Does Humira cause muscle spasms?
Muscle spasms or cramps, muscle aches, and muscle weakness are rare side effects of Humira (adalimumab).
In a clinical study, only 6 percent of patients reported generalized back pain, and less than 5 percent of patients reported experiencing muscle cramps.
Humira-induced muscle cramping or pain is caused by a disturbance of the balance of specific proteins within the body, called cytokines. Humira works by blocking a cytokine called tumor necrosis factor alpha or TNF-α. An elevation of the number of TNF-α within the body causes swelling and inflammation, which can lead to the signs and symptoms of such autoimmune conditions as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or Crohn’s Disease. By binding to and suppressing TNF-α, Humira reduces inflammation within the body. In some cases, TNF-α inhibitors have been found to cause an elevation of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), which can lead to drug-induced lupus or lupus-like syndrome, of which signs and symptoms can sometimes include muscle pain.
References
- U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Humira. December 2018. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/125057s410lbl.pdf [Accessed June 9, 2022]
- Abbvie. Humira: Important Safety Information. 2021. Available at: https://www.humira.com/#isi-anchor [Accessed June 9, 2022]
- Gaboriau L, Davion J-B, Combret S, Lebrun-Vignes B, et al. Adalimumab and myositis: A case report and review of the French and international Pharmacovigilance Databases. Neuromuscular Disorders. 2020; 30(11):915-920. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nmd.2020.09.026
- Lomicová I, Suchý D, Pizinger K, Cetkovská P. A case of lupus-like syndrome in a patient receiving adalimumab and a brief review of the literature on drug-induced lupus erythematosus. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2017 Jun;42(3):363-366. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpt.12506
Read next
What happens when you stop taking Humira?
If you stop taking Humira. your medical condition may worsen. Withdrawal side effects are not likely to occur with Humira, but your signs or symptoms (based on your condition), like joint pain and inflammation, stomach pain or diarrhea, or structural joint damage may worsen or return. Do not stop taking Humira unless you and your doctor agree this is the best course of action. Continue reading
How much does Humira cost without insurance?
The average cash price of Humira (generic name: adalimumab) without insurance is around $7,300 for 1 carton (2 pens) of 40 mg/0.4 mL using an online coupon, but most people do not pay this much. Your actual cost will depend upon which Humira product you need, your coupon savings, if you have insurance, and any manufacturer's savings. Continue reading
Does Humira cause weight gain or weight loss?
The manufacturer of Humira does not list weight gain or weight loss as a possible direct side effect associated Humira. However, other conditions, symptoms, or medications may affect your weight while you are using this medication. Clinical studies have also shown weight gain with Humira. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Humira Information for Consumers
- Humira prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Humira (detailed)
Related support groups
- Humira (69 questions, 369 members)