new on humira | Arthritis Information

Hi all, I recently started humira because nothing else was working. I took my first shot and I improved a lot. But it only lasted like 2 days. Then my knee swelled up bad again. Has anyone else had this happen when they first began this medication. I am hoping it will last longer as I continue to take it. Any feedback appreciated.

Regina

I am taking my first shot of Humira tonight and I am scared to death. I HATE needles...but I dislike the pain of RA that I've had for 15 years more, so I'll just have to get over the fear. I am on Enbrel- but all the folks I know that take Humira say that it takes awhile - so don't expect miracles the first few shots...I know that with Enbrel they say it takes at least 3 months to experience the full effects....I think it is great that you had a positive reaction your first time...even if only for a few days....and Sarah- you will be fine- it is a little scarey- doing the shot in the begining- but before you know it Humira day will be one you look forward to....I wish you both great success-

I've been on Humira a little over a year now. After 6 months I switched to weekly. That's an option for you.....but Brenda's right; it takes a while to get the full effect. I didn't have over night success with it but over time it did help alot.

Congrats Sarah!! I still hate the injections; my husband has to give them to me. As much as I hate the injection I really think it's worth it. It's made a big difference in my life.

Welcome to AI you guys.

My husband gives them to me too. I was a rare one that had relief the day after my first shot. The stiffness in my fingers was almost all gone and I had a lot of energy. I noticed that a few days before my injection day i would feel a little pain coming back...but the last shot I had over a month ago, I didn't have the pain the few days before.So it was lasting longer in me.

I had gotten sick and have been off humira for almost 3 weeks now...the last injection was 5 weeks ago and this week I think the humira is out of me cuz I'm sore and real tired.

Hope to get back on it after i'm done w/the antibitics. I MISS It!

thanks

Hi, Humira is my last chance medicine for now...I'm willing to give it a try. I've tried many medications and combinations, and according to some people I know who have tried Humira, they had wonderful results.

I hate needles and the thought of injecting myself is revolting, but I do it....I just look at the needle and, this might sound REALLY stupid, I have to tell myself that this needle and this medicine is my friend in managing the RA...I am lucky to be able to take it. Many people cannot for one reason or another. Emotionally, I try to relax and make it part of warm shower/massage ritual. I have to do that in order to make it seem "good" for me. No one helps me, in fact I don;t want anyone around that might add their opinion to the process or make it more difficult than it is.

You can do it yourself; leave the medicine out for about 20min to warm up, and it will not sting as much. My dr recommended that to me. Also, the area around the stomach is not as sensitive as the leg for me.

It's really important that you calm down, accept the process and enjoy the results. You must be good to yourself. However, everyone is different too, and maybe this isn't for you. Just relax though and give it a chance. For me, the RA pain is much more horrible than the injections.

sarah, you're right. the RA pain is much worse than a little 5 minute shot. duh- how could i forget that. thank you....I'm ready for the burn again! Had to go off of humira for a few weeks for a cold and was on antibiotics...today was my first injection since 1/3 and I was so ready for it. Today I tried some ice on it....my husband gives me the shots. It wasn't as bad. I'd rather put up w/a little burn than the RA pain I have when I don't have humira. Hi i am new to this room, my doctor has ordered the Humira for me so i will
be taking it soon. I was on the Enbrel had to quit because it caused bad side
effects. I have heard that Humira is really good i hope so because i am on
prednisone and house bound and i want to be able to move again. I've had
RA for 8 years now and i've been on all the meds. Waiting to feel better.
Lynn Hi Lynn, I have been taking Humira for almost a month now, and it has been working much better for me than Enbrel. I too was taking prednisone, also celebrex, methotrexate and a medicine to help me sleep at night. I was up to 10 mg of prednisone daily and two celebrex, (200 mg each) as well as 4 tabs methotrexate weekly; with the Humira, I am down to 2.5 mg of prednisone (probably will stop it altogether), one celebrex 200 mg (probably will stop that as well) and 2 tabs of methotrexate.

In other words, the Humira has been fantastic at controlling the RA that I've had for the last 15 years. Previously, I had one knee replaced and was feeling kinda hopeless with the level of pain I was having to work and live with. Now things are looking up.

Lynn~I've been on Humira (Weekly for more than 6 months) for more than a year now. I also take 25mg (10) of MTX a week. It really has worked well for me....and I've had very few problems with it.

I hope your experience with it is a positive one. We'll be here to support you.

