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Crohn's Disease Forum

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We asked our doctor about Lidocaine. We were told that adding it unnecessarily prolonged the shot and in the end would probably just add to the problem of pain instead of helping. We have worked through the shots without it and now I am glad we didn't mess with it. There are parents here who feel it has been a great help, though, and I don't argue that. For us, she went without it and it is fine now.

For the loading doses, she was profoundly tired, and also would have a bit of confusion for a short while right after the shot(s). For the first two months really I made sure she could just come home and sleep for as long as she needed to (between 2-4 hours). As her body adjusted to Humira it was less time on each subsequent day until she got to the point where there wasn't really a huge fatigue difference. 2-3 months for us, or about 6 injections.

She is only 4, Ania, so school will be new to her in about a month. There is a lot to plan for with that I think with Crohn's. As for the Humira, we are on a Monday schedule. I haven't decided yet if it would be better for her to take it before school, so she doesn't have to worry about it all day and risk her being quite tired or maybe just do the opposite and have the shot after school. But it would colour her whole day, having to expect it later on. I don't know yet. Maybe another parent or even an adult who has to plan it around work will add in some advice.
 
There are two schools of thought on the lidocaine
If you inject it first then inject the humira
It makes the shot take longer which is what most doctors office would do .
Rheumotolgist however mix the two together
Humira syringe get the lidocaine added to it.
This adds a tiny amount of extra fluid for DS 0.2 ml of lidocaine in an 0.8 ml dose of humira . The lidocaine addition lowers the ph of the humira and decreases the sting
Again it's still only 10 seconds to inject so no increase in time .
If DS could get it at the ped office I probably wouldn't do the lidocaine since they would inject separately
But since I have to do it at home ( injections are not covered in the U.S. )
I prep the syringe first then call DS and inject so same amount of time - less pain

I know of other parents who tried both versions with lidocaine - didn't make much of a difference. Some use Emla cream to numb the skin but that doesn't help with the med burn .
As far as fatigue - DS still is tired the next day some but does go to school
We give it the morning so fatigue hits at night and he sleeps through most of it .
 
K will inject only 0.4ml of Humira plus 0.2 ml of Lidocaine 1%. My friend is a RN so she will come to do the shots. At least on the beginning...

I decided to do the shots Friday afternoon, so if he gets fatigued , he is home at least.

Now, I am thinking... Will he be able to play soccer Saturday morning?
 
This may all depend on where the shot was given...if in the leg, there may be some muscle soreness at the injection site. I've been on Humira about 2 years now, but in the beginning the muscle soreness was enough that I wouldn't want to be playing any contact sports for a couple days after. The injection site is sore to the touch...I can't imagine getting it hit with a soccer ball!
 
Ania said:
K will inject only 0.4ml of Humira plus 0.2 ml of Lidocaine 1%. My friend is a RN so she will come to do the shots. At least on the beginning...

I decided to do the shots Friday afternoon, so if he gets fatigued , he is home at least.

Now, I am thinking... Will he be able to play soccer Saturday morning?
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I would make sure he also drinks a lot of water before and after the shot to prevent migraine headaches. Play side effects by ear, personally I'm more lethargic from being sick than from the meds. I've also never had any muscle pain after injection but I do get a large injection site hive about 2 inches across.

Another trick I learned was to leave the meds out of the fridge for about an hour before injecting to lesson the stinging.

With any luck the benefits of the drug will far out weigh any side effects and temporary discomfort he might have.

Good Luck!
 
Ania said:
K will inject only 0.4ml of Humira plus 0.2 ml of Lidocaine 1%. My friend is a RN so she will come to do the shots. At least on the beginning...

I decided to do the shots Friday afternoon, so if he gets fatigued , he is home at least.

Now, I am thinking... Will he be able to play soccer Saturday morning?
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I take mine on Saturday evening. If I'm a little tired in church I get forgiven quickly=)
 
Angie's Mom said:
I'm more lethargic from being sick than from the meds.

With any luck the benefits of the drug will far out weigh any side effects and temporary discomfort he might have.

Good Luck!
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My son does not feel sick, almost has no pain ( maybe 6 days total since January). This is why I am afraid of the side effects and fatigue and migraines and pain associated with the shot. He won't be able to appreciate the relief the med brings.
 
