WeAreCrohns.org - The Social Support Network for People Living with Crohn's Disease and Colitis

Lisa

I have an appointment today to receive my first injection of Humira.  Please wish me luck. 

I am one of those who has been pretty lucky with my Crohns.  I was diagnosed in 1978, had surgery for an illeostomy in 1980 and have had very few issues until recently.  My biggest issue was a blockage due to old scar tissue from the illeostomy surgery.  They occured about every 7 years.  Recently though, I have had issues every year for the last three years that resulted in a hospital stay - and we all know how expensive that can be even with insurance.  So, my Dr. suggested Humira.  I go in today for my first injection.  The side effects and long term effects are scary, but I have to realize that it's a drug to help me now.  I'll just have to face any side effects as they come up, or long term effects later.  

Any advice or encouragement are appreciated!

Thanks!

Lisa B.

yesterday

Angie

I used the Humira Pen for the first time....I must say I didn't like it.  I prefer the syringe, I can control how fast the medication goes in and it burns a whole lot less!!  Maybe I'm a whimp but O well we all have our preferences.  Unfortunately I still have 5 more pens until my next order....ughh.

last month

Verena

Hi there!

I was enrolled in the Abbott assistance program, and it worked out okay. The Humira and I however were not happy in the long term. And it started out sooo well! My fistula is gone!
I had a lot of bad experiences and was not willing to take it anymore. I have about seven pens left, all good. So let me know if you need them.

3 months ago

Angie

For prescription assistance programs try this site I found.... http://www.pparx.org/  just click  Get Help Now to see if you are eligible for each medication...

4 months ago

Angie

Just recently started Humira, March 15, 2010.  I was on Remicade, but started having a reaction and dr discontinued it after being on it 9 months. I've had the first two starter doses and still on 20mg of Prednisone.  I'm worried because so far the Humira doesn't seem to be doing anything. I know it can take time, but I can't help but worry that it might not ever work, or work good enough once they start to wean me off steroids again.  After the first dose, a week later my dr tried to start weaning me off prednisone from 20 to 10 and immediately started hurting....yeah too soon.  My GI isn't very familiar with Humira so anything anyone can tell me about it would be Great!  Please feel free to add me as a friend.  Also, as far as side effects...so far after the injection...that evening I get a headache, sinus pressure, and just feel Blah for atleast a couple of days.

5 months ago

Susie

financial assistance help!!! my insurance is a little different and the $5.00 program is not something i am eligable for. the two places for "funds" do not have any. please send any info you might have on humira assistance!!!

6 months ago

Ashley

Hello Humira users yesterday a friend on here posted me & mentioned that even if you have insurance you can call Humira & get signed up for free & instead of having to pay like I was Co-pay $20.00 they send a card to you & you give your number on it to your Insurance Co. then only have to pay $5.00 I did that today woo hoo!

