Hi,
I am new to this site. I was diagnosed with RA in 2000. I have not had much luck with any meds. I have aleady had two joints replaced. anyway, I am now on Humira. It doesn't seem to be working for me. my joints are still being destroyed. Everything I read about it makes it sound like a wonder drug. anybody have any experiences with it??
Linda--
How long have you been on it? Are you taking anything else with it? Have you given it enough time to do its thing?
Hi Sara,Will, I don't take Humira. I use one of the other biologics, Kineret. But from this board, I get the idea that it takes a few months to really kick in. You might need to give it a bit more time. Not sure. Also, Lots of people here take methotrexate along with Humira. In fact, the FDA suggests that it be taken in conjunction. Here's a website that might be of interest to you regarding the biologics. Something for you and your rheumatologist to discuss...
http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/biologics.asp? aud=pat
Take care.
Everything I've read says it takes a while for the Biologics to kick in. Most of us who are on a biologic are also taking MTX as well, and still may need a pain reliever, as well as folic acid.
When I was on Enbrel it took about 6 weeks to have any effect at all. And it never really worked well, so I "failed" Enbrel. I switched to Humira and it began working a little sooner, after the 3rd shot..
They doubled my MTX dose, and now I am having more reliable response from the Humira.
thanks for the info, guys. I guess I just have to be patient. I do have a new dr. and I see him next week so maybe I will discuss the mtx with him. I have never had the experience to talk to other people with RA, so this is a lot of good info for me.