Only 0.4 ml - how much does he weigh ??
I know the Gi started DS on 0.4 ml at age 9
But honestly he weighed too much - was close to the max weigh for the 20 mg syringe
- med did nothing for three months
Then we increased to 0.8 ml (40 mg ) syringe
Within 2 months he was good
Just could have saved a lot of time IMO if we had started with the right dose
The recommended weight range for the 20 mg is printed on the box
 
Even f he has no pain
Damage can be done
In particular with SI joint - it can erode or cause fusion of the bones
Add in delayed puberty , delayed growth /nutrition - takes way more energy when there is inflammation
Possible anemia again due to fighting inflammation even in the joints
 
I gained a little bit of weight on humira, but it is more because the drug enables you to eat again and stops the side effects of the disease that cause the weight loss.
 
When kids reduce inflammation their bodies can use the calories more effectively which leads to normal weight gain.
Ds started gaining weight after remucade and continued to gain weight at a normal pace on humira .
Linear growth started about 6 months later
 
Great! Now I put the puzzles together. K is skinny. Now I think it is related to the inflammation. I was afraid he might loose more weight with Humira, which would not be good.
I love you guys. You are answering all my inexperienced questions.

I called my pharmacy today to see how much will I pay for the Humira.
Shock!
The lady on the phone said 973$. I asked her if this is before of after the insurance and she said it is AFTER the ins. !!!! Regular price is 3300$ per injection.
Good thing I got that Humira card which brought it down to 5$.
Who can afford almost 2K a month?


Can you please explain a little the correlation between WBC and Humira?
K WBC is 4.6 which is the lower end I think.
 
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i seriously get tired of catching ever god damn cold sunder the sun...living with a grubby 5yr old brother dosnt help im sure, and going back to college classes wont either...anyone have any tips? I knew id have lowered immunity, and ie been taking every vitamin i could handle and yet im still taken down
 
Caitlin84 said:
$8,000?! That's absolutely horrifying. I haven't been to work in three weeks and am really counting on the Humira (that I hopefully start Tues) to kick in enough so I can go back to work.
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I feel for you. I am not sure how I have continued to work. It is basiclly the only thing I do. I finally got the Humira protection plan and now just awaiting the pharmacy/insurance approval. This cannot happen soon enough. After a 100 phone calls, come to find out the doctors office sent the HUmira to a retail pharmacy rather than a specialty pharmacy and that is why I owed so much. I think it is pathetic that I had to do all the leg work to really get the ball rolling in the right direction. I lack the energy to do anything. The good news is I will be getting it, possibly as early as tomorrow.
 
Hi folks, currently on Remicade infusions, alng with 100 mg Imuran daily. I would like go to Humara due to the convenience of self injection,,is anyone taking Both Imuran and Humara??
 
I have been on Humira and Imuran. I was admitted in to the hospital bcause the Imuran was too much medication for me. I had to stop Imuran, and remain on Humira. I have been on Humira for a bit over 3 years. May not effect you this way, but my system can only take Humira.
 
Twbuto said:
Hi folks, currently on Remicade infusions, alng with 100 mg Imuran daily. I would like go to Humara due to the convenience of self injection,,is anyone taking Both Imuran and Humara??
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I've been on Imuran and Sulfasalazine for 16 years now and added Humira a few years ago after trying Remicade. No problems so far with the combo.
 
dreamintwilight said:
I have not yet started on Hmira. I'm still in the process of being diagnosed. But my GI doc mentioned starting on a biologic once it was diagnosed and Humira is the one that is covered by my insurance plan. I assume I'll start on that.

I've read a lot about people saying the loading doses are the worst. What's so bad about them as compared to the other times?

Also...does anyone know if the shots compare to allergy shots? I get those monthly and was curious if the pain was similar to those.

I am a very petite and thin person naturally and probably could be considered underweight right now since I lost about 7 pounds in the hospital. I worry I won't be able to find a "fatty" enough spot to inject the shots. The idea of injections in the arm sound more appealing than the leg or the stomach, perhaps because I am used to it already.

