Humira Club Support Group

[Emily]

Yep, Humira gets it's name from "HUman Monoclonal Antibody in Rheumatoid Arthritis" (I guess Humira just looks nicer than Humara?) as it was the first fully human monoclonal antibody approved by the FDA.
From Wikipedia:

Adalimumab was constructed from a fully human monoclonal antibody, while infliximab is a mouse-human chimeric antibody.

And I think all immunizations should be up to date when starting Humira, included Hep A & B? I had them done a few years before started Humira so I'm not sure whether someone not immunized would be required to. I would imagine so though.

 

[Michelle89]

:shifty-t: hmmm, I was only sent for blood work and a urine test to make sure I could take humira. Nothing about vaccines..... would it be because I'm on prednisone?

 

[Emily]

I wonder if it's because you are already up to date on your vaccines? It was the same with me, just blood test and the TB test. I wonder if certain vaccines aren't a requirement for taking Humira or if they just don't mention it if they see that your vaccine record is up to date.

 

[Scaryman]

I wonder if it's because you are already up to date on your vaccines? It was the same with me, just blood test and the TB test. I wonder if certain vaccines aren't a requirement for taking Humira or if they just don't mention it if they see that your vaccine record is up to date.

Blood test and TB test for me as well.

 

[greeneyes1079]

Just had another MRI, and since I still have some active sections of disease after about 14 weeks, I'm being upped to weekly doses. Hopefully this does the trick...don't really want to go the Remicade route, which would probably be the next step. Having to go to the hospital to get the treatments would just be so time consuming. Come on Humira, lets get to remission!

 

[MrsC]

My GI told me that if the Humira doesn't work only other option is to go in and remove that section.

 

[Scaryman]

My GI told me that if the Humira doesn't work only other option is to go in and remove that section.

That's what I was told regarding strictures.

 

[MrsC]

Scary I also have strictures at the resection site. That is the reason doc told me that.

 

[Scaryman]

Ah I have never had surgery, yet.

 

[MrsC]

Yeah had Surgery in 1993 removed ascending part of colon and 6 ft of small intest, but I did good for 17 yrs managing on diet since allergic to pred, pentasa, and sulfas. GI said I have done better than most and if it comes to it he will try give me another good run.

 

[Aura]

I haven't had surgery yet - my gi said don't say yet My cd us near stomach at beginning of small intestate nd towards the end of small intents. I don't know what so of surgery they wld do when the meds stop working

 

[Michelle89]

Well, looks like I am being added to the club. I have my first loading dose tomorrow. I'm anxious to get going on something that works, but wish it didn't involve shots..... This is my busiest month and not sure how I will handle the loading doses and continue my schedule! Oh well, here we go......

 

[Gra]

Well, looks like I am being added to the club. I have my first loading dose tomorrow. I'm anxious to get going on something that works, but wish it didn't involve shots..... This is my busiest month and not sure how I will handle the loading doses and continue my schedule! Oh well, here we go......

Michelle, don't worry, the loading shots are not as bad a they sound. A short sharp sting which quickly fades away. Less painful than a bee sting in my estimation. choose an area that has good fat cover, hurts less than into muscle. Also try to avoid large visible veins. And remember to allow the pen(s) to come to room temperature for about 20-30 mins before injecting.

Hope it all goes well for you.


2

 

[Dukeis]

Well, looks like I am being added to the club. I have my first loading dose tomorrow. I'm anxious to get going on something that works, but wish it didn't involve shots..... This is my busiest month and not sure how I will handle the loading doses and continue my schedule! Oh well, here we go......

Good Luck Today! Hope all goes well for you and Humira works well!

 

[Michelle89]

Had my first loading dose this afternoon. I went in to my GI's office and his nurse went over everything with me. She did the first shot and I did the other 3. It does hurt for sure, but a maintenance dose of one shot every two weeks seems doable after today. Especially if it helps me feel better! Thankfully, other than my legs being a bit sore I'm not feeling any other effects.

Thanks for the support!

 

[Aura]

Good on u Michelle, hope it goes well for you too

 

[Gra]

Well done Michelle!

2

 

[greeneyes1079]

Hope the Humira starts to work for you Michelle! Even though its not working as fast for me and had to be upped to weekly doses, I feel so much better now! Now that you have the loading doses over, it should be easy!

