Humira

I'm so sorry to hear about your PCP pneumonia on Humira—I know that any biologic can make us more susceptible to infections because they suppress the immune system. I was on Humira a while back and also developed some strange infections, specifically a strain of strep throat that is only seen in the immune suppressed and elderly. But I am on Cimzia for about a year now and have had no infections (knock wood!). There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for why one medication causes an issue, and another in the same class doesn't.


I am glad you were able to restart Humira, though. I'm not sure if the chest tightness could be related but definitely let your doctor know as that's one of the symptoms you always want to report. I know that some people with AS have costochondritis, which inflammation of the cartilage in the ribs/breastbone and it can cause chest pain or tightness. I've struggled with costochondritis on and off for several years now and it can be uncomfortable and intermittent. Here is an article about the chest pain seen with AS: https://ankylosingspondylitis.net/symptoms/chest-pain


Hoping you are feeling okay today!

Hey . That sounds awful and I am so sorry you have experienced that. I personally never experienced chest tightness with Humira. I did, however, experience the typical "Humira hangover". Here is an article by one of our advocates about her husband's experience with Humira hangover and what it typically entails. https://ankylosingspondylitis.net/living/humira-hangover Also, if you haven't already, I would definitely give your doctor a call and see what they think about it. All my best, -Katie, Team Member