Weekly injections

[Lam123]

So, the time has come that I have to go on weekly injections of humira. I have been doing biweekly for awhile, but I don't think I can get remission back until I go on weekly.
Anyone notice any difference with side effects? Any advice? I'm really nervous about doing this.

 

[theOcean]

I've been on weekly from the start, so unfortunately I can't talk about differences... but in comparison to getting Remicade, which had such gaps between infusions? It made a world of difference for me, especially with my fistula.

Otherwise: it's certainly kept me in remission and I haven't experienced any problems.

 

[Lam123]

How long did it take for u to start feeling better?

 

[theOcean]

I was already in remission at the time, so unfortunately I could only monitor through how my fistula was acting. I noticed improvements immediately, though. Have you been feeling any better yet?

 

[Lam123]

A little better. My first weekly shot will be Friday, so I really can't tell till I take the injection weekly.
Do u find dairy is a problem for you? I started drinking decaf in the mornings, but I'm wondering if the cream in my coffee is a problem. I only put a small amount, but I'm not sure. The flare I'm having seems mild, but is lingerig and just won't rest yet.

 

[theOcean]

Well, dairy was a problem for me loooong before I was on Humira -- after diagnosis I developed lactose-intolerance, and it has nothing to do with medication. It's just after awhile our body stops being able to break lactose down properly. Sometimes I take an enzyme if I know I can't avoid lactose, and otherwise I substitute with lactose-free milk/cream by Natrel.

Coffee probably won't help the flare either because it acts as a natural laxative... so you may have to see how that affects you.

 

[Lam123]

Where do u get lactose free cream? I have never seen that. I bought lactose free milk today to have with decaf tea. I find the prednisone makes me want to eat everything and then I regret it afterwards. Ugh!

 

[theOcean]

I only see it at some stores, and only in one litre cartons, unfortunately. I'd suggest checking out a nice Loblaws and they would probably have it. I've been drinking Natrel's lactose-free milk for over a year now though and it's great!

And oh gosh, I totally know what you mean. Prednisone is terrible for that!

 

[Lam123]

Some days I never feel full! And sweats! Lol! Oh my goodness. This Friday will be the first weekly injection. I hope it helps, humira had been an excellent drug for me.

 

[dreamintwilight]

Hi Lam123

I have been on weekly Humira for about 4 years now. I was initially on the regular every other week dosage after I was diagnosed in 2010, but ended up back in the hospital 2 months later for a partial bowel obstruction. So, that's when they upped me to weekly shots and also added azathioprine. I feel like I noticed a difference right away, like the week after. Before going weekly, I would start getting more crampy towards the end of the week I didn't inject. I know it was the Humira that helped with that, as opposed to the azathioprine, because the latter takes up to 3 months to notice the therapeutic benefits.

Hopefully you'll notice the effects right away too.

 

[Lam123]

Thx! I was noticing the same, the second week was some cramping aswell.