Posted 4/26/2008 2:36 PM (GMT 0)
I have had recent success with Humira, too, but just had my dose increased to weekly, to try and get me to remission finally.
I would recommend having someone else administer the shots for you, especially for the loading doses when you are getting multiple shots at once. The burn is intense, and I think I would not be able to hold the pen in place for the full 10 seconds. It helps to have someone firmly but gently do it for you. My doctor administered them for the first month, and once he even did not hold the pen firmly, and when I winced, some of the medication leaked out. MyHumira.com also has an option where they will send a nurse to your home to teach you to administer it.
Now that I have a few months experience with it, it is less painful. Definitely take the pens out of the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before to bring to room temp, and ice the injection sites for 15 minutes prior. My husband gives me the shots, I still would have difficulty doing it myself.
My experience was that while I saw nearly immediate results with Remicade, it took me 4 weeks to see results with Humira (which is exactly what the fine print reads, incidentally), so don't get despondent if it takes a while to kick in. I have no more D, no more cramping, and much less urgency, although I am still seeing approx 6 stools daily. Progress though, so I'll take it.
Best of luck -- hope you have good results!