Question on Humira

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Question on Humira
12
Mon, 02-28-2005 - 11:26pm

Gosh ... it's been close to a year since I've been on the board ... Just got busy with kids, PTA and our new life here in Iowa. I was on Kineret, mtx, plaquenil and vioxx until Christmas and lots of coridizone shots as needed -- like once amonth over the summer in my big toes! Needless to say, dr dropped the vioxx and I've simply replaced it with ibuprofen as needed. And, recent xrays showed some deterioration in one of my fingers so she decided it was time to switch off the Kineret. She wanted me to do Remicade but with a preschooler at home and no family nearby I just wasn't ready to commit to office infusion visits so I took option 2 which is Humira.

For those of you with Humira experience:

Will the injection always hurt so much? I compare it to the pain of the cortizone crystals going into a small joint!

Is there one place that seems to be an easier spot? I'm getting the shots in the back of my upper arm.

Does it help to warm it up like I did with the Kineret (leaving it out of the fridge for about 90 minutes before the injection)

I've now had 3 injections and start getting panic-y about 2 or 3 days before I have to take it. My dh is giving them to me (he also gives me my mtx injection ... of course, I have one injection left then I have run out of my supply and don't know how or where I'll secure more but that would be a different post!)

Kathy in Iowa (formerly in MIssissippi)

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2004
Tue, 03-01-2005 - 1:02pm

Hi, Kathy--welcome back. I tried the Humira for while, and I let it warm up for a bit, like I did the Kineret, before injecting it. I really don't recall the Humira stinging as badly as the Kineret did. As far as where to inject, I am a firm believer that the tummy is far less sensitive than thighs or arms. I know that is my favorite place for all my injections, but I also know that just the thought of injecting it into the stomach bothers a lot of people. However, once you get over that initial reaction, I think you will find it is a much less painful spot. Hope this helps.

Rosemary

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Tue, 03-01-2005 - 1:06pm
Thanks, Rosemary. I did the Kineret in my tummy. But, since David injects the Humira (doesn't have the Simplinject like the Kineret did) I don't know that I want him injecting into my fat tummy! Probably will be the least painful spot tho' I suppose with the pain I just need to get use to it -- I've only been taking it a month! Kathy
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2003
Tue, 03-01-2005 - 1:09pm

Hi Kathy in Iowa

Molly

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-19-2003
Tue, 03-01-2005 - 3:48pm

Hi Kathy,


I've been on Humira now for about 9 months. I'll answer as best I can.


Will the injection always hurt so much? I compare it to the pain of the cortizone crystals going into a small joint! The injections have always hurt me. Some times worse than others.


Is there one place that seems to be an easier spot? I'm getting the shots in the back of my upper arm. I use my thighs. I used to inject Enbrel in my tummy but that didn't sting at all. I use my thighs for both my Humira and MTX.


Does it help to warm it up like I did with the Kineret (leaving it out of the fridge for about 90 minutes before the injection) I do warm it up. I usually leave it out for about 30 mins and warm it in my hands before injecting it. Some times it helps and others it doesn't.


I've now had 3 injections and start getting panic-y about 2 or 3 days before I have to take it. My dh is giving them to me (he also gives me my mtx injection ... of course, I have one injection left then I have run out of my supply and don't know how or where I'll secure more but that would be a different post!) I know how you feel. The first time I injected it I had a serious panic attack and cried the entire time. I didn't think I would ever







iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Sat, 03-05-2005 - 11:22pm
Thanks, Jen. I was figuring that would be the response I got. Just a gut feeling. But, it's good to know that I'm not being overly wimpy. I took the Kineret for 3 years and didn't experience this so I figured it was the med. My husband said it appears that Humira is an oily base and will probably always hurt. Kathy
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Sat, 03-05-2005 - 11:24pm

Thanks, Molly.

I knew about the problem with mtx. My dh is an oncologist and he's been able to get the injectible for me since August but can't seem to get his hands on it for me. What they now get in the office is different ... he of course prescribes MUCH higher doses than any of us get.

Kathy

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2003
Mon, 03-07-2005 - 1:54pm
Kathy, just out of curiosity, does your DH have any idea why there is such a shortage?

Molly

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Mon, 03-07-2005 - 8:30pm

The type of mtx they get in for their cancer patients they aren't having problems getting in. They did have some vials that I could use at one point in time but now are having trouble getting it in. My pharmacist told me it was a problem with the manufacturer but didn't know anything else

Kathy

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-21-2004
Tue, 03-08-2005 - 5:30am
Does the Humira work? Does it stop the pain of arthritis? I am trying to get insurance approval for Remicade since I have both arthritis and Crohn's disease but my insurance has denied me 4 times and I need some relief from the arthritis. The prednisone and Imuran I am taking don't seem to help enough. My ins company wants me to try Enbrel but it will cost so much even after my ins pays and not help my Crohn's so I am wondering if Humira is working for you with the arthritis. I think it is good for Crohn's too but not sure. I have to talk to my doc tomorrow. I know it will be expensive too. Sigh.

Donna
Donna
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2003
Tue, 03-08-2005 - 1:25pm
Thanks, Kathy!

Molly

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