Change to Humira injection

[Lilpurple]

I have had rhematoid Athritis for 30 years now and are currently in 20mg methotrexate and 20mg of arava for the last 10 yrs. My bloods are excellent and I feel great.

I recently changed my rheumatologist due to moving and she wants to put me on Humira injections. I don’t want to for fear of the reviews I have read.

She’s suggesting it because of my damage I have from not being on meds for the first 8 years.

Has anyone had any good response from this drug?

[Jaxine]

Hi tthere,

I've been on Humiri for 2 years now, I've not had any problems with it apart from a headache. Unfortunately I've started getting more flare ups so my consultant wants me to go on jak inhibitors but I'm staying clear of those for a while! Only good things to say about Humiri!

[Lilpurple in reply to Jaxine]

I do have some flare ups but I think it’s due to menopause (which I’ve read about or the weather makes it play up but never painful.

I want Humira to be last resort.

[Sjhoney in reply to Jaxine]

Hi, can I ask why you’re steering clear of Jak inhibitors? I’ve been on them for 6 months and they’re working really well.

Just out of interest 😊

[Jaxine in reply to Sjhoney]

i

Hi there,

I'm worried about the side effects of Olumant. What do you take?

[KittyJ]

How strange to want you to change when a drug is working so well for you. Humira will do nothing for previous damage nor will any other drug unless I’ve missed something. If you’re happy and your bloods are good I’d put my foot down and say no. You don’t have to change with no good reason. Also humira might not work as well for you , there’s no guarantee, so you could be worse off.

[Lilpurple in reply to KittyJ]

Thanks for your reply, that’s my thoughts exactly, I only have a bit of inflammation still evident but that’s because of the damage at the knuckle of my index finger. All it needs is a quarterzone shot like my other rheumatologist used to do.

[KittyJ in reply to Lilpurple]

ah if you have visible inflammation that responds to cortisone injections then maybe they’re wanting to change to try and get rid of that. That makes much more sense now. I’ve permanently swollen knuckles and I always have to tell rheumys that it’s never gone away whatever I’ve been on. Mine is from damage caused early on but sounds different to yours in that nothing ever makes a difference to it. I’d have a more in depth chat with your rheumy as having to keep having injections isn’t ideal. 🤞🏻

[Otto11]

Humira worked well for me for 12 years. However we are all different so there is no way of knowing how you will respond. Good luck x

[oldtimer2]

I think that I would want to know a little more about why the new consultant is thinking of adalumimab (Humira). The proposal suggests that that it's felt that you still have active inflammation which is continuing to damage your joints, and you should ask for evidence of this if you don't think this is the case.

But just to say that so far that adalumimab has tranformed my Rheumatoid Arthritis and, apart form an increase in catarrh, I have had no side effects - and I'm delighted at the transformation!

[Muse55]

Hi Lilpurple,

Like any of the biologicals, it is wise to do your homework, and posting on here is a great start. My personal experience of Humira: I was diagnosed with severe RA 15 years ago, and my rheumatologist initially tried me with Sulfasalazine and then Methotrexate. My response was not encouraging, and it was at this point, it was decided that Humira would be the next step. I went from pretty much not being able to move any body part without being in excruciating pain, to, overnight, seeing and feeling the inflammation levels drop astonishingly quickly. It gave me my life back, and I do believe, due to its complex mechanisms, prevented further joint damage.

It is equally important to note that it has not been without its side effects; I am sure this must vary greatly from person to person, but I observe: dryness of mucus membranes, headache, occasion outbreaks of eczema and psoriasis, particularly in the early days, from time to time a feeling of fatigue, much like what you experience with RA. These issues are bearable for me, and the benefits hugely outweigh the disadvantages. This is hardcore meditation, however, and please continue to ask your rheumatologist plenty of questions. Do take care with what you might read online, and try to stick with trusted sources. Wishing you much success and wellness.