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Humira?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/20/2012 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
I went to my GI doctor this morning as all my other medications seem to be failing...and I was told that he wanted to start me on Humira within the next two weeks or so. For the time being he gave me some enemas that he thinks will help calm things down for me.
Basically this question is for those who have taken/tried/are presently taking Humira. Side effects that you have experienced? Anything I should be concerned about? Did you achieve remission with it? if so, how long? Thanks guys, I really appreciate the support of this forum!
Posted 4/20/2012 5:26 PM (GMT 0)
Sadly, I don't have a good experience with Humira. I'm on since the beginning to the year and took my 10th shot today. But I still have all my symptoms. Sorry that I cannot tell you something better.

It might work for you though don't let this encourange you.

Wish you all the best.
Posted 4/20/2012 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
I've been on Humira since September of 2011. It has certainly helped my current flare-up, but my GI wants me to start on 6MP for a few months to get the flare-up totally under control. After that he plans for me to just be on Humira.

The shots sting a bit, but it's really not bad seeing injections are only once every 14 days.

The only reactions I've had was a very minor case of Hives, now I take some Benadryl before the injection and everything is fine. I've also had some very minor dry skin on the sides of my mouth. Nothing a little moisturizer can't take care of.
Posted 4/20/2012 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
Has your Dr. suggested Remicade as well or just Humira?
Posted 4/20/2012 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
Andrina, I'm very sorry to hear that it isn't working for you yet..maybe with more time it will? Good luck!

Jay79, thanks for your imput. I'm actualy really really nervous to start this medicine because I have heard mixed reviews on it and some people say they've had some freaky side effects. I hope it continues to go well for you!

Indycat23, my doctor told me I had the 'choice' between Humira, Remicade, and Azathioprine. I didn't want to do Remicade yet. I didn't even want to do Humira but I didn't know too much about them so he pretty much decided for me. Why do you ask?
Posted 4/21/2012 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
I used humira for 3 months. It minimally helped my UC and I ended up switching to Remicade.

My main side effects were fatigue and hair loss. I had no problems giving myself the shot at home.
Posted 4/21/2012 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
remicade did WAY more for me too
Posted 4/21/2012 1:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hmm, well he gave me hydro cortisone enemas yesterday and I just used the first one last night. That was my first experience with one and let me tell you it was awkward but I think I am used to it now because it wasn't too bad...I am already feeling better this morning but I don't want to jinx it :x

Thanks though for your guys input, I really hope it helps because I am really nervous about the Remicade. Did Remicade have weird side effects too? Because I am really not looking forward to hair loss...
Posted 4/21/2012 1:20 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't tried Humira (nor am I) but my doc told me that Humira only has a marginal success for Uc'ers. Right now I am on Remicade, 6mp and Colazal. I'm not saying it won't help because it very well could but many people have had great success with Remicade.

Yes, Remicade can have side effects just like any other med. I only get mild hair loss from the Remi but I can afford it since I have super thick hair. But the side effects I get only happen for about 2 days after each infusion. Than I feel wonderful until about a week before I am due for my next one.

I'm glad the hydrocort enemas seem be helping! :)
Posted 4/21/2012 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
He told me Humira was milder than Remicade and since I have very 'mild' UC that I should do well on it. I kind of think he tells me all of this just to make me feel better because I have had more than one breakdown while in the doctor's office lol...I got to the point where I was crying every time he mentioned a new drug :x

And I don't see how it could be mild UC if he is already putting me on these drugs when I was just diagnosed in December.

But hmmm I wasn't aware of that about the Humira. I hope it works well. How often do you get your Remicade infusions? And when you say you feel wonderful until a week before your next one, do you mean the symptoms come back some or that the meds make you feel awful?
Posted 4/21/2012 2:16 PM (GMT 0)
I get the infusions every 8 weeks and lately at the 7 week mark, my Uc symptoms as well as my other AI conditions seem to rear their ugly heads.
Posted 4/21/2012 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
It has been a while since I've been on here, but that is because I've been in remission thanks to Humira.

I was in a pretty bad flare after other medicines were failing and my doctor wanted me to start Humira because it would hopefully start working quicker than Remicade or 6mp/Imuran.

I have been in it since August of 2010. My really bad flare started to go away within about 8-10 days of starting Humira and I have thankfully experienced a great quality of life since then.

Yes, the injection hurts much more than other injections I have taken in the past, but once you get used to it, you'll be fine.

My only side effect is that I pick up colds very easily and frequently. If I'm around someone sick for an extended period of time, I know I'll get it next.
Posted 4/21/2012 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
Red_34, How long approximately do the infusions last? Thanks for answering all my questions : )

UC2012, I am so glad to hear something good about Humira, many people seem to not have good experiences or it just doesn't work. I am hopeful but still nervous. Thank you for your encouraging post, I seem to already pick up colds pretty easily while on my Budesonide, so hopefully that won't be too much different.
Have you been in remission while on Humira since 2010??
Posted 4/21/2012 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
I do my infusions at a slower rate to help reduce reactions. When I get infused at the regular rate I get chest and shoulder pains. So from start to finish I'm usually there for about 5 - 6 hours. I premedicate before each infusion with Benedryl and Solumedrol, wait a half hour and than they start the Remi.
Posted 4/21/2012 8:34 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I have been in remission since Humira kicked in during my flare in 2010. I am also on one Lialda a day.
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