The Warnings Page - Litigation Watch: Arthritis Drugs - Dec. 2004

Humira Manufacturer to Add Infection, Anaphylaxis, Blood Disease Warnings to Label

Makers of the arthritis drug Humira have issued a 'Dear Doctor' letter indicating that potentially serious infections and allergic reactions have occurred in patients taking the drug.

In a Nov. 5 letter, Humira manufacturer Abbott Laboratories indicated that the FDA has received reports of infections when TNF-blocking agents such as Humira are used on conjunction with anakinra (Kineret), a therapy commonly used to reduce pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

'Therefore, the combination of HUMIRA and anakinra is not recommended,' the letter states.

As a result …