RETURN TO THE FORUM - HUMIRA QUESTIONS

I have been on one biologic or another, including years on Humira, since 2005. No side effects so far, other than loss of effectiveness over time.

I have blood tests every three months.

Jan

I was on Humira from June 2013 to September 2016. After the frequent initial doses, I self injected one dose every two weeks. I felt great for the first 8-9 months. Then it started to loose its efectiveness. My GI scoped me and found ulcers in my pouch ( pouchitis) he He put me on Salofalk enema (mesalamine) one night abd entocort enema the following night. Since using enemas has always a problem for me, I couldn't stick with the treatment. I was put on antibiotics (cipro + flagyle). I did well for a while. Then my complaints got worse. I was scoped...... very bad pouchitis and ileitis with a stricture. This time my GI wanted me to take Humira once a week. I did, but I still had to take antibiotics with it. This went on until last Septemper. Finally, I saw another GI. He scoped me and said my pouch looked great. He didn't even need to take a biopsy, but he detected inflammation in the upper ilium. That explained the pain I had in my left upper quadrant. This new GI now believe I have Chron's but not UC. He put me on Remicade and I had my first dose a week ago. 

While I was on Humira, I had no extra intestinal problems. Like Jane, I got tested every 3 months. The only thing I hated most with Humira was the pain at the injection side. You never get used to it. 

I hope this helps,

Good luck with Humira

Im currently on Humria. Only been on it since July. I works well for me. I have read that it doesnt also make you resisting to pouchitis.  I just worked my way up to monthly blood draws. S o I like checking my numbers to make sugre they are ok. my inflammation is slowly going down. Not sure it will still read that way next time.

I have now taken 5 Humira injections since late November.  I have not noticed any change in my health condition for better or for worse.  I know that it is important to give it more time.  My doctor said that I should notice a difference by the 3-month mark if the drug is going to work.  Does anyone have experience with Humira working well but being very slow to seeing positive effects?  I'm starting to lose confidence that it will help.  My doctor stated that when I get a scope done next, he'll be able to determine if it is working based on whether inflammation is still present or not.

I noticed a huge difference when I switched to weekly injections. Have you tried that? 

Thanks for the responses Jan, Linguist, Canlafre, and Bluebirds.  Much appreciated.  I have not yet tried weekly injections; obviously this is something my GI might look at.  

I am due for another 'maintenance' Humira injection today.  3 nights ago I came down with a bad cold with headache, night sweats, the chills, etc.  Not sure about a fever.  Just tried calling my GI's office to speak with someone but was unable to get a hold of anyone there.  I assume I should take my dosage as usual but just wanted to check as I still feel lousy today.  

Still no improvement from my Humira injections I started back in November.  I continue to have the same symptoms prior to starting them.

Thanks again for your responses.