Humira-new

[caitybean]

Hey guys I'm brand new to posting on this sight, although I've been reading posts for a long time trying to get general advice before a diagnosis.

I've had Crohn's symptoms for two years but due to not having health insurance I was unable to get diagnosis/treatment (I'm a 21 year old struggling college student). After a third ER visit within two months they finally admitted me last monday and did all of the usual fun stuff to confirm that it's severe Crohn's.

They're letting me leave the hospital with a taper on steroids and I'm to start Humira as an out patient. I've been doing some research and it seems like a pretty intimidating drug, with some side effects as serious as cancer.

I was wondering if anyone would mind sharing their tips and experiences with it? I know side effects are different for everyone but I would love to hear of some first hand encounters with the drug.

 

[Nancye50]

There's a Humira support group thread. Once you spend a little time reading it over, you'll be so relieved. I was actually excited to start Humira after freaking out not wanting to take Imuran, taking it without improvement and then switching to Humira. If it let's me keep all my guts, it's worth it.

 

[MikeinBklyn]

Caitybean,

#1 relax. #2 Search the threads. #3 Do the shots, chill and get better.

There all done! Best of Luck!!!!!!

 

[Orchid]

The most serious side effects such as cancer are incredibly rare. As someone else on a biologic that works by the same mechanism I can tell you it's given my life back. All it cost is was giving myself a shot once a month, though on Humira you do two instead one dose a month after your loading period is over. Usually get an injection site reaction, it gets red and a bit sore for a few days and you might run a low fever but after that things level out.

 

[Janna1013]

I totally understand your concern of the side effects but as someone mentioned the cancer risks are fairly rare. Getting into a car accident would be more likely. I was on Humira for 5 months. I had an increase in joint pain that subsided after 2 months or so. I would get the occasional headache and be very tired the day of injection and sometimes for a few days after as well. Other than that nothing else happened.

 

[Miss Underestimated]

What they said. i've been on Humira since 2012. I have had no side effects, and the chance of that cancer is teensy tiny.