I am taking the same medications. I take the injectable MTX and that helps reduce the bad stomach reactions. I do find that the MTX wipes me out for about 36 hours after the injection. However, I have found that taking them both on the same day helps reduce that severe fatigue to 18-24 hours. I didn't start them on the same day but a delay in getting my Humira on time made me take them on the same day. It was a happy accident! I have not noticed any side effects from the Humira. It is helping me greatly with pain and fatigue.

I have been on the MTX since 1 Nov and the Humira since March. I take my Humira weekly. I am a nurse and deal with sick people regularly. I have yet to get an infection while on these meds. I thin k the key is frequent hand washing. However, everyone is different.

Good luck!~Lori

Most folks do just fine on these drugs. You aren't immunosuppressed the way someone having chemo, for example, is. As Lori says, just use good common sense. The disease is scarier than the drugs.

i don't know, tell that to my body the two years I was on the mtx. everyone is different. you are flaming inside free2be so it's this or turn to salt. the prednisone is nothing but a masker of the raging disease. you'll find out on your own where your own personal set point for infection, if any, is. My meter tips that way and it just means I interrupt my care more than other folks to beat the infections back.

I am a firm believer in extra extra precautions are for those that can control their environment. I am not sure who these folks are. but i am sure they are out there. the rest of the folks are working with people with a pulse at work or have 37 grandchildren over and life just goes on. IF i can remember a mask somewhere it's a good day and I do it in some controlled aspects.

glad you are getting care

don't waste energy on being (too) scared - you need all that energy or its reserves to douse the disease.

welcome

Depot

I started on Methotrexate and Humira. I was helped a lot, but not enough. So, next was Enbrel, then Cimzia, then Orenzia, and now Actemra. Since I started the drugs, about two years ago, I have had 2 sinus infections, which I never have had before. and strep throat - which I have not had since the 60's. I have not had any colds in that time. The drugs, while they do have side affects, have helped my quality of life a great deal.

I never wear a mask when I go out, but like Lori mentions, I do wash my hands a lot.

For me, the worst part about Humira (and Enbrel) is now much they hurt going in. I was given the 'pen'. I have heard the syringe is less painful. However, they did help so much, that it was more than worth it.

Good luck.

Been on mtx & meloxicam for a little over a year and a half and no horrible side effects. The worse thing that happens is if you get a bug the doctors like you to go off of it. That seems to be the only time I have flare, is when my regimen is upset by a virus. Good luck and don't fret too much. Trish

I was on Methotrexate for 2 years and it wasn't bad. I would usually feel nauseous after I took it but other than that I didn't notice any side effects.

I was on Humira for barely a year because it just did nothing for me. I saw no difference in my RA and I would get injection site reactions. I would inject in my leg and afterwards leg would get all puffy and itchy and it drove me crazy! So, I went back to Enbrel.

I also have never worn a mask. I've been working in a preschool the past year and I'm exposed to so many germs every day. I wash my hands A LOT and that seems to be enough.

I have been taking Methotrexate for close on 5 years and am on the highest dose for RA - 25mgs or 10 tablets. I haven't had any side effects I couldn't handle and it has helped somewhat. I have also tried Enbrel, Orencia and now Actemra infusions.
I, too, wash my hands frequently and tend to stay away from crowded places, especially in Winter. I also steer clear of people with influenza or colds, when possible, as the haematologist advised against the 'flu innoculation for me.
These drugs are scary but do help to control RA.
Good luck

I'm on both humira and mtx, although I'm phasing off the mtx. Only side effects I've had are from the mtx-usually feel tired and nauseous the day after taking it. No side effects from the humira at all. In the tv ads, they have to list all of the potential side effects. The relief I've gotten from the humira is incredible-it's totally given me my life back. Hoping that it works for you as well.
PS-I haven't found the pen painful at all.

I was on MTX 6 weeks with no results then the Dr. added Humira. I saw results the next day! I was able to walk downstairs with no pain. It was really like a miracle for me.
It worked well for about 18 months but has slowly stopped working for me so I am switching to Enbrel.

I do have "down days" occasionally after an injection (I inject and take MTX on Fridays so I have a weekend to deal with any side effects). Sometimes I have bad sugar cravings after the meds for a day or two and I give in to them.
I also had some hair loss (I have a lot of hair though) to the point my hairdresser noticed it, but that stopped after about 4-5 months.

Since being on these meds I am very careful about exposure to others. I do not hug people in social situations (which has been met with some very negative reaction from others) and I am careful to wash or sanitize my hands often (especially after the grocery store - ugh). I always get upper respiratory illness when I fly so I will wear a mask if I have to travel by plane any time in the future.
I also eat very healthy 90% of the time and I think that helps me stay healthy. I have not had a cold or flu in the past 2 years.

Good luck to you. Just stay up on your blood work and watch out for anything out of the ordinary. You know your body best so honor what it tells you.