Risk of Infection in People Using Humira for Inflammatory Bowel Disorder

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An infection happens when germs or parasites enter your body and begin to grow. As they’re growing, multiplying, and spreading in your body, they’re likely to cause a reaction, such as a fever. 

While many people get sick every now and then, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) — might raise the likelihood of infections. 

In fact, a 2021 study showed that IBD may raise the chances of infection by 12 percent to 83 percent. The upper part of this range is more likely in people with IBD who are also taking certain medications, such as biologics. Adalimumab (sold as Humira) is an example biologic medication.

This article will cover how IBD and Humira increase your infection risk and other risk factors for getting infections. This article will also discuss what to do if you have an infection and ways to prevent infections.

Infections in People with IBD

People with IBD are at an increased risk of getting infections, which may impact their quality of life. People with IBD also tend to have comorbidities — like depression , which are linked to a higher risk of infections.

Can IBD Cause Infections?

Both CD and UC are medical conditions that involve inflammation of your digestive tract. This inflammation of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract may result in malnutrition, which raises your risk of infections. In some people with CD, the damaged patches throughout the digestive system are deep. The depth of these damaged patches may further increase infection risk.

People with IBD also tend to have a higher exposure to germs. They may also undergo procedures that raise their infection risk. Vaccine response differences in some people with IBD may also play a role. 

The following is a list of infections that tend to affect people with IBD:

  • GI infections

  • Upper respiratory infections (URIs), such as the common cold

  • Acute bronchitis (short-term inflammation of lung airways)

  • Skin infections

  • Shingles

  • Urinary tract infections (UTI), which is more likely in people with UC

  • Pneumonia, which is more likely in people with CD

In particular, people with IBD are more likely to have GI infections, especially from Clostridium difficile (C. difficile).

This higher risk for GI infections might be a result from the chronic inflammation of your intestines. Other factors that may also play a role include IBD’s negative effects on the following:

  • Ability to fix or repair the protective layer in your gut

  • Gut bacteria

  • Immune system

Can Humira Cause Infections?

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels tend to be high in IBD, where there is chronic (long-term) inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. TNF-α is a protein that’s linked to inflammation in IBD. This protein may also affect your immune system. Humira is a TNF-α inhibitor that’s used to treat IBD.

By blocking TNF-α activity, Humira is an immunosuppressant. So, side effects of Humira may involve your reduced ability to fight off infections. Potentially serious side effects include the following life-threatening infections:

  • Bloodstream infections

  • Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Serious fungal infections

  • Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections

What Other Factors Make Infections More Likely?

It’s possible for anyone to get an infection. The following, however, are factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing an infection.

  • Other medications, such as corticosteroids (steroids) and certain cancer treatments

  • Low-quality sleep

  • Unhealthy diet

  • Stress

Aside from IBD, the following medical conditions may also raise your infection risk.

  • Certain cancers

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Diabetes

  • Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriasis

If You Suspect That You Have an Infection

If you suspect that you have an infection, let your healthcare provider know right away. Your healthcare provider will help you with next steps. They’ll make sure that the infection isn’t serious and Humira isn’t worsening your infection. If you have a serious infection, your healthcare provider may stop your Humira medication. 

If you have an infection, some potential symptoms may include:

  • Breathing difficulties

  • Chills

  • Cough

  • Excessive sweating

  • Fever

  • Rash

  • Stomach pain

  • Weight loss

  • Yellow-looking skin or eyes

Preventing Infections

The following are some ways to prevent infections or limit the spread of infections. These are general tips. If you have any questions or concerns about these suggestions, reach out to your healthcare provider. 

  • Routinely wash your hands.

  • Cover up your coughs and sneeze. 

  • Consider wearing a mask.

  • Use gloves or hand sanitizers.

  • Stay up-to-date with your vaccines. You may want to receive any recommended live vaccines before starting on Humira. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ross earned her doctorate in pharmacy (PharmD) at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). Her years of experience practicing in various pharmacy settings also lead to multiple board certifications, including ambulatory care, geriatrics, and pharmacotherapy. She currently serves as the director of the PharmacyChecker international verification program.

Ross also founded Off Script Consults, a pharmacy consulting business. She strives to combine her passion for pharmacy, education, and writing to improve the quality of life and financial outcomes for people with chronic medical conditions, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

She particularly enjoys creating relatable and helpful content for her readers and viewers. For writing samples, please visit her Muck Rack portfolio. For videos, please visit her “Off Script Consults” YouTube channel.

Ross currently resides with her husband and two dogs in her home state of Texas to be closer to family. She also tries to find time for hobbies, which include rock climbing, running, and playing pickle ball.

Find out more about Ross via phone, e-mail, or social media (LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest).

Biologics, Health, IBD, Medications, Prevention, Risk factors, Side Effects, Treatment, Infections, Infectious DiseasesRoss Phaninfection, ID, infectious diseases, fever, cold, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, inflammation, chronic inflammation, Crohn's diseasae, Ulcerative colitis, Humira, adalimumab, IBD comorbidities, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, TNF-alpha, TNF-alpha inhibitorComment