Humira...anyone taking it?

Take it, man. It'll likely change your life. No joke. My son has Crohn's, and he started on Remicade a few years back (a biologic, very similar to Humira). No symptoms since. It's a magic drug, and he's had no side effects. Your doc may prescribe something like methotrexate to accompany the Humira, in a small dose. The only possible long term issue is the body developing antibodies and effectively rejecting the biologic. On paper, I suppose, my son is immune-comprimised, but he's been on the drug for almost five years and he hasn't been any more sick than normal. Just keep getting those levels checked and you'll be good.

Seriously, if you're in pain, take it. These drugs are a Godsend for many.

I take Remicade for Crohn’s and I actually get sick with a cold/flu less often now; maybe because I have started to wash my hands much more often? I know three different people who take Humira and for them it was life-changing. In some ways it is better than Remicade, because you can give it to yourself instead of going to an infusion clinic.

Notmebutmykid wrote:

Take it, man. It'll likely change your life. No joke. My son has Crohn's, and he started on Remicade a few years back (a biologic, very similar to Humira). No symptoms since. It's a magic drug, and he's had no side effects. Your doc may prescribe something like methotrexate to accompany the Humira, in a small dose. The only possible long term issue is the body developing antibodies and effectively rejecting the biologic. On paper, I suppose, my son is immune-comprimised, but he's been on the drug for almost five years and he hasn't been any more sick than normal. Just keep getting those levels checked and you'll be good.

Seriously, if you're in pain, take it. These drugs are a Godsend for many.

Thanks for the response. How often does your son have the injections? My doctor told me every other week for now, but I could eventually be down to once a month or even less if my body responds well to the drug.

How does your son handle the actual injection? I've read extremely varied reviews, some people saying you can't even feel the needle, others saying the drug burns worse than anything they've ever felt.

Sorry... just now getting back to ya. My son isn't on Humira, so I can't speak to its pain/discomfort. Maybe the previous poster could? Remicade is done via infusion, so it's just a needle poke, IV style. Don't sweat the injection pain (if there even us any) though man. It's an understandable fear, but living in pain sucks. Best of luck.

Slim wrote:

I was just prescribed Humira after being diagnosed with the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis. My rheumatologist made it seem like a miracle drug, and he said that he has patients who have been on it for years with no side effects. However, I've been reading some very concerning things regarding possible side effects, most notably a weakening of the immune system.

Has anyone here taken the drug? I'm ready to be done with this pain I've been dealing with for years, but I don't want to cause even more damage with a drug .

Thanks for your help.

I have Crohn's, though not currently on meds. When discussing similar concerns with my doc, she pointed out that it's a question of balancing risk factors. Your risk of long-term effects from ankylosing are virtually 100% guaranteed without meds, while your risk of serious complications from the meds are slim.

Slim wrote:

I was just prescribed Humira after being diagnosed with the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis. My rheumatologist made it seem like a miracle drug, and he said that he has patients who have been on it for years with no side effects. However, I've been reading some very concerning things regarding possible side effects, most notably a weakening of the immune system.

Has anyone here taken the drug? I'm ready to be done with this pain I've been dealing with for years, but I don't want to cause even more damage with a drug .

Thanks for your help.

search low-dose naltrexone

it can do miracles for many immune/auto-immune diseases including ankylosing spondylitis mostly with no side effects at all