I know my worry is premature since I am not even slated to start Humira yet, but was just looking to gain more knowledge about it. Thanks :)
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Drug reactions are only similar with crohn's with respect to both Crohn's and Humira reactions being individualized. I may have reactions that you won't experience and vice versa.
But be prepared for fatigue and other things. Your Dr. will advise you what to look for. Example being 5 months ago I had the flu, My Doctor ( in another state) advised me to get a chest Xray STAT! I replied, " why are you so adamant about a xray?" Because humira is a Immunosuppressant and there was a need to verify no infections. Point is do not put the cart before the horse. I understand your researching the drug, But most of what you will find may sway your opinion of the drug based on what you read here. You might not have those complications that others had. Humira has been a blessing for me, I am now overweight with a appetite that can't be controlled, three years ago if I was told that I would be overweight I would not have believed it.
 
Hi dreamintwilight,

It is not the needle stick itself that is so bad. Infact it isn't very different from any other injection. It is the medication itself that causes a burning/stinging sensation as it enters your body. Since each injection requires about 10 seconds to fully administer it is quite painful. The loading doses are considered the worst because it is usually 4 injections in one sitting. As for body fat, injections are done mid thigh or in the abdomin. The needle itself is shallow. I myself am very lean and have no troubles with injecting.
Be sure to hydrate well prior to and after your injection to prevent headaches, and best of luck to you for a successful treatment!
 
I am talking humira and Mercapturine. I have a question...For the past six months, every other month...I have ran a high temp...Like 103.00. I have been to the ER a few times. They found nothing. Any thoughts you guys? I am going in this time for a CT to see if there is an abscess? But, really? This is driving me nutso. They ran my blood tests, and I looked at it this morning. The one thing that stands out is the sed rate. Any input would be very helpful. I haven't been on line lately...So my signature is off..I am not taking Cimzia, and I can't figure out how to change...
 
Glad to say im starting to noticee some stomach improvements but nothing with my joint pain yet.go back nezt month for a dr. Visit and may still get 6mp added. Been on humira for 2 months.
 
I am a Crohn's patient. I take Methotrexate injections weekly. I am about to begin Humira shots. My question to those who take both drugs is.....do you take them on the same day?

Methotrexate leaves me pretty tired and slow moving the next day after my shot, so my concern is how I will feel if I take both the same day which is what I'd prefer to do.
 
hey guys! anybody on here have Crohn's Psorisis? then again, ive always had my psorisis even before a doc said i had crohn's. Anyways, when in icu my skin cleared beautifully, but when i started Humira i flared again, and now my doc says my Humira isnt working well. so what have you guys added to your Humira?

shes thinking 6mp, the chemo drug.

Ive read that Remicade is great for psorisis, what should, if anything, be added to that if i take it?

for some reason it dosnt seem that i hear anyone taking any one drug alone, always adding something to it.
 
Ds has taken mtx and humira the same day many times
He is on a once a week mtx dose and every 10 days humira dose so they often overlap in timing .
Folate daily ( even mtx day ) massively helps woth the fatigue
He takes 2 mg of folate a day .
 
SunshineSam said:
hey guys! anybody on here have Crohn's Psorisis? then again, ive always had my psorisis even before a doc said i had crohn's. Anyways, when in icu my skin cleared beautifully, but when i started Humira i flared again, and now my doc says my Humira isnt working well. so what have you guys added to your Humira?

shes thinking 6mp, the chemo drug.

Ive read that Remicade is great for psorisis, what should, if anything, be added to that if i take it?

for some reason it dosnt seem that i hear anyone taking any one drug alone, always adding something to it.
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I take Imuran and Humira; in the beginning its was Imuran alone. It really helped my psoriasis (which I've had since age six). When doc added the Humira, my skin cleared, my Crohn's cleared, and until this last week, all was good. I'm flaring with both issues currently. I hope you find a combo that works!
 
Most docs prescribe folic acid which is harder for the body to absorb
Folate can be found OTC and is easier to absorb
Ds Rheumo was ok with using folate instead
 
Today my son ( 10 yo) had his first Humira injection.

He was nervous all day.
I applied Lidocaine cream on his leg. Then mu friend-nurse mixed Humira with Lidocaine .
We put some ice and Buzzy Ladybug on the injection site.
K was playing a video game.
He asked if he could see when the needle is in . He kept playing.
Then he asked if she going to do it soon. She did, and when we looked the syringe was halfway empty. HE DID NOT FEEL IT!
AT ALL!

I am soooo happy. I was prepared for crying, panicking etc. I cant believe he did not feel anything. I think it is the Lidocaine that helped. Very glad. As a mom, very thankful.
 
