Humira for a Firefighter/Paramedic?

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Feb 19, 2011
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Hi Everyone,
I'm new here, I was diagnosed with Crohn's in October 2010 after several years of symptoms, abcesses, fistulae, etc... I've been a Firefighter/Paramedic for 7+years. I'd love to get some opinions or first hand experience regarding the Immuno-compromise aspect of Humira. I have been on Entocort & Pentasa since diagnosis & have yet to notice significant relief. My Dr. plan's to start me on Humira this week & my biggest concern is catching a disease/infection through my frequent exposure to just about every nasty thing under the sun. I currently am assigned to a very busy paramedic fire engine, within a diverse community which has an especially high transient population known to suffer from TB, Hepatitis, Influenza, etc...... I certainly plan to be vigilant in using universal precautions to limit my exposure, but you can never be 100%. Is anyone else in a similar situation? Have any of you aquired infections which you feel is due to being on Humira? Would you not recommend a person in my situation use this medication?
Thanks for your time!
Tom
 
Hi Welcome :)

I cannot speak for everyone as there are some who get sick when taking these meds and some that do not with colds and the flu. I was on Humira for a short period of time. I have also been on Remicade. I never got any colds or the flu when I was on either. I also worked at a lab for some parts of the time while on the medication. We were exposed to many different things. I have not worked there in 2.5 years and have been off Remi since the summer. Oddly enough once I got off of the Remicade I got a horrible flu and then got more inflamation most likely from the meds for the flu that my body could not handle....
I would suggest to just stick with precaution of making sure you use gloves constantly (which I am sure you do) and using purell or any other hand sanitizer when its around or when you can. And wash your hands when you can. Thats what I used to do.
 
I spent quite a few weeks staying in youth hostels last year without catching other peoples (from all over the country and world) colds/sneezes/flu/etc. I was concerned initially, and despite moving to weekly injections have yet to pick up anything that deemed more than delaying my injection by a day.

My vote would be to go for it. Hope it works well for you.
 
Hi,

I've been on Humira every other week for 5 months and I have to say that not a week goes by without catching another cold/bug. Not had anything serious, but it's making me pretty run down. I have chronic fistulating Crohn's and am not in the middle of a flare. All I can say is make sure the your vaccinations are fully up to date and hope for the best. Not everyone seems to be effected to the same extent.

Edit.

Yes I wash my hands regularly, use alcohol gel and try not to touch my face. It would probably be better if I did not have to go to the GP's surgery every day to have my last surgical wound dressed. Too many sick people about!

Mark
 
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I'm currently a Teller and haven't really dealt with anything horrible (money is SO dirty)and I'll be starting a new job as a Police Cadet soon. I'm not too worried about it. Hand sanitizer, washing hands, not touching your face, gloves in certain situations, we should be fine. I'm on weekly Humira and Imuran at 250mg. We'll be fine :D
 
I have been on H for 10 months now and the last two months weekly injections. I meet a lot of people and shake a lot of hands at work. I got one cold, and it went away as normal.

Just my 2 cents.

Good Luck. Yes I do support the makers of Purell!
 
For the 3.5 months I have been on Humira/Remicade I havent had the cold or flu or really any illness. I have actually had less illness since.
 
Hi Tom G!
I am an RN and work in the ER at a very busy and BIG hospital. I was on Humira weekly for about 4 months before I had surgery and just recently started it back up again. I never had any problems with getting sick or catching anything from any patients and trust me, I've seen everything under the sun as well! Some of them I've been around all day and then when they get to the floor the docs decide to test them and put them on precaution for TB. Thanks, I've only been in and out of their room all day! lol! I think you will be fine though, just be extra careful! Good luck and stay safe!
 
Hello also Tom.....

I too work in the Fire Service - and have been on Remicade since late 2005.....my GP's advice - make sure you keep YOURSELF clean - use hand sanitizer, don't touch your face etc.....I don't seem to get much more sickness than anyone else - I am not around ill people much though - but as far as fire scenarios, yes, I respond to them.....

Please feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions!

Lisa
 

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