Innoculate prior to Humira?

[Sparkle2012]

Speaking to another Crohn, she mentioned that you should have your flu, shingles, and pneumonia innoculations before starting Humira. I had always intended to have the shingles (I have had c/p) and pneumonia shots (I have asthma and have been advised to get it). i'm wondering if I should delay my Humira start until after this has been done. Will call the doctor tomorrow but I'm sure they aren't going to give me all 3 innoculations ....I'm wondering how long between shots before I can safely start Humira. I can't exactly find a thread that addresses this for me....anyone have any feedback on the above? Appreciate any info. Thanks again all.

 

[Jennifer]

I honestly don't know, I've never taken it but would you be able to call and ask your doctor?

 

[Sparkle2012]

I have an appt with the 'biologics guru" on Wednesday - a physician who is part of my GI's group. I will hope for some answers then. I read that these dormant things can emerge under the immunosuppressants and after you start taking them, you can't a) go off them or b) get any innoculation with live virus. I asked how long I would be on Humira and was told "once youre on it, youre pretty much staying on it." Wow. I'm going to have to join the Humira Club on this forum and monitor how they are all doing. I've heard people say they have heard good things about Humira so.... I'll have more answers from the Guru. Thanks for replying.

 

[Miss Underestimated]

Yes, you should have them - best to get them first, but I don't think it's that crucial, since some are repeated each year anyway.

They give flu and Pneu at the same time - I don't know about shingles, since I already had shingles, I didn't bother with the vaccine. Theoretically, I'm immune now.

 

[Sparkle2012]

how long did your shingles last? I've heard they are very painful.

 

[Miss Underestimated]

I guess it was a couple of weeks. It wasn't fun, but it wasn't unbearable. I worked the whole time. It was on one side of my trunk, I knew exactly what it was, and didn't even go to the doctor. Sometimes when it was really hurting, I put Bactine on it, and a burn medication called Foille. They both numb whatever you put it on for about 30 minutes, but can't use too much of it, so mostly I just stayed busy so I was distracted by my work.

I wore loose clothing and no bra, slept in a big soft tee shirt.

There are worse cases - you can get it in some really bad places like eyes, head or face. If I had had that, I think I would have been in the hospital. I've seen pictures of it, and it makes me hurt just to see it.

 

[marjaw]

I've been on Humira for 2-1/2 months. Saw my internist for my yearly physical yesterday. She gave me a pneumonia shot and a booster for DPT (both arms hurt like hell today!) then went home an injected my Humira. I can also get the flu shot this fall. I CAN'T get the nasel flu vaccine or the shingles vaccine because they are a live virus vaccine.

 

[Steven]

My doc had me vaccinated for hepatitis a/b prior to starting humira. Which is a 3 part vaccination which takes 6 months. If you haven't had this one I would inquire about it.

 

[Sparkle2012]

Thanks all for the helpful information on the shingles shot.

 

[Miss Underestimated]

Yes, any live virus shots - take them before you start humira, cause you can't take them once you're on it. I don't recall a hepatitis shot.

 

[Sparkle2012]

Thanks again for your response.

 

[heyjude94]

I'm getting ready to start Remicade infusions, I know not the same as the Humara injections, but my GI had me do the DPT, Hepititis a&b plus blood draw for Hep C screen as well as MMR and chest x-ray. I will go in for blood draw every 3 months. I think that's pretty typical. I take 50mg of 6-MP daily. Hope this helps.

 

[heyjude94]

Oh, and I almost forgot, flu and pneu shots as well back in the fall when I was having my first flare.

 

[Sparkle2012]

That's useful information- thanks!