Humira first shot

Well since I cant tolerate Remicade and I am getting more sick by the day, they finally let me start Humira.
I will have my first shot on Friday. Will actually get 4 shots on Friday to begin the treatment.

They gave me this Humira Pens. And well I am afraid that it will hurt :(

So can anyone tell me that it does not hurt hehe :)

And if it does hurt how much ?

And for the people who have been on both humira and remicade. Witch is better ? Not like treatment wise but just like easy to use and stuff like that.

Congrats on Humira, I really like the stuff myself, but the pens are very tricky at first.

Some tips ;)

1.) Let the Pen reach room temp before you inject it. Let it sit out for a good ten minutes, before you inject it. This will help a GREAT deal with the sting.

2.) Pressure; It's all about pressure. You grab some skin, preferably some fat, push the pen hard against the skin, and hit the button on top. Keep PRESSURE hard and firm on it. I put my back up against the wall, and get in the floor, that way I don't jerk and pull the pen away. I use a leg, you can use the belly if you are ok with that, I am not.

If you jerk and move the pen away, the medicine will go all into the air, and you have a "misfire". Call up Humira, tell them about the "misfire" they will give you a replacement pen. Consider having someone help you the first few times, and tell them to keep firm PRESSURE, don't pull back.

3.) Here is a video for you to watch.

www.humira.com/RheumatoidArthritis/AdministeringHumira/Default.aspx

I find that the shot does burn, while the fluid is going in.  Once it is in it does not hurt.  So you just need to be ready for the burning sensation.

For my first time with the 4 shots a humira nurse actually came over to help me inject.  Expecially the first one as you don't know what to expect.

I personally get my boyfriend to do it as it makes it easier to concentrate on not jerking my leg away...

After reading how much people were saying it hurt, I prepared for the worst for the first shot.  It wasn't comfortable, but it was not nearly as terribly as some people make it sound.  I was on Remicade too.  It's a lot easier to take 5 min. to give myself a shot every two week, rather than sit for hours with an infusion.

Rider Fan said...
I LIGHTLY pinch my thigh, place the pen against my leg using LIGHT pressure and hit the button. It stings for a few seconds (like a bee sting) and then it's over. It would probably sting less if I let it warm up a bit more, but I don't want to take any chances with the efficacy of the drug.

they say in the video that you should let it stand for 15-20 minutes to reach room temp.
So it should be okey.

Thanks Becky I will try to remember the breathing technique.

I will probably try both the tummy and leg on Friday so I know which place is the best to do it at home..

isergodur said...

Rider Fan said...
I LIGHTLY pinch my thigh, place the pen against my leg using LIGHT pressure and hit the button. It stings for a few seconds (like a bee sting) and then it's over. It would probably sting less if I let it warm up a bit more, but I don't want to take any chances with the efficacy of the drug.

they say in the video that you should let it stand for 15-20 minutes to reach room temp.
So it should be okey.

Yup, should be. Some people wait over an hour.

Well I just got the 4 shots and...
It was so easy and painfree. It was amazing.
Thanks for all the great advice

I just had TB test for the remicade when I started that in January 2009.

They did not do a new test for the Humira.

Well, I have been approved for Humira, insurance went really well. The nurse said i need to have a blood test for TB. I asked about Hepatitis and she said no I didn't need it. How do I or they know that I don't have Hepatitis. Oh well I should be starting the loading doses in a week or so.

I do have a question. Can you drink alcohol when you are on Humira?
Thanks for the answers.

So I go to Walgreens and they said that the insurance denied my Humira. I told them it was pre-approved. They said they would take care of it and they would order the script and have it bt Monday. The only thing that I can think of is that my nurse had it setup for Medco delivery.
Anybody experience this?

I leave my shot out for a good 40 mins and that seems to help with the stinging.  Has anyone had any trouble with your skin itching for a few days after?

I mean like your skin, your face and back etc?