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

Hi all,

You lot are probably sick of hearing this, but I just got back from my rheumy and he's starting me on Humira! It's been in the pipeline for the last 6-8 months, but I seemed be having good spells when I saw him last and was feeling much better. Unfortunately that didn't last.

I must say I'm feeling very happy about this, and very positive. I just hope my hopes aren't shattered by being one of the minority that it doesn't help.

Apparently it will only take 1-2 weeks for him to get which is much better than I was expecting. I'm thankful I have a really good rheumy that happens to be in the 2nd best hospital for AS sufferers in the UK. Ironically I moved from the best 18 months ago when I moved house, and he has done far more for me than the last.

I digress, sorry.

I'll let you know when I get the Humira and keep you updated to how I get on. Wouldn't want you all loosing sleep over not knowing

Thats great news, Ricky. I have been on it since last June and I am so happy with it.

good luck!

one word of advice, try to stay relaxed for the first injection and don't get all tense//stressed out.

the nurse at the rheumy had me ice the area she was doing the injection, my stomach ... it hurt like hell

when I do them at home, I have done the last 2 in the leg, with no ice pack ... and almost pain free ... it's not even something I dread doing now.

Been about a month for me so far and I haven't really noticed any change in the way I feel.

It took me almost 2 months to really see the difference. Don't get your hopes dashed when you're still flaring in a month! Also, keep positive by remembering that there are other ones to try - Enbrel or Remicade. Sometimes people who didn't find relief through Humira or who had allergic rashes were able to tolerate these instead.

Thanks for you replies all. Much appreciated.

Luckily I'm not worried about injecting myself. I've probably done 1000's on other people as a nurse, so that's not a problem. I have several tattoos too so I'm definitely not scared of needles

Glad to hear that you'll be able to get Humira so quickly - I too was amazed as to how quickly things got going once we'd decided to start Humira - the longest delay was probably my own in having the chest x-ray done!

Best of luck with it - hope it is very effective for you!

-Anke

Quick update:

Seeing my Rheumy later this afternoon (woohoo half day at work )

Having my baseline blood done (already had the xray) then I can give myself my first injection as soon as I get home! Really in a good mood today, hope I don't come down with a crash and bang. So fingers crossed it works quickly.

A Fair few people say how quickly it works, but what kind of time frame is normal? days or weeks?

Hi Ricky. I've been taking the Humira pen injections for 7 weeks now (have to take one this morning - once every 2 weeks). I've noticed some improvement but not too much. Movement seems to be better but painwise not so much. I liken it getting the same relief as taking a Celebrex every day so, for me, it's not a huge success.
As I like to say, we're all wired differently so each of us has different reactions to the different medicines/supplements/the latest cures/diets etc..
Good luck!

First injection done!!

Now not to sound like a big girl but... I've given a lot of s/c injection in my time as a nurse, but that IS the biggest s/c needle I've ever seen. Was a bit more of a sting than I was expecting, but I'm a big boy so I'll be fine .

About 2 minutes after the injection though I did have an overwhelming light headedness and sickness come over me. Really thought I'd pass out any minute. But 5 mins later it went almost as quick as it came. Very weird. Sure its just as its my first one, hopefully not like that every time. However if it works as well as I hopes I'd be happy to put up with as its better than the alternative.

Yay on the first injection! Hoping with you that that was a first time reaction only - I shook for about 5 mins after my first one but that was a one off. Did you let the injection warm up a bit first? I find that helps with the sting...

I had noticable improvement in my vision within 24 hours, but on the joints front it took a few weeks - don't really remember how long as that wasn't my main focus at the time! But yes, we do of course all react differently.... Here's hoping you won't have to wait long though!!

Take care,
-Anke