How long did Humira/ Adalimumab biosimilar take to work for you? ( or didn’t it?)

[Bon1]

I’m one week after first injection and definitely no change yet....would love to hear what other experiences have been.

Bon

[Juliachoo]

Hi, I am new to biologics I will be taking my 4th Humira biosimilar (adalimumab) on Tuesday. I found I felt a little better after about a week but developed shocking headaches which were put down by my Rhuemy Nurse to not being able to tolerate co codamol with it. It has been a gradual improvement in my hands, knees & shoulders, although not so much for feet & I am generally very pleased with the progress. I will say though, while I’m starting to have more energy, I am still having bouts of severe fatique & crash mode episodes but after the odd “dressing gown day”. I’m ok again. All in all, I would say I’m definately better for being on biologics although a very stressful, impending house move is probably clouding the issue at the moment. Good luck with your biologics journey, I have put a few posts on here xx

[Campaigner]

Hi there, I am at exactly the same stage as yourself.

I feel better in myself ( might be psychological ), my joints are easier. For a few days had more energy which then dropped again. My main problem if exhaustion.

Will keep an eye on your posts with great interest.

Good luck. Xx

[Shalf]

Hi, I was offered Adalimumab after Sarilumab failed to work effectively.

Having previously been on Benepali for the appropriate length of time with no success I felt it may be futile to try another anti tnf drug.

Therefore after discussion with Rheumy we have decided to try Rituximab infusions which targets cells in a different way.

I hope we all find the way/drug which suits us in controlling this disease.

[Troygirl in reply to Shalf]

It targets B Cells.

rituxan.com/

Good luck. Let us know if it works for your RA.

[Shalf in reply to Troygirl]

Thank you!

[helixhelix]

I’m on Enbrel, also an anti-tnf like Humira. It took 3 months to work - I was on the pont of giving up...but it did work and still does.

[Gigi71]

I was told when I started Humira it would take around 3 to 6 months to work, I was given a diary to fill in weekly, I started to feel better after 3 months, it’s been a great drug for me. I’ve been on it for 11 years. I have erosive RA so already had much damage before. I have unfortunately many other health problems to deal with, but am very grateful to have been given this bio drug. X

[Troygirl]

Only thing Humira did for me was give me a severe Fungus infection in my Sinuses. Had to have Sinus Surgery to scrap it all out!

Was taken off Humira immediately!

Biologicals... are they really worth all the terrible side effects?

[Bon1]

Thanks everyone . I think I had convinced myself that it would be like a miracle happening in days!! Glad to hear that no improvements yet doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t happen..

Your replies are so appreciated

Bon

[Rocketgrrl in reply to Bon1]

I think it is most definitely diff for everyone but when I went in humira I had been walking with sticks for quite a while - nothing else worked on any way for me - steroid infusions would last me 3 days max. - methotrexate did nothing - plaquenil nothing etc. I was told wait for 8 weeks maybe to see if the humira was working but within 8 days of the first injection I put my crutch down and haven’t picked it up since (5 years now). I hate taking it, and slack off every now and then, but as soon as I do I start limping around and stiffening up again. It’s really been a miracle drug for me with no side effects that I can tell except for maybe weight gain (or perhaps I’m just eating a lot more because I feel well - hard to tell really).

[Gracie2019]

I just had my 13th Humira injection yesterday (1 every two weeks, so I’ve been on Humira for 6 months exactly).

My history was that I got blasted with debilitating PMR in January 2015, fought it on prednisone for 3 years, and developed seronegative RA along the journey. In hindsight, I suspect I’ve had RA symptoms that would come and go most of my adult life.

After trying every other oral medication tablet under the sun, all with poor results and lots of side effects, I’m doing pretty well on Humira. It took a few injections before I started to realize I almost felt “normal”. I would say it controls 80% of my symptoms.

Hoping the meds work for you and that your journey improves soon.

[hawker955]

I started Humira back in spring 2009 and within 2-3 weeks my symptoms had all but disappeared. My swellings were down , the severe anaemia was gone and my blood cunts back to the normal ranges. I have not looked back since. as it still works, touch-wood!!

Good luck with yours.