Humira is a type of immunosuppressant known as a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor. It’s prescribed to treat autoimmune conditions.
Humira is an immunosuppressant that doctors prescribe to treat several autoimmune conditions. With these conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues, causing inflammation. Humira helps reduce this immune response by lowering immune system activity.
Understanding how Humira works can help you manage your condition while taking steps to keep your immune system strong.
Humira is a type of immunosuppressant known as a TNF inhibitor.
TNF is a protein that plays a key role in inflammation. In autoimmune conditions, the body produces too much TNF, leading to long-term inflammation and tissue damage.
By blocking TNF, Humira helps reduce inflammation and ease symptoms of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and Crohn’s disease.
Humira is one of several treatment options for autoimmune conditions. Examples of other drugs that target the immune system include:
In some cases, other immunosuppressants such as methotrexate (Otrexup, Rasuvo, others) are used alone or with Humira. These drugs broadly lower immune system activity rather than blocking a specific protein, and they may have different side effects.
Check out this in-depth immunosuppressant drugs article for a list of common immunosuppressants, their side effects, and more.
Since Humira lowers immune system activity, taking steps to support your immune health is important. Here are some ways to help you stay healthy during treatment with Humira.
Get recommended vaccines
Vaccines can help prevent infections, but live vaccines should be avoided during Humira treatment. Examples include the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the shingles vaccine.
Live vaccines contain weakened bacteria or viruses that could cause infection in people with weakened immune systems. Your doctor can recommend which vaccines to get before starting Humira and which are safe during treatment.
Practice good hygiene
Good hygiene can help reduce your risk of infection. It’s important to wash your hands regularly, avoid close contact with people who are sick, and keep cuts and wounds clean.
For more tips, check out this article on personal hygiene routines.
Eat a nutrient-rich diet
A balanced diet can help support your immune system. Try to include foods rich in the following nutrients:
- vitamin C, such as bell peppers and citrus fruits
- vitamin D, such as salmon and fortified dairy products
- zinc, such as nuts and lean beef
Some research suggests that excessive alcohol intake may weaken the immune system and worsen autoimmune conditions. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume during Humira treatment.
To learn more about nutrition and immune health, see this article on foods that boost the immune system. You can also check out this article on drinking with an autoimmune condition.
Manage stress and sleep
Ongoing stress and difficulty with sleep can further weaken your immune system. To help, try stress-relieving activities such as medication, yoga, or deep breathing. Aiming for at least 7 hours of sleep each night can also help.
You can learn more in these articles about ways to relieve stress and tips for better sleep.
Engage in physical activity
Regular moderate exercise may support immune function, but certain autoimmune conditions can make physical activity challenging.
If needed, your doctor can recommend gentle movement options that won’t worsen fatigue or joint pain. Examples include swimming and other low impact exercises such as cycling.
For more information, see this article on exercise and immunity.
Humira is an immunosuppressant that helps manage autoimmune conditions by reducing inflammation. Humira can lower immune system activity, increasing the risk of serious infection and cancer. Taking steps to support your immune health can help you stay well during Humira treatment.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about Humira, alternative treatments, or immune system support.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.