Starting humira soon but have am worried

[SuperTech]

starting humira soon but have am worried

I have been on Remicade since 2008 but the journey to the hospita every 8 weeks takes to much of a toll so asked my consultant could I have it at home he said they could not do the Remicade at home but there was a alternative called Humira.

So I said ok on researching it though one thing keeps coming up people who have had it seem to say it burns a lot and that is really giving me second thoughts especially as I have delicate skin.

Also another thing I am wandering has anyone ever heard of anyone doing it in any other parts of there body besides the thigh and stomach for me it would have to be somewhere in the arm as the other two sites just seem to weird also has anyone ever heard of or used Emla to numb the area before they take the medication I have heard of people using ice but as the cream is something I am used to I would rather go that route.

Sorry if I seem really paranoid the issue is I also have Aspergers as well as crohns so everything has to be done in a way I am confortable with truth be told the holy grail in this situation would have been the Remicade at home but as that does not appear to be a option I am now in a position of having to decide which is the bigger problem the journey to the hospital or the issues with the Humira.

 

[Miss Underestimated]

I just started - I didn't think it burned that much. It was a little bitty stinging feeling, then it went away fast. Today I have a very faint bruised spot, but I've had problems with bleeding, so that's probably why. It's not sore at all.

You don't see the needle or anything, you just put this little stick thing down on your skin, and click the button, then count to 5 and remove it - that's all. It's over. No ice, no numbing, no big deal.

 

[Inwe]

Remicade is only offered in hostpitals where you live? weird. I know where I live, it is done in tiny special clinics. ANYWHO... I honestly would stick with the Remicade if it is working for you. Since Humira is such a similar drug, it is possible to build up a resistance to it if you stop/start/switch around. That being said, I don't have Aspergers so I can't begin to understand how it feels to have it.

I had to start Humira after I developed an allergic reaction to Remicade. I've never experienced the "burn" you talked about. I assume they meant the pain the needle/pen causes. Not gonna lie, the injection can hurt like a son of a bitch! Especially, if you don't do it at a 90 degree angle or hit certain parts of your muscle. The only other pain I get is a slight muscle pain right at the injection site, but just for a little bit. Leaving the Humira out for 15 or so minutes seems to really help with the "pain" aspect. I don't ice or use any other pain relief either.

The reason (or so I was told) for injecting in the leg/stomach is that those are the places where you have the most body fat/muscle and the places where you're least likely to "hit something". Not sure what that constitutes exactly... haha, maybe veins, tendons, bones, etc *shrugs* Someone correct me if I'm wrong of course. Only inject where the doctors tell you. You could ask about other places, but I doubt they'll let you inject anywhere but your legs or stomach.

I assume you have Crohn's disease? If so, talk with your GI about the pros/cons of making the switch. He/she really knows all the technical answers and may be able to better help you make your decision good luck my dear.

 

[stardreamer22]

Hi Super,

I can't tell you how to feel or tell you how it will feel for you, but I was on Humira for 2 1/2 years and loved it. (I just had to switch to Remicade about 2 months ago).
My recommendations:
- Get the syringe, not the pen. You have much more control over the syringe.
- Leave the syringe out for 20 minutes or so (a little longer is fine too) so it warms up. The meds don't sting as much if it's a bit warmer.
- Ice the area where you intend on doing the injection. This will eliminate almost all of the sting from the meds.
- I think you need to do it on your thigh or stomach. Initially it sounds awful but really isn't too bad at all. I initially started doing it in my stomach but when I was pregnant I had to move to my thigh and then even after having my baby decided I preferred my thigh.
- With the syringe you can control how fast the meds go in. If it starts to sting, just wait a few moments and go again.

For me it was wonderful and I'm definitely missing just being able to do a quick injection once a week instead of having to make all of the arrangements and travel to Remicade infusions.

Good Luck!! Hope it all works out for you!

 

[Scifimom]

I declined Remicade for the same reason as you. Where I live it is also given only in hospitals and only public hospitals. Thats why I asked for Humira. I have really REALLY delicate skin I cannot tolerate sunlight I dont tan, and I am lso really sensitive in cold. Yet I never had a problem injecting myself. Not even a bruise from a broken blood vesel so far (I have been on Humira for 15 months). I use the syringe and the previous posters were right, you can control the medicine better, and you can leave it out for 20mins to warm up a bit. Lately I just rub it in my hands for a few seconds and I am ok. I dont like the thighs and I prefer the stomach but thats just me. My belly has more fat (I am overweight) and it reduces the stinging to minimum.

Finally talk to your doctor but the ultimate decision will be yours. Good luck.