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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I started Humira last week.

PW39
PW39

Well, it's been a long time coming but I finally started my first biologic last week. My insurance decide it would be Humira. I'm kinda glad since the injections are every other week instead of every week. I injected my first shot on the 15th of this month in my rheumys office under the supervision of a nurse. I have to say it wasn't bad at all. It didn't hurt near what I expected and left no sign or mark at the injection site. I had a little anxiety and that was the worst part of it. I'm not sure how long this stuff takes to work but my Ra has been treating me pretty well as of late for some reason with not to much discomfort. The only side effects that I have noticed is that I have been drained of energy for 3 or 4 days. I just haven't had any get up and go about me whatsoever. I have read that the biologics help with ra fatigue for a lot of folks. Seems to be the opposite for me. I am 9 days in after my first shot now and my energy seems to be coming back. I'm sure working out doors with the Temps up above 90 each day wasn't helping with my energy either. I would love to hear any advice on what to expect from this medicine from those of you that have took Humira or are just like myself and new with it. I'm still taking plaquenil twice a day along with it. I've been on it for over a year now. Hope everyone is having a good low pain day today. Thanks

californialynn
californialynn
I've been on Humira for over 5 years [bi-weekly] and 7.5 mg MTX. Works just fine for me! Gave me my life back.
PW39
PW39
Great start Lynn. Nothing negative about your post. Lol. I started on Mtx 6 pills but after 8 months my liver enzymes started climbing so I was taken off it and put on plaquenil. My rheumy had been wanting me on a bio for a while now and I finally let him have his way. Im excited about the possibilities of Humira but I'll probably be freaked out the first time I get sick or catch a cold.
Sunvalleygal
Sunvalleygal
Are you on a Dmard and / or Nsaid as well? I take Naproxen and plaquenil as well. The humira worked for me from day one. I also take 5mg of prednisone about every 4 days (average 2 days a week). I am not working full time, but with this regime I'm feeling better since diaged w/ RA seven years ago. I am not starting to walk/jog on the treadmill and lift weight and swim. I exercise or do yoga almost every day now. The fatigue has drastically lifted but I will say that the prednisone 5mg 2x a week has helped a lot. Maybe your doctor will consider that. It has worked wonders for me and I have been able to lower the pain meds/ nsaid bc of it. Best of luck finding the regime that works for you.
PW39
PW39
Sunvalley, yes I am also taking plaquenil twice a day and I take an 800mg ibuprofen as needed. The good thing is I've been able to lay off the nsaids the last couple months. I have only had to take one every 5 or 6 days depending. I'm sure my body likes that. I opted to stay away from the prednisone thus far and seem to be making it pretty good without it. I did get a steroid injection back in April for some lower back pain that stayed with me for about 5 weeks. Not sure if the pain was ra related or something else entirely but the shot knocked it out and it hasn't came back. Good to hear Humira didn't waste no time helping you. I think it might already be doing me some good but it's too early for me to make that call. Thanks for the input.
californialynn
californialynn
PW39: I haven't had a cold or flu in the 5 years I've been on Humira. It's all about using antibacterial wipes and practicing good hygiene. Also, I cannot take flu shots, which leave me vulnerable. But as I said, haven't caught a thing in over 5 years. Not one.