Woohoo on the lidocaine
Yes the Emla cream works wonders
Glad he did great and you did too!!!
Much easier without tears
Ds does a lot better now than when we started 2.5 years ago but
We didn't know to use lidocaine cream or spray and we didn't know to add lidocaine to the humira syringe - it took a year to year half of tears before anyone told us ...

Hope fully it will kick in soon for him
But it tends to take 3-5 months to reach full strength
 
So I'm on Humira and flaring badly since the beginning of July. I have to see a new GI/ surgon but can't get an appointment until mid October.

My problem is this, I've become really dizzy to the point where I have a hard time standing. I've also been throwing up a lot. Any ideas on what could be causing these dizzy spells?
 
I am on Remicade, but will be switching to Humara, soon. Imuran is always being taken, 100 mg daily,,,dry heaves, occasional vomit episodes seemed to accompany the Imuran. Fatigue definitely an issue, but most symptoms are being improved. The reason for the move to Humara is the convenience of home injection as opposed to a hospital visit for the Remicade infusion. Hope all goes well for my fellow Cronnies, good luck,,.keep on trucking and thanks for of your feedback.
 
Ania
Why would you want to boost the immune system ?
These kids have hyper active immune systems so the meds bring them down to where all the "normal " kids are .
 
my little penguin said:
Ania
Why would you want to boost the immune system ?
These kids have hyper active immune systems so the meds bring them down to where all the "normal " kids are .
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It is our immune systems that are confused and attacking the bowels. These biologic meds sort of shut down the immune system to prevent this attack. Unfortunately, while doing that, it prevents our immune systems from fighting legitimate issues like viruses and infections. People using these meds should avoid crowded areas, wash your hands ALOT! And use lots of hand sanitizers!
 
Actually it doesn't affect your immune system enough to increase your risk of common colds etc... Only opportunistic infection risk is increased.
My kiddo has been on them for 4 years including lower school grades 2nd -5th grade where the kids at school are basically coughing all over each other. No issues he was actually less sick than my "healthy" kiddo
Biologics do not suppress the immune system to the same extent as some on meds for an organ transplant - they have to avoid crowds - not eat lunch meat etc...
Biologics are not that severe - heavy duty Ibd meds that's it
Hand washing yes - flu shot yearly yes
But otherwise that's it .
Most kids with Ibd have a hyper immune system meaning more than just their gut is affected( in my kids case skin/lungs/joints etc...) all over react to things and cause inflammation .

Always talk to your Gi before trying to "boost" an immune system
Our specifically told us not to .
Your Gi or Rheumo may have a different opinion
 
been on Humira for two months now, but its stopped working. My doc took blood work and said my blood shows its not workinng. ill see her tomorrow about weather its not workinng at all or if its working slightly and just needs some help.

my question to you, my crohnies, is what have you added to Humira in the past?
and if you had to quit, what if anything has worked other than Humira?
 
SunshineSam said:
been on Humira for two months now, but its stopped working. My doc took blood work and said my blood shows its not workinng. ill see her tomorrow about weather its not workinng at all or if its working slightly and just needs some help.

my question to you, my crohnies, is what have you added to Humira in the past?
and if you had to quit, what if anything has worked other than Humira?
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I'm sorry to hear this,

Let me know what your doctor says, currently Humira has stopped working for me too. Have you tried remicade? It is a fantastic drug that works really well. I developed drug induced lupus from it but that is very rare.
 
Just an interesting bit of news, the government of Ontario in Canada sent a form to doctors who prescribe Humira letting them know that they will not cover increased doses of Humira because their research indicates that there is no benefit to increasing the dose beyond the 1 injection by weekly. Further more, they sited "unknown side effects" and additional health risks as factoring into their decision.
So, anyone who receives Trillium drug benefits is S.O.L!
 
Hey everyone! I just started Humira yesterday and I was SO scared...a nurse came and helped me out and I was able to do all 4 of the first injections! How long did it take for you guys to notice any improvement?
 
Angie's Mom said:
Just an interesting bit of news, the government of Ontario in Canada sent a form to doctors who prescribe Humira letting them know that they will not cover increased doses of Humira because their research indicates that there is no benefit to increasing the dose beyond the 1 injection by weekly. Further more, they sited "unknown side effects" and additional health risks as factoring into their decision.
So, anyone who receives Trillium drug benefits is S.O.L!
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:voodoo:

We've seen a huge difference moving to weekly doses.
 
