Looks like i'm join the Humira team now. A few questions..

[EthanPSU]

Hey guys, well today after my colonoscopy my GI make the desicion to put me on Humira to help control my crohns. I have a few questions...

I am bad with needles, I have passed out before. Do these injections require you to inject in the vein or anywhere? And is it just like a normal shot? I'm good with those.

Second, what are the biggest side-effects, i'm going to start doing research but I like to here personal side-effects stories first.

Thanks

 

[Samboi]

I've been taking Humira for a couple of months.
My side effects so far have been extreme fatigue for about 1-2 days after the shot - I just sleep a few extra hours.
Had thrush for about six weeks. Have had two colds in the space of four or five weeks.
Otherwise - seems to be working ok.

 

[Sailorluna]

I use the pen. You do not need to put it in vein or anything. I just squeeze my belly, put the pen to the skin and push the button. Very easy you don't see the needle or anything. Does sting though. My main side effect is an injection site reaction. It can take up to 24 hours to fully show up. Sometimes it is the size of a quarter and sometimes as big as my fist and it itches terribly.

 

[Irene3]

Hi Ethen, I freaked out about the needles in the tummy a bit, but it's really not that bad. I go to the gp for the shots, and you could always ask to have a nurse do it if you don't feel you could. I haunt tried the pens (only been on it a month) but if I had to do it myself, I'd ask for those instead. Iv read heaps of people go into full remission on it, so good luck, hope it will be the same for you. My bm's have already gone from av 10-15 per day, to 2-9, and it rakes 3 months to fully work. My gi says another maintenance is important with it, such as aza, or 6mp, to help it work. The thrus is common with it, but same with other crohns treatments, I just find I have more gas, prob from candida in the bowel, which I hope will be better as I wean pred, and go on Scd diet bit by bit. Otherwise flu symptoms is common, and heaps of people say fatigue. There are days I feel like a rest during the day, but some days not fatigued at all, so I guess it just depends on your body, and other meds you take for crohns. Best wishes

 

[Adam1971]

Hi Ethan-

I have been on Humira for about 2months and it is almost certainly pushing me in the direction of remission. Like others have mentioned, fatigue is a huge concern. I am still not sure how much of the tiredness is from the drug or from the malabsorption of nutrients from crohns. I have also been having chronic headaches. Not sure if humira is to blame.

I have not had injection site reactions at all. I use the pens and inject into my thighs. Its easy. The GI nurse showed me how the first time around, and I have done it myself ever since. My legs feel heavy and wobbly for a bit, and I get a little dizzyness now and then.

Good luck!

 

[EthanPSU]

Yeah, they said next week ill go and they will show me how to do it. But if it's a pen thingy I think thatll be fine. I thought it was like an injection needle that I would have to put in a vein and inject

 

[Keepingfaith]

I use the pen! I used to get really panicky even when my dad just laid it out. I get allergic reactions to most things so I always have to be in the hospital to try new medicines. I didn't get an allergic reaction but when the nurse gave it to me I freaked out from the pain(SO COLD) & accidentally pressed the button on the hospital beds that make them close up so the needle when STRAIGHT o=In my stomach & kept going in deeper as the bed kept on closing. It took everything I had not to scream. Looking back now, it was kinda funny

My advice is LAY IT OUT for atleast 15 minutes & maybe ice the area where your going to do it so it's numb. I like the pen because you don't even see the needle. Humira was the only med that gave me atleast some relief. I started it in Janruary & am now going on Cimizia.

Only side effect was headache/flushing. It's not bad once you get used to it. I started doing it on my own by Marchishh.

 

[HarleyNRose]

I was on Humira pen injections for nearly 5 years and after 10 surgerical bowel resections and many different meds over the past 20 years, Humira is the only drug that put me in full remission! Before taking Humira I was extremely sick, weight 32 kilos and was pretty much bed ridden for about 7 years (keep in mind I was in my early 30's so it was pretty hard to deal with)
Anyways the important message here is Humira saved my life and gave me 5 amazing years of remission without having to take any other meds (except my pain management meds)
Unfortunately after 5 years for me the Humira has stopped working, but that doesn't mean it will be the same for you guys. I wish to all the very best success with Humira, it's an amazing drug that helped me so much and gave me my life back
After a colonoscopy and endoscopy today to find the crohn's has appeared its ugly head throughout my intestine (large, small & stomach grrrrr) the docs have decided to put me on the trial of Vedoluzimab. Can anyone give me more information on this. I know I am only new to this forum, but I am hoping to be able to share lots of stories, good information and even be a shoulder for someone when they need it, I understand all too well how difficult it is to live with crohn's and colitis.
Wishing you all a toilet free and pain free day, cheers Rachel

 

[Aura]

I've just been doing Humira for 2 months. I inject with the needle in the gut. I get a sting at the site, I get real tired and tend to sleep the afternoon away. I also can't be bothered to get tea - so next time I will make sure I have a meal sorted before I inject. But I'll have more energy tomorrow. I also ice the site of the jab.

Good luck