10 months ago

Ashley

Side Effects of Humira

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Also, because of the way these medicines act on the body, there is a chance that they might cause other unwanted effects that may not occur until months or years after the medicine is used. These may include certain types of cancer, such as bladder or skin cancer. Discuss these possible effects with your doctor.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
   * More common
       * Abdominal fullness;  body aches or pain ;  cough or hoarseness;  ear congestion;  gaseous abdominal pain;  infection;  lightheadedness
   * loss of voice;  lower back or side pain;  muscle aches and pains;  nasal congestion;  pain or tenderness around eyes or cheekbones;  rapid sometimes shallow breathing;  runny nose;  shivering;  stuffy nose;  sunken eyes;  thirst;  trouble sleeping;  warmth on skin;  wrinkled skin
       * Less common
           * Abdominal pain;  abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge;  agitation;  anxiety;  arm, back, or jaw pain;  a sore on the skin of the breast that doesn't heal;  back pain;  black, tarry stools;  bleeding from gums or nose;  blindness;  bloating or swelling of face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet ;  blood in stool or change in bowel habits;  bloody or cloudy urine;  blurred vision ;  broken bones;  change in size, shape, or color of an existing mole;  change in skin color;  chest tightness or heaviness;  chest pain;  chills;  clear or bloody discharge from nipple;  cold hands and feet;  confusion;  constipation ;  cough;  coughing or spitting up blood;  decreased urination;  decreased vision;  depression;  difficulty, burning, or painful urination;  difficult or <http://arthritis-symptom.com/arthritis-drugs/humira.htm#>frequent urination;  dimpling of breast skin;  difficulty breathing;  drowsiness;  eye pain;  fainting;  fast, slow or irregular heartbeat;  fever;  forgetfulness;  frequent urge to urinate ;  general feeling of illness; <http://arthritis-symptom.com/arthritis-drugs/humira.htm#>hair loss;  hallucinations;  headache;  increased thirst;  inverted nipple;  irregular breathing;  irregular pulse;  irritability;  itching;  light colored stools;  loss of appetite;  lump in breast or under your arm;  lump or swelling in the abdomen;  mole that leaks fluid or bleeds;  mood or mental changes;  muscle cramps or spasms;  nausea;  new mole;  night sweats;  no blood pressure or pulse;  noisy breathing;  numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, or face;  pain, redness, or swelling in arms or legs without any injury present;  pale skin;  persistent non-healing sore on your skin;  pink growth;  raised, firm, bright red patch;  rash;  redness or swelling of the breast;  seizures;  sharp back pain just below your ribs;  shiny bump on your skin;  shortness of breath;  slurred speech or problems swallowing;  sneezing;  sore throat;  sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or mouth;  spitting up blood;  stiff neck;  stopping of the heart;  sudden high fever or low grade fever for months;  sweating;  swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs;  swollen glands;  swollen neck veins;  tightness in chest ;  tiredness;  trouble breathing with activity;  trouble thinking;  unconsciousness;  unexplained bruising or bleeding ;  unpleasant breath odor;  unusual tiredness or weakness;  unusual weight gain or loss;  visual disturbances;  vomiting;  vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds;  yellow skin or eyes
   Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as <http://arthritis-symptom.com/arthritis-drugs/humira.htm#>your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.
       * More Common
           * Bladder pain;  bleeding;  blistering;  burning;  coldness;  discoloration of skin;  feeling of pressure;  general feeling of discomfort or illness;  hives;  infection ;  inflammation;  joint pain ;  large amount of cholesterol in your blood;  large amount of fat in your blood;  lumps;  numbness;  pounding in the ears;  redness;  scarring ;  soreness;  stinging;  swelling;  tenderness;  tingling; ulceration;  warmth
       * Less common
           * Abnormal <http://arthritis-symptom.com/arthritis-drugs/humira.htm#>healing; decrease in height ;  difficulty in moving;  difficulty in walking;  difficulty swallowing;  dry mouth;  heartburn;  indigestion;  loss of hearing;  loss of strength or energy;  menstrual changes;  muscle or joint stiffness, tightness, or rigidity;  muscle pain or stiffness;  muscle pain or weakness;  pain in back, ribs, arms, or legs;  pain or burning in throat;  passing of gas;  shakiness in legs, arms, hands, and feet;  sores;  stomach pain, fullness, or discomfort ;  swelling or redness in joints;  weakness
   Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor

10 months ago

Ashley

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

   More common side effects are:

•  Abdominal fullness;  body aches or pain, ear congestion; 



• gaseous abdominal pain; 



•  constipation ;(sometimes)

hair loss

unpleasant breath odor;

loss of strength or energy;

stomach pain, fullness,

 

I copied this from a long list of side effects common & less common these are sometimes some of  the things I get from Humira. But it has taken my constant pain I was having

 

10 months ago

Ashley

Hi Lisa I have been getting B12 shots for 3 years now 1,000 mgs a month at my Dr's office.

10 months ago