Understanding and Managing the "Humira Hangover"

Since Keegan, my husband with AS, began taking Adalimumab (Humira) over 2 years ago, he's always talked about a "Humira hangover." He'd describe it as a small period of time where his AS symptoms would peak from taking Humira.

It'd knock him out for almost an entire day sometimes.

After we had Kaya, our daughter, he talked to his doctor about it and how much it impeded his life when he took it weekly. Now, he's on Humira every other week. I decided to sit down and interview him to understand a bit more about what a "Humira hangover" is.

Humira side effects with AS: the Humira hangover

Keegan: I believe it may be an uncommon symptom of Humira. The 24 hours after taking an injection, my fatigue and pain are generally worse. A bunch of other symptoms I deal with are worse, but only for 24 hours, then they’re better. (So it’s very much like a hangover—you just gotta rest.)

It exacerbates other symptoms

Keegan: It exacerbates symptoms I’m currently feeling. Pain and fatigue are the top 2. The hangover amps everything up a little bit.

Changing the timing of the Humira injection

Keegan: I switched my Humira injection date from the middle of the week to the weekend so I could have the support of you (Auldyn.) I also take it at the end of the day so I sleep through most of the hangover, but it does make my sleep rough.

Does a Humira hangover feel like a flare-up?

Keegan: It kind of feels like a mini flare-up in my body, except there’s no way of controlling it. It kind of just goes away on its own.

How to manage a Humira hangover

Keegan: Taking it easy usually helps. That’s why it’s nice to take it on the weekend and have a relaxing day to go out with you (Auldyn) and Kaya. That way, I’m not the only one having to be active and responsible throughout the day.

Rest helps manage the painful side effects

Keegan: I feel like resting is better during a Humira hangover than it usually is for dealing with my symptoms. Usually, I would want to balance rest and activity to make sure my body doesn’t get too much of one or the other during the day. With the Humira hangover, I feel like just spending a good chunk of my day on the couch does help. I also use medical marijuana when my pain gets to a level where I’m not present anymore.

What does it look like to start a biologic?

Keegan: Honestly, deciding to go on Humira was a big choice for me. It was a choice between having a better quality of life with a couple of sacrifices or always being in pain. The Humira hangover is a small price to pay when it improves my quality of life the way it does. Honestly, I just see it as a side effect of my medication and not a big deal.

Talking to your healthcare team about treatment

Keegan: I have talked to my doctor. I have also mentioned it to my pharmacy reps. They don’t seem too familiar with "the hangover," even though it’s a well-known topic in online communities.

Have you ever dealt with a "Humira hangover" or similar symptoms after taking a biologic? Keegan and I would love to hear your story!