 

[Eilidh]

I had an allergic reaction to Infliximab, which was quite scary, have now been told I have to start Humira in the near future. Was told Infliximab and Humira are in the same drug family but hopefully you will be ok with it! Just wondering if anyone on here had a reaction to Infliximab but are ok with Humira?

 

[IAmTheWalrus]

I had an allergic reaction to Infliximab, which was quite scary, have now been told I have to start Humira in the near future. Was told Infliximab and Humira are in the same drug family but hopefully you will be ok with it! Just wondering if anyone on here had a reaction to Infliximab but are ok with Humira?

Some people, I believe although don't take my word on it, have a reaction to the rat protein in Remicade whereas Humira has human protein in it. What exactly that means I'm not 100% sure.

 

[Eilidh]

Thanks, will look into it. Thanks for that link too, very interesting.

 

[Switalski]

Eilidh,

I'm in the same club as you - reaction to Remicade; just did loading dose of Humira last week. Thankfully, no adverse reaction. The feeling I get from my GI is that an adverse reaction to Remicade is not uncommon and that the mouse protein used in Remicade may be the cause. Humira is 100% human, so fewer adverse reactions. Good luck with it.

 

[scoutfinch]

Same here - developed an allergic anaphylactic reaction to Remicade after a year. On Humira for 2 months now with no problem. My doctor said an anaphylactic reaction to Humira would be very unlikely.

 

[spinnychick]

HI everyone, I may soon be new to Humira. Currently on remicade but switched jobs which meant switching insurance and the new insurance won't cover remicade, only humira. Does anyone know if Humira doesn't work if I can go back to remicade after being off it?

 

[Clash]

Spinnychick, have you read the Switching Anti-TNF Agents? It is posted in the Research section, or click on link from above, it might give you some insight into switching between the two though it has been awhile since I have read it, so not completely sure. Good luck with Humira!

 

[spinnychick]

Thanks Clash. I'm super confused right now. Remicade coordinator wants me to stay on that and offering it free (temporarily), but I don't know why I would if it will eventually run out. GI is unresponsive and won't return my calls to see him so I don't know what to be doing.

 

[Gra]

Thanks Clash. I'm super confused right now. Remicade coordinator wants me to stay on that and offering it free (temporarily), but I don't know why I would if it will eventually run out. GI is unresponsive and won't return my calls to see him so I don't know what to be doing.

I assume that the Remicade is working for you at present, if so, and they are offering to give it to you free, I cant see any reason to switch. But what does "temporarily" mean? Perhaps if you find out how long "temporary" you can decide which way to go.

 

[spinnychick]

I assume that the Remicade is working for you at present, if so, and they are offering to give it to you free, I cant see any reason to switch. But what does "temporarily" mean? Perhaps if you find out how long "temporary" you can decide which way to go.

Temporarily means until i get partial coverage through trillium and eap. But I am not interested in paying a big deductible if I can get humira free. Also heard the more remi I take and then go off the more chance I can't go back on due to developping antibodies to it.

 

[Aura]

Sounds like you know where you are heading Dee. Just confirm with yr gi

 

[DougUte]

Don't you love it when insurance companies play doctor? Dee, Humira is a good med. I have been on it for 20 months now. My colonoscopy last week found no inflammation from Crohns. I'm still in remission. Now my anastomosis scarring was blocking my gut ofF and causing me pain and grief, and for some reason I have a lot of D, but no active inflammation.

 

[Aura]

I got my *** this Thursday I am hoping to get a gi apt soon as I need them to get approval for humira for another year

 

[jonique]

Hi All, I am going for my first induction dose tomorrow morning. The nurse at my GI doc's office is going to teach me. She told me to take Tylenol before I go and it will help with the pain. I'm pretty nervous about the injections and especially about doing them myself. I have been on Methotrexate injections for 9 months but I go to the doctor to get them so have no experience giving myself an injection (I get them in the back of my arms). The Metho injections don't hurt at all but I have read in previous posts that the Humira stings.

My question is, how do you feel after the injections? The nurse said that most people don't feel anything (other than the stinging) but then the next day may feel tired. I will be going to work right after so worried that I will feel nauseous or wiped out. What was your experience?

 

[Scaryman]

Hi All, I am going for my first induction dose tomorrow morning. The nurse at my GI doc's office is going to teach me. She told me to take Tylenol before I go and it will help with the pain. I'm pretty nervous about the injections and especially about doing them myself. I have been on Methotrexate injections for 9 months but I go to the doctor to get them so have no experience giving myself an injection (I get them in the back of my arms). The Metho injections don't hurt at all but I have read in previous posts that the Humira stings.

