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Humira and Infections/Precautions

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Crohn's Disease
Did you get sick frequently while on Humira?
More often than before Humira - 50.0% - 4 votes
Not noticable - 50.0% - 4 votes
Frequently - 0.0% - 0 votes
Worse in the fall/winter - 0.0% - 0 votes
Worse in the spring - 0.0% - 0 votes
Worse in the summer - 0.0% - 0 votes
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Posted 9/22/2011 12:47 AM (GMT 0)

Hello! This is my first post and enjoying this forum so much.  I'm getting ready to start humira injections next week after 8 years of prednisone, pentasa, entocort, and methotrexates for Crohns. I'm a little worried about the risk of easily getting infections while on Humira.  Has anyone experienced this?  Do you get sick easily in the winter time? I've read that you can easily infections from cuts and open soars.  Can I still get pedicures/manicures? What are some precautions anyone has found helpful?  I'm a teacher and worried about all the germs from my students will be bringing on while I'm on treatment.  Anyone with any tips, tricks, or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Posted 9/22/2011 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi citygirl, welcome to the forum :)

Since I have started Humira I actually get sick far less often - most likely because I am now extra careful to avoid germs and sick people.  The precautions I take are to avoid being around sick friends and family whenever possible, and I wash my hands religiously.  It's just a habit now - whenever I arrive at work, or back at home, the first thing I do is go wash my hands.  I'm also a lot better at not touching my eyes nose and mouth with my hands.

As a teacher you'll probably have more trouble with avoiding sick people, but frequent hand washing and avoiding touching your face with your hands should help!  I have also found that when I do get sick, it's actually much milder than normal but it lasts forever.  Colds don't hit me as hard as they used to, but I'll have symptoms for a month or so.

I hope the Humira helps with your Crohn's!  It worked very well for me when I started on it.

Posted 9/22/2011 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
I wash my hands all the time..and use antibacterial jel when Im not around water. I work in the public and so dont know where others hands(money) have been...plus they couph and sneeze everywere...
Posted 9/23/2011 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
I started Humira in Dec 2010 and wish I would have waited until flu season was over. Right after I took the loading dose I was around my nephew who was sick and of course I got sick too. I was sick for about 4 months (so miserable) and finally got better. I was on Remicade before Humira and found that I definitely got sick more easily with that too. They do warn you that it is an immunosuppressant so for me I try and avoid anyone who's sick the best that I can. As far as cuts not healing I have had no problem with that... I still get my nails done and all that and I'm fine. It's probably going to be hard to avoid sickness completely being a teacher but all you can do is wash your hands and be really cautious and that's the best that you can do. I wish you the best of luck and hope that the Humira works for you!
Posted 9/23/2011 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
I've been on Remicade and 6mp since 2002, and recently switched to Humira. I also work at a University, and have a child in elementary school. I've never had an issue. I do wash my hands often, but probably not as much as I should. I do use alcohol hand sanitizes, but again, probably not enough.

The only issue I've seen is that cuts are slow to heal. GI not concerned about that as it's kind of expected while on those medications.
Posted 9/23/2011 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
I am on remicade but I suppose it is similar? I take vitamin D. Research has shown that Vita D helps prevent infections especially respiratory. I try to avoid sick folks and I TRY to keep my hands away from my face. I do not succeed all the time though. I have NOT been sick often at all

I believe it is the first 10 days after remi infusion that you are most vulnerable?? I don't know how that applies to Humira.
Posted 9/23/2011 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
When I was on either Humira or Cimzia, I didn't get colds easily. I am a Paramedic and am constantly around people with respiratory issues and never caught anything but I did have trouble with cuts and wounds healing. The drugs worked great for me so I wish you the best!
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