Scared to begin Humira: I have been on methotrexate for... - NRAS

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Scared to begin Humira

fantastichope profile image
32 Replies

I have been on methotrexate for 3 months without much success. Dr. wants to add humira. I have just lost 50 lbs and I am terrified of gaining weight on humira. Also scared of other possible side effects. Any advice from this group would be appreciated.

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fantastichope
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32 Replies
Barrister profile image
Barrister

I took Humira for 14 months and didn’t put on weight (and I am prone to putting on weight as hypothyroid. )The only side effects I had were headaches but these disappeared after the first 5 weeks. It’s well worth trying. I came off it only because it stopped working for me.

Clemmie

fantastichope profile image
fantastichope in reply to Barrister

Thank you. This is helpful as I am also hypothyriod.

sunnyweek profile image
sunnyweek

I had humira along with methotrexate for about 7 years. I didn't put on weight or have any side effects.

I only stopped both as the consultant changed both drugs after the methotrexate attacked my lungs. The humira was an excellent drug for me.

fantastichope profile image
fantastichope in reply to sunnyweek

Thank you this helps to ease my mind.

Downtime profile image
Downtime

I took Humira and I didn’t put on any weight, in fact I think I lost a bit, it was great but sadly stopped working so now I’m on Erelzi, another biologic and I havent put weight on with this one either .

fantastichope profile image
fantastichope

Thank you I am feeling a little better about taking it.

Rich2017 profile image
Rich2017

Humira was very successful for me, I cut steroids from 10mg to 5mg, but as a mad of 51, I put alot of weight on around my stomach only, the drug has been really good, apart from headaches and funny feeling at the very beginning.

I came off humira for 12 weeks recently, due to operations and really ddint make a difference, but sadly no weight loss..

Good luck and hope you are feeling well

Silverpixie profile image
Silverpixie

I tried 4 biologics before I found one that worked for me. I had no side effects on any of them. However, the one that has worked (tocilizumab) has transformed my life. I haven't felt this well for 14 years and I am loving life again. Go for It!

fred42 profile image
fred42 in reply to Silverpixie

Do you inject? I am just about to start Tocilimuzab as my 3rd biologic attempt, you have given me hope.

Silverpixie profile image
Silverpixie in reply to fred42

Yes I inject every week. It took 4 months for the drug to work and I was losing hope when I was given another steroid injection and told to keep going. I was in so much pain and just frankly completely miserable. I now do two Pilates classes a week and walk about 4 miles a day. I've even come off hydroxychloroquine but do take azathrioprine and leflumonide too. I can't take methotrexate because I was diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis at the same time as ra. The other 3 I had were cimzia, simponi, rituxmab and orencia. Good luck

HMSHelene profile image
HMSHelene in reply to Silverpixie

I’ve just started this too..! 4th injection today, still takes me a while to inject myself, but small positives so far, need to get off the steroids, been on them for 3 years!!

juliea793 profile image
juliea793

I am on Enbrel and been on it 15 years..When I started only two biologics were available. The other was Humira..Enbrel was more convenient..I was frightened when starting the drug but 15 years later still taking it with only 3 months out last November and occasional missing a dose for being on antibiotics..Just play by the rules..Gives you a life back..Good luck..

Barefootyoga profile image
Barefootyoga

Hi, I was on it for over 3 years. I was terrified and hated doing the injections as I’m a needle-phobe. Can’t pretend it ever got any easier, but Humira worked really well for me during that time. I had a massive flare-up and also had surgery so had to stop it. When I went back on after

my post-op check, it had stopped working. I’m now on Rituximab and that’s changed my life!

By the way, absolutely no weight gain and I can’t recall any side-effects.

miss-otis profile image
miss-otis

I've been on Humira since January. It's working brilliantly. with no side effects and no weight gain. I don't take any other drugs at all now. Give it a go! x

fantastichope profile image
fantastichope in reply to miss-otis

I hope this will be the case for me.

I was on humira, along with MTX, for about 7 years. It stopped working so changed now to Baricitinib. Neither has caused a weight problem, but maybe the chocolate did 😜

fantastichope profile image
fantastichope in reply to

Thank you for the positive outlook

Jaybird profile image
Jaybird

lucky you going on Humira, I had been on Humira for 11 years, changed my life, no side effects or weight loss or weight gain, do hope it works for you. I have now been put on a bio similar which is not working as well as |Humira, lots of side effects, do hope I can go back on Humira but am told the NHS are trying to save money by putting us on bio similars

fantastichope profile image
fantastichope in reply to Jaybird

I am sorry you can' t have the Humira when it was working so well for you.

Toni62 profile image
Toni62

I been on MTX 6 months, MELOXACAM AND HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE, still not made much difference

Troygirl profile image
Troygirl

I took Humira for almost 4 months. I had to stop it because it made my whole body (muscles) feel like wood (its the only way to describe it) and had the worse leg cramping on the planet! No joke!

Also it never kicked in and worked to combat my endless wrists flaring.

fantastichope profile image
fantastichope in reply to Troygirl

I'm so sorry, I hope you have found something else that is helpful for you.

Troygirl profile image
Troygirl in reply to fantastichope

Nope not yet. On IV infusion Actemra. That is not working either!

Update on the Humira...it gave me fungus growing in Sinuses and needed to have surgery!

Rosekerr29 profile image
Rosekerr29

Humiras given me back my life. No weight gain ...

fantastichope profile image
fantastichope in reply to Rosekerr29

Thank you for the positive reply

singlecrochet profile image
singlecrochet

been on MTX injections since January, 2 months ago added Humira and am beginning to see improvement. My goal is to wean off MTX.

fantastichope profile image
fantastichope in reply to singlecrochet

I am glad you are seeing improvement. My goal is to get off MTX also.

Rosekerr29 profile image
Rosekerr29

I'm only on Humira... Dont be scared... it's the best thing. MTX gave me terrible mouth ulcers.. Arava made me vomit... and had terrible stomach issues.. As I said no side effects from Humira... best if luck. I trained my mind to think this stops all the flares and pain

Thequietman profile image
Thequietman

I was on Humira for ten years until it unfortunately failed on me and MTX gave me problems with my lungs. They both worked for me at the time, NO weight gain. Been on Rituximad for four years now , .infusion every six months.On Leflunomide and steroids etc etc. Do try it , it could really help you. I was diagnosed in 1972 and biologicals have been a godsend to this old codger. Good luck , let us know how you get on.

Troygirl profile image
Troygirl

I had to get off Humira because the only thing it did for me was it gave me a fungus that decided to take residence in my Sinuses.

It did nothing to reduce my inflammation markers!

Actually had to have Sinus surgery (with general anesthesia and the whole operating room experience) to scrap it all out!!

But like the "Black Box" warnings said...Humira Can cause Fungus!!

MrsOuchie profile image
MrsOuchie

Did you ever take humira? If so, Did it affect your weight?

Green230461 profile image
Green230461

I took it for ten years and it was great! Don’t worry just swim🙋🏻‍♀️

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