Humira and allergies

cthornley

I've been on Humira for a year now in combination with Mtx and for me its been really fab but I have notice something and I don't know if its a side effect or just poor luck.

I'm suddenly getting more allergic reactions - I was warned that I may get an allergic reaction to the injection spot, I didn't for the first 6mths but now do. It goes within 24hrs if I take an anti-histamine & use calamine cream, TNF nurse fine with this. I've also noticed terrible hayfever this year extending to this month (its really not summer and i've never been a proper sufferer before).
I had an allergic reaction (streaming itching swollen eyes, extreme sneezing etc) to a friends cat the other day within 30mins, I've met this cat several times before (just not in past 6mths) and used to be a cat owner without an inkling of an issue. And this week I had my flu jab, I feel fine but the injection site has had a definite reaction like the humira injection site , big extended raised lump and intensely itchy. I've never had a problem with the flu jab before.

Has anybody else had anything similar or am I just special
Chrissie

Loulou11

im the same never having hayfever before i feel my nose is always blocked and eyes water constantly. i've also found my skin is seriously itchy and its driving me crazy, i hope i haven't got a raection to pets now cos i have 4 dogs!

chin up :P

tillytop

Hi Chrissie

If I were you I would mention this to the rheumatology nurse/rheumatologist for advice.

After nearly two years Humira began to disagree with me and one of the symptoms was allergies/sensitivities to things I had never been allergic to in the past. I have never been an "allergic" person but I developed allergies/sensitivities to, amongst other things, various "bathtime lotions and potions", I came out in localised rashes even though I hadn't changed the products and they were the same type I had been using for years. I also itched all over, even when there wasn't a rash and the itching nearly drove me to distraction! If my understanding is right, I think what can happen sometimes is that our bodies build up antibodies to a particular drug and this can result in our immune systems becoming over-sensitive (given that, with inflammatory arthritis they are over sensitive anyway).

You may find, as I did initially, that the docs rule out any connection between your symptoms and the Humira, but I do think it would be worth flagging up to see what they say.

Tilly xxx

Loulou11

Thanks chrissie I'm seeing my rheumy next month so I will ask her about it the itching is driving me crazy

barbara12

Hi Chrissie
Sorry I cant offer any help, but I do hope it all subsides for you, especially if the meds are working well....I will have my fingers crossed for you xx

sarah2012

I have had this too - been on Humira since March, and had hideous hayfever this summer, having never suffered before. The injection site doesn't flare up every time, so the nurses can't really tie them together as cause and effect, but it seems quite likely to me.

I take Piriton liquid, which helps with the sneezes.

emsjane

Ohhh im glad you've brought up this subject. Rheumy suggested i went on Humira next and now i know this i will avoid going on this drug if i can, as i already have hayfever and itching ( im on MTX and Hydroxy) I really, really don't need these exacerbated!!

dreamdaisy

Ah lucky me! Since the humira the hayfever, asthma and itching have all been a thing of the past. I am stroking cats and dogs, eating stuff that was previously banned and not suffering any imediate reactions whatsoever. I did become a little sneezy when BIL's dog stayed over for one night but he shed so much hair whiilst here I'm not surprised by that. I'm with Tilly on this one, please check with your rheumatology nurse that all is as it should be. I wish you well. DD

tillytop

Emma - just wanted to say please don't rule out Humira if it is offered to you because of what we have said about our own experiences. It would be a real shame to miss the opportunity to help your arthritis on the basis of something which might not happen. In my case I know that the sensitivities/allergies came about because I was reacting badly to the Humira and they were part of a much wider range of problems with it, all of which resolved when I stopped the drug and it got out of my system. I think I was just unlucky in my reaction. If you were able to give Humira a chance, you may well find that, like DD, your allergies are better rather than worse!

Tillyxxx