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Frequnecy of Humira?

I am just wondering if anyone goes longer than 2 weeks between your Humira dosing?? or go off it completely?

I did not like the idea of starting Humira in the first place due to all the scary possible side effects, but now that I have gained 20 pounds since starting it, and also have more acne than before, I am thinking maybe once I get well and get things under control, that possibly I could take it less frequently....

just a thought....
 

nogutsnoglory

Moderator
People don't always stick to their schedules but that's not a good thing. I would communicate your concerns to your doctor and see what they say. I would be surprised if they said its ok to not take it every other week since the data is based on that.
 
Well obviously I know my doctor is not going to say that it is ok to change the dosing. But I have seen some people say they gained 50-70 pounds. that is not ok with me. If I continue to gain weight like this i will NOT continue on humira.
 
I have been on Humira since July of this year. Today is my two week Humiraversary but I am not taking my injection. I plan on waiting at least another week before I take my next dose because I feel fine and, in the past, I have been perfectly fine taking half the recommended dose of my medicine. This same phenomenon was evident with meds to treat my arthritis: I took half a pill and felt fine. I think I metabolize my medicine differently.

The manufacturer of Humira no doubt would like for me to take the injection every two weeks. I represent $3,700.00 a month to them. Forgive me for doubting the nobility of their intentions. I will go by how I feel and how I react to the medicine. I have been fighting this battle (Crohns and arthritis) for 22 years. I have learned a thing or two. Take control of your disease and do what works best for you. Big pharma can help but you would be a fool to take their information at face value. That said, Humira has been life changing for me. Nonetheless, I will use it on my terms, not theirs.
 
Here is what I don't understand though.... How does the drug company make any money when so many people use that humira protection card?? (I only pay $5 for my Humira). And that card was provided by the drug company.... I don't get it....
 
I pay $20.00 for two pens; however, the receipt shows the retail price of $3,700.00. The drug company does not make money off of the co-pay. They are paid by the insurance company, though I doubt they collect $3,700.00. The most curious part of the process is the pharmacy. Never before has a pharmacy called me to remind me that I needed a re-fill. They must make a significant profit off of Humira.
 
Our pharmacy call us to remind us every refill, so I'm not sure that has anything to do with it being a biologic. I think it has more to do with the pharmacy, I think. My son's monthly meds aren't staggering since his bilogic his Remicade and not provided by this pharmacy. The pharmacy we use is a Nat'l chain but my Mom and Dad use a different Nat'l chain and still get the refill courtesy calls.
 
Our pharmacy call us to remind us every refill, so I'm not sure that has anything to do with it being a biologic. I think it has more to do with the pharmacy, I think. My son's monthly meds aren't staggering since his bilogic his Remicade and not provided by this pharmacy. The pharmacy we use is a Nat'l chain but my Mom and Dad use a different Nat'l chain and still get the refill courtesy calls.
While i think that it is smart business to call, even if only out of courtesy, to remind customers that a refill is due, I have been on Crohns meds for many, many years and I have NEVER received a call for a refill until I started using Humira.
 
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