Humira Medication Not for Everyone

San Francisco, CAIt was just a couple of months ago that Humira was the subject of a warning by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with regard to the potential for Hepatosplenic T-Cell Lymphoma, a rare cancer involving white blood cells. However, it was 18 months prior to the release of the warning in April of this year that the FDA first revealed an analysis of tumor necrosis factor blockers, such as Humira, and adverse reactions that could ensue. These particular Humira side effects came to light in August of 2009.

Little wonder that the media picked up on it at the time. Jon Carroll, writing in the September 8, 2009 edition of the San Francisco Chronicle, noted facetiously that adalimumab is 'a great drug, except for the side effects.'

Carroll referenced a full-page ad that had been placed by Humira manufacturer Abbott Laboratories promoting Humira as a treatment to soothe the symptoms of arthritis (Humira has also been prescribed for Crohn's disease). Specifically, a paragraph in the ad referring to the potential for Humira cancer and other adverse reactions.

"Serious infections have happened in patients taking Humira. These infections include tuberculosis (TB) and infections caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. Some of these serious infections have been fatal.

"Patients treated with HUMIRA [sic] may also be at risk for other serious side effects, including certain types of cancers, allergic reactions, hepatitis B virus reactivation, nervous system problems, blood problems, heart failure and certain immune reactions, including a lupus-like syndrome.

"HUMIRA is not for everyone."

Carroll, in September of 2009, mused in his Chronicle piece that perhaps Abbott might have unwisely rushed Humira to market.

That very thought might have struck a plaintiff in one of several Humira lawsuits filed with regard to Humira. The plaintiff, in fact, had begun taking Humira medication for arthritis in 2005 during a clinical trial. Told she was at an increased risk of contracting tuberculosis, the plaintiff stopped Humira when she was diagnosed with Humira lymphoma.

A subsequent lawsuit filed the very month the FDA released its latest warning alleges that the use of Humira resulted in permanent nerve damage to a plaintiff's feet.

Writer Carroll highlighted in his piece the Humira phrase, 'Humira is not for everyone.'

"Well," wrote Carroll, "I should say not."

Various Humira lawsuits allege side effects ranging from heart failure to Humira cancer.