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How many of you get Humira once a week?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 8/15/2008 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone.  I am really not happy with how my arthritis has been and the fact that NSAIDs and steroids are not helping but are killing my stomach.  I go back to see my GI on the 27th, so I'm trying to prepare for that.  He told me before that he cannot get Humira approved once a week for Crohn's but that my rheumy could.  She told me she cannot either.  But, I have a friend who lives in the same city as me who gets Humira once a week for Crohn's.  She sees a GI in another state, but I'm not going to switch and drive 2.5 hours to see her GI!  How many of you are taking Humira once a week and, if you are, what insurance company do you use?  Do you know if your GI had problems getting it approved for weekly?  Thanks so much...I just need some info to present to my GI. 
Posted 8/15/2008 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
my former GI was very hesitant to give it to me once a week but said he could if it was really needed but im seeing a new GI anyways and she had no problem saying yeah go ahead with once a week.
Posted 8/15/2008 8:42 PM (GMT 0)
I get it every other week, but I notice on the off week I get some CD symptoms which sucks, it seems to wear off too soon... Karen
Posted 8/15/2008 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Karen--me too! The first week is good and the second not so good.

But this time I saw no improvement even in the first week. I have D since right before the last shot (this past Sunday). Rather disappointed b/c with the 4 loading dose, the 2 shot dose, and then the first maintenance, I did well.

I hope it's still working but that I'm having a set back? I don't know what to think. Maybe it's too early to tell?

Zena--I too was just wondering if I need it more often. ??? I was so encouraged when I started on July 1. Now, I am fearful.
Posted 8/16/2008 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Zena, are you in the US or another country?
Posted 8/16/2008 12:18 PM (GMT 0)
I had no issue with getting it once a week. Actually, my GI changed the prescription while I was sitting right there, which surprised me. I had to get prior authorization when I originally started Humira, but they didn't require it for the increase to weekly shots. Even better, my co-pay didn't change, which again, kind of shocked me.
Posted 8/16/2008 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
I am going to take 2 pens every other week starting next month (when the HMO authorization is approved).  I did well with the 4 pens, then 2 and then when the maintenance 1 pen began, I noticed it just didn't work as well.  I live in New York and have Blue Cross/Blue Shield. 

Posted 8/17/2008 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
I have tried going to once a week and it helped for awhile but now not so much, I had no trouble with the Dr. or insurance co. by starting weekly injections and am not sure why they are saying they can't????? Hope you can get help soon!! Sometimes don't you just wish one of these specialists had the disease because then they would move oh so much more quickly with things like this. Feel Better : )) Dawn☼
Posted 8/18/2008 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
Dawn, it's funny that you say that because my GI DOES have Crohn's himself!  But, he isn't on any of the biologicals, from what I know.  Thanks everyone for your replies.  Ivy, I am in Kentucky and have Anthem BCBS, which has been great insurance so far.  But, UPS will be making us change to another company in January, so I am very worried that things I am currently on won't be approved without a new fight. 

I just don't understand why some GIs have no problem getting it approved and others can't.  I'm going to talk to him next week and find out what the deal is.  It sounds like a lot of you have the same problem as me...that it works well for the first week and then you feel like crap the second week.  Well, we will see what he says.  Thanks, everyone!

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