Wondering what's going on?

[Dukeis]

I am wondering if anyone has had a worsening of their symptoms after starting Humira. I was on Humira for a year (worked great) then had to stop it because of a Histoplasmosis infection. Now it has been restarted, I have had the loading doses and one regular dose. My symptoms seem to be getting worse with each passing day.

 

[Avw]

I'm not sure if it's possible to build antibodies against Humira like you can with Remicade... but your body can most definitely build up a resistance to it. Maybe ask your doctor about adding another medicine with Humira to help get you out of this flare? Hope you get to feeling better soon!

 

[Jennifer]

What are your symptoms and did your doctor give you any other suggestions? Its still possible that it hasn't gotten a chance to start working yet or its possible that you may need to be on another med to try and get the inflammation under control while the Humira gets a chance to start working.

I've only been taking it for a couple months so far and have only noticed improvement.

 

[David]

Like Crabby, I'm curious what your symptoms are that are worsening. I know they are treating you prophylactically for the histoplasmosis but wonder if that's playing a role again?

 

[Dukeis]

I'm having increase in bleeding and Diarrhea. Seemed to have increased after I started the Humira. Doctor has told me lets see what happens after the next 2 doses. I got a dose this morning, so I guess we'll see. I sure don't want to go on pred if I can at all help it.

 

[David]

Hopefully things improve soon like the doctor is suggesting.

 

[Jennifer]

Is Entocort a possibility for you?

 

[Dukeis]

Entocort is one medication I have never been on. Thanks for the suggestion I'm going to ask my doctor if he thinks this is an option for me. I have to say I'm doing a little better today after getting the Humira yesterday. Hopefully this will continue.

 

[Dukeis]

Got another Humira injection today. Still things don't seem to be improving, but also don't seem to be getting any worse. See my doc next Wednesday and I guess we'll decide then what we are going to do. He has said in the past about using Cimzia, so I'm wondering if that may be the way he wants to go. Has anyone had Cimzia work after failing both Remicade & Humira? Also does anyone know if Cimzia has a assistance program like Humira does?

 

[David]

I have read accounts including papers that state some people can benefit from Cimzia if Remicade and Humira failed after awhile.

They do have a patient assistance program you can read about here.

Please keep us updated as to what the doctor says.

 

[Dukeis]

Thanks David there is a wealth of information there :thumleft:

 

[Dukeis]

Seen my doctor today. The plan is to just see what the next dose of Humira will do. My symptoms seem to have been stable for the last week or so. He wants to give the Humira a little more time before we change anything or add any other meds. What as long as everything seems not to be worsening is all right by me.

 

[David]

Best of luck