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Tremfya vs. Humira

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

Key takeaways

Tremfya (guselkumab) and Humira (adalimumab) are both injectable medications used to treat autoimmune conditions, but they have some key differences. Tremfya is a monoclonal antibody that targets interleukin-23 (IL-23) to reduce inflammation and is specifically approved for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and active psoriatic arthritis. On the other hand, Humira is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that blocks tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and is approved for a wider range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, among others. Tremfya is typically injected every 8 weeks after initial doses, while Humira is usually injected every other week. Tremfya is only available as a brand-name medication, making it potentially more expensive, whereas Humira has several biosimilars available. Both medications can increase the risk of infections, but Humira also carries warnings for potential risks of certain cancers and heart failure.

Tremfya

(guselkumab)

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Humira

(adalimumab)

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Summary for Tremfya

Prescription only

Tremfya (guselkumab) is an injection used to treat certain inflammatory conditions. It's for people ages 6 year and older with plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. It can also treat adults with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn's disease. This medication is an interleukin antagonist that works to lower inflammation. The dosing schedule is usually every 2 months after the starter doses. Adults with UC or Crohn's disease can also get their maintenance doses once a month. Side effects are upper respiratory infections, headache, and injection site reactions. Long-term side effects include a risk of other infections and liver problems.

Indications for Tremfya

Pros and Cons for Tremfya

Pros

  • Approved for adults and children 6 years and up weighing at least 88 lbs with either plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis
  • Given every 1 or 2 months (depending on your condition and treatment plan)
  • Few side effects
  • Can give yourself injections under the skin at home after you get trained

Cons

  • Given as an injection
  • Raises the risk of infections
  • Can cause some injection site reactions
  • Can take several months to see the benefits of the medication

Common Side Effects for Tremfya

Warnings for Tremfya

  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Risk of infection
  • Liver damage
  • Interaction with vaccines

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

Prices with our coupons for Tremfya vs. Humira

Price Card Drug Icon
Tremfya1 injection / 1ml of 100mg/ml
$13,364.33-
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Price Card Drug Icon
Humira1 carton / 2 pens of 40mg/0.4ml
$6,380.16$8,560.65
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