Adalimumab help

[Pastels]

Hi everyone, I’m about to start taking adalimumab and would appreciate any advice, I’m feeling a bit nervous. My joints are in a bit of a pickle now so not much choice. Thanks

[Hodc]

Hi I started adaluminab last summer, having had it delayed for months because of covid, and chest infections. I was very apprehensive about starting, giving myself the injection etc. I can honestly say its been fine, touch wood. I only inject my leg, as that is what the nurse advised when she came out to show me how to do it, as sometimes my hands get bad. Just make sure you,take it out the fridge 30 mins before injecting,,and make sure you press it into the leg firmly before pressing the button. Once I didn't, and it was a bit sore and bruised. I have to take it for an eye condition related to RA, but taking it has allowed me to stop taking prednisolone a fortnight ago, for the first time e since 2014! Good luck with it.

[Pastels in reply to Hodc]

Thank you, really helpful, I’ve got everything crossed that I will be luck and not get to many side effects!

[Summerrain14]

Hi Pastels, I started Adalimumab in March so a newbie to it too. I was a bit apprehensive about any side effects it may give me but none apart a headache with the first two injections. Is there anything in particular that you are feeling a bit nervous about? Like Hodc says take the injection out of the fridge at least 30 mins before you are due to inject it. I inject in my leg too and no pain at all from the injection. Biologics nurse advised me to inject in the evening and sleep off any side effects if I got any. No hangover feeling like I had with MTX. I am now starting to taper my steroids too. I hope it works well for you. x

[Pastels in reply to Summerrain14]

It’s just the side effects really, having felt really ill with the side effects of other drugs. Taking it at night seems to be a good idea. Thank you

[Summerrain14 in reply to Pastels]

Totally understand your concern about side effects as that was one of mine too. I can honestly say that this is the first medication where I have not had side effects like the other meds so really am hoping it is the same for you.

I tend to do mine at night as usually working throughout the day. Still very early days for me but am pleased I am in the position to start tapering the steroids again as I have had lots of steroids over this last year. I was so apprehensive when it came to doing my injection not knowing how I would feel. When I woke up the next morning with no side effects I was so happy. Only had a headache with the first two injections but did my third injection last Monday and no headache or side effects at all. Keeping everything crossed this is going to be a good medication for you too. x

[Pastels in reply to Summerrain14]

So pleased for you! Great to hear such a positive outcome. Helps to hear such news. I’ll keep my fingers crossed

[CagneysMum]

I started Amgevita (my first biologic drug) about 9 months ago and it’s working brilliantly for me with no side affects. I inject into my tummy, in a different place to where I inject my methotrexate (and on a different night). I inject early evening and always take the injection out of the fridge about an hour beforehand. I find injecting into my tummy more comfortable than my leg which was sometimes quite sore.... but everyone is different so I suggest you try both? Nothing to be nervous about and hope it works as well for you 🤞🙏

[Pastels in reply to CagneysMum]

Thank you so much for being so reassuring.

[SlothSandpit]

Hey Pastels 👋 I felt EXACTLY the same before I started adalimumab. I've been taking it now for about 18 months and it has really changed my life. I had really bad SI joint issues which stopped me walking and I barely ever get a twinge from them now. I was so nervous before starting it, and also super nervous on the day of the first injection, but it was surprisingly less painful and quicker than I expected.

You get used to doing the injections quickly - I would recommend trying both your thighs and your stomach and then stick to the one which is less painful for you. I like my thighs personally but I know a lot of people find the stomach less painful. Also make sure you take your injection out of the fridge before injecting. They usually say 30 mins before, but I often leave mine out for an hour to make sure it's really come to room temperature.

I take mine before bed because it makes me quite sleepy, and that works really well. I didn't really get any side effects with it - I often feel a bit more fatigued the next day or two after the injection. I also had a bit of hair loss in the first 6 months, but it did calm down after a while and it wasn't super extreme (no bald patches or anything).

Once you have your first one, the nerves will melt away ❤️Good luck! I hope it brings you some relief.

[Pastels in reply to SlothSandpit]

Thanks so much! Good to know that it’s been so successful for you and the the way you manage the fatigue...great tips and reassuring to!

[Hodc]

Hope you are doing OK on amgevita. I forgot to say, like others, I inject at night so I can sleep off any effects (which haven't happened, fortunately).