Anyone on HUMRIA | Arthritis Information

I Have just been put on humria and was wondering if anyone was having this injection and if they are having any problems with it. I had a stem cell transplant back in March but the rehumatoid was back within 6 months. I am 45 years and have had the disease for 9 years. Hopeing to meet new friends

Hi Veronica

I'm on Humira, have been on since 9/05. Haven't had any problems with it. What kind of problems are you having?

Kathy

I've been on Humia since december of last year. I used it about six months and then switched to weekly injections because the affects were not lasting the entire two weeks. I also have been on MTX for over three years. I really think MTX is nessesary with these biologics. Not everyone can take it; but for those who can it's a powerful combination.

Tell us about the stem cell transplant.

I had injections twice a day for a week in my stomach to boost my stem cells enough to overflow into my blood stream then it was hooked up to a machine to which took my blood from one arm then spun thru the machine to collect the new stem cells and the blood was put back in the other arm. I then went home for a week then back into the oncology unit to have high doses of chemo to wipe out the remaining stem cells, so was in isolation for 20 days with no imune system untill the frozen stem cells were put back into my blood stream and they started to grow and build up each day untill it was safe to come out of isolation. My inmune system was low for up to 6 months. The rehumatoid is back but not as bad.

Is this common in Australia? I've never actually talked to anyone that's done that.

You were dx'ed with RA 9 years ago? How serious was it? Is that why they tried that? We're you in horrible shape?

Forgive my ignorance.

I was not responding to any other medication so that is why the doctors decided to do the stemcell transplant. It was a rough time haveing it done and also there are risk with it but i got thru with no problems. Before i had it done i was always going to hospital and having large doses of methalpredisone and always on morphine for the pain but it is not like that now.How many years have you had RA for and how are things going for you?

I was dx'ed about 12 years ago. It's been an up and down battle over the years; but I've been on methotrexate over three years now and Humira for the past year and it's really made a difference for me.

I've always responded well to DMARDS even in the beginning. The only problem is that after a while everything loses it's effects and it take more and more to keep things at Bay. Provided my medication is adjusted right I lead a fairly normal life.

Mind has progressed to what they consider "moderate" after all this time and I have slight errosions that are visable on x-rays. All in all I've been very lucky.

What other medications are you on in conjunction with Humira?

Just mtx and pain releif

I've taken humira since August...the only thing that bothers me about it is the sting when I get the injection. I've tried all the hints that everyone gives but still have a burn after I get about 2/3 of the way thru the shot. BUT, the sting every two weeks is well worth the relief I get from it. Having less stiffness and pain is a welcome change. Like Lovie, I take it w/MTX. I think all these years on MTX has helped me .