My question is, how do you feel after the injections? The nurse said that most people don't feel anything (other than the stinging) but then the next day may feel tired. I will be going to work right after so worried that I will feel nauseous or wiped out. What was your experience?

You may feel fine, but I'd be prepared on feeling tired.

 

[IAmTheWalrus]

@ Jonique

I felt a bit light headed after doing my loading doses. Most likely from the panicking I was doing before hand! The IBD nurse did it for me, and continued to do so for about 2 months, I used to travel up to her in the hospital to do them. I eventually did them without her help and from there on in I did them on my own at home.

The biggest worry was that I'd pull the pen away and waste the medicine if it was too painful but your instinct won't let you. Sometimes the pain can be a bugger but it lasts for all of 9-10 seconds. MAKE SURE YOU ICE THE AREA ADEQUATELY!! It helps sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!, so much to the point you won't even feel the pain.

Good luck and welcome to the club. As I said recently to another newbie this is were all the cool kids hang out.

=]

 

[Aura]

Good luck with it, all sounds good advice to me

 

[myriahdawn]

Starting Humira on Wednesday! Overall my Crohn's symptoms are mild, but I am hoping it will help heal my annoying fistula!

 

[jonique]

I had my four injections this morning and like IAmTheWalrus I felt a bit lightheaded after so had to sit in the waiting room for about 10 minutes. I also got a bit flushed in the face but otherwise I feel fine. It's been about 8 hours now and i am starting to feel tired but I always feel tired at the end of work day so can't tell if there is any difference.

The nurse did all four injections which helped. They stung a little bit but not bad at all. Doing them myself will be another story Next time, I will do one or both.

So, so far so good!

 

[spinnychick]

So, as a potnetial newbie I've decided to allow myself a few stupid questions. Do you "load" humira, like have loading doses? Also, is it 4 needles (one each thigh, one each side of tummy) and is it always 4 needles? How long do people usually stay on humira?

 

[lost kitten]

So, as a potnetial newbie I've decided to allow myself a few stupid questions. Do you "load" humira, like have loading doses? Also, is it 4 needles (one each thigh, one each side of tummy) and is it always 4 needles? How long do people usually stay on humira?

Yes, loading doses are usually 4, then a fortnight later 2, then each fortnight after that 1.
I had all 4 shots in my stomach (2 left, 2 right, top & bottom).
I've been on humira for over 2 years now (can't remember when I started it atm) and it's saved me from having surgery so far.

 

[IAmTheWalrus]

Starting Humira on Wednesday! Overall my Crohn's symptoms are mild, but I am hoping it will help heal my annoying fistula!

That was the reason I had to start Humira, annoying fistula, well two, that wouldn't bugger off. I've no drainage nor pain since starting. Good luck.

 

[Michelle89]

So, as a potnetial newbie I've decided to allow myself a few stupid questions. Do you "load" humira, like have loading doses? Also, is it 4 needles (one each thigh, one each side of tummy) and is it always 4 needles? How long do people usually stay on humira?

As others said, yes there are two loading doses. I had the inital loading dose of 4 shots all in my thighs. Tomorrow (or today now) I will do the second loading dose of 2 shots, one in each thigh. Then the maintenance dose of 1 shot every two weeks. I'm hoping humira will get me years of feeling good! Good luck deciding!

 

[spinnychick]

As others said, yes there are two loading doses. I had the inital loading dose of 4 shots all in my thighs. Tomorrow (or today now) I will do the second loading dose of 2 shots, one in each thigh. Then the maintenance dose of 1 shot every two weeks. I'm hoping humira will get me years of feeling good! Good luck deciding!

The decision isn't mine to make, it's up to my doc and the insurance company unfortunately. So from what I understand, after two loading dose, it's only one shot every two weeks?? Wow, I thought it was 4 shots every two weeks. YAY!

 

[Aura]

Did my *** last night, it was a bit of a stinger. I have nearly got to Friday as my *** day, yay! Had crazy dreams, so pleased to wake up. My nails are developing lots of vertical ridges and lines, does anyone else have this?

 

[Dexky]

Hey K, we were told those fingernail issues are likely due to low Calcium.