Pilgrim said:
:voodoo:

We've seen a huge difference moving to weekly doses.
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I think this move is a cop out by the government to avoid doubling their pay out. It sucks and as a result I will probably need to under go surgery instead if just increasing my dose.
Which doctor do you see? I'm being sent to a new doctor at Mt. Sinai in Toronto.
 
We're in NWO so we travel to Manitoba for specialists.

I've heard good things about the specialists at Mt. Sinai. I hope you can work through it. Have you thought about approaching Humira directly to see if they can offer you funding for the added weeks of Humira?
 
Pilgrim said:
We're in NWO so we travel to Manitoba for specialists.

I've heard good things about the specialists at Mt. Sinai. I hope you can work through it. Have you thought about approaching Humira directly to see if they can offer you funding for the added weeks of Humira?
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I have to wait until I meet the surgeon. My current doctor believes that Humira has stopped working for me all together and feels that doubling the dose would be fruitless. To his point, I'm in a full flare and still taking my injections with not so much as even a blip of relief.

I guess I have to wait until my appointment in October!
 
Ania you only need vsl#3 if you have UC or rectal crohns
Not junvenile spondyloarthritis by itself.
Ds has used it for years due to his rectal issues but his crohns behaves like UC in the rectum.
 
Thank you. I was under the impression it helps inflammation in general.

I was also trying to find if inflammation can affect child behavior. K is inattentive at school, and impulsive. Looking if one can be caused by another.
 
If inflammation is causing pain then pain /stiffness can be distracting.
A lot of kids start having pain so young
They don't understand that the pain isn't normal
Or what a pain /stiffness free day would be like
Also having to take meds ( shots c) can be stressful for kids
And some have a harder time expressing this
Most Rheumo departs have a kiddie psychologist in the dept to help the kids talk and deal with the things kids should never have to deal with.

Good luck
 
Dear Forum,
What is your opinion about Humira and flu shot? The flu season is coming and I will have to face that decision. K wasn't always getting the vaccine, but should I now give it to him?
 
Most Gi and Rheumohighly recommend to get the flu shot ( not the mist)
When taking immunosuppresants and/or biologics .
Humira puts you at risk for opportunistic infections ( the bad tag alongs complications with the flu pneumonia etc..)
Kids can and do die from the flu each year without the added risk.

My kiddo will get the flu shot .
His Gi sends us a reminder letter every year.
Ds has asthma and we found out the hard way at age 2.5 that he had asthma when he came down with the flu without a flu shot.
The flu made it nearly impossible for him to breath.
Lots of steroids later ( over a week ) his breathing improved

I actually know of a 5 year old 2-3 years ago
Got the flu and died from pneumonia comolications within a week ( no immunosuppressants either)

So flu shot for the entire family ( herd protection)
Lots of hand washing
And calling Gi and Rheumo with any fever over 100.4 or diffuse body aches .
 
I'm starting Humira this week. I also have to take my methotrexate as well. I thought they would stop that. Anyone else taking methotrexate with Humira? Also does anyone have any side effects from Humira?
 
Ds is on both mtx and humira
Works well together
He gets migraines but they don't correspond to humira injections or mtx
He got those long before he started meds or was dx
 
I already get side effects from the methotrexate nausea, feeling unwell & tiredness. I'm just hoping I don't get anymore side effects or make the ones I already get worse. Think I will have to pick a day to do the injections like I do the methotrexate so it won't interfere with my job.
 
Ang71 said:
I already get side effects from the methotrexate nausea, feeling unwell & tiredness. I'm just hoping I don't get anymore side effects or make the ones I already get worse. Think I will have to pick a day to do the injections like I do the methotrexate so it won't interfere with my job.
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I do my injections at bed time. Make sure you drink lots of water and keep hydrated. As far as side effects that would last through the weekend and keep you from work? I've not had any. I've been on Humira for 14 months now and the only issue I really have itchy skin on my arms and legs because of foliculitis. I had that with Remicade as well.

If you are finding yourself really drained during the day like you are dragging your feet, ask your doctor for a vitamin B12 injection. Because of the nature of this illness we have a hard time absorbing vitamin leaving us weak and deficient.

All the best, I really hope the Humira works well for you.
 
