Humira...

[lisadc1]

Just got off the phone with my GI/Nurse...my insurance won't pay for Remicade without trying Humira first. Not sure I can just give myself injections, without knowing side effects, how my body will react. Is it like Remicade? What is the difference? Was already nervous about Remicade and now I am worried about this...I don't want some random nurse to just come out.

 

[lisadc1]

What is the typical loading dose? And is there a preference of the syringe vs. the injector? The pharmacist said the syringe would be less painful...not looking forward to injecting myself at all. The pharmacist said stomach the dr. said thigh...I am confused. Still waiting on the nurse to call/come out for the first day. Very nervous to the point of I feel like I am having a panic attack over this whole thing.

 

[Dan919]

The loading dose is 4 shots the first week and then 2 shots two weeks later. I use the pre-filled pens. I was a bit nervous at first having to inject myself, but it's honestly not bad at all. Just a mild sting - it's all over in 10 seconds. I know it's a lot to think about, just try not to freak yourself out!

 

[theOcean]

Hello there! The loading dose depends on the severity -- in my case I had 4 x 40mg injections at my loading dose, though I've heard of others only doing 2 x 40mg. Syringe vs. pen is really up to the individual -- I can't look at needles so I use the pen, and don't have any problems with it. Others prefer the syringe because it's gentler.

You can inject in either the stomach (two inches either left or right of the bellybutton) or the thigh. It's up to you. I only inject in my thigh since I'm a bit protective of my stomach, which I'm sure most people on here can understand.

Humira is actually less likely to have side-effects than Remicade, since it's a humanized antibody. Remicade is made from mouse protein instead. Humira is more likely to just not work rather than create side-effects. I don't have any from Humira except maybe some sinus issues every now-and-then.

If you look at our overview of Humira thread, I have some information that I updated the main post with for how to administer injections.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask!

 

[lisadc1]

Ocean, that is suppose to be my loading dose as well. My GI ordered the pens but the pharmacist switched it to the needle, stating that it is more gentle. I am terrified of injecting myself with a needle. Ugghhh...Having a terrible week with the colon this week. Monday & Tuesday I found myself in the bathroom a lot. Yesterday wasn't so bad because I took Bentyl and Lomotil because I had errands to run. Early this morning - around 4, I woke up sicker than I have been in almost a year. Throwing up and D at the same time. Not sure if it is the Crohns or a reaction to a medicine (Savella) I began last night for Fibro. Just getting out of bed and feeling horrible. Needless to say it is a BRAT kind of day.

 

[SupportiveMom]

Lisa when you read the preference between syringe or pen you will understand why most prefer the syringe. The first couple are hard, but it becomes easier with time. My 13 yr old hates it & wished the doc would drop the med because it stings. With the syringe at least you control how fast it goes in. It makes a difference. Good luck!

 

[Kaker11]

I was taking Humira, and thus using the pen, for about three months. I found that it was less painful injecting it into my stomach region. I am currently taking Simponi (because the Humira had no effect) which is a syringe, and I have my husband (thank goodness he can handle it, because I too had anxiety over the thought of sticking a needle into my body) inject it into my thigh. I find that the syringe is less painful, but the pen is easiest to use if you are not comfortable injecting yourself and have no one else who can do it for you.

 

[KATLACARES]

Just got off the phone with my GI/Nurse...my insurance won't pay for Remicade without trying Humira first. Not sure I can just give myself injections, without knowing side effects, how my body will react. Is it like Remicade? What is the difference? Was already nervous about Remicade and now I am worried about this...I don't want some random nurse to just come out.

Hi Lisa,,,,,take a deep breath sweetie,,,,,I too was terrified at first,,,,needles make me sick to even see them but I manage now to give myself my shots,,I do the pre-loaded pens,,,quick and easy with very little stinging and poof done. I was taught by my pharmacist at Shoppers Drug Mart,,,you will be surprised and proud of yourself after doing it a couple of times,,,medical hugs coming at ya lol

 

[my little penguin]

DS prefers the syringe but he is 10 and I give the shots.
His Rheumo has us add lidocaine to the syringe to lessen the sting of the meds.

 

[lisadc1]

Love his heart! Does he complain of the sting very much? It is good the dr. added the lidocaine for him. Still waiting on the nurse to set the date. I did talk to a RN with HUMIRA, and got a lot of info. He said it should begin the first of this week. Ready for some normalcy.

 

[Miss Underestimated]

I've used the pen for a long time, somehow got switched to the syringe, and insisted they switch me back. I can't watch a needle go in, but have no trouble with the pen. Just click and count and it's done.

 

[lisadc1]

I began my loading doses on Friday, two shots Friday, two Saturday, and then two more on the 12th...is it normal for D and bleeding to still be an issue? The headache lasted three miserable days, but thankful that part has passed. Had lots planned for today, but imprisoned to the bathroom...

 

[Orchid]

Some people have near instant recovery, others take weeks, some months. Sometimes people need steroids to really get them into remission, so consider combining it with a course of prednisone or budeonide before you give up on it.

 

[lisadc1]

I am still on budesonide. This is my 9th month on it. When I saw my GI last week, he began weaning me off it, for almost a week. Too soon to wean away perhaps. Haven't given up, although, I must admit, I get anxiety over those shots. Not looking forward to the 12th. Still on Lialda as well. I have Lomotil and Bentyl as well as the Canasa suppositories for as needed. Maybe I should take those too?

 

[Scaryman]

I agree first few weeks you need to plan on having no energy and tiredness. But that subsides with time. If you have skin reactions, or anything that is not deemed serious then TRY and tough it out. Again, unless its a severe reaction it is most beneficial to tough out any discomfort. I had skin breakouts ( connect the dots), it was from a minor bacteria that was resolved with time using Hibiclense ( surgical soap). Caused by your body not being able to fight bacteria.

Humira after all is a TNF blocker ( immune suppressant), I'm also on Methotrexate which in itself is another added immune suppressant. Everyone reacts differantly, so with that in mind keep asking yourself this question when your dealing with Humira, taking the shots, tiredness, ect.

"Would I rather deal with some minor issues with Humira, pain taking shots, tired, or deal with another wonderful Crohns flare." That might work better for you.

 

[n_julia]

i took my loading dose last week and I have so far had no side effects at all. Yay! It is hard getting 4 shots at once and it does sting but it is over with so fast and then it will soon be only 1 every 2 weeks. Good luck!

 

[lisadc1]

I am glad it is working well for you, with no side effects.. Do you not take another two shots in two weeks? I did the four in two days time, then will do two more together before I begin the one shot every two weeks. And yes, the sting is there.

Good luck to you as well!