 

[lost kitten]

I get that too, mostly on my thumbs

 

[Dukeis]

Looks like I'll be leaving the Humira club. I was suppose to have my last dose before surgery this week. The flu has decided to pay our house a visit. The flu shot never did a thing for 3 of us this year. So no Humira this week and I guess for awhile.

 

[taylorali]

Humira Club! Love it!

I've been on Humira since October, 2012.

It does help with my severe joint pain. (I get swollen knees, ankles, fingers, & wrists.) But unfortunately, it did not put me in remission. I had to have surgery in January-I had extreme abceses from my first surgery that were causing severe pain & constipation-not to mention the crohn's was back. :/

Now I am recovering from surgery. Started my first dose of Humira post-op on Wednesday.

I am the same as many of you-I cannot give myself the shot. My fiance came with me the learn how to do. The first four shots that I did with the nurse we did in my thighs. NEVER AGAIN! It is so much less painful to squeeze your belly as much as you can for the shot. I always take it out of the fridge too. The less cold it is, the less stringing involved! It still hurts, but not nearly as bad.

Here's hoping we can all be in remission for a long time!!

 

[greeneyes1079]

Hi All, I am going for my first induction dose tomorrow morning. The nurse at my GI doc's office is going to teach me. She told me to take Tylenol before I go and it will help with the pain. I'm pretty nervous about the injections and especially about doing them myself. I have been on Methotrexate injections for 9 months but I go to the doctor to get them so have no experience giving myself an injection (I get them in the back of my arms). The Metho injections don't hurt at all but I have read in previous posts that the Humira stings.

My question is, how do you feel after the injections? The nurse said that most people don't feel anything (other than the stinging) but then the next day may feel tired. I will be going to work right after so worried that I will feel nauseous or wiped out. What was your experience?

I tend to feel tired the day after my injections...which I didn't realize until my Dr told me to watch and see how I reacted, but now I know. As for the sting, it's not bad, a few seconds and that's it, just leave it out for a little bit so it's not as cold and it's virtually painless....at least for me, but I know we're all different. Hope all went well and you're on your way to recovery!:ybiggrin:

 

[jonique]

I have been feeling pretty good since the four injections last Monday. My energy is definitely up. I just finished cleaning my entire condo without a break! This is big for me. One thing that I did notice was that I had horrible heartburn with reflux and abdominal distention for two days but it is better now. I had to double up on the omeprazole and take Gaviscon to settle it back down. I am not sure if that was from the Humira or something else. It was quite a coincidence though. Has anyone else had that problem? I will see if it happens again after my next injection (2 pens) next week.

 

[taylorali]

My energy is definitely up. I just finished cleaning my entire condo without a break! This is big for me. One thing that I did notice was that I had horrible heartburn with reflux and abdominal distention for two days but it is better now. I had to double up on the omeprazole and take Gaviscon to settle it back down.

wow! That's amazing! I can't even get out of bed yet! You go girl!

I have experienced the exact same thing in terms of the acid reflux! I had to move up to nexium because it got so bad! Ended up that I had some serious stomach issues after an endoscopy. I'm starting to form ulcers, so it's something you should check out. Might just be the news meds though!

 

[MikeSA]

The first four shots that I did with the nurse we did in my thighs. NEVER AGAIN! It is so much less painful to squeeze your belly as much as you can for the shot. I always take it out of the fridge too. The less cold it is, the less stringing involved! It still hurts, but not nearly

I find that my thighs are less painful than my stomach Although I haven't injected my stomach for a while, and maybe the pinching might help. But holding it in your hand for a minute or so to warm it up slightly from the cold fridge definitely helps!

 

[Astra]

I'm a newbie to Humira, had my first shots 2 weeks ago. Next one is tomorrow.
Can I ask, when is the best time to do the shots, morning, evening, bedtime?
I'm thinking of doing it when I get home from work. Any side effects, at least I'm at home and can sleep it off?
Thanks xx

 

[Scaryman]

I'm a newbie to Humira, had my first shots 2 weeks ago. Next one is tomorrow.
Can I ask, when is the best time to do the shots, morning, evening, bedtime?
I'm thinking of doing it when I get home from work. Any side effects, at least I'm at home and can sleep it off?
Thanks xx

Depends, do you feel tired after the shots? If so then I'd do them at n.ite. I had major fatique issues. But I'm on methotrexate with humira. So that combo packs a bigger punch. It's very individualized depending on how your affected with the doses.

 

[Aura]

I've been shifting my *** to Friday so I can sleep nd do stuff all on weekend. I do get tired day after ***.

