I am new here and age 84 with RA so need help

[TTLiang]

Currently I am on Salfasalsine and Planaquil for RA and so far results to reduce pain and fatigue are not very good. As a result the Dr is recommending I switch to Humira injections, however I have read the side effects and they are scary!

Can anyone tell me if helps with fatigue and how they are feeling?

[Madmusiclover]

Hello and welcome. Many of our drugs have ‘scary’ side effects but you will be monitored. That particular drug didn’t work for me but I didn’t have any side effects whilst I was taking it. Let us know how you get on.

[helixhelix]

The thing to concentrate on is that uncontrolled disease is far more scary than the drugs! Widespread inflammation can affect your heart and lungs, as well as eyes, on top of having painful joints.

I have been on and anti-tnf (which is what this drug is) for around 4 years now and no side effects. And live normally, with no pain

(generally except that just had a flare as had to come off drugs as I got food poisoning, but this is just a blip)

[Potatos]

I have been on Humira or its biosimilar since 2006. The side effects, in theory, look scary but statistically you are more likely to get benefits that are greater than the side effects from the drug. For me it has been fantastic. I am now largely pain free. Before Humira I would walk down the stairs and be too tired to eat breakfast. Once the Humira had kicked in I was back at full time work. I do still get tired more quickly than before diagnosis but the overwhelming fatigue has gone. I can ski for a full day, work in my garden and allotment, cycle, go hiking etc. All things that were unthinkable before Humira. I have had no negative side effects and do not seem to have had any increased susceptibility to infections or my ability to shrug them off.

[greynot in reply to Potatos]

I love this, Potatos

[TTLiang in reply to Potatos]

Many thanks for your quick reply. You just gave me a "Lift"

[oldtimer2]

The advantages of controlling Rheumatoid Disease outweigh the disavantages of the side effects for most people. Try it and see!

Adalumimab has been marvellous for me so far - six months on it so far.

[TTLiang in reply to oldtimer2]

Will do! Thanks

[Lolabridge]

I’ve had fewer side effects from biologic drugs than the non-biologic DMARDS, which all made me very ill and didn’t work!

So try not to be scared about side effects, which have to be listed but may not occur at all. Just look forward to getting your RA under control properly and feeling better.

Good luck!

[TTLiang in reply to Lolabridge]

Will do!Thanks

[TTLiang in reply to Lolabridge]

Will do!Thanks

[RAexperiences]

I’ve been on it a few months now. At first i was incredibly exhausted by it but that may be lifting. Got one bladder infection. Feel like my throat is always a bit sore and ears and nose feel full. I have also gained a lot of weight since starting it. At first my pain was completely gone, tho now I’m wondering if efficacy is wearing out. Best wishes and welcome! This group is an excellent resource…

[Rocketgrrl]

I’ve been on humira for quite a while - none of the other drugs seemed to help me at all - humira helped within 10 days of my first injection. I went from being very ill, working one or two days a week and spending the next three days in bed, and needing a stick to walk anywhere, to putting the stick down and returning to work full-time. I have had no side effects at all that I can think of (maybe weight gain). It’s a miracle drug as far as I’m concerned 👍. (In my early 50’s btw - have been on humira probably for 8 years now)

[TTLiang in reply to Rocketgrrl]

Thanks for your response. i will give a try

[Carolsos]

I find it's better to forget the side effects and get on the drug, as some have said you are suffering unless you get another medication. Humeria is very good it worked for 6 months for me with no side effect. It just stopped working. Once you get the right combination you will be back to normal doing cartwheels 😃. Good luck and lets us know how you get on and welcome to this fantastic group! Take care.

[TTLiang in reply to Carolsos]

Will give it a try. Thanks

[Hannah-NRAS]

Hi TTLiang,

Well I shan't repeat the excellent points made by everyone above, but reiterate that we here at NRAS agree with what's been said.

Best to give Humira a go, you may not have any side effects but everything to potentially gain 🙂.

If you feel you want to discuss this further or require any additional support you can visit our website at nras.org.uk or reach out to our helpline on freephone 0800 298 7650 or email us at [e-mail] (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4.30pm).

Best wishes,

Hannah - NRAS

[TTLiang in reply to Hannah-NRAS]

Thanks