Humira

[Barrister]

As long as my insurance will pay for it, it looks like I will be starting Humira shortly. Had chest X-ray and skin test for TB yesterday and see the rheumatologist tomorrow where he will prescribe Humira. Any advice regarding best times to give injection, anything to avoid, reduction of side effects and symptoms will be gratefully received. Clemmie

[Barrister]

I would like to add,mi don't expect "advice", just the kind of things that others have found works or doesn't work! I don't want to fall foul of the rules. Clemmie

[Hidden in reply to Barrister]

Sorry clemmie I've not been on that drug but fingers crossed your insurance pay for it and it does the trick! Good luck kikideelili x

[Barrister in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Kikidee, I'm going to get the Shingles vaccination first after I get back from holiday next week and then start Humira 2 weeks after that. But now I'm just worrying about the side effects of Humira! Clemmie

[Hidden]

I've been on Humira since April with no side effects and within the last month, I've noticed an improvement in joint swelling and morning stiffness. Overall, it's been a decent drug for me.

I wish you luck!

[tishey]

Hi, I have been on Humira for six months now with no side effects, but a remarkable improvement in my RA. I had become so bad I was in a wheelchair and my husband was having to do most things for me, I was very worried about starting biologics do to the awful side effects and I had refused them in the past but I didn't want to go on in such pain and not be able to do things for myself, I have had RA for 17yrs and failed on so many drugs so I decided to give it a go, my CRP and ESR are now 4 and 3 and I can now do most things as normal its amazing I noticed such a change after the first 2 weeks, so I say to anyone who is concerned go for it, I know it doesn't work like this for everyone and it can stop working just as quickly as it started. The only thing I do is remove the Humira from the fridge for 15mins before I inject as this stops injection site irritation. Hope it works for you as it does for me. I also take 10ml Methotrexate weekly.

[Barrister]

Thanks so much, Crashdoll & Tishey, it's good to hear when people have a good experience with a medication. I've not got RA and probably aren't in such a bad way as you have been, although some years back ( before I ever had a diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondilitis) I was unable to walk any distance for years so I can appreciate where you are coming from. At the moment I can cope with the pain although it is getting worse day by day in my hands and feet but I really don't want to get to be in such excruciating pain again so that's why I've opted for biologics. But the thought does scare me! I hope that it keeps working for you both and that it works for me too. Clemmie

[shareasmile]

I started Humira back in June. I have had no side effects from it except that I often feel extra tired on the day of my injection. Other than that, I haven't had any problems with the medication. The injection burns a bit going in, but nothing that should keep you from doing it again 2 weeks later. Be sure to let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before injecting. It took awhile for me to begin feeling the benefits from it--about 10 weeks. And my RA doctor told me that it can take up to 2 years to get the full benefit--with steady improvement on the way. All the best to you!

[gracie47]

Hi I have just started taking Humira two injections so far and feel a slight improvement nothing dramatic but had no side effects. I was previously on enbrel for about five years but that stopped working for me. Interesting to hear how others are getting on with these new drugs makes me feel a little better about taking them. I take mine out of the fridge for 30 mins too before injecting and the nurse said to me to take paracetamol after to stop any potential headaches from taking hold. She also advised to eat something if i get nausea and that will get rid of it. Lets hope we all get some improvement with this drug just want to have enough energy to be a good mum to my kids.Good luck!