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Humira vs. Hydroxychloroquine

Humira (adalimumab) is an injection used to treat many different autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis. As a TNF blocker, the medication works by blocking a protein that causes inflammation in your body. It's given as a shot under the skin once every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your condition. Humira (adalimumab) doesn't have a true generic, but there are several similar versions called biosimilars. Common side effects include infections, injection site reactions, and headache.

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) - adults only
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) - people age 2 and older
• Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - adults only
• Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) - adults only
• Crohn's disease (CD) - people age 6 and older
• Ulcerative colitis (UC) - people age 5 and older
• Plaque psoriasis - adults only
• Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - people age 12 and older
• Uveitis - people age 2 and older

• Injection-site reaction (20%)
• Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)
• Headache (12%)
• Rash (12%)
• Sinus inflammation (11%)
• Accidental injury (10%)
• Nausea (9%)
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection (8%)

Note: The side effects listed above were reported by adults with rheumatoid arthritis and are similar to those seen in people using Humira (adalimumab) for other conditions.

• Serious infections
• Cancers
• Severe allergic reactions
• Nervous system effects
• Low blood cell counts
• Heart failure
• Lupus-like syndrome
• Live vaccines

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is a non-biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus in adults. It's also an antimalarial medication used to prevent and treat malaria in adults and children. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is taken by mouth, typically once or twice per day. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Uncomplicated malaria in adults and children
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults
• Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) in adults

• Nausea and vomiting (up to 37%)
• Diarrhea (up to 37%)
• Bloating (up to 37%)

• Serious heart rhythm problems
• Build-up of phospholipids (a type of fat)
• Eye damage
• Severe skin and allergic reactions
• Lower blood cell counts
• Hemolytic anemia (low red blood cells)
• Suicidal thoughts
• Lower blood sugar levels
• Worsening of certain medical conditions