Lovie

Hi all, I wish you the best of luck on Humira, Sarah and Lynn! I hate the burn as well. I was ok at first, but the last two times, I have to sit their for a while and convince myself to do it. I did try to take it out of the fridge 3o min. before, and that really did seem to help the burn. I have taken 4 shots now, and I am still hoping it is going to work. It seems like 3 days after I take the shot, the swelling decreases, but just does not go away. Then a few days later, my knee is all swollen again. It doenst get swollen until the point that I can not walk at all. I just can't tell. Does anyone know how long this can take. Does this stuff have to build up like all the others?

Gina

Hi Gina, my doc told me to look for full results in about 8 - 12 weeks with the Humira..can be longer depending on the person. Hopefully it will have good results for you. When I was taking enbrel, it really didn't start working for a good 10 weeks.

I am new at this, but the injections have helped. I have taken two so far and the improvement is wonderful. I have done things around the house and yard I had not been able to do for over a year. My husband loves it.

It does sting and cause swelling around the injection site. Glad to hear about taking out and letting it sit for awhile. I have been lucky and have not had to give myself a shot until this coming weekend. I'm not looking forward to that. Is the stomach better or more comfortable than the stomach?

Sue Ferachi

Hi Sue, I think it depends on your body type. I happen to have more loose skin on my stomach (3 c-section kids) than on my leg, sothe stomach is definately more comfortable for me. Everyone is different though.

Hello to all and thanks for the support and i will need it. I haven't got the
Humira yet and it has been almost 3 months now. I will have to call the
rheumatoligist tomorrow and see what is going on. I will check back and
see how everyone is doing.

Welcome to AI.

Hello to all,

I am new to this Humira. I have had RA for 2 years and have taken everything on the market. I am MTX now as well as sulfas., plaquinel, predni., and more. Does not help, so next step Humira and I am scard to death. Not only needle phobia but the side effects and possible side effects. My husband told me to find one of these sites and see what others are saying. Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated. They are ordering the Humira and I should start taking the shots in 2 weeks Thanks. I have read in some of these that the sticks hurt. Have you experienced this and what tips do you have??

I have had good luck with leaving the Humira injection out about 30 minutes before injecting; my Dr told me it would aleviate the burn experienced when the cold medicine is injected. Ihave found that this works. Some people have also suggested to ice the injection area to numb it. I haven't found this necessary yet as I am injecting on my abdomen, not my leg.

Hope that helps,

I am a needle phobic and can relate to all your comments. I think my husband hates the jabs more than me as he gets so much abuse and I get in such a panic for a few hours before the injection but it is worth all the fuss to be pain free. When I do get any pain it only lasts a day or two compared to a month or two before Humira. By the way Husband gives me the jab in upper arm as I can't face seeing the injection beforehand!! Glad I have found you all. Good luck to you all. Jane

JANE355838797.7432291667I thought the only place you could inject was either thigh or stomach, upper arm????I think you can inject anywhere you can "pinch an inch". The arm is where my Rheumatologist suggested would be best if someone else was doing them for me. Regards. Jane JANE355838798.6966666667Thank you so much, I will have to talk to my Doc and see. Thats better than the thigh for me and the stomach maybe a no go because of pregnancy stretchmarks.(the vidoe we watched said you couldn't inject into stretch marks) I have been worried. I haven't taken my first shot yet but I am already dreading it...

Mary Ann

Mary Ann, just try to focus on the pain relief that the shots will bring...not on the monentary discomfort of the shots themselves. That's what I did and it helped.

MARY ANN, I DID THE FIRST SHOT MYSELF AND NO ONE TOLD ME TO LEAVE IT OUT FOR AWHILE SO I TOOK IT COLD. IT DID BURN BUT I MADE IT. I DID THE FIRST ONE IN MY THIGH. MY NEXT SHOT IS ON MONDAY SO I AM DEFINATELY GOING TO DO WHAT THE OTHERS HAVE SUGGESTED. I KNOW SOMEONE SAID THEY DID SHOTS IN THE ARM, HAS ANYONE ELSE DONE THIS??? I AM GOING TO HAVE MY DAUGHTER LEARN HOW TO GIVE THEM TO ME AND I THOUGHT THAT MIGHT BE A GOOD SPOT BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE THIGH OR STOMACH. ANYONE KNOW? MARY ANN, YOU WILL DO FINE. JUST RELAX AND TAKE A DEEP BREATH. MELODY

