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  I know I shouldn't complain...but...here I go

 I've tried freezing the spot where I going to inject. It doesn't help much... any other ideas?

 Reply posted for Geanie.

I've found using the side of my thigh is much less painful than other areas.  I guess it's easier to grab the fat!  LOL!  After one injection a few months ago, I could not press the button knowing what was coming, so now my husband does it for me.  Also, once he stopped pressing so hard, it helped the intensity of the pain.  I had thought the methrotrexate needle was big!!!

I've gone through many drugs and tried Enbrel with methrotrexate which didn't do anything for me, so now I'm doing Humira with methrotrexate.  Inflammation numbers are on the rise, so I'm wondering if I need to try something else?  Those were prescribed for Crohn's arthritis and now intestinal pain and issues on the rise. 

Would Humira stop working after 8 or 9 months?  I had to cease all drugs for a surgery last November and resumed in January.  Could that have affected the medications effectiveness?

 Reply posted for Geanie.

I've been on the Humira for just over a year now, here's what I have learned. Take them out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before injecting them, and use the tops of your thighs, not your stomach. The most painful/bruised ones have had were in my stomach... I have used both the pens and the syringes, I have to say I really don't have a preference. I like not being able to see the needle go in with the pen, but I like that I can inject slower with the syringe. It's a toss-up.

 Reply posted for mel00belle7.

I have had Chrons and UC for 4 years now. I was diagnosed when I was 21 years old. I have been put on Asacol, Predisone, and a couple of other medications. Nothing is working. I am getting ready to go back to the doctor tomorrow ( 3rd one) because they are starting to worry about colon cancer. The ulcers start on my voice box and go ALL the way down. There is not one uninfected spot. I have 3 children and I am willing to do whatever it takes to stay here for them. 2 years ago I was given 2 days to live and pulled out of it thank GOD. If the shots work that is great. I was just wanting some feedback on the Humara shot and if it is something that I should look into. Thank you in advance for anything you can say.

Brad

 Reply posted for Geanie.

I completely agree with nickrystal. The Humira Pen injects too quickly. The syringe is much better.

I have experience with another biologic called Enbrel and found that the automatic injector for that medicine was much less painful because it injected more slowly.

 Reply posted for Geanie.

I don't like the pens at all because you can't control how you inject.  I think docs prescribe them because they are idiot-proof and don't look so scary.  However, you can ask to be prescribed the syringes, where you can push the plunger SLOWLY.  These injections hurt like nothing else in my opinion, and the slower I go, the better it is.  Letting it sit out for 15 minutes or so also helps.

 Reply posted for mel00belle7.

I have  been on Humira for two months now. Two injections every 15 days.  I still can't fire the pen but my wife has no problem injecting me.  She only wishes the needle was longer LOL.  The shots hurt for a few seconds while entering my legs.  Reminds me of getting stung by a bee.  I am starting to get used to it now.  The only thing side effect so far is I am so tired the next day.  But If it keeps me from having surgery again its worth it.

 Reply posted for Geanie.

Yeah, mine hurt too when I first started the shots (about 3 months ago) to the point of tears.   You can talk to your heath care provider, they prescribed me some liquid stuff that numbed the site before injections.   Now, I'm used to it and  only inject in my stomach and grab as much fat as possible.  I used to bruise (about the size of a quarter) but hardly bruise now.  I promise, it will get easier and less painful. 

 Reply posted for Geanie.

I let my Humira pen sit out at room temp for 20-25 minutes before in inject it.  It still burns for a second or two during the injection, but I can live with that.  As far as bruising goes, I found that if I pressed the pen too hard into my thigh before firing, it had a tendency to cause a bruise.  Now I just hold it steady and lightly pressed to my leg as I fire.  I have been taking it for 18 months with little problem other than working around travel to visit family.  - Bob

 Reply posted for Geanie.

I know they do!  I have been on it for 8 weeks now (4 doses) and been thinking that each time it might get easier, but so far to no avail.  The worst was having to do 4 shots the first day...I was not happy about that.  Plus I bruised so badly the first time, it was disgusting!  Do you set it out on the counter and let it come to room temperature before you inject?  I think that helps a little bit, but I'm with you--I do not enjoy them.  Sorry I don't have any better advise for you.  At least we know we aren't alone!