjusting to the illness as well as the toll treatment can have on the individual. 

This can cause a lot of stress and emotional distress caused by a sense of despair or sadness. When there is a lack of support when someone with this chronic illnesses is faced with stress and hopelessness, it can lead to deeper experiences of depression. 

While humira has not been reported to cause depression by the various clincial trials done on the effect of humira on  patients, there has been one case report in 2014 by Ellard et al, of a 53-year-old man who had, unfortunately,  taken his own life while receiving biological therapy with the tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitor adalimumab- the main ingredient for humira.

However, it has to be mentioned that the patient had a psychiatric history and the researchers also noted that the cases reported related to mental disorders and adalimumab are rare.

The researchers of this study also highlighted that the effects of skin disease on the mental health of vulnerable patients- the patient in this case was under treatment for psoriasis can be linked to immense distress and depression as well. 

While humira is not linked to depression or any other serious mental disorders directly, the researchers highlighted that it is important that physicians be aware of the mental distress that patients are under when they have chronic disorders.

What is humira?

Humira is the brand name for the drug adalimumab.

It is an FDA approved a prescription brand-name medication that is used to treat several different conditions, including:

• Crohn’s disease in adults, and in children ages 6 years and older
• ulcerative colitis in adults, and in children ages 5 years and older
• plaque psoriasis in adults
• psoriatic arthritis in adults
• rheumatoid arthritis in adults
• ankylosing spondylitis in adults
• juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older
• hidradenitis suppurativa in adults, and in children ages 12 years and older
• certain types of uveitis in adults, and in children ages 2 years and older

Humira or Adalimumab injection is a tumour necrosis factor blocker that is usually used alone or with other medications to relieve the symptoms these disorders and come in the form of a single-dose pen, single-dose prefilled syringe, and single-dose vial of liquid solution.

The drug is administered by a subcutaneous injection- either by the patient themselves, others, or medical professionals. 

What is humira used for?

According to writers at healthline, this drug humira i n the form of injectables are used for the following disorders and diseases:

• Crohn’s disease in adults, and in children ages 6 years and older
• ulcerative colitis in adults, and in children ages 5 years and older
• plaque psoriasis in adults
• psoriatic arthritis in adults
• rheumatoid arthritis in adults
• ankylosing spondylitis in adults
• juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older
• hidradenitis suppurativa in adults, and in children ages 12 years and older
• certain types of uveitis in adults, and in children ages 2 years and older

What are the side effects of Humira?

Humira can cause certain side effects. Some of the common side effects include:

• headache
• injection site reactions
• rash
• upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
• headache
• injection site reactions
• rash
• upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold

These common side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that or become severe, get intouch with medical emergency services immediately. 

According to Medlineplus, Serious side effects of Humira include:

• Nervous system problems, such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Symptoms can include:
• dizziness
• tingling or numbness
• weakness that affects your arms or legs
• vision problems
• Blood cell problems, such as aplastic anaemia. Symptoms can include:
• bruising or bleeding more easily than usual
• fever that doesn’t go away
• pallor (skin that looks paler than usual)
• Heart failure. Symptoms can include:
• swelling in your ankles or feet
• sudden weight gain
• shortness of breath
• New or worsening psoriasis. Symptoms can include:
• red, scaly patches on your skin
• raised bumps on your skin
• Lupus-like syndrome, also known as drug-induced lupus. Symptoms can include:
• chest discomfort or pain that doesn’t go away
• joint pain
• a rash on your arms or cheeks that gets worse if exposed to sunlight
• shortness of breath
• Liver problems.
• Reactivation of hepatitis B virus.
• Risk of serious infections.
• Risk of cancer.
• Allergic reaction

Humira and its serious side effects aren’t common however, if you notice any of these symptoms make sure that you call your doctor right away or immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Precautions to be followed when using Humira

Here are a few precautions that must be taken if you are taking humira:

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important that you speak to your doctor about taking the humira injections. 

While the drug  is relatively safe and found in most food, there is not enough research done related to the safety of the supplement on pregnant women and breast feeding children. 

It could potentially be safe in little amounts however, there is little research that backs it;’s safety when used in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. 

Thus, to stay on the safe side, speak to the doctor about dosage and risks. 

It is also important to know that humira might cause allergic reactions in people who are allergic to the ingredients of the drug. Thus, it is also advised that you seek medical advice if you have allergies. 

Make sure that you inform your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. 

While humira could potentially be safe in little amounts however, there is little research that backs its safety when used in larger amounts. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

It is important that you do not have any vaccinations after starting humira without talking to your doctor. If your child will be receiving adalimumab injection, be sure that your child has received all the shots that are required for children of his or her age before they start treatment with adalimumab injection.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not double dose to make up for the missed dose.

If you are experincien overdose symptoms, get intouch with emergency services immediately and seek out medical care. 

Conclusion

In this blog we have discussed whether humira causes depression.

We have also briefly discussed what Humira is, what it is used for, what its side effects are, and what precautions should be taken when using Humira.

FAQ related to humira depression

Does Humira affect your mood?

It is possible that humira can affect your mood. People taking Humira may also experience infections, dehydration, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping.

Can Humira cause mania?

Though mental disorder as a side effect for humira is rare. There has been a case study where mania occurred during treatment. 

What does humira treat?

Humira is used to treat the following disorders:

• Crohn’s disease in adults, and in children ages 6 years and older
• ulcerative colitis in adults, and in children ages 5 years and older
• plaque psoriasis in adults
• psoriatic arthritis in adults
• rheumatoid arthritis in adults
• ankylosing spondylitis in adults
• juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children ages 2 years and older

Should you use humira if you are pregnant?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important that you speak to your doctor about taking the humira injections. 

While the drug  is relatively safe and found in most food, there is not enough research done related to the safety of the supplement on pregnant women and breast feeding children. 

It could potentially be safe in little amounts however, there is little research that backs it;’s safety when used in larger amounts as medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. 

Can HUMIRA worsen depression?

Humira, based on clinical trials, has not been observed or reported to have caused depression and is a relatively safe and FDA approved medication. It is unlikely that Humira can worsen depression. 

Micheal Kerr for healthline noted that If you have been experiencing depression after you have started treatment with humira, it is possible that the depression is mostly caused as a result of the stress of living with the disease that you are treating with humira. 

Can I take covid vaccine with humira?

It is important that you do not have any vaccinations after starting humira without talking to your doctor. 

If your child will be receiving adalimumab injection, be sure that your child has received all the shots that are required for children of his or her age before they start treatment with adalimumab injection.

References

Menter A, Augustin M, Signorovitch J, Yu AP, Wu EQ, Gupta SR, Bao Y, Mulani P. The effect of adalimumab on reducing depression symptoms in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis: a randomised clinical trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010 May;62(5):812-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.07.022. Epub 2010 Mar 9. PMID: 20219265.

Ellard R, Ahmed A, Shah R, Bewley A. Suicide and depression in a patient with psoriasis receiving adalimumab: the role of the dermatologist. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2014 Jul;39(5):624-7. doi: 10.1111/ced.12351. PMID: 24934916.

Alex Brewer. Humira side effects: What you should know. Medical News Today. Retrieved on 19th April 2022. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-humira-side-effects#mild-side-effects

Adalimumab Injection. Medlineplus. Retrieved on 19th April 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603010.html#how