Side effects after first dose of Humira

[Owensmom]

I am brand new to this site and really Crohn's. My 10 yr old son was just dx in the end of August. He had severe iron difficiency, weight loss, and stopped growing. We were actually surprised to get the dx of Crohn's. He started out on Prednisone, then they tapered him off that and onto Entorcort. He is still taking Entocort and on Tuesday had his first ramp up dose of Humira. Today (Friday), he is very tired, head ache and slight belly pain.

Has anyone else every felt worse before better when starting Humira?

Is this a bad sign at the beginning, or does this ease with each dose?

Please any help or thoughts are greatly appreciated.

 

[DavidA]

It can be normal with Humira to feel bad after the loading dose. I assume he did the 4 injections at once? When I started the loading dose gave me a bad headache for a few days. Even now with just a maintenance dose right after a shot I'll feel kind of rotten for a day sometimes. But it will pass and he should start seeing an improvement in the Crohn's symptoms in 3-7 days but since everyone's different it might take longer.

Your son's story is actually very close to mine. I was diagnosed at 10 years old as well and at the time weighed only 53 lbs! It took me a while to catch up on growing but once in remission I recovered fairly well (I think kids bounce back a heck of a lot better than adults). Your son is fortunate to have drugs like Humira and Entocort available to him. Back when I got sick Prednisone was pretty much the only option for inducing remission short term.

Personally, I can't sing the praises of TNF-A inhibitors enough. They work fairly quickly like Pred but without all the side effects. I hope your son feels better soon!

 

[Owensmom]

Thank you for sharing that. yes it was 4 shots at the loading dose. My concern was that these symptoms didn't start right away. The doctor though mentioned that sometimes the body takes a couple days to try to figure out what to do with the medication and then starts working and that may be why. Hoping that a good night sleep for him will help. Thank you for your experience and sharing something positive.

 

[Samboi]

First few months - next day - I always felt like I had been hit by a truck.
Now - it has no such effect.
It just took some time for my body to adjust.
I just started 6MP a week ago - and the same thing is happening.
Guess it all just takes time.
I hope your son adjusts ok and that Humira will put him in remission.
Good luck and best wishes.

 

[MikeinBklyn]

It took a few months to get up to full speed. The day after was a little tough, but got better every time.

Good Luck