Strongly considering Humira

jimmy77

Hi,

The constant up and down of the RA disease is really a tiring challenge. While I keep it in control with low dose steroids, anti-inflam diet and injections most times these days, I have already been down the road from mtx to gold, the Rheumy tells me I should consider Humira as a better fix. Recently I read the sale of humira by abbott labs jumped more than 30 percent in the fourth quarter last year. There is alot to consider with all the potential harmful side effects including heart disease. I have seen comments that it is great from people only on it for a short time. Anybody been on the drug for 3-5 years? Anybody been on the drug for a year and then got off and was better? All comments relative to your humira experience would be greatly appreciated. "They" thought predsilone/steroids was the "cure" back in 50's and that didn't turn out to be correct.

Thanks,
jimmy77

colinone

Hi jimmy Your between a rock and a hard place mate damned if you do and damned if you dont, I have not used humira but like most things I'm now on 20mg Mtx and 50mg enbrel along with prednisolone and Celebrex along with other stuff. going through a bad time the last three or four weels so know how you feel, i also know how you feel about the risks you take with drugs i felt the same way especially when i had to sign a form saying i accept the drug knowing the side effects. I went down hill fast and was in so much pain i would have signed anything. The other thing i have notised is that i dont know anyone who has been long term on these drugs. i think they all work for a while then your back to square one. the only other problem is i am taking the drugs but still in pain and restricted in my movements on top of that its the sickness with the side effects Hye Ho what can you do. take care mate and hope your feeling better soon.

poppy30

Just wanted to share my experience of Humira with you... I was on the drug for two years (40ml Humira + 15mg Methotrexate). I came off the meds in September so we could try to start a family but prior to that I seemed to tolerate the meds well and didn't suffer from any adverse side effects other than more frequent colds and sinus probs which were trivial in comparison to my PA! Had an amazing two years and felt like i had got my life back as I very little joint pain and way more energy! Unfortunately within a month of being off the meds my PA returned with a vengence, I had inflamed and painful joints and four months on I am really missing Humira! :x

The decision which meds to take, especially the anti TNFs, is so difficult but for me I was in so much pain that I was willing to try anything. :roll:

My only suggestion is to gather as much info as you can (from reputable sources!) and read through some of the previous threads on this forum.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Poppy x

jimmy77

poppy30 wrote:

Just wanted to share my experience of Humira with you... I was on the drug for two years (40ml Humira + 15mg Methotrexate). I came off the meds in September so we could try to start a family but prior to that I seemed to tolerate the meds well and didn't suffer from any adverse side effects other than more frequent colds and sinus probs which were trivial in comparison to my PA! Had an amazing two years and felt like i had got my life back as I very little joint pain and way more energy! Unfortunately within a month of being off the meds my PA returned with a vengence, I had inflamed and painful joints and four months on I am really missing Humira! :x

The decision which meds to take, especially the anti TNFs, is so difficult but for me I was in so much pain that I was willing to try anything. :roll:

My only suggestion is to gather as much info as you can (from reputable sources!) and read through some of the previous threads on this forum.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Poppy x

Hi,

Well that's good news at least that it worked for 2 years. I have never had anything over the past two decades that worked for very long or at all except for steroids. The lowering of the immune system leaving you open to infections, colds etc. I understand.
Thanks for sharing. I'm working on the funding now because it is expensive but things are looking promising.

Thanks.
jimmy77

jimmy77

scottishlass wrote:

Good luck Jimmy,from reading your previous posts I would assume this is a very difficult decision for you,and one im sure your not taking lightly.Hope things work out well for you.x

Thanks.
You don't have to research very far to get bad ink on Humira. I change my mind frequently. Their selling point is if you don't use, the RA disease will keep moving along. However, I am not interested in having to deal with other physical issues. Well, the upside is at least I have a choice.

Take care.
jimmy77