Thanks guys

Mary AnnYes the keeping of the stuff is kind of inconvenient, however it's better than Enbrel which I think is still a twice a week shot...that I really couldn't get used to. Enbrel didn't work as well for me either. ..It's wonderful that you could enjoy yourself travelling Catnip!! I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR THE ADVICE ON LEAVING THE HUMERIA OUT FOR 30 MINUTES!!!!!! WE DID MY SECOND SHOT ON MONDAY AND MY HUSBAND DID THIS ONE AND IT WAS NOT BAD AT ALL. LEAVING IT OUT MADE SUCH A DIFFERENCE. MY DAUGHTER IS GOING TO GIVE IT TO ME NEXT TIME SO THEY WILL BOTH KNOW WHAT TO DO. IT DOES MAKE IT NICE WHEN SOMEONE ELSE DOES THE SHOT, THAT WAY YOU ARE NOT THE ONE STARING AT IT AS IT GOES IN. THANKS AGAIN SOOO MUCH FOR THE GREAT INFO. GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE. MELODYI got my first shot of the Humira tuesday and i am already feeling a little
better. My wrist and hands aren't hurting like they did. My hubby gave me
the shot in my stomach with no problem. I hope the next shot goes this
easy. Good luck everyone.
Lynn

Hi All, Does anyone know how or who I can talk to about getting my shots again because I can't afford them and my Ins. Co. doesn't care. Any ideas??

I've been absent from the forum lately but wanted to say hi to those I have not met yet.

I too take Humira. I've been on it since Dec. 04 and it's made a big difference for me. I now take it weekly.

Hope to talk to more of you soon.

Hi All and I just wanted to ask Lovie why you now have Humira weekly did it stop working before you were due for your two weekly shot? Where do you inject and do they still hurt? thanks for any info. JANE355838808.4077199074This is to Becky about your insurance won't pay for your med. Here is the
number 1-888-477-2669. That is the number for the Partnership for
prescription assistance. I saw this pamplet at my doctors' office and i
thought i might need it one day so i got it. And here is the internet address
www.pparx.org I hope you get it. Good luck. Mary AnnHas anyone had an injection site to stay as long as a month.? I took my first
injection about a month ago and it is still there just like when i first started.
Is this normal.?

I had my first Humdia shot on 5-6-06 no side affects yet. Daughter inlaw gives me my shot she is Nurse, I also take MTX. 25mg. Folic Acid. IBp. for pain, mostly I just go threw my day and do the best I can some days pretty slow. I live in Mn. Lot of weather change this time of year. So I move slow and sleep alot, because of the pain. But I do not like the side affects of prednisone. So will just go slow when I swell up.

Update:

I took my 2nd injection on May 4th and I'm not feeling that great. I'm not sure what has happened because my first injection made me feel wonderful. I know that it takes a good 8 weeks to feel all the benefits, but I am a bit depressed cause my fingers are swollen again, and my right knee and ankle hurt to the point that it makes me limp. I thought more medicine would generate better results.

Has anyone else experienced what I am going through? Do you think my body is not responding to the new drug? Any thoughts are appreciated!!

I was supposed to take my first shot today but cancelled. I'm concerned about side effects. There is another shot that I will be given at the hospital so my resistance to infections will be built up. Did anyone have to take one of these also?

Hi, Im new here and excited, nervous about starting humira i start on thursday, glad to see that it might be my long awaited light at the end of the tunnel.

thanks

Hi everyone. I take the Humira once every 2 weeks. I've had 5 injections
so far. Does anybody have bad shot site, like red and mine stays for awhile.
It takes about a month for it to go away. I was wondering if this is normal.?
LynnHi all, I had a chest infection so stopped MTX and Humira for about a month. Since going back on them I have had bad site reactions to Humira. A nurse explained this is probably because my body had time to build up a resistance to it whilst I had stopped taking it. I alternate arms and butt, but still get a red swelling that lasts about 4 days. Still cannot inject myself so hubby still gives them to me. It sounds like your body maybe fighting the Humira Lynn. Besides the site reaction is it working for you. Going on hols soon. Will reply when I get back. Best regards Jane

i think any type of reaction at the site area is normal. but you should still call your doc & ask them. i'm lucky that i've had no site reactions yet. just the usual burning that goes away.

i gotta quickly & excitedly add that after 6 mo's of taking humira i am so, so, so much better. i love it! i mean, going from hardly being able to walk, drive, get dressed, basically do daily activites to lving a normal life, working full time & slowly starting to work out again. and it's become a lot easier to inject, but still scares me.

hope everyone is feeling good in someway today.

