Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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jordanmann12 12/06/2013

Hello All!

I had my first injection for Humira today. The first dose is four injections (for those of you who didn't know). I took one in each thigh and then one on each side of my stomach. It was so painful!! I was not expecting it to be that painful. I try not to look too much up on the Internet because I always end up freaking myself out. I decided that it was only slightly less painful in the stomach, but still hurt like no other! I hope I can continue these. I have felt like crap for most of the day and I came very close to passing out after the injections today. I was so happy that my mom came with me! (I'm 27).

Anyways...just wanted to give a shout out to those who take Humira injections because I now know what strong people you are!!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!!

Jordan

2leftfeet 12/06/2013

Hi Jordan. I have been on Humira, and it really hurt. But, I only had to do one shot, every other week. Are you sure you were suppose to do all 4 at one time?

The drug did help me a lot.

lretz 12/06/2013

Ditto 2leftfeet, I just started and only took 1 shot. I think you need to call a pharmacist and make sure you don't need immediate medical attention. That is 2 months worth at 1 time. Sounds dangerous.

jordanmann12 12/06/2013

Only the first injection is 4 times. In 2 weeks, I take 2 iniections..and then its 1 shot every other week. The doctor is the one that injected me and I did read the directions previously. It does say the first injection is40 mg, 4 times...just the first dose though. No immediate medical attention here.

2leftfeet 12/06/2013

I am glad the dose was right for you. I had one shot, every other week, and dreaded it each and every time. I can't imagine 4 at one time. But, it did work very well. However, my Dr felt that I should have been making more progress, put me on a different drug. Thank you for posting that you did the right thing for you.

jordanmann12 12/06/2013

Thanks for your response! The shots were so painful!! Moreso than I ever expected.

jordanmann12 12/06/2013

I should also add that my main diagnosis is Crohns Disease. CD gave me reactive arthritis in my knees and feet....very similiar to the RA...maybe thats why my dose is different than most RA patients.

deleted_user 12/07/2013

Hope it works well for you Jordanmann12! Yes, the diagnosis must be the reason for the dosage difference. For people with just RA the dose is one injection every other week which can be increased to weekly if needed. (no loading dose)

deleted_user 12/07/2013

If you begin doing your own shots there is a way to reduce the pain - let the shot warm up for 20 minutes while you ice down the injection site. I've been doing this for a while now and it really makes a difference. Good luck!

jordanmann12 12/07/2013

Thank-you! The nurse told me to ice down the area as well as let the injection sit out of the fridge for about 20-30 minutes before injecting. My mom is a nurse so she is going to be injecting them into me until I feel I can do it myself. I was just not expecting the pain that I did!!

Thanks for your support.

altoclef 12/07/2013

I remember reading that for Crohn's and ulcerative colitis you take a much higher dose at first. Hope it works!

My doctor said something about Humira having a "pH problem" that makes it burn so much. Don't know if you are using the pens or syringes, but most folks think the syringes hurt less.

deleted_user 12/07/2013

Wow. 4 shots at once? I started Humira a couple years ago. Sometimes they are painful, but I know that I would not be able to walk without Humira, so I suck it up and take the shot.

Good luck! Hope it works for you.
Debbie

jordanmann12 12/07/2013

I have the pens right now. My doctor didn't give me an option. I'm going to keep using the pens for now and see I can learn to adjust. I might switch later on. It's definitely a new transition! Thanks for your response.

RetiredNow1 12/07/2013

Oh my! They DO hurt! I can't imagine having to take 4 at one time. Bless your heart. I certainly hope it effective for you.

jordanmann12 12/07/2013

Aww thank you. Yes, it was very painful!!

cindyleb 12/07/2013

I am the biggest chicken!!!! I have been on Humira since May and have yet to give myself the injection. My niece is a RN so I just pay her a visit every other week for my shot..... I get to play with the kids too! :)
I keep it out of the fridge for 20 to 30 mins each time and I use to ice up, she gives it to me in my arm and they do hurt.... Niece and hubby kept saying not to ice up as that is what is making it hurt worse but I didn't believe them..... the last 2 injections I did not ice up and as much as it I hated to admit they were right... it didn't hardly hurt at all!! A huge improvement from the other shots.
Good luck
Cindy

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