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

Humira

(adalimumab)

Methotrexate

(Trexall)

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 Methotrexate

Prescription only

Methotrexate (Trexall) belongs to a drug class called antimetabolites. It’s used as chemotherapy at high doses to kill cancer cells and treat different cancers, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). At lower doses, methotrexate (Trexall) is considered a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that treats certain non-cancer conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This medication is a tablet that you take by mouth. For most conditions, it’s taken once a week, but for some, it’s taken more often than that. Methotrexate (Trexall) side effects include mouth sores, nausea, and stomach upset.

Indications for Methotrexate

Cancer:

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adults and children; given with other chemotherapy
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in adults; given by itself or with other chemotherapy
Advanced non-Hodgkin lymphoma in adults; given with other chemotherapy

Non-cancer conditions:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in children
Severe psoriasis in adults

Pros and Cons for Methotrexate

Pros

Taken by mouth, so a good option for people who don’t like needles
A non-steroidal option for autoimmune conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis)
Doesn’t typically cause hair loss or weight gain

Cons

Might cause nausea and mouth sores
Can raise your risk for infection
Requires regular office visits and lab tests to check for serious side effects

Common Side Effects for Methotrexate

Mouth sores
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach upset
Dizziness
Tiredness
Chills
Fever
Infection
Higher liver enzyme levels in the blood
Low white blood cells
Low platelet levels

Warnings for Methotrexate

Harm to unborn baby
Allergic reaction
Low blood cell counts
Damage to the digestive tract
Liver damage
Lung problems
Serious skin problems (including skin burns)
Kidney damage
Risk of serious side effects with dosing errors
Effect on folic acid levels in the body
Serious infections
Serious nervous system problems
Risk for new cancers
Tumor lysis syndrome
Changes to your ability to have children (infertility)
Higher risk for side effects if you have extra body fluid

Prices with our coupons for Humira vs. Methotrexate

Humira1 carton / 2 pens of 40mg/0.4ml

$6,380.16$8,531.39

Get free coupons

More Information

Methotrexate24 tablets / 2.5mg

$13.46$28.76

Get free coupons

More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare
Humira vs. Methotrexate

Humira

Methotrexate

Summary for Humira

Indications for Humira

Pros and Cons for Humira

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Humira

Warnings for Humira

Summary for Methotrexate

Indications for Methotrexate

Pros and Cons for Methotrexate

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Methotrexate

Warnings for Methotrexate

Prices with our coupons for Humira vs. Methotrexate

Compare other Psoriasis and Rheumatoid Arthritis drugs

Browse medications by letter

Good news for your inbox

Humira

Methotrexate

Summary for Humira

Indications for Humira

Pros and Cons for Humira

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Humira

Warnings for Humira

Summary for Methotrexate

Indications for Methotrexate

Pros and Cons for Methotrexate

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Methotrexate

Warnings for Methotrexate