What meds are you on/have been on and were happy with?
Azathioprine - 11.1% - 1 votes
Methotrexate - 11.1% - 1 votes
Humira - 33.3% - 3 votes
Remicade - 33.3% - 3 votes
Methotrexate + Humira - 0.0% - 0 votes
Methotrexate + Remicade - 11.1% - 1 votes
mlatida
Regular Member
Joined : Aug 2010
Posts : 129
Posted 8/24/2010 9:23 PM (GMT 0)
BACKGROUND:
I'm experiencing my first Crohn's flare, and unfortunately, it's a severe one. (The colonoscopy pics look like a bomb went off inside me!) The 30mg prednisone they have me on doesn't seem to be doing anything for my symptoms. I've been on as much as 60mg when I was first diagnosed but that made me super crazy. This dosage isn't so bad, but it still feels unnatural. I get up at 5am and take 30mg prednisone, metronitosol, daily chewable vitamin, and then take 0.5mg Xanax 2x daily to deal with the anxiety. I'm also still currently on methotrexate too. I'm doing everything I can do- resting, ice packs, heating pads, diet (rice, broth, no veggies/fruits/fiber/diary, soy and rice products, etc) and taking my meds religiously. I still hurt- abdomen, muscles, joints, and emotionally exhausted. I took the past 2 days off of work because all I want to do is rest, take naps, and soak in the bath tub. (The rubber stopper for the tub was THE BEST $2 I ever spent in my life!)
MY CHOICE:
The nurse told me I need to get on Humira or Remicade or risk losing my colon. I chose Humira today after waiting a few days to make the right decision. I don't have a problem with needles although I did when I was younger. I watched the Humira instructional video online as well as other YouTube injection videos. I think taking Humira would be more convenient in my life since it’s just a couple of injections every 2 weeks (several injections within the first month). Remicade takes 2-3 hours for infusions every 4 weeks, but labs are taken every other infusion. That means every 8 weeks, the infusion appointment could take up to 4 hours. I’ve heard both forms of treatments have similar side effects. I heard Humira burns when it is injected so it is common to have irritation at the injection sites. I heard that people have to go home and rest for the day of Remicade infusions because it drains their energy. Both medications have government reimbursement programs and co-pay card programs so both can be affordable. My friend with graduate student insurance and the co-pay card program pays $5 for Humira. I’m not sure if that’s per injection or per order. At most though, that’s $20/month for Humira injections. I will keep you updated on the Humira injection class and my experience with the treatment.
potatoqwn
Regular Member
Joined : Jan 2006
Posts : 355
Posted 8/25/2010 4:24 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry you are having such a bad time of it right now. I have been on all these meds and more. The one that worked the best for me was Humira. Don't worry about the burning too much. It only lasts a short while during and right after the injection. Then you will be fine. You are going through so much right now that this temporary pain is really nothing to worry about. I hope you are feeling well soon.
Becky77
Veteran Member
Joined : Dec 2005
Posts : 1768
Posted 8/25/2010 4:40 AM (GMT 0)
I only pay $5 per month for Humira! I got the reimbursement program through the pharmacy that sends my meds, and it pays $30 toward my copay and I'm left with only $5. It's the cheapest med for me to pay for, but worth the most money monthly...crazy!
I hope it helps you as much as it's helped me! I'm sure you'll do fine with giving yourself the shots. It sounds like you're prepared for it. The first set of shots you'll have to do in the dr's office, then you do them at home. I was really anxious about the first ones, but after those, I was ok. It does sting, but like potatogwy said, compared to being in pain every time you eat, it's not bad at all.
Good luck!