Hi msjoey311, did you say that the humira took 6 months for it to start to
work for you.? Because I have been taking it for 2 and a half months now
and it helps just a little plus i am on prednisone too but at a low dose. Do
you take the shot every two weeks.? That is what i take. Lynn

hi lynn,

i felt a little better after my 1st shot. but after 6 mo's of being on it, i feel a whole lot better. and yes i take it every 2 weeks.

i'm glad it works for you

Lynn; I've never had a site reaction to it; but it's not unusual. I would think that it would go away in just a few days though. Better check with your doctor to be certain.

i Have been on Humira since April 06- twice weekly. My husband gives me my shot and has threatened to quit giving it to me because I have to lay down afterwards- I feel kind of nausea and I whine and complain about how bad it burns - I left mine out about 20 minutes but
I did not see much difference - maybe I should try 30 mintues. I am trying not to complain - I am relieved to hear others say it burns- but 5 minutes of pain is better than all day pain. I also take MTX shots every week but that is no problem. I have not saw much difference in my condition since taking Humira - I am relieved to hear someone did not get better till 6 months. Maybe GOd is trying to teach me patience. Has anyone had problems with sinus infections on Humira - my GP has given me three rounds of antibiotics since starting Humira but he does not think there is a connection - I go to rummy next week?

kaykay

Hi - Been on humira for a year. The injections make me nervous, but I take a deep breath and do it. It burns sometimes, but not always. As someone said, each injection is different. I had a perfect one last week, but I had to laugh - who can you call and tell that to! You guys I guess!

Traveling with Humira is a challenge. We went on a 3 week trip just after I started. The flights were over 16 hours. The pharmacist gave me a great tip for packing the humira. She suggested getting a small soft cooler. Wrap a little thermometer in the type of packing and ice packs you'd travel with and set it on the counter for the equivalent of the time you'll be without refrigeration. Check it and adjust. After 3 tries, I got the right amount of ice and insulation and traveled without too much fretting.

And best of all, I can thank the humira for being able to travel at all!

I have a tip if you are getting a site reaction. I get a little red round circle on my leg after the shot that stays there for a couple of days. Sometimes it itches. This last time after I gave myself the shot, I applied a little over the counter Cortizone-10 cream. No more itch and redness went away much quicker. Hey thanks guys for the info. I don't like shots either but if it helps the pain
of the ra it is worth it. I've been sick and had to miss a couple of the shots
but i will be back on them soon. And i am going to get some cortizone
cream too. Thanks again and good luck and God Bless. Lynn

Good Luck.

Lynn~I hope you're feeling better soon.

Hi,

I think most of this has already been mentioned, but wanted to tell my first experience with Humira. I asked the nurse for suggestions. She said she has noticed the larger amount of skin you can pinch, the less it tends to hurt.

I did my first injection last night. The Hurmia had been out of the refrig about 20 min, I pinched a large portion of skin in my stomach and injected very slowly. I hardly felt the prick and had no burning. This was great, after things I had heard about it. Hope this continues going this good, however, I am now waiting for the magic to occur.

The nurse also said they are coming out with something different than the usual syringe. I guess something to 'prick' less.

It's in a pen form. It should be a little easier to use.

I'm not sure if it's available yet....but I had read about it.

Welcoem to AI Me too....Join the gang in the RA section. The majority of us hang out there.

Hi,

I have just been reading everyones comments regarding Humira injections and hoping that Humira will start to work for me soon.

I have been on enbrel for 3 years and found that it wasn't working as well as it did at the beginning. My Professor said i was to try Humira and I have had 2 injections so far next one due on Friday. So far there has been no improvement and i am really struggling at the moment - i feel as though none of my drugs are working. Reading everyones experiences has really helped and i am hoping that humira will start to work soon - anyone any ideas how quickly this drug will work? I would appreciate your comments and feedback.

Hi everyone i am back, been down for awhile but doing better. The Humira
is working for me now, it took about 3months for it to work. It gives me
energy and it helps the pain and i can walk again. Try not to give up JoeMc
on the Humira it works different for people. i hope it starts to work for you
soon.
Lynn

Thanks Lovie i am feeling better.