Ania said:
Dear Forum,
What is your opinion about Humira and flu shot? The flu season is coming and I will have to face that decision. K wasn't always getting the vaccine, but should I now give it to him?
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I started taking the flu shot after I was put on Humira. I have not had a case of the flu in the 4 years I have been on Humira. It is worth doing it. Make sure it is the injection and not the mist. The mist is a live vaccine. The injection is a dead vaccine. The live vaccine is much more likely to cause a problem for us that are one Humira and the other biologics.
 
Angie's Mom said:
I do my injections at bed time. Make sure you drink lots of water and keep hydrated. As far as side effects that would last through the weekend and keep you from work? I've not had any. I've been on Humira for 14 months now and the only issue I really have itchy skin on my arms and legs because of foliculitis. I had that with Remicade as well.



If you are finding yourself really drained during the day like you are dragging your feet, ask your doctor for a vitamin B12 injection. Because of the nature of this illness we have a hard time absorbing vitamin leaving us weak and deficient.



All the best, I really hope the Humira works well for you.
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Thanks Angie [emoji2] I already have vitamin B shots every month. I'm going to do the 4 injections Thursday night before bed. The nurse said I could do 2 Thursday & 2 Friday but I'd rather get them over and done with.
 
Any one on weekly humira shots??
Ds holds his own for 7 days
Goes downhill till shot day 10
Then takes two days to recover after humira shot
So only 5 really good days
Docs are considering every 7 days right now
 
:sign0085:Just joined this club on Tuesday. 4 shots in my stomasch. Not too bad. Yesterday stomach cramps all day and today extreme fatigue. Are these common and how long does it last?
 
tcclaims said:
:sign0085:Just joined this club on Tuesday. 4 shots in my stomasch. Not too bad. Yesterday stomach cramps all day and today extreme fatigue. Are these common and how long does it last?
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Hi,

So the fatigue is pretty normal. How long it lasts really depends on your body. The loading doses are a lot of med's to take in so its not surprising that you are tired, after all your body is working out the drugs and trying to heal. As for cramping, I get cramps as a byproduct of the disease not the Humira.

Here's hoping it helps you! Good luck
 
tcclaims said:
:sign0085:Just joined this club on Tuesday. 4 shots in my stomasch. Not too bad. Yesterday stomach cramps all day and today extreme fatigue. Are these common and how long does it last?
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The fatigue is more extreme with the loading doses. You are taking a lot of medicine, so I am not surprised about the fatigue. For me the fatigue got better as things went along with Humira. As for the cramps, I have not heard of Humira causing stomach cramps. It could be from the crohn's disease itself.
 
my little penguin said:
Any one on weekly humira shots??
Ds holds his own for 7 days
Goes downhill till shot day 10
Then takes two days to recover after humira shot
So only 5 really good days
Docs are considering every 7 days right now
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H is on weekly Humira but still ped dose (20mg) she is 50lbs.

She was moved from 14 day dosing in July after a flare. Just got her fcal results back and she went down from 900's at flare in July to 300's this Sept. Based on that and symptoms the weekly dose has worked well for her. No added fatigue or side effects as yet.

Any labs that indicate worsening situation or based on fatigue/joints/symptoms?
 
Pilgrim
Ds last 7 days
His 8 th day after the humira shot
Abdominal pain gets worse , headaches start , ulcers , fatigue and Loss of appetite
Day 9 the flood gates open
Everything hurts - all his arthritis joints, his head, his teeth /gums, ulcers, abdominal pain , no appetite -drinks only formula , uses a tens unit for pain ,
Day 10 - ( shot day) same as above day 9 just a little worse
24 hours later things improve but gets diarrhea as well multiple times a week
48 hours later he is back to normal including appetite

So GI can see the inflammation happening as mini flares every 10 days
Bloodwork is always normal
Thinking of switching to every 7 days to avoid the looping cycle
And keep Ds steady instead
His other systems aren't happy either since his body can't keep up
He has inflammation in his eyes - topical steroid drops
And inflammation in his toes ( dyshirotic ezcema ) so topical steroids..

Lots of stuff going on ...
Complicated kiddo
 
Ania
Thanks
That's why they plan to increase frequency
Just need approval
Days 1-7 he is really good
It's that just after that is the issue
 
Started my Humira Friday night first 4 injections over and done with no side effects thank god. Today I've notice that there is blood in my stools I've never had blood in my stools before. Could this just be the haemorrhoids that I have or the Humira?
 
