Skip to main content

Can I take Humira after covid vaccine?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 20, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Experts say it is very important for people who are taking Humira to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and, in general, experts do not recommend changing your Humira dosing schedule because you have had the COVID-19 vaccine, but you should talk to your doctor about this.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) task force could not reach a consensus on whether you need to withhold your Humira dose for a short period of time after the COVID-19 vaccine. One study of 133 people taking immunosuppressive medications found that their antibody levels were 3 times lower after the COVID-19 vaccine than in individuals not taking these medications, but vaccines still provided adequate protection in most patients. Another study said adalimumab (Humira) did not substantially affect a patient’s immune response to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

There is a risk that stopping Humira or withholding it for a short period of time could precipitate flares in your condition. A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine also helps immunocompromised patients mount a more robust response to the vaccine and protect them from serious COVID-19 complications.

References
  • COVID-19 FAQs: Vaccines. Arthritis Vaccine. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/covid-19-faqs-medication-treatment-and-vaccines
  • Medications & COVID-19 Vaccines. American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association.. https://solvecfs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/COVID_19_Vaccine__Medications_March_2021_FINAL.pdf
  • Smetanova J, Strizova Z, Sediva A, Milota T, Horvath R. Humoral and cellular immune responses to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in patients with axial spondyloarthritis treated with adalimumab or secukinumab. Lancet Rheumatol. Published online December 21, 2021. doi:10.1016/S2665-9913(21)00393-3
  • COVID-19 vaccine elicits weak antibody response in people taking immunosuppressant. Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis. https://medicine.wustl.edu/news/covid-19-vaccine-elicits-weak-antibody-response-in-people-taking-immunosuppressant/

Read next

How much does Humira cost without insurance?

The average cash price of Humira (generic name: adalimumab) without insurance is around $7,300 for 1 carton (2 pens) of 40 mg/0.4 mL using an online coupon, but most people do not pay this much. Your actual cost will depend upon which Humira product you need, your coupon savings, if you have insurance, and any manufacturer's savings. Continue reading

What happens when you stop taking Humira?

If you stop taking Humira. your medical condition may worsen. Withdrawal side effects are not likely to occur with Humira, but your signs or symptoms (based on your condition), like joint pain and inflammation, stomach pain or diarrhea, or structural joint damage may worsen or return. Do not stop taking Humira unless you and your doctor agree this is the best course of action. Continue reading

Does Humira cause weight gain or weight loss?

The manufacturer of Humira does not list weight gain or weight loss as a possible direct side effect associated Humira. However, other conditions, symptoms, or medications may affect your weight while you are using this medication. Clinical studies have also shown weight gain with Humira. Continue reading

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups