Humira and I just finished our first anniversary together today! I just thought I'd give you my personal observations; I know everyone reacts differently to the various RA drugs but I do think it's helpful to hear others experiences. Unfortunately, I think people post more often when they have a bad experience than a good experience so it's easy to get a biased view. Anyway here goes:
1) I started with MTX and Humira, then slowly reduced the MTX to zero. The only difference between MTX and Humira and Humira alone is that my recurring thrush infection, and the MTX side effects (occasional diarrea / nausea, fatigue) went away.
2) I haven't had any side effects that I feel there's any evidence were caused by Humira. There was a period last fall when I had a rapid heart rate and some other associated symptoms and a couple of months ago experienced some tingling in my shoulders. After a lot of tests that showed nothing and a lot of doctor visits I'm pretty convinced it was just the usual RA inflammation flaring up a bit, nothing extreme.
3) I have found that a low dose of a NSAID with the Humira seems to take care of the occasional mild flare / inflammation symptons pretty well. I now take 1 Alleve every morning.
4) I still experience some stiffness in the morning and occasional joint pain in my hands and feet primarily, but NOTHING compared to the old days of a few years ago, so I'm pretty happy.
5) I still experience some fatigue, especially in the late afternoon, or when engaged in a lot of physical activity.
6) I've had one cold in the last year which lasted the usual week and a half and wasn't particularly severe...no infections, etc. and my wife is a kindergarten teacher so I'm exposed to a lot of stuff. I did not stop taking Humira during the cold. I did get a flu shot last fall.
7) For me, the injections are no big deal. They sting a bit, but only for a very short time. I don't use the pen because I like to control how fast it goes in.
Bottom line, I'm pretty happy with the results and intend to continue as long as I can. Hopefully this has been helpful. Personally I think people tend to be overly fearful of the side effects...not that you shouldn't be careful, but the odds of serious complications are very small and the side effects of untreated RA can also be very serious.
Alan
Thanks Alan. As someone who is still struggling with meds I appreciate hearing of your success on Humira. Though I am experiencing about 3 moderate days a week now, if I don't gain any more than that I would be interested in going to Humira.
Did you ever use Enbrel?
No enbrel. I started on NSAIDS,etc for a year which was not effective...took MTX for about 2.5 years which worked pretty well but caused some problems, particularly the thrush, then changed to Humira.
Alan
Alan,
Glad things are going well. Keep in mind that if you are taking your Humira every other week you CAN take it once a week if it starts loosing its effectiveness. Talk to your doc about changing the script if you need to. I used Humira for a year and a half and had to switch to Orencia, but I much prefered a quick injection of Humira to an infusion of Orencia.
I love good news - congrats and continued success for you!! Hugs and good vibes.That is GREAT, Alan! I am happy it has worked to your liking. I hope it continues to work for you.
All the best
June
Great success story! This is just awesome for the newly diagnosed to read! Thank you for posting your success and showing people that meds can work.Good news Alan! I am happy for you too! I hope I get good results soon. It always lifts my spirit to hear good news. I wish you many wonderful days ahead!
CinDee
Woohoo! Alan should get a party!!Great news Alan!
We are looking at embarking on 'some sort' of injections for our 6yo (I haven't asked for the name until the docs decide which one!)
I am terrified of the side effects - as is my Paediatrician. My paed rheumy is about to table her case at a conference to decide her best med option.
She is currently not diagnosed but has pain, fevers, sick all time. Too long a story for now...
Thanks for your insight. I think I feel a little better....
Nelly
Great post. Thanks for sharing.
Being that I am getting ready to start both MTX and Humira...that makes me feel a little more at ease. I just hope I have the same outcome.
Scott
That's awesome Alan. Happy anniversary. Glad you are continuing to have good results with Humira. It made a huge difference for me.
I had to go off it and it's been about 12 weeks now I guess and I'm still managing very well; but continue to take MTX.
Great news! It is true that we tend to forget to sing praises when a med actually works the way we want it to. Thanks for sharing this, congrats, and good luck for the next year...hope it keeps on keepin' on! I am so glad to hear about the success stories more than anything else. I myself need to focus more on those. The Doctor told me it's fine to add aleve while getting off pred ( now down to 2mg) I am glad it seems to help you.
Thanks for all your kind words and encouragement. I have a lot to be thankful for and am happy to have the opportunity to share it. Who knows what the future will bring. I strive to embrace live as it is now, the good and the bad...sometimes I even succeed! I wish you all the best of luck in your own struggles with this disease.
Alan
Hey T~Hang in there girl. My energy level was the first thing that happened for me too.....but not long after the relief in my joints followed. Give it a little time. Getting rid of some of that fatigue is a positive sign.Alan,
What WONDERFUL news. I am so very glad to hear this.
Good Luck in the future!
Love,
Elda