Can Humira cause dry mouth?: Understanding Adalimumab and Xerostomia

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Mayo Clinic, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a less common but reported side effect of adalimumab, the active ingredient in Humira. It is important for patients to consider all potential causes of persistent dryness, as it may be linked to other conditions or medications.

Quick Summary

Dry mouth is a possible side effect of the biologic drug Humira (adalimumab). While not common, it can occur and may be related to either the medication itself or underlying inflammatory conditions. This article details the potential causes and offers practical strategies for managing the symptoms of xerostomia.

Key Points

Less Common Side Effect: Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a less common, but reported, side effect of Humira (adalimumab).
Underlying Condition: The cause of dry mouth may be related to the inflammatory disease being treated, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or associated conditions like Sjögren's syndrome.
Comprehensive Evaluation: Healthcare providers can differentiate between drug-induced dry mouth and other causes through a full medical history and additional testing.
Management Strategies: Effective management includes lifestyle adjustments like increasing hydration and using a humidifier, as well as over-the-counter and prescription options.
Oral Health Importance: Chronic dry mouth can increase the risk of oral health issues like cavities, making diligent oral hygiene essential.
Do Not Stop Treatment: Patients should not stop taking Humira without consulting their doctor, as abruptly discontinuing the medication could worsen their underlying condition.

Is Dry Mouth a Side Effect of Humira?

Yes, dry mouth, medically known as xerostomia, is a documented but less common side effect of Humira (adalimumab). Humira is a biologic medication used to treat various inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease, and psoriatic arthritis. However, pinpointing the exact cause of dry mouth can be complex, as patients on biologics often have co-existing conditions or take other medications that may also cause this symptom.

Adalimumab works by blocking tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a protein that drives the inflammation process in the body. While this effectively controls the primary disease, it can sometimes lead to unintended side effects. For instance, some biologics and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are known to cause adverse oral effects, including dry mouth. It is essential for patients to discuss any new or worsening symptoms with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.

The Overlap with Underlying Conditions

For many patients taking Humira, especially those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), dry mouth may not be solely caused by the medication. There is a significant overlap with autoimmune conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, which causes the immune system to attack moisture-producing glands, such as the salivary glands. Patients with RA are at a higher risk of developing Sjögren's syndrome. This makes a clear distinction between a medication side effect and a separate, co-existing condition crucial for proper diagnosis and management.

Your rheumatologist or dentist may perform additional tests to rule out Sjögren's syndrome. Symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome typically include dry eyes in addition to dry mouth. Other potential causes of dry mouth in patients on Humira could include dehydration, taking other medications with xerostomic properties, or nerve damage.

Identifying and Managing Humira-Related Dry Mouth

Distinguishing between medication-induced dryness and an underlying condition requires a thorough medical evaluation. To help manage symptoms, it's beneficial to track when your dry mouth started in relation to your Humira treatment and any other medications you are taking. Your doctor may suggest adjusting your dosage or trying different treatment options if Humira is the suspected cause.

Practical Strategies for Relief

Many patients find relief for dry mouth symptoms through lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter remedies. These strategies can help manage discomfort and mitigate associated oral health risks, such as an increased chance of cavities or oral infections.

Lifestyle Adjustments:

Hydrate Regularly: Sipping water throughout the day can help keep the mouth moist. It is also beneficial to drink water with meals to aid with chewing and swallowing.
Improve Oral Hygiene: Maintain an excellent dental care routine, including brushing and flossing daily. Using an alcohol-free mouthwash is important, as alcohol-based rinses can worsen dryness.
Avoid Drying Agents: Limit or avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco products, as these are known to cause or exacerbate dry mouth.
Use a Humidifier: Running a room humidifier, especially at night, adds moisture to the air and can provide relief.
Breathe Through Your Nose: Consciously breathing through your nose can help reduce mouth dryness, particularly while sleeping.

Over-the-Counter and Prescription Options:

Oral Lubricants: Saliva substitutes, available as sprays, gels, or rinses, can provide temporary relief.
Sugar-Free Stimulants: Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free hard candies can help stimulate saliva flow. Products containing xylitol may offer additional dental benefits.
Prescription Medications: For severe or persistent cases, your doctor may prescribe medications like pilocarpine or cevimeline to stimulate saliva production, especially if an underlying condition like Sjögren's is diagnosed.

Comparison of Dry Mouth Remedies


Remedy Type	Examples	Pros	Cons
Lifestyle Changes	Sipping water, humidifiers, avoiding caffeine	No cost, natural, addresses dehydration	May not be sufficient for moderate to severe cases
Oral Lubricants (OTC)	Artificial saliva sprays/gels, xylitol products	Immediate, temporary relief; easy to find	Requires frequent reapplication; only masks symptoms
Prescription Stimulants	Pilocarpine, Cevimeline	Effectively increases natural saliva production	Can have systemic side effects (sweating, nausea)
Sugar-Free Gum/Candy	Xylitol-containing products	Stimulates natural saliva; readily available	May cause gas or bloating in large quantities; temporary relief

Consulting Your Healthcare Team

If you believe your dry mouth is a side effect of Humira, the most important step is to speak with your healthcare provider. They can assess your full medical history, review all medications you are taking, and perform tests to investigate potential underlying causes, such as Sjögren's syndrome. Do not stop taking Humira without consulting your doctor, as this could cause your underlying inflammatory condition to worsen. Your doctor can help you develop a safe and effective management plan.

Conclusion

While can Humira cause dry mouth? The answer is yes, as a less common side effect, it is critical to investigate all possible contributing factors. The symptom can also be linked to the inflammatory disease being treated or other medications. By working closely with your healthcare provider and implementing effective management strategies, you can minimize the impact of dry mouth and maintain your quality of life while on Humira. Consistent communication with your doctor about your symptoms is key to ensuring you receive the appropriate treatment and support. A comprehensive approach involving hydration, oral hygiene, and targeted remedies can provide significant relief.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. For more information about adalimumab, please refer to the FDA's approved labeling for Humira.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, dry mouth is considered a less common side effect of Humira (adalimumab), although it has been reported by some patients. Other, more common side effects include injection site reactions, headaches, and rashes.

Yes. Patients taking Humira for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk for developing Sjögren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that specifically targets moisture-producing glands and causes dry mouth and eyes. Other factors, including other medications, can also contribute.

If you experience dry mouth, you should first inform your healthcare provider. They can help determine the cause and recommend the most appropriate management strategy. They may suggest lifestyle changes, over-the-counter remedies, or possibly a change in your treatment plan.

Over-the-counter options include chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva flow. You can also use saliva substitutes available as sprays, gels, or rinses. Products containing xylitol may also help prevent cavities.

Yes, several lifestyle changes can provide relief. These include sipping water frequently throughout the day, using a room humidifier, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco, and breathing through your nose rather than your mouth.

Your doctor may evaluate your symptoms and determine if adjusting your Humira dosage or switching to an alternative medication is necessary. However, never alter your medication dosage or stop treatment without consulting your doctor first.

Humira does not cause Sjögren's syndrome, but patients with inflammatory conditions like RA are at higher risk for Sjögren's. Since both conditions can cause dry mouth, a rheumatologist may need to rule out Sjögren's syndrome to find the root cause of the symptom.