Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives Anti TNF and other biological medications Starting Humira

With excitement, fear and a few other emotions thrown in I had my first Humira injection yesterday. I felt a little itchy but that seems to have passed. So far so good.

Surprisingly I am still on full doses of Solazapyrin and Celebrex - I had thought I would at least have my Solazapyrin reduced. Is anyone else also on Solazapyrin while taking anti TNF's?

I am trying not to be too hopeful but can't help myself.

Lee

Good luck with it Lee!

Try to be a bit patient. I think it is just way too early; I would not even consider reducing your meds until you have achieved some clear and noticeable benefit on the biologic. In my case, I waited a few good months (6?) before attempting to reduce my other meds and successfully cut them (voltaren + sulfasalazine) down by more than half, eventually. Remicade has given me my life back, literally.

I hope Humira will work similar wonders for you!
mig

Hi thee,

I've been on humira 3.5 months. It really did not kick in until about 2.5 months and it was a notice the difference for me. I was glad too as embrel did not work for me.

I am concurrenly on cymbalta for fibro. Nothing else. An occaisional NSAID but that's it.

I would ask your dr if you should expct to taper or get off completly. Could you phone that questio in? I do not know from your post if you discussed it with the dr.

All the best,
Lucy

Good luck Lee....
I'm sure it'll work for ya... it picked up up on my (pretty bad grade 3) symptoms within a few days.... my body/blood just wouldn't tolerate it though... my rheumy who's been prescribing tnf's for 10 years or so said he'd never encountered my reactions to them... Keep us posted and hope you feelin better soon.
Rob

Hi Mig, Lucy and Rob,

A big thank you for your support.

I'm not sure why I had not really considered my other meds - I think I was so focused on the Humira that I forgot about everything else. It makes sense to wait and see what happens with the Humira. My Doc and I had started reviewing the meds I am taking now but then we got sidetracked and didn't get back to it. I assume I am suppose to keep everything the same although I could always check in with him.

Patience ...I'll have to remember that ...

I am so happy the biologics have worked for you Meg and Lucy...hopefully I can be saying the same thing soon ...a new life - that would be nice!!

Rob ...ten years of prescribing tnf's and you have to be the special one - that's unlucky. Hopefully the docs get you sorted soon and it all works out for you.

Lee

I have been taking Humira for almost 2 years now, after trying Enbrel with no positive effects. Humira works well for me and I hope it works for you too. It did take several months on Humira before I saw any effects, I think about 5 months. Just be vigilant about hand washing and staying away from people who are sick with flu, cold, etc. as Humira can lower our immune system and make it difficult to fight off infection. Best of luck!

Hi AZjenn,
I am happy to hear Humira is working well for you - it's so encouraging. I took my second injection yesterday with no problems so far. Fingers crossed I can have the same positive results that you have had.

Me too Lee

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you too! I was supposedto get my shot yesterday but I'm such a chicken , the nurse at work does it for me. She's been out sick. And I don't feel any different. (despite the bowl of pasta I had tonight! LOL !!)

Keep us posted

Lucy

Hi Lee,
It can take several months for the levels of Humira in your system to level out so that you are not feeling like a junkie craving a "fix" and to also be able to drop back on your other meds.

How are you finding the needles? Are you giving them to yourself? My Mum has just started on the epipens and they are giving her hell. Really hurts! Funny that Ive been saying that for months.

How have you been generally?

Thanks Lucy.

I hope you managed to get that shot. Mmmm pasta!!