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Humira for UC?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/9/2011 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys. How many have you been on Humira and what have your results been? Remicade doesn't work for me and 6MP makes my lymph nodes swell up. Honestly, at this point I'm not scared of the side effects because I've been in a flare up since 2009. I can't really take it anymore. I got my TB and Hepa*** B tests yesterday in order to start Humira. Thanks for you time : )
Posted 9/10/2011 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
I just started humira 11 days ago. So far no side effects but also no improvement with the uc flare. I had to talk to the
Pharmacist at my insurance last week regarding delivery. She mentioned 2 weeks-3 months to see improvement.

The shots are very easy to use. I did the 4 shot loading dose at the GIs office last Monday. This Monday will do 2 shots on my own. It is fairly easy to do and did not hurt like I anticipated!
Posted 9/10/2011 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
Interesting. Thanks for your input. I remember they said Remicade will take 2 weeks to 3 months to see improvement, it worked the same day for me! It was awesome. I hope Humira does the same for me.
Posted 9/10/2011 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
I'll let you know how I do Bosnianboy. I do my loading doses tomorrow. My diagnosis just changed to UC and my disease is just colon last 40 cm so we will see what happens! I am like you, Remicade worked almost instantly for me so I am hoping for a big improvement but trying to be realistic in case it doesn't!
Posted 9/10/2011 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
Good Luck cupcakespinkgal! I hope it works wonders for you!
Posted 9/10/2011 1:20 PM (GMT 0)
EEEehhhhhh, mixed results with Humira for me. Remicade lost it for me too, after a good year + at the higher dose. Started Humira Jan. of 2010, worked ok for about 6 months. It was more effective than my last few Remicade doses but that's not saying too much- still experienced daily symptoms, accidents, mucous, etc. I just had a scope done on August 31 with pretty gross results, lots of ulceration/inflammation, polyps, etc. I'm meeting with a surgeon (for the 2nd time...) in November. The one thing I did like about Humira is the bi-weekly dosing schedule- you don't have to wait as long for relief if things act up between doses. But for me, relief only lasted like 2-3 days! I'm still using Humira, kind of stupid, but I think it's helping somewhat- just enough to keep me together, you know?
Posted 9/10/2011 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
I was on Humira for about 5 months this year, and it didn't really do anything. My GI told me if you don't respond well to one biologic, the chances of responding well to another are low, but it sounds like Remicade worked for you for awhile, so hopefully it works. I agree about the shots--honestly no big deal. I am on Cimzia now, and those shots are harder to do and more painful than the Humira by a long shot.
Posted 9/10/2011 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
Before I went on Humira, I started Remicade, horrible reaction to the Remicade, so a week after my last dose attempt of Remicade, I started Humira and Imuran. Almost a month and a half later I went into remission. I still have some minor blips during the day, but it wasn't horrible at all. But by the end of Sept. I have no symptoms of having UC at all. I have yearly flares which are really minor, but not as bad as when I was first diagonsed. I've been on Humira since May 2007 and I call it my life line since it put me into remission so fast and I haven't needed to visit an ER since 2007.
Posted 9/11/2011 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
I am currently using Humira for moderate-severe pancolitis. Lialda was not controlling my UC and high doses of prednisone were not doing anything. My GI decided to put me on Humira because I was in bad enough condition and he felt it would work much faster than 6mp. He suggested it instead of Remicade.

It has been working great for a year now and it started working a couple days after my 4 loading doses.

Unfortunately, my insurance recently changed and the new company is not interested in the slightest to cover Humira for UC. I have argued that 1) It is working when other meds have not and 2) it will be much cheaper for them compared to Remicade and the infusion center fees. Unfortunately they are insisting they won't cover it because it isn't approved for UC by the FDA.

I am still appealing the denial because I am extremely hesitant to stop taking Humira since it is currently working well.
Posted 9/11/2011 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed with Pan-collitis in 2008, Dr put me on Humira 2X monthly. Took about 4 months but the bleeding slowed and by the new year I was flare-free. No side effects except some swelling at the injections site, sometimes a small bruise. Hadn't had ANY bleeding for about 30 months. Had a colonoscopy in April. Pan-collitis is completely gone.....Doc says all i have now is moderated proctitis.

Funny thing is, can't stop bleeding ever since. Had some steroid enemas and now the mesalamine suppositories every night. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. ESPECIALLY if i forget ONE dose. Have an appt with a new Dr in 2 weeks to see if he can help.

Bottom line: LOVE HUMIRA for colitis. Proctitis...not so much.
Posted 9/12/2011 1:55 PM (GMT 0)
     I suffered with ulcerative proctitis.  6MP kept me in a two year remission, but then started to flare yearly, then twice a year.  Remicade failed after third infusion and no change after being on Humira for three months.  I became prednisone dependent and had my surgery last June 28th...total colectomy with end ileo.  My GI doctor tended to believe that if Remicade didn't do the trick, he doubted Humira would.  But, decided to  try all measures before surgery anyway.  He wanted me to try Cimzia, but I had had enough.

     Eva Lou....my surgeon wanted me off Humira for at least six weeks before he would operate.  So, if you are anticipating surgery, better check with your doctor on this.  Maybe I will send you a separate post on this.

Posted 9/12/2011 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
Just did my 2nd loading dose. 2 shots. Was little nervous about doing it correctly (b/c PA watched me for the first loading dose). But it was easy!
Posted 9/12/2011 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Well a cautious update, I did my first loading doses Saturday morning and so far so good. I am cautiously optimistic. I definitely feel better. My cramps are little to none and this morning I had semi-formed stool. Only went 3 times this morning and haven't had to go since. Big improvement from where I was at.

So I am hoping it just keeps getting better and I keep improving and no set backs before my next 2 shots!
Posted 9/12/2011 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
^That's awesome! I wish it was working that quickly for me! Trying to be patient!
Posted 9/12/2011 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
Yea, I have a love hate relationship with the biologics. I respond really well to them. I got results fast from Remicade and Humira (the 1st time), but I hate taking them. Although at this point I realize I need it. I was in the hospital last week so if Humira is what it takes, I'll do it to not be back where I was!

I am hoping this time the Humira lasts. Last time it worked really fast for me but as months went by it seemed to work less and less.
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