I have been injecting Humira for about 2 months. With positive results. Along with Methotrexate I can do yard work without too much diffucuty or pain. It works wonder's for me.

This is my first time on this forum but wont be my last lol

conwell254938962.3498148148

Hello

I have had RA for about 4 years now and was delighted recently to discover this website! It is great to read about people going through the same thing, with the same problems etc.

I have been taking Humira for about 3 months now and although my knees are a lot better my right elbow and both of my thumbs have now flared up. I can't hold a pen properly and typing is really hard. I have been unable to do the injections myself and have found this really upsetting. I honestly thought I was made of stronger stuff!!! I now get the nurse to give it to me at my GPs as I was getting into such a thrash about the whole thing. My energy levels have improved but I find I can still get really tired very quickly if I don't look after myself properly!

I have been taking Methotrexate, Arcoxia, Prednisolone, Folic, Calcium, Nefidipine (for Raynauds) Amitriptyline for night pain and Tramadol/Co-drydamol for the day.

Love to you all

I'm starting humira this morning. Thank you for my new mantra![QUOTE=Sally59]

Hello

I have had RA for about 4 years now and was delighted recently to discover this website! It is great to read about people going through the same thing, with the same problems etc.

I have been taking Methotrexate, Arcoxia, Prednisolone, Folic, Calcium, Nefidipine (for Raynauds) Amitriptyline for night pain and Tramadol/Co-drydamol for the day.

Love to you all

[/QUOTE] I just went in for my refill of my Humira. Humira is now coming in the Injector Pens. It took all of 5 seconds to do my injection. I do still warm it to room temp (about 30 minutes) to ease the burn and sting of the medication injecting. I hated doing my injections so much that my kids would "threaten" me with being "grounded" if I didn't lol. The Pen has made it soooooo much easier. I found the Pen is also way easier to use than a regular injection. It was hard for me to hold the syringe properly. It is so easy my 11 year old would be able to give me an injection if I couldn't do it myself (my husband would pass out lol). maybe ask your doc or pharmacist for the Injector Pen next time you go for a refill.

I hope Humira works for me!

I hope it does too!

Well done on doing it all by yourself. I have recently started too but I get hubby to help me with the needles :)

I am supposed to get the Pin and i was wondering if anyone has used it and
if they like it better than the syringe.? Does the pin hurt less and easier than
the syringe.?
LynnI haven't used the pin but I know someone with PA who has and she said it was definately easier - especially on her hands. Pain wise it was the same. I use the Injector Pen for my shots. It is definitely easier and faster. It was hard for me to hold the syringe and push the plunger to inject myself. The Pen is way easier to hold and to use. There is virtually no pain involved (the needle itself is very small) and if you warm the Humira to room temp virtually no burning involved. It injects much faster than we can inject ourselves since it is basically a spring loaded mechanism. The only thing I have really found is that my injection site will bleed a little bit more than using a syringe. I put that off to the injection being spring loaded. I love the Pen. My stress level about injecting myself is virtually gone since this is over in about 5 seconds. The Pen itself is wide enough for us to hold on to not like trying to hold those tiny syringes. This is so easy to use that my kids (the ones left at home are 12 and 14) would be able to do my shot should I for some reason not be able to do it. My husband still won't even look at me when I do it (you do not even see a needle lol). All you hear is a click and the little window turns yellow when the meds are done being injected. You may need a bigger sharps container since the Pens are bigger than the syringes. Your doc should be able to give you one of those. I love the Pen
Hi Just found this site tonight. I meet with the nurse next week for instructions on injections. I haven't had a shot yet. Is the pen available in Canada? Sounds easier for my hands. I don't know if the Pen is available in Canada. Your pharmacy or doc office should know. Good Luck with your shots!

Hi all I just found this site tonight as was looking for side effects for Humira. I have been on it for three years. Recently have been having chest pains and I seem to have developed asthma symptoms. I still have problems giving myself the injection. When i first started i had terrible side effects on the injection site on my thigh it would itch and swell and the mark would not go away for weeks even though i would take the antihistamine tablet and put a hot and cold compress on the injection site and have the injection at room temperature.Then it was suggested that I inject in my stomach and the reaction was better but when I first started injecting in my stomach about 18 months ago i used to get a smaller red mark (than on my thigh )and it would itch and would have to take antihistamine but recently, in the last 4 months I don't need anything. I still get the stinging when the medicine goes in but i try and concentrate on blowing on the injection site and the stinging seems less

hope you find my info useful lydia & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp;

I am on my way to getting Humira pen injections. I am trying to get some financial help to afford my 20% copay. I am very anxious and can't wait to see if I can get some relief of my pain and my energy level back. Does anyone getting financial assistance? I was turned down by Abbott manufacturing because my husband makes too much money. What they don't realize is we have two kids (one in college) pay 0 a month for insurance and 0 for meds that I currently take. I have always worked (husband too) our butts off to make ends meet and I am so frustrated with the whole process of trying to feel better!!!!

