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Humira vs. Methotrexate

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Humira

(adalimumab)

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Methotrexate

(Trexall)

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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

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:

Non-cancer conditions:

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

Price Card Drug Icon
Humira1 carton / 2 pens of 40mg/0.4ml
$6,380.16$8,545.46
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Price Card Drug Icon
Methotrexate24 tablets / 2.5mg
$13.46$29.15
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