Side effects of Humira

[Lottieeeeeee]

Hello! I am new to these forums. I don't read them but I probably should. I am a 28 yr old female and am currently in a flare up since November. Usually I am able to get into remission with IV Hydrocortisone followed by reducing prednisolone however this time I haven't really responded to anything and the bleeding/pain/symptoms just continue (I am also on Azathioprine since December which I don't believe has helped)

After a recent lengthy stay in hospital I have been started on Humira just over a week ago on the double loading dose and it does seem to have helped (although still having symptoms), I am hoping I see a continued improvement.

I am slightly freaking out about the side effects - mainly rare but fatal types of cancer. They want me to continue on Azathioprine which I believe does increase the risk. I was wondering whether anyone knows exactly what percentage the risk is? I am hoping it will be very small to put my mind at rest. I dug around the internet but couldn't seem to find anything conclusive. I don't believe I have any option but to stick with the Humira anyway but can't help worrying about it....

Thanks in advance for anyone who can help :smile:

 

[Clare Lack]

My 16 year old daughter has tried every medication going. Everything u have listed above. She was on Azathioprine for 2 years until she had a flare then her body rejected the meds. She went on Humira weekly injections for 6 months but had to stop due to a reaction to the injection site. She is now trying methotrexate weekly injections. Hope this helps x

 

[Lottieeeeeee]

Sorry to hear that your daughter has struggled with medication. I know it must be really hard to see her go through this as a mother (my mother still gets really upset) I hope the new treatment works for her :smile:

 

[Scaryman]

With me not being a doctor I'm not sure why they don't put you on methotrexate instead of Imuran. If you take methotrexate in combination with Humira you'll see you get a much better benefit from the drug.

But keep in mind 8 to 12 weeks is the proper time to be given to see if it is having any affect.

 

[Lottieeeeeee]

Thanks for this I will ask my GI Nurse about it :smile:

 

[MikeinBklyn]

And let's not forget the CYA rule. The disclaimer that the manufacturer of any drug in today's world is a mile long. They have to state ANY other illness that someone has gotten while on a drug for legal reasons, you know, like a "I told you so".

Relax and give it some time to take effect.

Good Luck

 

[Lottieeeeeee]

Thanks MikeinBklyn, I hope it starts to properly work soon

 

[Astra]

Hello again!

I listened to Mike's advice some weeks ago, relax and give it time, he said.
He wasn't wrong! I feel soooooooooooo much better!
Good luck xxx

 

[MikeinBklyn]

Always glad to help the ladies of the board!

I had gone through a period of anxiety in regards to the H. After three years plus....hey everything is cool. So I figure that I should at least share the information of my experiences. I am now finding out after many years that $hite happens. So if you are calm and clear headed you can more easily deal with the bumps in the road.

Cheers