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just started back on Humira but am suffering - wondering whether to take some prednisone

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Posted 4/14/2012 11:04 AM (GMT 0)

I recently weaned off the pred and started back on Humira after being off it for a year.    First injection seemed to kick right in but then I had to stop it for 3 weeks because of a dental problem.  Took my injection Wed. and have had no relief at all.   May be that it is going to take time to kick in or maybe it just isn't going to work this time.  In the mean time I seem worse than ever - hands, neck, feet and knees are all swollen and throbbing.  I have prednisone in various strengths, 5 mg 2.5 and 1 mg and wonder if I should take some. 
See my rheumy this coming Wed but don't think I can stand this until then.  I was thinking I would take 5 mg once a day for 3 days, 2.5 mg for 3 days and then 1 mg for 3 days and stop again.   Does anyone know if that would be safe.  I know it's not a good idea to take the pred while taking the biologic drugs but my rheumy has had me do it before.

Of course it's the weekend and I have to play my own doctor.

thanks for any input

Alicat

Posted 4/14/2012 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
I would call my rhuemy's office. Someone would call back with instructions.
I never hearad of any problems taking pred with biologics other than the increased risk of infection.
Posted 4/14/2012 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Alicat.

I just had the worse flare I have ever have, and I take Humira, too. I was sick for a week w/a sinus infection and I was run down and it started raining. My feet and ankles hurt so bad, I could barely walk. I came home from work and took prednisone until the pain eased enough for me to rest. Medrol Paks have 24 mg of Prednisone the first day, so that is what I did. I took 24 mg of prednisone and then tapered it down, just like a Medrol Pak. I should have called the doc, but I wasn't thinking straight. I called them afterward, and they said that was fine. I have to mention that I do take 10 mg of prednisone a day regularly. We have tried to taper me off of it, but every time I get almost off the stuff, my ankles swell up like melons. So, I am a work in process. Have you called your RD yet? I hope you still are not suffering.

Peace,
V
Posted 4/15/2012 12:43 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Vannie,

I woke up in even worse shape this morning - couldn't bend my ankles and my hands are so swollen that it's hard to do anything.  I took 10 mg of prednisone and have decided to stay on that till I see my rheumy Wed. - or I can call her tomorrow and see if she thinks that is safe.  I was on only 5 mg of pred but for several months and had a lot of infections during that time.  I hate taking the pred but am hoping if I just need it for a week it won't cause any problems.  I also have osteoporosis and know the pred makes that worse.  I take my second Humira shot Wed. and hope it starts kicking in so I can get off the pred quickly  If the Humira doesn't work after a month will probably have to try yet another drug, I'm starting to feel really hopeless but trying to hang in there.

Alicat

Posted 4/15/2012 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Alicat,

Hon, you need to give Humira a try for three months. It doesn't work overnight. Maybe your RD can give you some better pain meds until the Humira kick in? I am down to 10 mg of prednisone again. I can't seem to get off the stuff. My RD doesn't like it, but then she sees my swelling and says okay, take it. So...........I haven't had my bone density tested in six years. Six years ago I had osteopenia. Guess I should have my PCP schedule one of those. Do you take any meds for your osteporosis? I am so afraid of those meds. Hope you feel better soon with the prednisone on board, Alicat.

Hugs to you,
V
Posted 4/15/2012 1:43 PM (GMT 0)

:-)  took Fosamax for about 10 years but stopped when I heard about the fractures of the femur and osteonecrosis of the jaw.  I've probably been off of if for 5or 6 years now but that stuff stays in your system for years.

I have taken Humira before - for about 3 years - then stopped for a year because it stopped working.  I tried to remember how long it took to kick in and you are probably right, it was kind of a gradual thing and it was probably about 3 months - all of a sudden I noticed a big difference.  since then I have tried remicade (allergic reaction), cimzia - got worse on that instead of better.  can't take enbrel (injection cite reaction and on and on.   I take the Humira once a week now and am praying I can get some relief from it for another good stretch.  If not, just don't know what is next.

thanks for your sharing and caring.  Hope you have a good day

Alicat

turn  

Posted 4/17/2012 3:43 AM (GMT 0)
I hope Humira works for you, too, Alica. Sorry to hear Remicaded didn't work. I think that is pretty close to Humira, or so I have read. Cimzia doesn't interest me for some reason...something I've read no doubt. Has your RD ever mentioned Orencia, just in case the Humira doesn't work this time around? I do know three people who take Rituxin infusions, but I'm hoping Humira works for you. And, yes! Those are the drugs I was talking about that have caused so much trouble for some people...Fosamax. Hope you get to feeling better soon, Alicat.

Blessings,
V
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