Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
hawkeye53
I have never had high blood pressure before, started humira about 6 weeks ago. I went to dr. yesterday for follow-up and blood pressure is elevated. He wants me to take it daily for a week and see if it remains elevated. i do have a URI finished antibiotics a few days ago and humira on hold for 10 days. He thought may be related to URI. I have had some success with the humira as able to wean off low dose prednisone i had been on for 6 months so don't want to have to switch to something else if don't need to. i searched side-effects and it does say humira can cause high blood pressure. Has anyone else had this as a side effect?
Trooper45yrs
I have been on Humira a few years now. I have also been on BP medicine for a number of years - mostly ACE inhibitors to help protect my kidneys after kidney failure brought on by methotrexate. My BP is higher now than it was a few years ago, but who knows why? My Rx for my BP is twice what it used to be to contain it. BUT... I also know that if/when I am feeling good (in remission from my RA), I get out and exercise (or use my in-home portable exercise machine), and my blood pressure rapidly goes back to more normal ranges. Could it be that your RA is keeping you sedentary? If so, that may be the real cause of your higher BP (that and high salt intake).
Trooper45yrs
One other thing... my BP is always way high when I go to the doctor's office (I get that white coat syndrome, for sure). Perhaps you experience that as well. Definitely keep track of your BP, at least a few times per day. You don't want a stroke or other such horror.
deleted_user
I haven't had this issue. We're you anxious, stressed or angry before your appointment? Eat anything unusual?
hawkeye53
Sorry didn't respond, I've been out of town. Actually the last 2 months I've exercised more than normal 3-4 times/week as been in PT from surgery. I've taken BP daily since Wed and pretty close to what docs office had gotten so most likely not related to being in docs office. Diet has not changed and only new med in 6 months is the humira. also liver enzymes were slightly elevated currently in injectable methotrexate. In the less common side effects lists increased bp for humira, I'll check in with pcp later in week as supposed to report bp see rheumy in 2 weeks just didn't know if should check in with rheumy's office with increased bp as will have another humira dose prior to seeing her.
MarkusB
Noticed you said you had a uri recently. Have you been taking any cold or allergy meds to relieve symptoms? Many will raise blood pressure and are not recommended for people with high blood pressure. If you do need to relieve symptoms the pharmacist can tell you which meds will not cause blood pressure issues.
hawkeye53
i did not know that some cold and allergy meds can cause increased bp thanks so much for the info
MarkusB
Was trying to remember what I take. Believe it is Coracidan HBP.
lynnedavidson3
It can be hard to tell sometimes. Are you taking any NSAID 's ? These have raised my blood pressure. It is a good idea to check with your Doc's.
Join the Conversation