Horribe Headache - Began HUMIRA yesterday...

[lisadc1]

Hi everyone. After weeks of worry and anticipation, my nurse came yesterday to train me and to begin my loading doses. I had two injections yesterday and two today. Both days, afterwards, I have developed a horrible headache. After a bit of reading, I am supposing this is a normal side effect. What is safe to take? Am I suppose to stay away from Ibuprophen or Tylenol? Please, any advice is much appreciated. My head is throbbing...nauseated.

 

[DJW]

Sorry you're suffering. Tylonal is fine to take with IBD.
I've never been on Humira. So I know nothing about it.

 

[lisadc1]

I do take Tylenol for headaches normally but Ibuprophen is the only one that really helps. Thanks...just trying to suffer through for now. :/

 

[theOcean]

I get chronic migraines and before I take medication I make sure I've had enough to drink, eat, and gotten enough sleep because that often helps them. Otherwise: take Tylenol and Tylenol only. I know NSAIDs are the only things that help me too... You could ask to see a neurologist and get medication that won't aggravate your Crohn's if it persists.

 

[lisadc1]

theOcean, I gave up and took Ibuprophen around 2:30 this morning. Only 400 mg, which did nothing to help at all. Up this morning, same pain, just going to suffer through I suppose. Thank you for the advice! Going to try to take it easy today, sleep it off since I got very little last night. Maybe it will ease up.

 

[Nancye50]

Before I was diagnosed, I was taking ibuprofen around the clock for over a week. It made things so much worse. I hope you can get a prescription for the headaches!

 

[jjk308]

Headaches occurred in 12% of those getting Humira in the trials vs 8% of those getting the placebo. They may be related to sinus congestion since cold like symptoms are most of the other significant side effects.

 

[cd1992]

Ibuprofen is a big no for ibd sufferers I thought

 

[lisadc1]

It is, but the headaches get so bad, I HAVE to have some kind of relief.

I took my next loading dose (2 injections) of Humira yesterday. And the headache is back full power. YAY me...I also got injection site redness, with bumps. I am assuming/hoping that is normal??? If so, how long does it last?

 

[tots]

I had horrible headaches while on Humira, I ended up in the ER with them.
Half a pain pill and I was fine.


Lauren

 

[Scaryman]

If you still have ongoing headaches with this drug- its important to tell your Doctor as they need to know any and all reactions from the start of this drug, it maybe the start of a serious reaction. Or it just might be the way your body is handling this powerful drug. Everyone reacts differently.

Hope you feel better.

 

[lisadc1]

Scaryman, the headaches fade after about three days. I had the initial two-day loading doses, with the horrible headaches and then again on Saturday. I took Excedrin Migraine last night because I couldn't take it anymore. I hope that one is okay to take. It is still there this morning, but more of a dull ache, not as piercing as it was last night. The injection site redness is still there as well, itching like crazy. But I haven't put anything on it. Thank you for the insight!

 

[Nancye50]

No, excedrine migraine has aspirin in it

 

[Miss Underestimated]

I would tell my doctor or nurse. There are pain medications they can give you, and they might need to check to see if you're having a serious reaction. I sometimes take Ultracet - I don't take it for headaches, but it can be taken for that.

 

[lisadc1]

I did talk to the nurse today, and they seem to think it is normal. Was told to take Benadryl a few hours before my next injection, and that taking Excedrin was okay as long as I limited it. Still have the headache, but not like it was the last two days. Still have the injection site redness and itchiness as well. Lots of tiredness, rolling intestines. Just waiting to get to the remission phase. Thanks for your advice everyone!

 

[Miss Underestimated]

Bah I hate when they blow off our pain. I would have yelled at her, but then I'm old and I can get away with it.

 

[tots]

My Dr said pain meds don't cure CD, I said they also don't cure kidney stones or labor pain, he said well played and decided it was a bit barbaric to expect us to shrink away and deal with our pain alone!!


Lauren

 

[lisadc1]

Abbvie/HUMIRA called yesterday to check on me and asked for side effect symptoms. I reported the headaches and site reactions to them. On the phone an hour...ughhh. But they didn't really seem concerned either, just asked what I took, how long it took for headaches to go away, etc...Never had headaches like those before, so I will definitely be watchful with the next injection.

 

[Scaryman]

Abbvie/HUMIRA called yesterday to check on me and asked for side effect symptoms. I reported the headaches and site reactions to them. On the phone an hour...ughhh. But they didn't really seem concerned either, just asked what I took, how long it took for headaches to go away, etc...Never had headaches like those before, so I will definitely be watchful with the next injection.

I do remember having to go to a neurologist. My GI wanted me to get my head checked :ybatty::eek2::tongue:. When they did the MRI and everything was fine, not only did a call them on it. :rof: Just kidding but they prescribed me a drug for headaches....cant remember it. But the headaches (in my case) went away over time.

 

[lisadc1]

Hahaha...I am just going to be watchful for now. If it happens any more then I will be more persistent. Hanging on to faith that this is going to be my wonder drug and the symptoms fade.