Humira vs. Hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Humira

(adalimumab)

Hydroxychloroquine

(Plaquenil)

Summary for Humira

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Humira

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

Pros and Cons for Humira

Pros

Can be used for many autoimmune conditions
Available as a ready-to-use pen that makes it easier to self-inject at home
Can be used in young children (as young as 2 years old for some conditions)
Only needs to be injected a couple times a month
Can be left at room temperature for up to 14 days if needed

Cons

Raises the risk of serious infections
Can take a few weeks or longer to work
Might be difficult to inject for some people
Can't receive any live vaccines while taking the medication
Might contain rubber or latex, which can cause a reaction for those with an allergy

Common Side Effects for Humira

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.

Warnings for Humira

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

Summary for Hydroxychloroquine

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Hydroxychloroquine

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

Pros and Cons for Hydroxychloroquine

Pros

Taken by mouth
Can be taken once per day
Possible option for RA during pregnancy

Cons

Need to take with food or milk
Interacts with commonly prescribed medications, such as certain blood sugar medications or antibiotics
Can't be used in children for lupus

Common Side Effects for Hydroxychloroquine

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

Warnings for Hydroxychloroquine

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

Prices with our coupons for Humira vs. Hydroxychloroquine

Humira1 carton / 2 pens of 40mg/0.4ml

$6,380.16$8,531.39

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Hydroxychloroquine60 tablets / 200mg

$17.74$50.45

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Humira vs. Hydroxychloroquine

Humira

Hydroxychloroquine

Summary for Humira

Indications for Humira

Pros and Cons for Humira

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Humira

Warnings for Humira

Summary for Hydroxychloroquine

Indications for Hydroxychloroquine

Pros and Cons for Hydroxychloroquine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Hydroxychloroquine

Warnings for Hydroxychloroquine

Prices with our coupons for Humira vs. Hydroxychloroquine

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Humira

Hydroxychloroquine

Summary for Humira

Indications for Humira

Pros and Cons for Humira

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Humira

Warnings for Humira

Summary for Hydroxychloroquine

Indications for Hydroxychloroquine

Pros and Cons for Hydroxychloroquine

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Hydroxychloroquine

Warnings for Hydroxychloroquine