Scared to death of Humira

So to be clear, have you tried any rectal meds at all? If not then I would try them first....biologics are the big guns and should likely be saved until/unless you really need them and if you're C-scope showed minimal inflammation then maybe you just need some good rectal meds for a while to get your issues under control (for me only cortifoam works, but that's just me).

However, if at some point you do have to face taking a biologic, please, please don't let the commercials scare you (I know easier said than done) but I think those commercials have to explain the worst of the worst side effects or it would be negligent of them...

I've been on Humira for my crohn's colitis for about a year and a half now, the only side effect I had was horrid headaches but learned from this board thanks to one of the members (Keith) that taking an antihistamine can be helpful and it truly is, I only have to take one just before bed the days I take my shot (I take Humira once/week now, not biweekly) so consider the fact that I take it weekly and still only had the headaches as a side effect, I get my blood work done every 3 months now and soon it will be every 6 months because I've been responding to Humira very well so far AND the kicker is, I was either allergic or non-responsive to all the oral meds that you and most others are on!! And still, I respond great to Humira, go figure lol.

It put me into remission fairly quick too I think within about 3 months but I have IBS-C issues that I'm trying to combat unfortunately...if only Humira helped with IBS too!

The scary side effects of Humira are quite rare so keep that in mind to if the day comes that you have no choice, plus there are other biologics to choose from as well, though they likely all come with similar risks....to be honest, my suffering with a flare for 23 years straight before going on Humira scared me a lot more than Humira did.

Good luck!

Noelle, all of the biologics have a patient financial assistance program. I was briefly on humira last summer/fall and my copay was $5. I've been on remicade for years and am now on it again and my copay is nominal. I don't remember the specifics for humira but remistart allows for $10,000/yr with a $5 copay.

Aside from cost, how helpful was rowasa/canasa in the past? If finances are an issue and neither were very helpful, I would try a biologic. Since you have insurance, you are eligible for the patient assistance program. I know others will disagree but I personally think the immunosuppressants are scarier than the biologics. My doc skipped that tier of medication so I've never been on them.

I know you've tried many meds but you still have several options available to you.

You all make me feel so much better. The Imuran made me very sick! It was terrible. So does the colozal. I dont know if sticking it out for a few weeks would have put me past the sick symptoms I was feeling.
I did try rectal meds in the past, they help but they don't completely do the job... Maybe I need to stick with some of these meds longer than I am. I give myself about 2-3 weeks to try out a medicine... if it doesnt help or I see terrible side effects, I rule it out. Maybe I shouldn't do that. :/

I am going to another doctor to get a second opinion. I am going to be starting the process for getting on Humira.

What's the difference between a biologic and immunosuppressants?
So remicade is similar to humira? I wonder if cost would be any different.

I appreciate all the words- you truly have made me feel better. And you're right, damaging inflammation is more dangerous.

-Noelle

Post Edited (noelle27) : 6/5/2015 6:20:06 AM (GMT-6)

I was told imuran takes about 6 month
I find eating taking it and than eating again ( a few crackers or pretzels even) helps coat my stomach and keeps the nausea at bay