Humira is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for several autoimmune conditions. It contains the active ingredient adalimumab. It isn’t known whether Humira is safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Humira. For a comprehensive look at Humira, see this article.
It’s not known whether Humira is safe to use during pregnancy. It should be used during pregnancy only if it’s needed.
In one study, Humira was used to treat rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease during pregnancy. Major congenital anomalies (commonly known as birth defects) occurred in 10% of pregnant females who took Humira, compared with 7.5% of females who didn’t take the drug. (Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.)
Due to the small number of people in the study, these results don’t provide enough information to state for sure that Humira causes major congenital anomalies. There may be other differences between the two groups that affected how often congenital anomalies occurred.
If you’re pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, talk with your doctor before using Humira. They’ll review the risks and benefits of the drug with you.
It’s not known whether Humira is safe to use while breastfeeding.
Humira can pass into breast milk in very low concentrations and can be transferred to a child who is breastfed. No side effects or increased risk of infection were detected in infants who were breastfed, but this data is limited.
If you’re breastfeeding or are planning to, talk with your doctor. They’ll discuss the risks and benefits of breastfeeding and using Humira during this time to treat your condition. They can explain the best ways to feed your child and what treatment options are available to you.
It’s not known whether Humira is safe to use during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Humira.
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