Cindee

I am having the same problem with my insurance. it is very frustrating. i owe 20% of the cost because it is a tier 3 medication. I'm not sure what i'm going to do. I'm still looking at options. if you find out something, post it. i could use some new ideas too

Phatgirl2

Hi All!

My 32 year old daughter has PA and had a first injection of Humira , it was like the wonder drug, then when she was due two weeks later she got a cold , which turned to bronchitis, so she was about 3 weeks late with the second injection. I gave her the 2nd injection last sunday, 1 week ago, and it has not worked like the first injection did, she has not gotten any relief. I dont understand why the first injection worked so well, and not the second. Any ideas?

Thanks

Missysmom

Is your daughter taking anything else along with the Humira like Prednisone or Methotrexate? Is she on any pain meds? A lot of times the Humira in conjuction with another drug for the RA produces faster and better results.

It can also take anywhere up to 6 months to feel the fulll effect of Humira. Call her RD or have her call and let them know she did not get any relief like she did before. If she isn't taking another DMARD along with the Humira they may want to add one to see how that works for her. Sometimes we have to go thru a couple of different meds (like Avara, Enbrel, Remicade) to see what works best.

Hope she feels better soon!

Sept. first our insurance compnaies got switched. We were paying .00 a month and now our new insurance compnay wants 00.00 amonth til our 00.00 copay is met. Then it only goes down to 0.00 aonmth out of pocket. Which HUmira cost 0 to make per sryinge? Am I right on that figure about cost of making the drug.

Has anyone heard of Health Wealth? I was told by Caremark that it a company that helps people with there copays? But you have to met their requirements. When people say that it always means we never qualifiy.

Since I'm on no drugs and I can't have the one I want & I'm now 38years old I'm going to try for baby #2! Hopefully I be in that % and goes in toremission when prego.

Anyway If you or can efford it take the HUmira you'll love it and I will suggested doing it in your lower stomach!! I started in my leg and I ahd bad recation but not inmy stomach. YOUr anxiuyt will go away afater you do it afew times and know how great you will feel!!! Good Luck and I wish&pray for remission for everyone!

Peace and good health TMIKWIK(RA2yrs3mnths-right now no drugs)

Hi everyone!! Just to update my last post.

My doc gave me a prescription card from Abbott Manufacturers that make Humira. It paid for my 20% copay and I didnt have to pay one little single shiney dime! My insurance paid the other 80%! This card is good for 6 months. Talk to your doc maybe you can get it too!

I took my first shot on Weds. in my leg. A nurse from Humira came out to show me how it was done. I did the pen inject. The shot itself didn't hurt just a little burn with the meds going in that lasted about 10 seconds. She told me to count down from 10 to 1 and then it was done. I kind of felt achy and sore for a couple days but by Friday I was feeling wonderful!! I had energy and no pain what so ever! Saturday was great too!! I baked cookies, cleaned my house and even ran the sweeper (which my hubbie has been doing for a year now)!! By Sunday I felt terrible again but I am chalking that up to over doing it. I went a little crazy baking and cleaning!!

I hope ya'll have good results from your Humira experiences!

Keep the faith!

Hello all,

I found some good news concerning my Humira shots. I have a mail-order prescription service with my health insurance that will cover most of the cost except for a minimal co-pay. This will save me 415.00 for a 90-day supply. Check your insurance and see if you have this mail-order service.

It will also cover Remicade the same way and mail directly to your doctor to administer.

Have a happy day,

Mailman Mary

Dear All,

I made a mistake in what my mail-order prescription service would save me. It would save me 865.00 for a 90-day supply of Humira. This is calculated by the 10% I would have to pay as my co-pay.

Sorry about that. I am tickled about this if I do stay on it.

Mailman Mary

i had my first shot of humira a week ago and the 2nd day i felt as if i had a new lease on life.( I have R.A for 5 years) by the 3rd day i couldnt walk or sit up, every joint had flared up and i had stomach pain.My Rheumatologist said it was too soo to tell and to have another injection( next friday). Really worried about this but I will try again. Has anyone else experienced a sore tongue.