 

[Dexky]

We do EJ's at night. He takes benadryl 1/2 hour before to avoid itchy injection site. For him, it's the benadryl that wipes him out. He doesn't feel fatigued the next day though. He hasn't mentioned that anyway.

 

[DougUte]

I'm a newbie to Humira, had my first shots 2 weeks ago. Next one is tomorrow.
Can I ask, when is the best time to do the shots, morning, evening, bedtime?
I'm thinking of doing it when I get home from work. Any side effects, at least I'm at home and can sleep it off?
Thanks xx

Hi Joan! I prefer the evenings because it does make me fatigued. I usually have tiredness the next day, so I prefer Friday evening.

 

[Scaryman]

Hi Joan! I prefer the evenings because it does make me fatigued. I usually have tiredness the next day, so I prefer Friday evening.

LOL, thats why I shifted my Injections from Wednesday to friday a month ago.

 

[spinnychick]

So, the drug company fairies have wangled me a free dose of remicade but my clock is running out and I'm sure I will soon be on humira instead so I will quietly follow the thread from the backround and learn from y'all. Happy, healthy days to everyone. Oh, and my doc has prescribed me Imuran - anyone have any experience with that in conjustion with remi or humi?

 

[lost kitten]

Imuran + Humira for 2+ years. No problems so far

 

[Aura]

I am on them both to , no problems so fdr

 

[spinnychick]

Did either of you just start on one or the other first and then have the second added because one drug alone wasn't doing enough?

 

[jonique]

Did either of you just start on one or the other first and then have the second added because one drug alone wasn't doing enough?

I have been on Methotrexate for nearly one year but it does not work well enough and causes too many side-effects. I started Humira last week (4 shots) and will slowly decrease the Methotrexate until I am off it altogether (fingers crossed). It will take about 4 months to do.

interesting though that my GI doc gave me the humira and told me I could slowly decrease and stop the Methtrexate but my rheumatologist wants me to stay on the methotrexate as she says it helps to prevent your body from making antibodies to the Humira. This is why it works for a while and then stops working, she says.

I have been dealing with conflicting directions from the two of them for over a year now! I hate taking Methotrexate so hopeful that I can stop it. So far the Humira has been good.

 

[lost kitten]

Did either of you just start on one or the other first and then have the second added because one drug alone wasn't doing enough?

I've been on imuran since diagnosed in 1999, along with sulfasalazine. Tried remicade but it didn't work out after 3 infusions, so shifted over to humira. I was also on prednisolone when I started on humira, and once since then during a flare last year.
Just have to be extra careful because of the lowered immune system and everything.

 

[Astra]

Thanks peeps
So, I did my shot Tuesday night, and even tho I'm on Amitriptyline I tossed n turned all night and was very hot. Felt a bit sick too. Sooooo tired today too!
I want to ask, my next shot is in 2 weeks time, on a Tuesday.
Would it be ok to wait a few more days and do it Friday night? Or...
Do it earlier on the Friday before the Tuesday that it's due?
Hope that makes sense, lol !!

 

[Dexky]

We switched from Friday to Sunday w/o problem but you might want to stretch out such a change over a couple of injections.

 

[Michelle89]

Did either of you just start on one or the other first and then have the second added because one drug alone wasn't doing enough?

I've been on Imuran for 2 years. I was put on prednisone in December 2012 for a flare with stricture and started Humira this month. My GI says I will continue the imuran for at least 6 months as he feels the success rate with humira will be better.???

Glad others are doing fine on both.

 

[Gra]

Thanks peeps
So, I did my shot Tuesday night, and even tho I'm on Amitriptyline I tossed n turned all night and was very hot. Felt a bit sick too. Sooooo tired today too!
I want to ask, my next shot is in 2 weeks time, on a Tuesday.
Would it be ok to wait a few more days and do it Friday night? Or...
Do it earlier on the Friday before the Tuesday that it's due?
Hope that makes sense, lol !!

My GI has told me that it doesn't hurt to shift the humira *** forward or back a few days if needed.

Hope this helps...


2

 

[Aura]

Did either of you just start on one or the other first and then have the second added because one drug alone wasn't doing enough?

I was on imuran first for a few weeks and then humira

 

[Aura]

I've been shifting my *** a day each fortnight. But the tip I got from here was that if you want Friday and your *** is earlier in the week work backwards to Sunday, Saturday etc

 

[taylorali]

I find that my thighs are less painful than my stomach Although I haven't injected my stomach for a while, and maybe the pinching might help. But holding it in your hand for a minute or so to warm it up slightly from the cold fridge definitely helps!

