What is the relationship between Adalimumab (Humira) and retinal disease?

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Last updated: March 22, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Humira (adalimumab) generally does not cause retinal disease, but patients with certain inflammatory conditions should be monitored for eye complications. Humira is a TNF-alpha inhibitor commonly used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease. While Humira itself is not directly associated with causing retinal disease, patients with underlying inflammatory conditions may have ocular manifestations that require attention. In fact, Humira is sometimes prescribed to treat certain inflammatory eye conditions like uveitis. Patients taking Humira should have regular eye examinations, especially if they experience any visual changes such as blurred vision, floaters, or eye pain. This monitoring is important because inflammatory conditions that require Humira therapy can sometimes affect the eyes, including the retina. The medication works by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF), reducing inflammation throughout the body, including potentially beneficial effects on inflammatory eye conditions. However, any patient experiencing new or worsening eye symptoms while on Humira should promptly consult their healthcare provider for evaluation.

Some key points to consider:

  • The relationship between Humira and retinal disease is not well-established, but patients with inflammatory conditions should be monitored for eye complications 1.
  • Humira can be used to treat certain inflammatory eye conditions like uveitis.
  • Patients taking Humira should have regular eye examinations, especially if they experience any visual changes.
  • The medication works by blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF), reducing inflammation throughout the body, including potentially beneficial effects on inflammatory eye conditions.
  • Any patient experiencing new or worsening eye symptoms while on Humira should promptly consult their healthcare provider for evaluation.

It's worth noting that the provided evidence does not directly address the relationship between Humira and retinal disease, but rather discusses the management of dupilumab-related ocular surface disorders in people with atopic dermatitis 1. However, the general principles of monitoring for eye complications and managing inflammatory conditions can be applied to patients taking Humira. Overall, patients taking Humira should be monitored for eye complications and receive regular eye examinations to ensure early detection and treatment of any potential issues.

From the Research

Relationship between Adalimumab (Humira) and Retinal Disease

  • There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that establishes a relationship between Adalimumab (Humira) and retinal disease 2, 3, 4.
  • However, one study discusses the use of Adalimumab in treating uveitis due to Behçet's disease, which is a form of retinal disease 5.
  • In this study, Adalimumab was found to be effective in achieving remission in patients with uveitis due to Behçet's disease, and optimization of Adalimumab therapy was also found to be effective, safe, and cost-effective 5.
  • Another study discusses the treatment of retinal vein occlusion with Ranibizumab, but does not mention Adalimumab 6.
  • The studies that discuss Adalimumab in detail do not mention its relationship with retinal disease, but rather focus on its use in treating rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and other conditions 2, 3, 4.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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