Humira and Kidney Failure

[Jmccool]

My husband just started Humira he has Rheumatoid Arthritis with psoriasis. I’ve read conflicting things some say it’s bad for kidneys but the nephrologist approved it. Anyone have thoughts on this medicine? Considering he’s at 10.2 GFR I’m concerned bc he feels better and now thinks he will be ok. 😑😑😑

[Hidden]

The website drugs.com can offer better information. Set up an account (free) with his medications. You can receive specific reports of interactions that will warn you about possible problems. At the very least you can get specific information and then, in turn, develop detailed questions to ask your physician(s).

[Jmccool in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Jmccool,

I have psoriatic arthritis and have been on over 11 different products, biologics drugs, pills, shots and infusions. Some worked great for a time, others made me sicker. Each person reacts differently to the drugs. Is this the first drug they have given him for his rheumatoid? If it is a good match for him, it will be wonderful. Getting the inflammation in his body under control MAY improve his CKD, but may not. This is my story...I was an Enbrel for 8 years. Worked great. I had a GFR of 35-41 during most of that time. Then I became immune. I went through a series of over 7 drugs in 3 years. My kidney function was terrible and I was passing kidney stones. I went on Humira, and for me,.....it did not work. Matter of fact, it was terrible. My doctor refused to take me off it because the insurance company was giving us grief. But after ten months, lots of pain and a serious decline in GFR, I was taken off. It just did not work for me. However, I went on Stelara and that worked fabulous until it didn't...which is what happens with biologics. The other issue is the medicare will not pay for shots and the $1500.00 co pay was a bit much. So now I am on infusions with Orencia. Does not work as well as Stelara but its ok.. And so far my GFR and function is steady. BTW, there is a real connection to diabetes and arthritis. With the right medication, I was able to bring my A1c from 9 to 5.9.

So, as I said before, your hubby should get the fistula...and they may tell him to stop the Humira because of infection. But it may help him stay off dialysis with careful diet and getting his A1c down.

Hope this helps and does not scare you,

[Jmccool in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you for that information. He has been on so many medicines he used to be on Humira and then switched him to cosentyx. But Humira is the only one that ever worked. He’s on my commercial Insurance and Humira gave us a co pay card so we only pay 5.00. As you know the medicine itself is 8,000 a month. I’m just concerned because it lowers his immune system so low but the kidney doc said it won’t effect his kidneys. I have read different stories though and he feels so good being on it. He was in so much pain it’s like no matter what the guy can’t catch a break. He wants to do the home Peritoneal dyalisis. But he has to get the port he’s says give him one week to eat right and if it doesn’t improve his GFR he will get the surgery. But either way he needs the port just in case. It’s an extremely emotional and frustrating time. I’m so glad I have people to talk to about it all.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to Jmccool]

You are doing great. I hope that his changing his diet will help. I know others who have stayed off dialysis with very low GFRs. PD sounds like a great choice.

Doesn't it seem amazing about the cost of these biologics. My Stelara was a 84 day shot, which I administered. The retail on it was $21000.00. I too paid $5.00. Orencia infusion was $40. for administration but now with my supplemental medicare it is free. Keep in touch.

[lowraind]

Have you checked out Natural Kidney Journey for their diet protocol? If he has the desire, it may help him.

[Jmccool in reply to lowraind]

Yes we are on that site on FB. He reads it everyday I think his number failing to 10 woke him up. We are now starting that way of eating. 🙏🙏

[Hidden in reply to Jmccool]

Be sure to contact (referral) a Renal Dietitian and bring at least a years worth of labs with you. A kidney-friendly meal plan designed just for him is the best way and generic plans designed for all with CKD is not the proper way to keep GFR and other areas in check. If he does decide to prep and then do some form of dialysis his diet will change again as will his fluid intake. Being guided by both a nephrologist and an RD will be his best chance of being successful. Best of luck.

[Jmccool in reply to Hidden]

Thank you we are going to see a dietitian in the next week.

[Iculooking]

Hello, I’ve been taking Humira now for about 6 years in the beginning it was twice per month & eventually 4 times per month, I’m now in the beginning stages of Kidney damage/failure & I do believe it’s possibly due to the Humira , because I’ve never had an issue, but my mom did have kidney failure prior to her death years ago