Just goes to show we are all different. :ysmile: I had to do my shot today and was a bit nervous because I had to switch to the other side of my tummy and I had some incision marks there, but it was alright. For whatever reason, today's shot hurt a lot of more than usual. I left it out like i normally do, but the stinging was so bad! Maybe my body is just ultra sensitive on that side from the surgery!

 

[taylorali]

I'm a newbie to Humira, had my first shots 2 weeks ago. Next one is tomorrow.
Can I ask, when is the best time to do the shots, morning, evening, bedtime?
I'm thinking of doing it when I get home from work. Any side effects, at least I'm at home and can sleep it off?
Thanks xx

I always do mine at bedtime. I find they make me really weak, but other people have said it gives them a boost of energy. I think you have to test it out and see how you feel! :heart:

 

[Astra]

Thanks Gra Aura and taylorali

I bet I'm the one with tons of energy, hence the reason why I couldn't sleep!!

 

[taylorali]

Thanks Gra Aura and taylorali

I bet I'm the one with tons of energy, hence the reason why I couldn't sleep!!

Haha, I think you should do your's early! :ysmile:

 

[MrsC]

Still waitng for doc to start my Humira. He keeps bumping my appt back now it isn't until the 27th of March. Starting feel like my pain is nothing to him.

 

[Gra]

Still waitng for doc to start my Humira. He keeps bumping my appt back now it isn't until the 27th of March. Starting feel like my pain is nothing to him.

Yeah, my GI never seems very worried about my pain, I'm sure that to him I'm just a bunch of numbers on a blood test report....

One day when he was telling me (looking at my test results) that I had a lot of inflamation, I had to say to him "You dont need to tell me that, I KNOW that, I can FEEL the inflamation and it HURTS!!!

He is so thick sometimes, I'm sure he doesnt live in the real world.

 

[MrsC]

Waht do you think they would be like if they had the same pain we have?

 

[Gra]

Waht do you think they would be like if they had the same pain we have?

Ha ha! I would like to see that


2

 

[MrsC]

Well my husband who is the best advocate I have ever had, talked to my GI's nurse and told her the way I was and now my appt is miraculously been moved to the 7th. How come I told them the same exact thing and get nothing my hubby tells them and DING I get a return call and a sooner appt. Wow they must of thought I was full of it. LOL

 

[kate269]

Hi, I have been taking Humira for about 4 years. Got diagnosed in 2008 when I had to be rushed in for surgery. I think the thighs hurt way more. I break out in a sweat if I even think about using the thighs. I am so afraid of this drug that I asked my Doc if I could stop taking it. He said NO. He feels it is helping to keep me from more surgery. I guess it is a trade off.

 

[tots]

Today are my first loading doses.

Two down two more to go!


Oh they burn and I am sweating!!!

Lauren

 

[kate269]

I feel your pain, ( really ) the loading doses are the worst. Remember ice is your friend and numb your skin good. After I get a shot I just lie still for 10 minutes if I can. It can sting for a little while after. Someone had a good idea that I read. They do it right before bed so they can lay down and go to sleep.
I try do that it works out well.

Kathy

 

[hannah-rose]

Pinch! Pinching means my shots are very bearable and they no longer leave allergic patches on my skin!

 

[Scaryman]

I do pinch but after like 20 injections I got my first bruise. So I think it's hit or miss, mostly depending on steroid use. Steroids make people bruise easier.

 

[tots]

I was able to do all 4 injections, I was surprised at the burn.

I had the Humira nurse on the phone walk me through the first one. I probably should have used the mute button, although she said I was her funniest call in a few days.

I had a headache tonight and another episode of cramping etc.. other than that not to bad.

When and if did you feel your side affects?

Thanks

Lauren

 

[jonique]

I was able to do all 4 injections, I was surprised at the burn.

I had the Humira nurse on the phone walk me through the first one. I probably should have used the mute button, although she said I was her funniest call in a few days.

I had a headache tonight and another episode of cramping etc.. other than that not to bad.

When and if did you feel your side affects?

Thanks

Lauren

I love your comment about the mute button. Too funny. :lol:

I had my four induction doses two Mondays ago and did not have any side-effects at all other than an improvement in my energy. i have my next two injections on Monday. I'm hoping that I will continue to have no side-effects.

