Humira Lawsuits

The arthritis drug Humira has been linked to a potential increased risk of cancer. In June 2008, the FDA issued an early communication about an ongoing safety review involving a possible association between reported cases of lymphoma and other cancers with Humira when used by children and young adults

STATUS OF HUMIRA LAWSUITS: Lawyers are evaluating research surrounding safety concerns involving cancer and Humira, which may result in the potential for legal claims.

MANUFACTURER: Abbott Laboratories, Inc.

OVERVIEW: Humira (adalimumab) is a tumor necrosis factor blocker, also known as TNF blocker, which is approved for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s disease, moderate to severe chronic psoriasis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which was previously called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

HUMIRA CANCER SIDE EFFECTS: A study published in the May 17, 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicated that Humira side effects could increase the risk of developing cancer. Warnings have been added to the prescribing information about the possible cancer risk.

In June 2008, the FDA released an early communication about an ongoing safety review involving Humira and a possible association with the development of lymphoma and other cancers among children and young adults using the TNF blockers. At least 30 reports of childhood cancer were received by the FDA involving the use of TNF blockers. Other medications indicated in this early communication were Remicade and Enbrel.

Approximately half of the cancers seen in children and young adults taking TNF blockers were lymphomas, including bother Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is a cancer of cells in the immune system. Lymphoma is not a recognized complication of JIA (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis) or of Crohn’s disease. Other cancers reported included leukemia, melanoma and solid organ cancers.