Skipping meds? Higher cholesterol due to humira?

[Mymymy]

Hello...

My face cyst is draining - no redness or pain (guessing no infection). Wondering if anyone has skipped Methotrexate and/or humira (or biologics in general) when skin related problems arise.

Additionally, I was surprised to see a significant increase in cholesterol (and LDL) after starting humira injections a year ago. Wondering if anyone has experienced the same.

Your sharing and advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Mymymy

[Jacey15]

Prior to treatment my cholesterol was 4.7 but after treatment with methotrexate and humira it went up to 6.5. I put it down to the methotrexate after reading some papers on it. One paper said methotrexate caused a 1.54 increase on average. Reducing carbs/fat/sugar made no difference for me so I have been prescribed statins. Are you on methotrexate?

[Mymymy in reply to Jacey15]

Thanks for your kind reply, Jacey15! I have been on methotrexate for about 5 yrs but just added humors 1 yr ago. I did not experience an increase of cholesterol in the prior years. Are you still on methotrexate and humira?

[Jacey15 in reply to Mymymy]

I'm on methotrexate and imraldi which is the biosimilar to humira.

[Mymymy in reply to Jacey15]

Thanks for letting me know. Just caught my typo...humors for humira😅

[Hidden]

I’m on Baricitnib and it’s known to increase cholesterol. I was already on statins ( at least 8years) as my cholesterol was 6.1. I did a lot of research and found flaxseed oil helps reduce cholesterol. I now take this as a supplement and in 12 months I’m now down to 4.1 the lowest in 15 years. Bonus it has helped with my dry eyes .

[Mymymy in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your kind reply, J1707! Good to hear that your cholesterol is coming down. Are you taking flaxseed oil in the liquid form (or tablets)?

[Hidden in reply to Mymymy]

I take tablets and add ground flaxseed to my porridge. You can take the oil I’m just not good with it.

[Mymymy in reply to Hidden]

Good to know. will try. Thanks

[Judyloo]

Hi Mymymy

Well I have been on methotrexate for 30 yrs now, and luckily for me it works quite well. However I had a scary moment about six weeks ago when I was bitten on the back of my leg clearing leaves in the garden. Not sure what it was but probably a horsefly!!😖

This turned into a very nasty sore on my leg. Sadly at the moment the best I could do was get my husband to keep photographing it to see if it would clear up. It wept nasty stuff for a week or so and finally this week formed a scab which has now cleared up. Got a horrid scar but heigh ho..

I realise taking methotrexate weakens the immune system quite dramatically but I measure this against 17.5ml in injection each week keeps the RA at bay.

Sadly I have not seen a consultant for nearly two years, and my next appointment isn't until next February, and that is unfortunately with a consultant who decided about six years ago that I was cured!! No confidence thre then...

Have a good Christmas 🎄

[Mymymy in reply to Judyloo]

Hi Judyloo, thanks for sharing your experience. Good to hear that your leg sore is healing. I got mosquito bites a few months ago and found that it took longer to heal. I now wear long pants when I go walking in the nature. Merry Christmas to you and all on our forum!