The BIG Question.........

When I was on Remicade, I actually felt bad the day of and the day after the infusion. I had a low grade fever and was worn out. I don't have any side effects like that on Humira. I switched from Remicade to Humira because of convenience. Between driving to and from the dr and the infusion, it took about 5 hours for me (lots of traffic here and my doctor isn't close) and I was willing to do injections on myself. Most people only give themselves Humira injections every 2 weeks to begin with. If that doesn't work after some time, your doctor can switch you to every week, but they shouldn't do that to begin with.

Humira has worked better on me than Remicade did. Not to say Remicade didn't work at all, but I still was having partial obstructions because of inflammation and scar tissue at least twice a year. Now my crohn's isn't active (I just have obstructions due to scar tissue now, and they have been farther apart time wise).

I used Remicade from 2001 til 2007 I did develop reactions to it etc. It ended up no longer working for me and ended up with a perforation. I have been on HUmira since 3007 and use it weekly and it has worked better all around (including joints)

I just started Remicade, done my first 3 infusions and I've never once felt sick the day of or after it, in fact I usually feel instantly better, relieved and happy/energetic again after my infusions....so everyone is different of course.   I like that it's just letting others do the work of course, go in, get set up and sit for 3 hours--it's good reading time for me.  Plus with Remicade too, if 8 weeks is too long it can be changed to move to a week that won't hurt you so much if you start reacting or getting sick early...some people get it every 4 weeks if that's all thier body handles--they keep track really good how you're reacting,  how long it's lasting and if changes are needed and all.  But I quite enjoy it so far.

I've never tried Humira though to tell of that one.

I've been on remicade 3 years, every 8 weeks, never had any side effects. It's just like saline going in. It helps especially with joint pain from crohn's arthritus. Unfortunately it's effectiveness has slowly decreased by time duration. Eg. now only works for 4 week of the 8 and my govt. will not allow 6 or 4 week infusions for crohns.

I was on Remicade short term years ago (thinking bout going back) and I don't remember having any trouble with it. Maybe I was a little tired after the infusion? But nothing major.

I'm on Humira right now (which unforuntately isnt working for me.) and remember thinking it would be so much easier than going to a place, sitting through a 3 hour infusion, etc. (I don't know if this is still the case, but I remember when I was on it years ago, you had to have someone else drive you so I had to make sure my mom was around to drive me to and from the infusion place.) Humira seemed so easy, just suck it up and give yourself a shot, its on your own time, your own house, etc. For some reason I wuss up now; I did the first few injections and was fine and then I misfired a pen and the last 2 times I had to have my stepdad gve it to me because Ive been so anxious about it. It does hurt like crazy, but I find as soon as your done with the shot (around 10 seconds or so) the pain stops. I havent had any problems with the injection site, it just is a little black and blue.

Like someone said, its basically like tossing a coin, because you don't know how your body will react. I thought Humira was going to be my magical answer and for some reason my body isn't responding to it yet at all. But for others, it's a miracle and has really changed their lives.

Good luck with the Remicade, I hope it works for you! :)