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6MP to control "allergy" to Humira?

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Posted 10/31/2012 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hope everyone is doing well. I have been on Humira for a year and a half, but about a month ago I moved to weekly shots (instead of every two weeks). My UC symptoms are completely under control at the moment (fingers crossed), but, recently I have been feeling "flu-like" symptoms--a lot of muscle and joint pain and extreme fatigue. The symptoms seem to get better towards the end of the week, right before my next shot when the Humira is "wearing off." I am beginning to suspect that I have developed an allergy to Humira because the way I feel now is similar to how I felt when I developed an allergy to Remicade.

Humira is working for me now, so I am really reluctant to give it up. However, I feel like crap 4 out of 7 days a week.

When I had an allergic reaction to Remicade, my old doctor put me on 6MP to tamp down my body's reaction to Remicade. Has anyone taking 6MP to lessen a reaction to Humira? Did it work?

Also has anyone had a similar reaction to Humira that eventually resolved itself (a girl can hope)?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
B
Posted 10/31/2012 6:01 AM (GMT 0)
If you do a google search of '6mp with humira' you get a few posts directed here and to another IBD forum. It seems like this combination is more common in crohn's but I think that's because humira is more used in crohn's.
Posted 10/31/2012 12:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi B !
I get flu like symptoms for about 2 days and joint and muscle pain too. I called the nurses from Medco where my meds are sent from. They said this was common side effects. Not a allergic reaction . I just put up with it. Better then the cramps and blood from UC.

When did you start with the weekly shots? about the 10th day I could really use another shot. Still taking all my meds. Not in complete remission. Much better then before Humira. !
No blood ,still urgency
Posted 10/31/2012 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
DontScopeMe--Thanks. I looked at the results, but I am really looking for someone who is taking 6MP to tamp down a reaction to Humira. All of the posts I've seen are about people adding 6MP to the mix because Humira isn't working sufficiently to curb their UC/Chrohn's symptoms.

Hi, Faith. I started the monthly shots about a month ago. Once-every-two-weeks just wasn't helping enough anymore. Insurance was a bit of a pain, but they did eventually approve the switch. So far, my UC symptoms are great.

I don't think I would mind the couple days of feeling like crap if I didn't have to take it every week. It seems like I only have 3 good days each week. However, like you said, feeling yucky is better than not being able to leave the house! Sometimes I wonder if I just need to adjust to the idea that I am probably not going to feel "great" again. It's just tough because I am a really active person and it's hard to work out and do all my normal activities when I feel like I have the flu.

Have your flu-like symptoms remained the same over the few months that you have taken it or are they a more recent development? Do they seem to be getting worse or staying about the same?
I hope it gives you complete remission sometime soon!!!
Posted 10/31/2012 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hey B,
It kinda weird, the flu like symptoms aren't all the time. This week I just had the joint and muscle pain. I go to the chiro every week . I think he thinks I'm crazy! Had cranial sacral massage done last week. Seemed to help I think. Two weeks ago I gave myself the injection and didn't feel a thing. Not even the shot, i think it was a misfire. Not sure? Felt terrible the entire week.
Try using on muscles and joints a product called Absorbine,veterinary liniment gel. Helps a lot! . Better then bio freeze .
Hope I can go into complete remission too. I know what your going through. At least it's helping:)
Posted 10/31/2012 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
" I think he thinks I'm crazy!"

Hey, I just met you,
And this is crazy,
But here's my number,
So call me, maybe?

nan nan nananana ....when I read that, this popped into my mind.
Posted 10/31/2012 5:50 PM (GMT 0)
     I never heard of going on 6MP to tamper the reaction of Humira.  My GI doctor took me off the 6MP before starting Remicade because he said it was too risky to be on both such strong immunosuppresants at the same time.  However, I realize his methods are not so much in conjunction with most other GI doctors who keep their patients on the 6MP along with the biologics.  I was also still tapering the prednisone when I started Remicade, so maybe that contributed to his reasoning...who knows rolleyes ?
Posted 10/31/2012 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
Somedude ,lol. This UC has made me crazy......can't wait till the day when I'm not thinking about it constantly . Maybe not posting or looking for some answers to some crazy question.


B, forgot to say also have some headaches and nasal allergies with the Humira . They come and go too!
Posted 10/31/2012 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
Faith-- That's funny--I took one shot that didn't hurt and instead of being happy about it being pain free, I was so worried because I was convinced that the shot malfunctioned in some way. You're darned if you do and darned if you didn't. I also understand the nasal problems. I just had sinus surgery on Friday because I have had an ongoing sinus infection since January, which my GI thinks is Humira related. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a complete and LASTING remission for both of us! Thanks for the tips about massage and Absorbin. I'll give them both a try.

Christine--I find it so frustrating that doctors don't seem to have a consistent stance on combining medicines. When I switched doctors a few years ago, my new doctor was completely appalled that the old doc had used 6MP to control my reaction to Remicade. I've since moved on to yet another doctor (this was just because of location) who I think would be okay with using both. I know taking them together elevates the risk of cancer, but I have also read that most (if not all) of the people who got lymphoma from using 6MP and Remicade/Humira were young males.
Posted 10/31/2012 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
     You are correct bhb.  My doctor told me the research indicated young males contracting lymphoma while on both 6MP and Remicade but I suppose he didn't want to take any chances since I fought him tooth and nail against him placing me on Remicade.  I was afraid since years ago (in the 60's) I worked in a hospital lab and before traveling to Europe I tested positive on the TB test.  Well, I had a chest xray and it was negative.  Thought no more about this episode until right before starting Remicade.  However, this time, when tested the test was negative rolleyes .  I was still somewhat apprehensive, but, went ahead with the Remicade anyway because I was sooooo sick.  Remicade failed after my 3rd infusion, as did Humira after a trial of three months.  I was prednisone dependent for two years straight, unable to get off the drug completely.  I, therefore, resorted to surgery at age 63.  It was a life saver for me.
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