2nd time on Humira - advice

[Mumto2boys]

I was on humira for a year odds back in 2012 during a really bad flare. I remained on it for just over a year and all was well for a long time.
I'm not overly symptomatic just now but have started back on it today after poo sample and colonoscopy showed active inflammation again. I've had a few bad weeks here and there but it settles down and I'm relatively ok. My consultant is trying to prevent a bad flare again.

I tolerated it well the first time, and am just wondering if anyone has restarted it and it's still been tolerated ok?

I'm a little nervous in case I get side effects this time.
Any advice appreciated. I had my loading dose of 4 injections today.
Thanks in advance.
Wendy X

 

[ronroush7]

Were you tested for antibodies before you started up again? Ask your doctor about that.

 

[JackG]

I've been wanting to retire but I can't because of the cost of Humira ($4000 monthly currently covered by my work insurance). Medicare & supplement only covers partially.

My GI says he would move me to Remicade which is entirely covered (because its infused in a hospital). But that if I rejected the Remicade I couldn't go back to Humira.

So which is true? Can Wendy go back to Humira or not? Would it still work for me if I tried Remicade but had to come back?

 

[ronroush7]

My understanding is that if you try to back to the same biologic you have to be tested for antibodies. Depending on what they find there, you may or may not be able to go back on the same biologic.

 

[george john]

I was told to never stop Humira, because your body will build up anti bodies. I had a bad sinus infection and just couldn't shake it. I stopped Humira and within 6 weeks i was in hospital from pain in left side. i was worried it was blockage. Had every scan and test,Doctors could not find out why i had such bad pain. 1 of them came in chew me out for quitting Humira,told me never do that again or I could build up antibodies. so they gave me multiple injections, now back on weekly shots.oh pain went away 2 weeks after I got back on Humira

 

[JackG]

Thanks, Ron and thanks, George. I guess we will all benefit this fall when the patent runs out on Humira. The Chicago Tribune said several months ago that companies were lining up with generic versions to take advantage of Humira's great popularity.

 

[ronroush7]

You are welcome.

 

[Mumto2boys]

Well I'm back on it now and haven't been tested for antibodies. I guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens!
I'm in the UK and due to the cost we only get it for a year then a further colonoscopy has to be done. My bowel looked good so they took me off it. 2 1/2 years later it wasn't looking as good so I'm back on it now.

Hoping it sorts me out!

Thanks
Wendy

 

[Maya142]

Both my daughters have been on Humira twice. Neither was tested for antibodies because the test was not available then. It has worked great for my older daughter - she is still on it, 3 years later. With my younger one, it worked but not as well as the first time. Her second trial of it only lasted a few months before she was moved to something else.

But no allergic reactions or any side effects or anything like that. Good luck!

 

[Mumto2boys]

Thank you x

 

[aladams2015]

I believe that there are programs that can help you pay for the Humira. Go to the drug website and check out the humira complete savings card and see if you qualify.