Alternative medicine to Humira
Humira is the trade name of adalimumab, similar to how, for example, acetylsalicylic acid is sold under the name Aspirin. Adalimumab is generally not a first-line therapy for chronic inflammatory diseases and is often only prescribed when conventional therapy has failed. As the diseases for which Humira is used vary considerably and show very variable manifestations and symptoms depending on the patient, no general alternative to Humira can be recommended.
For example, other biologicals from the series of tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors such as Etanercept can be used. In some cases, anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac may be sufficient to improve the symptoms. This decision should be made by an experienced specialist. More detailed information on the therapy of the individual diseases can be found on the following pages:
- Therapy of Crohn’s disease
- Therapy of ankylosing spondylitis
- Therapy of psoriasis (psoriasis)
Can I take it during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Taking adalimumab during pregnancy is currently not recommended. For ethical reasons, there are no studies in humans that can prove or exclude a harmful effect on the unborn child, but it is assumed that Adalimumab has an effect on the development of the child‘s immune system. Thus, women of childbearing potential who take adalimumab are advised to use consistent contraception.
If pregnancy has occurred, the intake should be stopped immediately and the treating doctor should be consulted. It is also not advisable to take Adalimumab during the breastfeeding period, as the active substance can also be transferred to the newborn via breast milk. It is recommended to start breastfeeding at the earliest 5 months after the last intake.
Desire for children during therapy with Adalimumab?
Pregnancy is not recommended while taking adalimumab. This means that patients who wish to have a child should consult their doctor to change their current therapy and stop taking Adalimumab. In order to avoid a worsening of the disease, this should never be decided on your own, but only after consultation with your doctor and a change of therapy!
Adalimumab and the pill – is that possible?
There are no known interactions between Adalimumab and the contraceptive pill. This means that the effect of the pill is not influenced by Adalimumab. As pregnancy is not recommended in the context of adalimumab therapy, the pill would even be an effective means of contraception.
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