First day on humira - nervous!

mcford
mcford Member Posts: 11
edited 9. Aug 2012, 07:00 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi All,

I am 30 and have had RA since I was 17. For years I worked well on meth, sulphasalazine and hydroxy but recently things got pretty bad and I was started on Embrel in May this year but after 5 injections I had an allergic reaction where I got a rash all over my body and felt totally spaced out which really freaked me out as I just didn't feel with it all for about a week - all this happened just after I got back from my honeymoon so am very happy that it didn't happen during it! so they stopped my enbrel and then yesterday I started on humira. I felt a little sick afterwards but that passed - does anyone else feel sick after the injection? Also the thing I am most nervous about is reacting badly to it like the enbrel as it was such a horrible feeling

Would love to hear about other people's experience on humira

Thanks

Clare

Comments

  • mig
    mig Member Posts: 7,154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hope you go well on it,its been suggested that I go on humira soon so I shall watch with interest your progress,please keep us informed.mig
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I've been on humira for three years now and I am lucky in that I don't have any side effects whatosever, apart from once. I take mine out of the fridge for about 20 minutes to 'warm up' a little (that reduces the sting) and I do it about half an hour before bed then settle down with a nice cuppa and my Kindle. Oh, and Mr DD. :wink:

    May I be a little cheeky? :oops: I wonder if you felt sick after due to tension and nerves. That's the only time I felt that, my first experience of a humira injection was horrendous, the second (done by me) was better but I did feel a little queasy due to tension. You've experienced a rough reaction to the enbrel (me too but in a different way to you) and starting another drug from this particular 'stable' is a huge step to take. Of course you're worried the same could happen again but hopefully all will be well and the humira will get to work and help ease your arthritis. I hope so, I wish you well and please let us know how you get on with it. Take care. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Clare and welcome!

    Really hope the Humira works well for you.

    I never felt sick on Humria but, like DD, I do wonder if tension played a part for your first injection. I was dreadfully worried about my first injection too - which was done with supervision of the Healthcare at Home nurse. Having had a horrible reaction to Infliximab just beforehand, I think I managed to convince myself that the same was happening again - and the poor nurse even had her resuscitation kit out ready cos I was panicking so much! The second injection was done at the hospital and I felt very unwell after that one too, but looking back I am sure it was nerves on my part. I did get more used to the injections over time though. Like DD I used to take mine out of the fridge to warm up a bit first which made injecting easier and more comfortable.

    Really hope the sickness passes and you find the next injection easier. More importantly I hope it works well for you with no unwanted side effects.

    Please do keep posting to let us know how it goes.

    Tillyxxx
  • welshgooner
    welshgooner Member Posts: 34
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Clare
    I too was on Ebrel but suffered no side effects. I was on it for about two years when it stopped working. I have been on Humira since Jan this year. I do not have any reaction but I do feel very sleepy for up to 24 hours afterwards. I wish you well on the Humira and hope it works for you.
    Den.
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Clare
    And a warm welcome from me...
    Sorry I cant offer any help, but I just want to add my support and wish you well with your treatment.
    Now you have us to talk to , that in itself will help.
    You take care xx
    Love
    Barbara
  • mcford
    mcford Member Posts: 11
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thank you for all your replies and yes I think you are right that the sick feeling was probably due to nerves.

    I will keep you all posted on how I get on
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello again

    Should have put in my earlier post that, if the sickness continues, or happens again, please do discuss it with the rheumatology nurse just to make them aware and see what they say. I would hate for you to assume it's "nerves" based on what we have said to you and then to find it's actually down to the Humira.

    Hopefully though next time will be easier for you.

    Thinking of you.

    Tillyxxx