The monoclonal antibodies adalimumab aka Humira which helps treat rheumatoid arthritis, plaque psoriasis, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, and several other diseases. Microbiology: A Human Perspective discusses that mAbs only recognize 1 certain epitope of 1 antigen so they are hard for researchers to develop. mAbs are made by fusing B cells from an animal that has been vaccinated with other B cells which will eventually clones will make antibodies that work against the specific epitope. mAbs can neutralize toxins and tag toxins/substances. Additionally, rhuMAB have replaced animal antibody with human ones which gives it a longer half-life.
The Humira website addresses how the drug works. In rheumatoid arthritis, TNF-alpha is made which increases the number of adhesion molecules, causing inflammatory cells to move to joints. The mAbs binds to TNF-alpha to control inflammation so it does not become too large. However, Humira has a multitude of side effects and can cause serious diseases. Though the Humira helps with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic plaque psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease, there is an incredibly long list of side effects. Some side effects can even cause new diseases and make psoriasis worse or start, when Humira is supposed to help with psoriasis. Drug Watch discusses why Humira can cause TB and other diseases. People who take Humira with other biologic drugs may have a greater chance of getting a serious infection while on both drugs because Humira dampens immune function by stopping TNF. TNF-alpha is part of the innate immune response and is a pro-inflammatory cytokine. When Humira is taken, the innate immune system is dampened as TNF-alpha binds to the drug so inflammation will not cause too much harm. Overall, this causes the innate immune system to be dampened, possibly leading to development or worsening of other diseases and infections. Thus, people with TB need to be treated for it before taking Humira. When taking TB medications and Humira at the same time, TB can become reactivated. Below is the complete list of side effects for Humira:
- Serious infections like TB
- Cough, low-grade fever, weight loss, loss of muscle
- Hepatitis B infection in carriers of virus
- Muscle aches, exhaustion, dark colored urine, yellow skin and/or eyes, little appetite, vomiting, clay colored stool, discomfort of stomach, rash on skin
- Allergic reactions
- Hives, hard to breath, swelling of face/eyes/lips/mouth
- Nervous system issues
- Numbness and/or tingling, vision issues, weakness in extremities, dizziness
- Blood problems
- Decreased number of blood cells that prevent infections and stop bleeding
- Persistent fever, bruising and/or breathing easily, pale skin
- Heart failure
- Cause new or worsening
- Shortness of breath, swelling in feet and/or ankles, sudden increased weight gain
- Immune reactions causing a lupus-like syndrome
- Pain or discomfort in chest that persists, shortness of breath, join pain, rash on arms/cheeks that gets worse when in the sun
- Liver issues
- Exhaustion, yellow skin/eyes, little appetite and/or vomiting, pain in right abdomen which can lead to liver failure and death
- Psoriasis
- New or worsening
- Red, scaly patches and/or raised bumps filled with pus
- Fever, sweats, and chills
- Muscle aches
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Blood in phlegm
- Weight loss
- Warm, red, and/or painful skin sores
- Diarrhea and/or stomach pain
- Burning sensation when urinate
- Frequent urination
- Feeling extremely exhausted
I personally believe that mAbs are a great idea on paper, but may not be a good idea in practice. The amount of insanely dangerous side effects they could cause is unbelievable. I do not think these side effects are worth taking the drug. Additionally, some mAbs are not for life-threatening illnesses. Therefore, why would you risk getting a life-threatening illness from an unnecessary drug. I think more research should be done with these drugs to see if there is any way the side effects can be removed or made less serious. For me, the bad completely outweighs the good.
Micro Madness 