Help!starting himera injection!

[Mybirthday1975]

hi all!

So basically I’m starting 40 mg of himera excuse the spelling 🤦🏽‍♀️but I’m so afraid I’m currently on 15mg of metratrexate injection but my consultant told me my Rheumatoid arthritis is really active and he’s tried me on different drugs and combinations and nothing is working so he said I need biologics!the reason I’m afraid is that i have been doing some research and it says it can cause cancer lymphoma!and other cancers and that you could get a really bad infection and it can cause death etc etc..is there anyone on hear that takes this medicine and can reassure me I’m so scared!

All replies will be hugely appreciated 😊

[Amnesiac3637]

Please stop panicking -it does nothing for your stress levels and messes up your RA!

All drugs have the potential to cause cancer in large enough doses as chemicals are not intrinsic to the body and therefore can sometimes cause a threat but the drugs prescribed for RA have been doled out in their millions over the years, are thoroughly tested before they get anywhere near us and are very unlikely to cause you any problems other than the usual side effects you get from a new one.

As for infections - some people contract infections more than others for all sorts of reasons not necessarily to do with the medications and some people are no more prone to getting infections than anyone else not on drugs for RA.

If you’ve been doing ‘research’ on Professor Google then stop immediately! Nothing good to be gained by an algorithm scaring you silly before you’ve even tried whatever it is being prescribed. Take comfort from the many, many people who benefit from these amazing drugs every day and hope that this will be the one that gives you much relief from the pain. You’ll never know till you try.

And breathe……….😀

[KittyJ]

lots here are on biologics and they have changed their life. Every drug can have scary side effects, even paracetamol but it doesn’t mean you’ll get them. You are monitored whilst you’re on them so give them a go, they might change your life too. I’ve not had any more infections ( actually had none other than Covid) whilst on biologics, sometimes too much research isn’t a good thing if it stops you taking a med that might be great for you. I assume you didn’t do this much research into all the other meds you’ve taken or you wouldn’t have taken them 😁 Turn away from dr Google and listen to your real doctors 🤞🏻

[davannh]

I was diagnosed with RA almost 50 years ago and have had a very rocky path since then. Treatment options were very poor at first. As a result I have severe joint damage. Over the years I have had both elbows replace, wrists fused, synovectamy in both knees, knee replacement (awaiting second) foot reconstruction, etc,. My hands are twisted and some of the joints have dislocated. I say all this not for sympathy but to urge you to take the medication recommended. Biologics have made my life bearable since 2009. In spite of the previous damage the RA is now controlled. My joints do not swell, the fatigue and anaemia is improved, my inflammatory markers are in single figures, all brought about by biologics. What many people do not take into consideration is that RA inflammation can damage everything in your body, not just joints. Heart, lungs etc can all be involved. There are risks with many things in life, driving on public roads is one of the most risky things we do, but we do it for the end result.

Protect your joints. I am in a wheelchair and have needed one for almost 20 years. However, I can walk around the house and garden. Without the last 15 years on biologic therapy that would not have been possible.

[Otto11]

Hi it’s always a worry when you read these things however every medication causes side effects as the leaflets will tell you. I was scared of starting methotrexate but was on it for 15 years. I started Humira in 2006 & it was the best Biologic I have been on. I was on it for 12 years & it turned my life around. Thousands of people worldwide take this medication & even if 1 person develops a headache ( an example) which is reported then it will be classed as a possible side effect. Most of Rheumatology meds make us more susceptible to infections as they lower our overactive immune system. You will also be well monitored with regular blood tests. Tell your Rheumy nurse or GP how you are feeling & they can reassure you.

[Gnarli]

I can't add much to the excellent advice already given but I had to let you know that I have had very few infections since I have been on Rituximab. Not even covid. I may have been lucky but you could be exactly the same. The wonderful relief from the pain, swelling and fatigue makes it so worth while. I look forward to hearing from you in a few months time offering to arm wrestle anyone trying to take your Humira from you.

[Green230461]

I have taken it for six years. It worked very well indeed. We all live in the balance of probability! I was told that without a change in meds I would be in a wheelchair so I took the humira and was fine. The docs monitored my blood regularly so I felt safe. Try to consider how bad things are. Could it be better? Then decide and I hope it works out 🤩

[Potatos]

Been on Humir and it's biosimilar since 2006. It has transformed my life. I have had no problems with infections. Hope it works as well for you.

[RAstruggle]

I was on Humira and a biosimilar of it for 10 years and it worked a treat for my RA. I hope you get on well with it. I’m off it now as it stopped working for me. But when it did work I could almost forget about my RA.