Anyone use Humira? What are/were your side effects?

[CrohnsChicago]

My GI is considering Humira for my moderate to severe Crohn's.

Has anyone on this forum been on Humira that can give me some insight?

Were there any initial / regular side effects?

Did you experience side effects after you were taken off of Humira (if applicable)?

Would you recommend it? Can you recommend any sites that either promote/ discredit Humira?

I know that all the medications for this dreaded disease are fairly new (in terms of development and research on long term results/effects) and come with some major risks, but I'm trying to decide what I feel is going to be the lesser of the evils and I think it would help to get some input from others.

This stuff just makes me nervous and drives me crazy at the same time. Always wondering why I had to be dealt this card...:confused2: oo:oo:

 

[EthanPSU]

I started humira about 8 weeks ago and no side effects to date. I would def recommend it, it has been the best medicine I've been on. (Taken Asacol, Remicade, Pred, Liada). Way easier to use then most of those too im my opinion

 

[CrohnsChicago]

Thanks for your input.

I was only recently diagnosed with Crohn's Colitis in May so this is all new to me. I have been taking Prednisone and Asacol to try and get things under control though I am one of those cases where my colon is almost entirely covered in ulcers. Managed to calm the 1st major flare and get off the Pred for 2 months. As of yesterday I am back on Pred for another serious flare (fevers, vomiting urges, mild fatigue, cramping/stabbing pains, bloody & mucous stool). I have not stopped taking the Asacol.

Tomorrow morning getting new blood/stool tests done (C-diff, stool samples, blood tests), to see what my new treatment plan will be....

 

[Keepingfaith]

I was on Hunmra & it gave me some relief but even after doubling the dose it never put me in remission. I've never been in remission though. I will say that other than Prednisone, Humira was the only drug to give me relief. Good luck!

 

[Ian_H]

Im about to start the Humira injections next week. A little nervous but ready to be done with PREDNISONE!!!! any insight/advise with Humira?

 

[Keepingfaith]

Lay it out for at least 20 minutes before injecting, do it in the place where you have the most fat & maybe ice the area where your going to inject for about 5-10 minutes so it can be numb. If you don't lay it out I can guarantee you that you'll be screaming or you'll immediately yank out the needle. It stings like a bee

 

[Natalie38]

Hi,

I have been using Humira for over two years. No side effects. Feel very good.
I take humira for crohns and ankyloysing spandalitus. I have total relief. Humira gave me my quality of life back.

Good luck!

 

[CrohnsChicago]

Thank you everyone for your responses!

I am glad most of you were able to find some sort of relief one way or another. Wishing everyone tons of luck, love and support!

 

[FDK80]

I'm about to start Humira therapy soon, guys wish me luck because i really need it.
There have been ups and downs lately and thus my GI recomends me to start the next level and go for Humira.

This thread actully helps.

All best for you CrohnsChigaco

 

[Shay]

Hello CrohnsChicago!
Another fellow Chicagoan here!
I have never heard of Humira before, but I myself and trying to find an alternative treatment.
My doctor recently gave me a referale to the University of Chicago, but I have been lazy. There they have many different treatment options, which is a better alternative than my doctors suggestion to try MM.
Im interested to know who or where your doctor is?

 

[Crusty007]

Hi there, been using Humira for nearly 2 years now, it works good, and have no obvious side-effects, (I can't look inside myself)..but I use a truckload of other things to keep my disease under control as well.

The prick is a bit nasty but there's one simple answer to that: it works, so suck it up. The disease gives you far worse pain.

One thing: long term side effects are totally unknown. Just so you know..

 

[CrohnsChicago]

My doctor is at Weiss Memorial.

While I am still getting to know Crohn's and he definitely has more of a scientific/medicine approach with regards to discussing it, he never opposes me trying alternative options.

And if I am feeling really sick he makes himself available via phone. He will even give a check-up call during his off days and pencil me in outside of his regular appointment hours if absolutely needed. I was in a painful flare mode last week and I called his office to ask his advice about my pain. I was told he was in surgery (he has a regular surgery day) but he would get the message. I kid you not he called me back 45 min later to follow up and and told me to come in first thing the next day regardless of whether or not he had time, he would "make time" he said.

I really appreciate doctors like that who can go above and beyond to help.