How long does adalimumab (Humira - Anti-TNF) take to work?

vijaysa
vijaysa Member Posts: 26
edited 13. Apr 2009, 09:24 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi. I am new to the site. I started Humira (adalimumab) 6 weeks ago. Today is my 4th injection. I was on various doses of prednisone for over a year which my rheumatologist asked me to stop over 3 weeks. As soon as I dropped to 1 a day I had a flare which has not resolved. What is the average time Humira takes to work? I am also on 4 X 2,5mg methotrexate a week. I was previous very well controlled on Chloroquine until 2007 when I discovered it damaged my eyes (I have a hole in both maculars). I am allergic to Sulphasalazine. Methotexate 6 X 2,5 mg a week did not work but caused my hair to fall out. High dose prednisone causes my blood pressure and sugar to shoot up, so I have no other choice but an Anti-TNF. I have pain and stiffness in my hands, elbows, shoulders, neck, knees and ankles. Really hope Humira works! But I am getting a bit desperate! Vijay

Comments

  • colinone
    colinone Member Posts: 1,039
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    vijaysa wrote:
    Hi. I am new to the site. I started Humira (adalimumab) 6 weeks ago. Today is my 4th injection. I was on various doses of prednisone for over a year which my rheumatologist asked me to stop over 3 weeks. As soon as I dropped to 1 a day I had a flare which has not resolved. What is the average time Humira takes to work? I am also on 4 X 2,5mg methotrexate a week. I was previous very well controlled on Chloroquine until 2007 when I discovered it damaged my eyes (I have a hole in both maculars). I am allergic to Sulphasalazine. Methotexate 6 X 2,5 mg a week did not work but caused my hair to fall out. High dose prednisone causes my blood pressure and sugar to shoot up, so I have no other choice but an Anti-TNF. I have pain and stiffness in my hands, elbows, shoulders, neck, knees and ankles. Really hope Humira works! But I am getting a bit desperate! Vijay

    It can take up 12 to 16 weeks but works sooner on some people give your anti TNF nurse a ring she will tell you all you want to know
    Colin
  • vijaysa
    vijaysa Member Posts: 26
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Colin

    Thanks. I live in South Africa. We do not have Rhemy nurses. But I am seeing my rheumatologist early in May. Will discuss with him. I was just curious as to what other people on Humira have experienced. Thanks Vijay

    It can take up 12 to 16 weeks but works sooner on some people give your anti TNF nurse a ring she will tell you all you want to know
    Colin[/quote]
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi vijaysa :D

    I just did a quick google and read that if you respond to adalimumab you will probably feel better in 2–12 weeks

    Look after yourself,

    Best wishes,
    Elna
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • vijaysa
    vijaysa Member Posts: 26
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    elnafinn wrote:
    Hi vijaysa :D

    I just did a quick google and read that if you respond to adalimumab you will probably feel better in 2–12 weeks

    Look after yourself,

    Best wishes,
    Elna

    Hi Elna

    Thanks. I called my rheumatologist. he said some patients see relief in the first month whilst others take between 3 to 6 months. He has put me back on prednisone 2 alternating with 1 a day. Feeling a bit better afetr 4 days on the prednisone. Vijay
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    :D Happy to hear you are feeling a little better now. Yay! The sun is shining here so everyone is smiley today. :D:D We have just had three days of chilly, wet weather in our part of the country and on the Easter long weekend break too when peeps want to get out into their gardens, be outside generally.

    Luv
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Vijay,
    I'm glad you are feeling a little better. :) i think getting sorted is a bit of a slog but once you are you can stay stable for a long time.
    You have a different system over there but the treatment is the same eh? You Take care and I hope you continue to feel better. Luv Cris x
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