Questions - New to Humira

[nfburton]

I just began Humira on 9/28 and injected the 2nd dose of 2 pens yesterday. Almost immediately after beginning, I have had sinus issues, extremely plugged up nose, mild headaches, and just a general tired feeling which I usually feel anyway with the Crohn's, but the tiredness has been more pronounced. My eyes feel puffy and my legs by the end of each day are puffy. I'm wondering if these things are the norm and do they get better as the humira levels off in your system and your body gets used to it.

Also, how cautious do I need to be about being around someone who is or has been recently sick and running a fever?

Any advice is appreciated.

Nicole

 

[beth]

It depends... I seem to shrug off viruses, colds, etc as quickly as ever. Someone else gets the lots every time.

As for being tired, it may not be the Humira. Just because it and the other symptoms came up at the time of the injection does not necessarily mean Humira is to blame. You may have caught a virus a few days before and only then did it gain ground on your immune system. Again, it's a bit early to correlate yet. Are you on your feet all day, put them at in the evening/etc.

 

[nfburton]

Thanks, I have a desk job unfortunately. I try to get up about every hour or so to move. I know it takes time for this stuff to work. It's just funny, I seem to be hyper sensitive to any change in my body right now just with the waiting and watching, ya know?!? Trying to be patient. No real change yet but wasn't really expecting any this soon.

As for the viruses and such, I ask because one of my stepsons has had a fever for the past few days and we are supposed to be seeing them tonight. My daughter is in the house daily and hasn't been sick so far this season and I know the time will come and I will just have to be smart about contact, getting in her face, washing hands, etc. The fever he has had concerns me, though....

 

[ChefShazzy]

Hi nf, this is the second cold and flu season I've been on Humira, and I do find it makes me more susceptible to catching them.

I'm not sure about the other side effects you mentioned; I've only had trouble with injection site reactions. I hope Humira works out for you!

 

[nfburton]

Thanks, ChefShazzy! I am hoping so, too, but my doc told me to be patient and that it could be at the very least 6 weeks to 6 months before I see substantial change.

 

[ChefShazzy]

It took me about 3 months for me to notice it working, so stick with it! Best;

 

[nfburton]

Will do, I really appreciate the encouragement!

 

[whereisjoe]

Just remember that Humira has a ton of support, and you can call there nurse line for free. They are very helpful, and I highly recommend it.

Also, when you call them, you could ask them to send you an extra set of pens to have on hand in case of an emergency (one has a problem, you don't get yours in time because of refill/pharmacy issues, etc).