Anyone on Humira without Methotrexate

[Mackie78]

Hi Folks,

I have been on Remicade/Infliximab for about 2.5-3 years with varying levels of success. However this success seems to be failing at a moderate rate.

I am on a dose of 5 mg/kg every four weeks which I understand to be the maximum permissable dose in the U.K.

As such my consultant has mentioned Humira.

The only potential issue I can see with Humira specific to me, is I have proven intolerant to Methotrexate which, reading on here seems to be a common accompaniment to Humira. As such I presume Methotrexate will not be subscribed alongside the Humira in my case.

So my two main questions (though I appreciate any information others think relative):

Are many people taking Humira without Methotrexate and what sort of success have you had?

Are people taking Humira alongside Azathioprene (don't know if this is even an option just trying to obtain any available info)

 

[KayleighMeek]

Hey,
I am not on methotrexate with humira because I refused as I had bad experiences with aza and 6mp and was to scared to try it. So far the humira is working well this is the first medication that has worked for over 6 months with very little side affects. Sorry can't answer your question about the aza and humira as I'm not able to take that medicine so it was never mentioned to me.
X

 

[effdee]

My brother, who has Crohn's as well, has been on Humira without Methotrexate for about 3 years and he has been in remission nearly the whole time. I'm not sure about your Azathioprine question but that's a good one to ask your doctor.

 

[beth]

I'm not on mtx with my Humira, and I haven't noticed many of us HJunkies who are. Still... With Infliximab you may have started to produce antibodies to it, as it's chimeric, if that's likely, rather than say it just not working enough for you, methotrexate may be added as an adjunctive to slow the production of those interfering antibodies. Methotrexate may also be used with Humira to boost it's overall effect as well. Slowing down the immune system's ability to produce the TNFalpha antibodies in the first place may mean less Humira is needed. That's if you can tolerate mtx at all. I couldn't it basically knocked me out.

So, how well does Humira work on it's own. Well, pretty well in my case. Tho I had to go to weekly injections to properly gain remission. Now on 10day intervals with success, so far. Other people need weekly for longer, others stick at two weeks interval and do very well.

As for azathioprine and Humira, there are people on it. You need to have regular blood tests as usual for aza as it can screw with your blood counts, or in my case potassium levels. But my feeling is that most people find remission without the need for adjunctive drugs.

 

[tflock]

I am not on methotrexate right now, but will most likely be moving to it very soon. I am on weekly injections right now and found that I responded well to the switch for about 3 weeks and then I went right back to the state where I was with shots every other week. As Beth mentioned, methotrexate can be effective to slow down the TNF antibodies and boost the effects of Humira. I was on 6MP with Remicade for about a week and then stopped both meds because my blood test showed that my liver was beginning to fail. I then started Humira and did very well for about 2.5 months and then I slowly regressed and now am where I am living a decently comfortable life but still having daily symptoms. The time when I was doing the best I have ever done while on bi weekly Humira was probably because the 6MP was still in my system because 6MP is known for some to take a long time to get completely out of them. The effectiveness of adding 6MP or methotrexate or aza with Humira for some could be the difference between remission and reaccuring symptoms.

 

[ChefShazzy]

I started methotrexate on its own first. Then, I started on Humira because my symptoms were not improving. I was on the Humira/Mtx combo for about 8 months. Methotrexate made me feel tired and nauseous for 2 days a week, so I asked my doc about stopping it. He said to go for it, and see what happens... Still taking Humira, and feeling fine...

 

[DAVI]

Hi had Humira for 18 months ,it stopped working so doctor took me off it in January, he is giving me it again to see if it works before I have a colostomy to rest my bowel. I cannot have Methotrexate as 18 years ago it made me really ill. I have got used to the thought of having a bag if things don’t work out...Glad it works for people, keep on taking the Humira.

 

[beth]

How often did you do the injections DAVI?

 

[DAVI]

once every 2 weeks..I sit at home and do it .my doctor gave me the choice hospital or home.I am intolerant to Azathioprine/6MP/methotrexate as you are.

 

[Scifimom]

Another just Humira Junkie here. I got the combo Humi/AZA for 6 months but quit AZA in March (Doctors orders) I am on Humira every two weeks and in some kind of remission, feel better have gained weight but I am still tired, suffer from headaches and cannot eat fiber.

My blood works are fine though and my last CRP levels were normal.

 

[MikeinBklyn]

Straight up Humira here.

 

[beth]

You should ask about weekly injections, makes a huge difference.

 

[Jen30]

Hay. I take weekly injections. For 10 years nothing worked for me. I was either allergic or in make me feel to sick. I now only take weekly injections and i have bn the best i have ever bn for 3 years now. xx

 

[Mackie78]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for all your replies.

I was hoping to get some positive responses about people being treated (successfully) with solely Humira - so I am happy people have taken the time to respond.

Thanks
:thumright:

 

[LindaS]

I was on only Humira since October, at first every other week and then weekly doses. However, it didn't work for me, so I started the Methotrexate 2 weeks ago.

I hope it works for you.

 

[Ian]

I'm on Humira, not on its own but with 6MP (which is like Aza) so there are possible combos other than Humira/MTX

 

[Emily]

I've been taking Humira for about 7months and it's been an incredible life-changer.
I had previously tried methotrexate and begged my doctor to take me off it since I started to feel really weak, had constant chills, and lost tons of hair.
So I've been taking Humira alone, without methotrexate... seems to be going well, though my doc said that there is a higher risk of develop an allergy to Humira when you do not have mtx on board :/