I also had my monthly methotrexate blood tests today and my crp is going down so the Humira is helping.

 

[jonique]

I love your comment about the mute button. Too funny. :lol:

I had my four induction doses two Mondays ago and did not have any side-effects at all other than an improvement in my energy. i have my next two injections on Monday. I'm hoping that I will continue to have no side-effects.

I also had my monthly methotrexate blood tests today and my crp is going down so the Humira is helping.

actually, just remembered that I did have bad heartburn and indigestion for two days after the injections but not sure if it was from the Humira or something else. i will see what happens after my next injections.

 

[Astra]

OMG!!
I'm so itchy! I've got red bumps all over my legs, and everywhere else is itchy.
I remember this happening with Azathioprine and 6MP. But they were more like hives, bleeding and itchy.
These are red, hard lumpy bumps like I've been bitten by a mozzy.
I've read about anti histamines before and after shots, I'm seeing the IBD nurse on Tuesday so I will ask him about it then.
I will be so pissed off if I'm allergic to Humira and have to stop it.

 

[DougUte]

I'm sorry Joan. I have heard of some people taking Benadryl an hour before the shot in order to prevent reactions.

 

[Laurie F]

Question- I have been searching the internet on this- I have Crohns. I have been on budesonide (entercort ec) for 2-3 years now. Three weeks ago my dr. started to wean me off as my Humira and 6mp seems to have put me into remission. My body has started aching in places I didnt know I had. I went down to 1 pill yesterday, and my hands are cramping and hips ache along with the long bones in my arms and legs....has this happened to anyone else withdrawing off Entocort or budesonide? I dont want to take pain meds...and cant take advil...hot bath soothes me, but not for long....will this go away?

 

[B Baker]

Sorry your getting a reaction, hope its treatable and you don't have to stop it.

 

[B Baker]

Hey Laurie,
I haven't taken entocort but have taken prednisolone many times and when I'm withdrawing I ache really bad all over and am very stiff.

 

[DougUte]

Laurie I have not gone of Budesonide but I saw where Muscle pain is a symptom of going ofF to fast. Maybe you should talk to your doc about it?

 

[myriahdawn]

I had my first loading dose about a week ago! I was lucky and haven't really noticed any ill effects afterwards. In fact, I don't know how fast Humira is supposed to work, but since the day after the shot I have not had diarrhea once! My fistula might actually heal!!!

Good luck to everyone else starting out!!! I really hope this stuff will give us all a break.

 

[B Baker]

I noticed improvements about 5 days after my initial loading doses, its the best/most effective drug I've taken.

Really hope things continue to get better for you

 

[Gra]

I had my first loading dose about a week ago! I was lucky and haven't really noticed any ill effects afterwards. In fact, I don't know how fast Humira is supposed to work, but since the day after the shot I have not had diarrhea once! My fistula might actually heal!!!

Good luck to everyone else starting out!!! I really hope this stuff will give us all a break.

When I first started taking humira I also noticed an improvement in my bowel movements, but it took about 10 weeks before it started making a difference in my other symptoms. For some people it starts working immediately, others (like me) take longer, others not at all. The fact that your Bm's have improved is a good sign though! Hope it works quickly for you!


2

 

[BayAreaChronie]

Started Humira in September. So far its going good. No visible inflammation. No effects Docs are aware of besides the really low white blood cell count (no good).

 

[kate269]

Humira has not stopped me from having diarrhea. I think it must be stress. Right now my Doc has me on Entocort ( I take the generic Budesonide ) for two months.

I did something so stupid with my Humira pen once. I set it out to warm up a little before my shot and forgot it and went to bed. I didn't really want to take it anyway. I called the Humira nurse and she said I could take it anyway. I thought that was weird but I did the shot and it was ok.

Also had anybody had defective pens? I have had to send back pens twice to get a replacement. I have had pens where the Humira spit back out all over me.

Kathy

 

[Dexky]

No! My son has been on for nearing 2 yrs and we've never had a problem with any pens. We were told to look for "floating" things before injecting but never a problem.

 

[DougUte]

Kate269, I am on Humira and Budesonide as well. It has not stopped my D either.

I just had a pen malfunction that I sent back to Humira.They replace the onedefective pen with two freebies. Nice.

 

[Aura]

I swear I am starting to get more sensitive skin. My body spray burns me now.