What makes Humira an immunosuppressant?
The Humira (Adalimumab) injection works to treat auto-immune conditions (where the body's own immune system attacks itself). These auto-immune disorders include Rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease, as well as several others. Because the basic underlying problem in disorders such as these is that the immune system is over active and over stimulated, Humira acts to slow down (supress) the immune system, making the immune system less responsive to the false triggers it's interpreting from the body but also to triggers like infections. However, because the immune system is suppressed when taking Humira, it is much more difficult for the body to fight other infections and it will not sufficiently form antibodies to develop a resistance to even minor infections, so great care must be taken to avoid contact with other infectious sources, so even vaccines could be dangerous. Your doctor can explain more to you about the risks and benefits or Humira and will help you decide if it is right for you.
