Alcohol and Humira: Potential Complications, Risks, and Safety Concerns Regarding Consumption
A popular biologic medication, Humira (adalimumab), is widely used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and hidradenitis suppurativa. However, recent research highlights potential risks associated with the consumption of alcohol while taking Humira.
Humira, an injectable biologic medication, works by suppressing tumor necrosis factor (TNF), an important immune system mediator. While this helps manage inflammatory conditions, it also affects immune function and increases the risk of infections and other immune-related side effects.
Direct research on alcohol specifically interacting with Humira is limited, but related drugs like Amjevita (another adalimumab biosimilar) are reported not to have known direct interactions with alcohol. However, both alcohol and adalimumab can cause overlapping side effects such as headache and nausea, and alcohol may worsen the underlying inflammatory conditions treated by Humira, potentially triggering flare-ups of psoriasis or ulcerative colitis.
More concerning is the potential for alcohol to exacerbate liver inflammation and immune suppression risks associated with Humira. Alcohol is known to have harmful effects on the liver, including promoting liver inflammation and damage, which could compound Humira’s hepatic risks, increasing the potential for liver injury or failure in patients on Humira.
Combining immunosuppressive therapy with alcohol may also increase susceptibility to infections because alcohol impairs immune defenses. Since Humira suppresses immune responses, concomitant alcohol use may elevate infection risk further.
Given these risks, patients on Humira are generally advised to avoid or limit alcohol consumption due to the additive risk of liver inflammation and impaired immune function. It is crucial to monitor liver function regularly during Humira therapy.
Patients should discuss alcohol use with their healthcare provider, who can provide personalized guidance considering the individual's liver health, medication regimen, and disease activity. If a person experiences signs of liver inflammation, such as yellowing skin, nausea, and abdominal pain, they should seek immediate medical attention.
It is essential to note that drinking alcohol in moderation is likely to be safe for those who take Humira, as the liver does not break down Humira. However, it is crucial to remember that excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to many body systems, especially the liver.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends drinking no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. People should always discuss any prescription medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor before starting Humira.
While there are no immediate concerns reported by Humira's manufacturers about drinking alcohol while taking Humira, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and consult with a healthcare provider for personalised advice. Examples of medicines that interact negatively with Humira include abatacept, cancer treatments, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, Echinacea, rituximab, tacrolimus, theophylline, live vaccines, and warfarin.
In summary, while there is no definitive study explicitly describing the interaction between alcohol and Humira, existing research and clinical data strongly suggest that alcohol could exacerbate liver inflammation and immune suppression risks associated with Humira. Caution and medical consultation are essential for patients considering alcohol consumption during Humira treatment.
- The biologic medication Humira, used to treat various medical-conditions like psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic-diseases, works by suppressing tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
- Alcohol may worsen the underlying inflammatory conditions treated by Humira, potentially triggering flare-ups of psoriasis or ulcerative colitis, as both alcohol and adalimumab can cause overlapping side effects.
- Combining immunosuppressive therapy with alcohol may increase susceptibility to infections because alcohol impairs immune defenses, which could potentially elevate infection risk further since Humira suppresses immune responses.
- Given these risks, patients on Humira are generally advised to avoid or limit alcohol consumption due to the additive risk of liver inflammation and impaired immune function, and it is crucial to monitor liver function regularly during Humira therapy.
