How long for Humira to work? | Arthritis Information

I felt an increase in energy almost right away. When I was originally started on Humira my doctor had increased my MTX and also given me a round of predisone to get me though a rough spot so it's kind of hard to tell exactly how long it took to actually kick in. I'd say maybe a month?

I take it every week and I'm doing better now than I ever have before. It's been really good for me. I do however take MTX as well and that could make a big difference in the way some of us react to the medication.

What's been your reaction to it so far?

Crunchy, I've been on Humira for over a year.  I had some site reactions in the first 6 months or so. One lasted for ages, kept getting worse - doc looked at it and wasn't too worried. It did go away - but it took 6-8 weeks. Others have been mild reactions. But I haven't had any for quite a while now. Sometimes the needle stings a bit, other times it doesn't.

As for how long it took to take effect, it seemed like it was pretty quick for me. A couple of months maybe.

Hope you have good luck with it!

That's a hard one Crunchy. I'm not sure what I'd do.

Kay,

It's time to talk to your doctor about it. Maybe they could do it every week. But would possibly taking benyadryl or something else for the reaction make it doable.

Some people do have reactions from the Remicade. That's why they give you benadryl along with the first 3 infusions. With you already having reactions from these others, I can see why your doctor is hesitant to change again.

But you've waited long enough. Call the doc and see what you can work out together. There has got to be solution for you. Maybe it is putting it in a different size needle or something.

I think it's a good plan. Now, you are using your experience to help guide you through this. I know you are so frustrated, but you are doing the right things. Setting a deadline as to how long you are going to cope with this is a very sane approach.

I really, really hope this works for you.

I have been taking Humira since last Oct.  I also was getting a pretty good-sized site reaction--about the size of a lemon.  I finally tried some cortizone cream I got OTC--and it worked for me.  I wait a few hours after I have the shot and then rub some on the site. 

I also got a card from Abbott Labs that they are coming out with a new injection system for Humira--it reminds me of an epi pen--it looks like a pen, takes 10 seconds to inject Humira.  II guess it is turbo charged!   think I would prefer the needles I am used to--I can control how fast the stuff is injected--it stings.   I think for the damage to my hands, the pen would be harder for me to handle.  Obviously the person who thought up this one-doesn't use Humira.