Ang71 said:
Started my Humira Friday night first 4 injections over and done with no side effects thank god. Today I've notice that there is blood in my stools I've never had blood in my stools before. Could this just be the haemorrhoids that I have or the Humira?
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If you have had no pain or discomfort than hemorrhoids is a likely culprit. Was it bright red? If it happens again I'd let your doctor know, but if it's a one off I'd say it probably was an internal hemorrhoid.
 
After less than 6 months, I have developed antibodies to Remicade and we are switching to Humira. My GI wants me on it ASAP, whenever the shots arrive, however, he said to skip the loading dose and just start with one shot every other week. Anybody else did this? What could the reason be?
 
Ds did this when he starred humira right off remicade
Since he was stable and had anti tnf already in his system
 
I also built up the antibodies and switched from Remicade to Humira..... However, I did do the Humira loading doses. What I found helpful - switching from the Humira Pen to pre filled syringes. In short, this helped eliminate injection site irritations....
 
Napali Coast said:
I also built up the antibodies and switched from Remicade to Humira..... However, I did do the Humira loading doses. What I found helpful - switching from the Humira Pen to pre filled syringes. In short, this helped eliminate injection site irritations....
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So I also built up antibodies to Remicade. I have additionally built up antibodies to Humira. How is the Humira working for you? I'm meeting with a surgeon next week to discuss the next plan of action.
 
Recently been told I will be starting Humira. I am aware of loading dose and the need to stay in Hospital as a day case (UK), however I have been provided with appointments for 3 day cases, each one two weeks apart. I suspect the first appointment will be for the IBD nurses to teach me how to self inject and for the four loading doses to be administered. The next two appointment are a mystery to me.
 
After the first loading doses four pens for adults ( I believe )
Then two weeks later another loading dose of 2 pens
Then finally normal dose ( so maybe a check up )
 
my little penguin said:
After the first loading doses four pens for adults ( I believe )
Then two weeks later another loading dose of 2 pens
Then finally normal dose ( so maybe a check up )
Click to expand...

Thank you 'my little penguin'. Didn't realise there was a second loading dose. I'll find out soon enough but thanks for the information.
 
POTTYTIME! said:
Yes. First is 4 the 2 then the 1 every other week for most people
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Thank you.

Any reason they would want me at the Hospital for all three days? I'm close to St Marks in London so not a problem but I would have thought that after the initial loading dose they would let me get on with it at home.
 
I never had a second round of loading doses. My initial loading doses (4 injections) was done by a nurse in a clinic so they could observe any drug reactions. I was told that anaphylaxis is what they are watching for. The thinking is that any thing that requires immediate medical intervention will occur within the first hour. Now my husband gives me my meds.
 
Angie's Mom said:
So I also built up antibodies to Remicade. I have additionally built up antibodies to Humira. How is the Humira working for you? I'm meeting with a surgeon next week to discuss the next plan of action.
Click to expand...

Hello Angie's Mom,

My Humira injection's seem to be keeping the serious side effects of Crohn's at bay…. However, it is not giving me the same relief as I received in the beginning with Remicade (first 8 months or so)….

After building up the Remicade antibodies - and having my doctor continue/increase my Remicade doses - it was a very very painful time. I am grateful that pain has ended (switched to Humira).

Strangley enough - since developing the Remi antibodies (hopefully not Biologic Antibodies), nose bleeds have been a constant. I was also taking Imuran when on Remicade (stopped Imuran too) which may have contributed to my ongoing/current nose bleeds….

I wish you all the best with your upcoming doctor appointment and that you're able to keep surgery at bay.

God Bless.
 
Last edited:
tlattin said:
he said to skip the loading dose and just start with one shot every other week. Anybody else did this? What could the reason be?
Click to expand...

tlattin- my son started Humira without a loading dose. I read it is quite common.

I will have our first blood work results next week. So far the doctor called and said , the CRP is 0.032.
I'm assuming it is good?
 
my little penguin said:
No loading dose here either
But for kids they hardly ever do a loading dose due to their weight
Click to expand...
We did loading doses - 80mg then 40mg and her regular dose started at 20mg bi-weekly now at weekly 20mg. She was about 45lbs when we started.
MLP- At what weight did your son get moved to 40mg?
We have heard possibly 30kg (66lbs) for that move. We would go back to biweekly.
 

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