Scared of starting Humira

[jmrw]

So I am due to start Humira for the first time. I am going into this hesitantly and fearful. I have read the warnings. The cancer warning.... My mom had Chronic Lymphositic Leukemia (CLL). Her dad had pancreatic cancer, as well as all her aunts and uncles passed with some form of cancer. Just wondering if this is a bad idea for me.
Thank You for reading

 

[Matrix]

I was scared too a few months ago, (before to start it)
but the warning, is mostly to prevent legal proceedings.

However, if it can make you feel better, last study (4 years follow up) says that lymphoma risk with anti-TNF is more related to Imuran (azathioprine)

This population-based cohort study of more than 56 000 patients with IBD found no increased risk of cancer associated with TNF-α antagonist exposure. Although a small increase in the risk of overall cancer may be observed in patients exposed to TNF-α antagonists, this increase in risk might be attributable to concomitant use of azathioprine. An increased risk of malignancy in the long term or with increasing number of cumulative doses of TNF-α antagonists cannot be excluded, and continuous follow-up of exposed patients is needed.

http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1881309

http://consumer.healthday.com/cance...r-from-crohn-s-colitis-meds-study-688944.html

For example, I think the risk of lymphoma is like 4/10 000 vs 2 /10 000 in the general population. If you compare it with the chance to die in a car accident in your life (~1/250) it's not that bad.

OF COURSE, I understand your concern, with what is happening in your family, it must be very worrying.
Maybe you should talk about that with your doctor ?

 

[Crohns08]

From what I understood, the risk from lymphoma came when using another medication in combination with a biologic. Also it was increased in the teenage-young adult age range.

 

[jmrw]

Thank You so much for responding. This medicine will probably help me feel better. I think you are right about the car accident. In fact, my mom was diagnosed with CLL and just decided not to go through another round of chemo when she was in a fatal car accident. I will proceed with the medicine. Thank You so much for the article links.
JMRW

 

[danieldresen]

My big fear... NEEDLES... tired of being a pin cushion with blood tests and infusions. I feel like a freak and not in a good way. Leukemia and Crohn's have similar genetic mutations along the JAK1 and JAK2 receptors... from what I have been reading... so I blamed my mom, grandfather, the US government, bioport, and Monsanto for my crohns... didn't have symptoms till after I left Ft. McClellan, AL so it could be Agent Orange or Anthrax related... just wish there was something more useful for the pain, nausea, and chills I have now.

 

[jmrw]

I do hope you feel better soon. Interesting about the genetic mutations. Thanks

 

[Matrix]

@Daniel

Anthrax, you mean Anthrax vaccine?
There is a strong evidence between crohn and Anthrax vaccine (http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4476292,00.html)

 

[danieldresen]

Yep, the one and only. That's why the VA granted service connection but the army is fighting tooth and nail. I have been in touch with Dr. Meryl Nass who was one of the dissenting doctors on the anthrax vaccination program.

 

[wjm1973badgut]

hi jmrw ,
I didnt see your Crohns history in the post. I had a pretty sever case, and I tried a few things before allowing myself to take the Humira plunge.
I would recommend trying anything else before Humira - its got serious risky side effects, its expensive , and your not supposed to get off it . My doctor said after the 2nd year he might let me try weaning off it.
LDN - actually might help a mild crohns case, it had some affect for me but not enough to stop my flares and let me heal. Asacol /Lialdo had no effect, but they help very mild cases.

Dx'd JAN ,3/2013
Meds: AZA, Lialdo .. almost no effect
LDN - 4 months - mild help,
Preg - 1 year on/off - good effect
humira 1.5 years - remission

 

[danieldresen]

It is pretty bad. I have tried 3 different forms and doses of mesalamine, budesonide, golden seal extract, bosswellia root, and other stuff before being placed on remicade. The first 5 infusions I was close to remission, then the fissures reappeared, then abdominal pain, then tenesmus, now... mouth sores, arthritis, and a rectal fistula with excessive bleeding. CBD oil is helping but I can't afford it. It would be the same case as LDN. Even help to just reducing symptoms and pain would be a godsend. I just can't afford it. I can barely afford keeping my family fed and bills paid. still fighting for social security and my military retirement. The army illegally separated and I already triggered a mass investigation.

 

[jmrw]

What is CBD oil? Do you think the remicade made it come back stronger? So sorry you are in pain.

 

[danieldresen]

Cannabidiol oil. One of the non psychoactive components of cannabis and hemp.