Getting ready to start Humira

BlmBlpMember

Hi everyone,
I am starting Humira as soon as my prior auth gets approved. Having a rough time these days. Diagnosed with ulcers extensively above my pouch last June 2012 which indicates Crohn's now. Also have been on prednisone for arthritis of IBS and Xifaxan for chronic pouchitis which was exacerbated over the past 6 months. I am hopeful that Humira will help everything. Anybody else out there dealing with this? I am weak daily but push myself because I refuse to give in. Have anemia but oral iron supplements not absorbed and I was hospitalized with anaphylaxsis last August after an iron infusion. Hoping the Humira will calm EVERYTHING down and I'll be able to absorb iron, have less or no more accidents, have no more pain, improve my pouch function, stop hurting from the arthritis and get off of prednisone. I'm not asking for too much

Thanks for any input. Sorry for the vent. A little frustrated waiting for the insurance to approve.

6/25/139:49 AM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

I don't have Crohn's, but was put on Humira for enteropathic arthritis back in 2005. Did not have complete relief of the arthritis, but I didn't need a cane anymore. My pouch improved greatly too. I now take Simponi (monthly injections), and am doing well.

I only take prednisone for very short periods for acute arthritis flares now, maybe once a year.

Jan

6/25/1312:49 PM

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BlmBlpMember

Glad to hear you had success with Humira. Do you recall about how long it was before you noted improvement in your pouch after starting Humira? I just received my authorization and will start tomorrow. Crossing all my fingers and toes hoping for improvement.

6/25/139:27 PM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

I think about 4-6 weeks, but it can take up to 3 months for the full effect.

The number one thing I disliked about the Humira was that the injections would sting. Using a prefilled syringe, as opposed to the Pen, helped because I could control the speed of injection. Simponi does not sting at all.

Jan

6/26/1312:49 AM

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BlmBlpMember

Thanks. I don't know anything about Simponi but will research it. Glad you have had relief and are walking without a cane now.
Starting Humira today--maybe the sting will distract me from the other discomforts

6/26/139:10 AM

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BlmBlpMember

Jan
You are right. The pens do sting and I am not exactly a wimp with pain. Looking forward to feeling better...

6/29/134:22 PM

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Jan DollarModerator, RN, retired

You can ask your doctor to change the Rx to the prefilled syringe. I think doctors just assume everyone would prefer the pen, but once you get over having to throw a dart at yourself, it is so much better to be able to control the speed of the injection,or even pause it until the intense stinging stops. The pharmacy will not switch it without an order, since it is specifically ordered that way.

Other tips to reduce the stinging (regardless of the type of syringe you use):

1. Let the syringe sit out for an hour, at least, before injection.

2. Ice the injection site for a few minutes before your injection.

3. Don't inject the thigh, the abdomen is better (less sensitive).

Jan

6/29/136:58 PM

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BlmBlpMember

OK. Will try your suggestions with the remaining pens and request the change to syringes for my next refill. Thanks!

8/1/139:41 AM

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