Waiting for Insurance approval for Humira

[Melmonkey]

I am living in the bathroom constantly, and praying that this drug will help me.

I am scared to do my shot myself......I am scared I won't be able to do all 4 loading dose shots......I am scared it will not work....I am wanting to live a "normal" life and am tired of looking 6 months pregnant with a distended stomach and constant bathroom runs

Please tell me that this drug will help me, please tell me that I can do these shots!

I sure hope that Monday the pharmacy calls and says, you are approved, we are getting it ready for you.

 

[Jennifer]

Hi Melmonkey. The shots really aren't that bad. For me I wasn't sure if the thigh or the stomach would hurt more so I tried a shot in each. I learned that for me the stomach hurt less (yet other people prefer the thigh, make sure its relaxed). I did it while laying down, pinched up a little skin and watched the clock until 10 seconds had passed (later my pharmacist recommended holding it down for 15 seconds to help reduce the possibility of an injection site reaction, which Benadryl helps with by the way if you do get one). Icing the injection sites for about 10 minutes helped some with the pain. I also took the pens out of the fridge and let them sit for at least 15 minutes. I think you can do it but if not let your doctor know and they can have a nurse do it for you in the office.

Also my doctor let me split up the 4 doses over 2 days. So I did 2 shots on the first day and two shots on day 2. If you want you can contact your doctor and ask them if you can split up the first 4 doses as well.

For some (including myself) the medication started working while still doing the loading doses (within a couple weeks). Yet for some people it can take a few months. Either way I'm hoping it will work for you once you're finally able to start taking it. Keep us posted on how it goes.

 

[mbishop]

Melmonkey, it sounds scary, but it quickly becomes old hat. I've done both the syringe and the pen (currently using the pen), and neither hurt as bad as I thought they would. I can't claim they are a fun activity that I would do for kicks if I didn't have Crohn's, but the benefits far outweigh the associated pain. I liken my injections to household chores - I don't really like doing the laundry, but I dislike having dirty clothes even more.

Whether or not Humira will benefit you personally there is no way of knowing a priori. You'll need to give it time - 8 weeks is a reasonable minimum - to see if there is a positive effect. It has a good efficacy rate, and I hope you are one of the ones that benefits from it. Best of luck!

 

[DougUte]

Hi Melmonkey.

I was scared to give myself shots also, so my wife shoots me every other week. It really isn't that bad.The loading doses should be with a nurse. They will train you on how to do the shots. Two Weeks later, two more shots, then one every two Weeks. The Humira should work and knock the inflammation down for you.

 

[Melmonkey]

Hi Melmonkey.

I was scared to give myself shots also, so my wife shoots me every other week. It really isn't that bad.The loading doses should be with a nurse. They will train you on how to do the shots. Two Weeks later, two more shots, then one every two Weeks. The Humira should work and knock the inflammation down for you.

I am still waiting on approval.....come on insurance, approve this drug for me!

I sure hope that this will knock the inflammation to the curb and I can get rid of the preggo belly look, because I am sick of it, especially since I work out 6 days a week!:stinks:

 

[Michelle89]

melmonkey:

I am with you! My 5 year old looked at my stomach this morning and said "wow your stomach is big!" - excellent time to teach about manners, lol! I look pregnant and have SO much pressure! I was wondering if the prednisone was even working on the inflammation which worries me. Although I actually have constipation which is the opposite what I have had for years.....

I also have been waiting since early December for insurance to approve my humira. I finally found out today that all looks good....now I'm getting freaked out about getting the initial dose again :frown: glad to see others comments about getting the shots. Were any of you wiped out for a few days after the loading dose?

Melmonkey, I hope you get approval soon!

 

[DougUte]

I am still waiting on approval.....come on insurance, approve this drug for me!

I sure hope that this will knock the inflammation to the curb and I can get rid of the preggo belly look, because I am sick of it, especially since I work out 6 days a week!:stinks:

Good luck with the insurance company.

 

[tots]

I am so sorry your anxiety level is so high!

I am going to do my loading doses at my family Drs office. I have been with them the
longest and I have a good relationship with that office. Also Humira will send a nurse out to teach me.

Everytime you think about Humira, think a positive thought about it and it will start you
to feel better about it!

Good luck! Please update us!


lauren

 

[Melmonkey]

Insurance denied me Humira saying that they needed the doctor's clinical something or other!

 

[Jennifer]

Ah the jumping through hoops with insurance companies. I don't see how that could ever get tiring. Hopefully your doctor is doing their part by giving them the information they need so they have no excuse to deny it again. Keep us posted. Still hoping you'll get it soon.

 

[Melmonkey]

Ah the jumping through hoops with insurance companies. I don't see how that could ever get tiring. Hopefully your doctor is doing their part by giving them the information they need so they have no excuse to deny it again. Keep us posted. Still hoping you'll get it soon.

Oh I am so stinking mad right now.....it is just freakin ridiculous! My husband asked how much it would be to pay OOP because he just wants me to feel better ASAP! :frown:

 

[DougUte]

About $2,300.00 for 2 injections.

 

[Melmonkey]

Well, looks like I get to try Remicade and have to fail before they give me Humira. I sure hope that I don't fail on Remicade, it is terribly inconvenient though, as I have a 2 year old who will need to be watched while I get this done.


Off to check out the Remicade info and discussions:thumright:

 

[DougUte]

There is a program called Remistart the Remicade people offer to assist with the cost.Make sure you check into that.

 

[Michelle89]

I don't know if you are still interested in Humira but Humira offers a Patient Assistance Program that will cover the cost of the medicine for free (I believe) if your insurance will not cover it. Check out the Hurmira site. They were SO helpful to me.

Good luck whatever direction you go. remission to come either way!

 

[tots]

I am switching to Humira, I failed Remicade. No improvement in 8 months.

Both have patient assistance programs.

Good luck- I hope you feel better soon


Lauren

 

[Jennifer]

Well, looks like I get to try Remicade and have to fail before they give me Humira. I sure hope that I don't fail on Remicade, it is terribly inconvenient though, as I have a 2 year old who will need to be watched while I get this done.

Really? Insurance companies are so backwards. Rather than paying for something right away they prefer you to go a more expensive route. From what I've seen on the forum, Remicade is not cheaper. Boggles the mind!

Well I hope it works for you and that you're able to find someone to watch your little one. Contact the office where you'll be having it done as they may be able to recommend something. I haven't seen any children in the rooms I've had it done in so far but its a pretty relaxed setting and many places have TVs with DVD players and free WiFi so you could ask or inquire if its possible to bring your 2 year old.