Pharmacy Services

Adalimumab (Humira) and infections, hypersensitivity, and hematologic reactions

November 9, 2004

Serious infections were reported in patients taking tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-blocking agents (eg, adalimumab [Humira]) with anakinra (Kineret). Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, were also reported in about 1% of rheumatoid arthritis patients taking adalimumab. Infrequently, patients experienced hematologic reactions including cytopenia during adalimumab therapy.  Pancytopenia has been reported with other TNF-blocking agents. FDA and Abbott Pharmaceuticals announced revisions to the WARNINGS section of the prescribing information for Humira due to these reports.  FDA has recommended a warning concerning concurrent anakinra administration be added to the labeling for all therapeutic agents that block TNF.

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Updated
November 9, 2004; University of Utah, Drug Information Service. Copyright 2009, Drug Information Service, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT.