Are you currently taking Humira? See how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect you.
6/29/2020
Patients treated with Humira are at a heightened risk for developing serious infections. COVID-19 has proven to be quite infectious, as the number of cases are still expanding. At GI Alliance, we are dedicated to helping our patients understand their health risks. Let’s discuss what you should know about Humira and how COVID-19 may affect you.
What is the most important information I should know about Humira?
Humira is a brand-name, FDA-approved prescription medicine used to reduce signs and symptoms, and to achieve and maintain clinical remission in patients with:
- rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults
- juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in children ages 2 years and older
- psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in adults
- ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in adults
- Crohn’s disease (CD) in adults as well as children ages 6 years and older
- ulcerative colitis (UC) in adults
- plaque psoriasis in adults
- hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adults as well as children ages 12 years and older
- certain types of uveitis in adults as well as children ages 2 years and older
Humira is a TNF blocker medicine that can lower your body’s ability to fight off an infection. People taking Humira have had serious illnesses and it is important to practice safe measures during this time. Find a Location Near You
How does COVID-19 affect me?
The COVID-19 virus has proven to be quite infectious and those taking Humira are at a greater risk. We strongly recommend that you take the following preventive measures:
- Avoid travel to any country currently identified as being high risk for the disease.
- Avoid contact with anyone who has traveled to the above countries in the last 28 days. This especially includes close family members, who should avoid travel to those areas as well.
- Avoid cruises and non-essential air travel, even within the United States. Especially try to avoid travel to states reporting large outbreaks. This situation changes daily so please stay up to date on affected areas.
- Avoid crowds and large gatherings. This includes sporting events, concerts, theater, movies, and shopping malls.
- Ensure you have adequate supplies and food in case you have to be in isolation/quarantine. It is especially important that you have an adequate supply of any necessary medications.
- If you must go out in public, try to keep a 6-foot distance between yourself and others and wash your hands frequently and use an alcohol-based hand cleaner if available (at least 60% alcohol). Do not touch your face or feed yourself until you have washed your hands thoroughly.
- Avoid public transportation and ride-sharing (Uber, Lyft, etc.)
In addition, tell your doctor right away if you have an infection or symptoms of an infection, including:
- Fever, sweats, or chills
- Muscle aches
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Blood in phlegm
- Weight loss
- Warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
- Diarrhea or stomach pain
- Burning when you urinate
- Urinating more often than normal
- Feeling very tired