My tongue was alittle sore and my taste buds were inflamed and white looking for a day or so. I took my 2nd injection last Weds. and didn't feel great like I did the first time. It could take up to several months to find out the full effect of Humira. Hi everyone! I'm new here, just joined and thought I'd share with you my first experience of Humira today. I was absolutely dreading it to be honest, having cancelled taking it several months ago because of fear, and yep like you all say, it did sting a lot. With the help of a nurse and my hubby I simply had to take the plunge as my joints are a whole lot worse now since having had a baby earlier this year. I felt like I was gonna cry even before the needle went in (what a wuss!!) and had to grip the chair and hubby with sweaty hands but wow, I'm so relieved to get the first one over and done with. Not sure how good it will be for me as had Psoriatic Arthritis now for 16 years, but here's hoping I can get to the mother and baby group and do other stuff I've been dreaming about. I've come to realise that some times you just have to take some risks in order to have a life.

New here...First Post

From Enbrel and MTX to Humira?

Been taking Enbrel and MTX for 3 years now. I give myself the shots but for those of you wondering, I still get a little nervous and I have been taking 4 shots of 25mg Enbrel a week for the past 3 years. My doctor took me off MTX 3 months ago and my PA is almost in full swing again with only the Enbrel. She wont start the MTX again without a liver biopsy, and wants to switch me to Humira alone before going the liver biopsy route. Has anyone switched from Enbrel to Humira? How was the results? And does this Humira burn like the 50mg shots of Enbrel (that I quit so fast to go back to my 2 shots)?

Thanks in advance for any info!

I started taking Humira 3 days ago. Today I feel terrible, feel like I have the flu. I have had a flu shot. Has anyone started off this way?First shot I got was in my leg and that caused problems. Then I got 3 in my stomach and that was better. I hate needles too, but it was helping me. Then my insurance informed me they made a mistake and would not be paying for any RA medications. I would gladly take them if I could afford them. So give yourself the benifits of Humira.

I thought the Humira liquid stung/burned (rheumy said it has a different PH than enbrel) while the enbrel needle stung.

I've been on injectables many years now and I still shake like a leaf when I give myself an injection. It's unnatural, basic animal instinct screams at us, "NO! No stab self with sharp stick!". It takes alot to overcome that.

I've now had three shots of Humira and wow, what a difference to the Psoriatic Arthritis! I was able to get off of crutches for short distances after the first one, though still limping, and last week was able to walk down to my local shop which previously had been impossible for me. The acute bend my elbow was stuck in has now got better, the swelling has gone down in my feet and I'm standing upright better than I have done in ages. However, the psoriasis is still not better and infact has been flaring up - anyone else with PSA had the same thing on this drug, and if you have does it calm down?Hi all.

I've been taking Humira now for about six weeks (have had RA for 12 years
now, came on after the first pregnancy. They never tell you about the side
effects of childbearing in the books do they!).

It worked pretty much the day after the first injection and Ive started
reducing the pred.... but recently Ive been getting really REALLY bad breath.
I know this isnt a biggy really, but Im a bit worried its a symptom of
something more serious. Anyone else had this problem?

Nicolexx

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the forum, but experienced in RA. I was diagnosed with RA about one year after my now 15-year-old son was born. I've been on drugs such as Plaquenil, prednisone, Embrel, Remicade, and Humira. At first, I was on Plaquenil and prednisone for a few years until I began to get a darker pigmentation on 3/4 area of my lower arm, and my rheumatologist took me off the Plaquenil. It could have been an intoxication of some sort, and long-term usage could have affected the liver, although my liver is fine now. Now, I'm on Humira with MTX and it holds me off until the next dose is due. I'm hoping and praying for a remission, but it's not coming around...YET???

NicoleB, I know someone who was having tremendous difficulty with bad breath (halitosis), and he did an extensive research on the subject, and found that the liver in some people doesn't process choline well, and if it builds up in your blood, you can emit a very strong odor not only from your breath, but from your whole body as well. This disorder is called trimethylaminuria, and it can be controlled by reducing your choline intake found in foods like eggs, fish, broccoli, beans and liver. There is a government website that has a very extensive list of foods with information of its choline content. This is the website: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Data/Choline/Choline.p df

I don't know just how much any of our RA or PA drugs affect the liver's ability to process choline, and when it doesn't do it well, it could be only temporary. Nonetheless, staying away from foods that are high in choline can certainly help. My friend's problem with bad breath is completely under control with diet alone. He still enjoys an occasional meal containing high choline, and it really doesn't face him. He usually has a problem only when he consistently eats these foods, and the choline builds up in the blood faster than the liver can process it.

