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Threw in the Towel...

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/16/2008 10:51 PM (GMT 0)
I give up, can't handle the side effects from prednicone (oral and Enema), imuran, allopurinol, colazyl and canasa and still in a major flare. I asked to be put on Humira and begin tomorrow. Hoping for better luck.

Any things I should do to prepare? I picked up the humira from the pharmacy and saw that the price was almost $7,000 for the starter kit and a box of 2 doses. I hope I never lose my insurance.
Posted 4/16/2008 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
I've seen the people who are using Humira recommend putting it out to warm to room temperature an hour or so before using it, and icing the injection site before giving the injection.
Posted 4/16/2008 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
oh definitely keep us posted as to how it works for you- it may be my next drug in the arsenal! good luck!

Posted 4/16/2008 11:17 PM (GMT 0)
Godd luck with the Humira ...keep the faith :-) :-) :-)
Posted 4/16/2008 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Do you have to have the first injection at the docs office or can it be given at home from the start?
Posted 4/17/2008 12:57 AM (GMT 0)
I would recommend getting it injected the first time at the doctors office. I agree, keep the shots out in room temp for 2 hours and ice the areas beforehand if possible. Also I would take a Claritin before doing it. Are you taking four injections? I just took my 1st four shots 2 weeks ago. A warning-it feels like a bee sting while it's going in so be prepared. (Or maybe I am just a wimp?) Good luck!
Posted 4/17/2008 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
Just got home from my Humira initiation. Honestly, I did not feel the needle and the humira created a slight tingling sensation.

No headache or any of the other possible reactions. I am told it will be 4 weeks before I know if it is working.
Posted 4/18/2008 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
So glad you tolerated it well so far. I find that it burns horribly while going in, but am getting used to it with time.

I did not see results until almost exactly 4 weeks into the treatment, so be patient. I had a nearly instant response to Remicade, so I was starting to lose hope when the Humira finally kicked in.

Definitely bring the pens to room temperature, for 30-60 min, and I always ice the injection site for 15 minutes prior to the injection. I use a cotton pad to press down on the injection site after the shot is completed, the Humira directions recommend slight pressure.
Posted 4/18/2008 7:12 AM (GMT 0)
My husband has been on Humira for about two months. He leaves it out for about 15 min. prior to the shot and that seems to help. He said he doesn't feel much pain. Just a little sting.

I noticed some time discrepancies regarding how long to keep the Humira pen outside from the refrigerator prior to the shot. In the booklet they suggest 15-20 min. Is it ok to keep it out longer than that??

Good luck with the Humira mikeg999!
Posted 4/18/2008 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
My GI thought that up to 60 minutes was likely fine, might be worth a call to the "My Humira" hotline if you have concerns. I have a really high pain tolerance, yet the burning from the shots was reducing me to tears, for whatever reason it was really painful. So for me, having it room temperature, which has made it less painful, is worth it.
Posted 4/18/2008 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
I also have a high pain tolerance but it does burn like hell going in. The DR said it burns because it is a protein. I shoot up...haha...in my leg. I don't do stomach shots. For those of you also on Humira....do you have sleep problems? I have stopped bleeding though. Good luck Mike
Posted 4/19/2008 12:23 PM (GMT 0)
Just a quick update. Mind over body or reality-I Have just had my first day since Thanksgiving that I have on went 5x (2 for the am enema elimination). I was told that some pts. do have quick responses. I can't believe it is real-still reluctant to make any plans that leaves me distant from the bathroom.

For your info, I am still on the following:

12 Colazyl
40 Pred.
100 Imuran (Have not reached therapeutic levels)
100 Allopurinol
Nightly Hydrocort enemas
Canasa in the am and pm.

Thanks for all the encouragement!
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