Humira

[Hildestj]

Benepali is not working for me anymore and the doctor want’s me to try Humira. When I read about the possible side effects, I get terrified. Especially heart failure, and even cardiac arrest. Can someone with more knowledge about this drug, possibly ease my mind? I an currently also on MTX 20 mg. Earlier, I used Cimcia as a mono-drug, but it was not enough on its own. Could it work better with the MTX? Are there any problems regnsesong starting up with cimzia again, when I have taken it in the past?

[helixhelix]

I don’t have any specific knowledge about this drug, but when I read the patient information leaflet for Humira it reads pretty much the same as the one for Benepali! They are both strong drugs with the potential to have serious side effects, and they all list heart problems as possibilities - but thankfully uncommon ones. They have to tell you everything and it makes for difficult reading.

Mind you, the patient information leaflet for aspirin is pretty scary too!

Benepali, Humira and Cimzia are all the same sort of drugs which target the same thing in your body. So there really isn’t much difference between them in terms of risks, apart from the fact that people respond to each one a bit differently. So why does Humira scare you more than the others I wonder?

[sunnyweek]

Hello

Helixhelix has given a good answer as they are all strong drugs. I did have humira for about 8 years with no problems, just an amazing drug which helped the stiffness and fatigue and weariness, I couldn't do anything quickly, and it helped me move about easier. Most of my joints have damage but just to feel easier is amazing.

I had it alongside methotrexate. Eventually drugs don't work so well then it's time to try something else.

Maybe you could talk it through a little more with your doctor.

We are all nervous of these strong drugs but they can make such a difference to the quality of life. I am so grateful for them.

I hope you can come to a decision with a little more discussion. I wish you well.

[Ingerfoot]

My mam is on humira and mtx, humira as been like a miracle drug for her she’s 64 but before she had it she was like she was 80 sleeping all day joint pain terrible ect it’s like she’s got her life back in my opinion if they are offering it take it it’s been the best thing she’s had she’s back to her self thank God x

[Damien123123]

Been on Humira for 9-10 years minus the few months when they switched me to a biosimilar which did nothing. Humira is amazing! I have never had any serious side effects. You will have a cold most of the winter though. Can honestly say without I would have died a long time ago. Enjoy the new found mobility. Also took it with methotrexate for first year or so but that made me puke on a daily basis

[Hildestj]

Thanks for the replies. Had my first dose of Humira on monday. Just wondering, since this medicine has such a long half-life ( 14 days). Why do we take it twice a month and not just once? It also means that this drug stays in your system for nearly 3 months. Is must be problematic due to side effects and infections?