I'm glad I found this forum, so that I can read about how other people who have RA handle their setbacks. It's a place where we can find support and encouragement.

mpdela

mpdela39099.0069791667

Humira took the life of my mother 1 year ago.

It helped at first ,she felt verry great then the skin rashes came along, the bottom of her leg came all swollen and infected , had a heart stoke, all that in a mather of 5 or 6 months of uses of this pioson. She never had any of theses prob. prior to this, no heart problems at all. PLEASE watch out for these symptoms especially the rashes,it covers all the body, and it was the first sign that it was going to go wrong.

I'm so sorry about your mother. What a great loss. What did the doctor's say was the cause of her death? Did she have an allergic reaction Humira or any other medication, or did her liver or kidneys fail her? If so, was it a consequence of having taken Humira? Did she have any other illnesses in addition to a rheumatic disease?

Hi All,

I was just thinking this morning it would be nice to have an RA support group since I am starting my Humira in the next week or so. Low and behold, my husband sent me this site (he didn't know I was thinking this) this morning and now I feel I have myself a support group without having to leave the house. Thanx!

Hi, Robz

Glad you found the site. I've been on Humira since May '06 and it has been
very effective in controlling my RA. I don't post here often but I find reading
posts from others is very supportive. Good luck with your Humira.

fusiefusie39138.2887847222Hi Cranky and welcome to the forum. I've been on Humira for 3 months and have had a great response to it.

Like you, I prefer the needle and syringe to the pen. I ice the injection site for about 10 minutes and it stings much less than the pen.

It sounds like you're worsening instead of getting better. Have you talked to your rheumy about how you're feeling? If you haven't then you should call him/her. Also are you injecting every other week or weekly? Lindy

hello im on my 2nd injection of humira did ur doctor tell u to stop ur humira while on antibiotics ? as ive been given them for my chest infection. also does it make ur head dizzy i would be really gratefull if u could let me no thanks first time on this site Hi jackielegs , I don't think you are supposed to take your Humira if you have any type of infection in or on your body . Even a small infected cut .

Call you Rd's office and let them know what is going on and they will let you know what to do .

Hi:

I have been on Humira for nearly six months. As you know by now the shot stings but it doesn't last long. I find that putting an ice pack on the injection site prior to and after the injection is very helpful.
Good luck!

thankyou ever so much for your reply it was my first time on the site giving me a site with people to talk to who have the same condition as me. thankyou for your advise.

hello im also new on humira on my 2nd shot is there any reason why people are on b12 injections also folic acid im not having much luck with info of my doc i would be grateful if u would let me no im new to this site Hi...I'm also new on Humira and found I'm having a similar experience to many others. After the first two (biweekly) injections, I would feel good for a few days and then return to pain and swelling. I took my third one twelve days ago and still feel much better and more mobile, so I would call that a good ramp-up.

The only things is that the by-product side effects of RA (fatigue, muscle weakness, dry eyes) have yet to appease but I have hope that they will in time. So give Humira a chance. I use the pen and was afraid of the needle but so far have had no skin or other side effects. Any redness has resolved within a day. The only problem so far is the inconvenience of needing it mailed and refrigerated...a small price to pay for significant relief.

Hi everyone,

I just gave myself my first Humira injection (pen) last night. I didn't have any trouble except for a little burning, but today I feel some nausea._popupControl();

I have been on Arava, Plaquenil and Humira for about a year. The next day I woke up with thrush on the inside of my lips and shortness of breath. It went away in a couple days. The thrush happened again just a couple months ago the morning after a shot, but again, went away quickly. I saw improvement pretty soon after starting injections, but I think it has "run its course, as i am starting to have a lot more stiffness and pain again. Anyone else have a positive response at first, then no results like I have? Not sure what drug I would have to try next.

I did my first Humira inject three days ago using the Humira pen, I was amazed it was so easy, literally a few seconds and I honestly didn't feel a thing. I have fele some benefit already so it looks as if it might work for me, fingers crossed after so many years of pain.

take care,

Lynne

xxxxx