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Humira

Tue, May 31, 2016 8:48 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm a recent college graduate (23) and I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis right before my junior year in 2014. I achieved remission after trying uceris (a steriod), a long round of prednisone, along with apriso and canasa suppositories. Unfortunately, my symptoms have returned as of late April and I've struggled since.

I tried prednisdone again at 40 mg and have tapered slowly since but haven't had any luck. My symptoms are worse than ever and I started antibiotics today on a 2 week trial before my doctor recommended beginning humira. The commercials terrify me (side effects-wise) and I'm afraid to begin injections at a young age. Does anyone have any advice or experiences?

laurbbyxo
Joined May 31, 2016

Wed, August 03, 2016 3:03 PM

Reply posted for laurbbyxo.

I am currently on humira. I was scared to go to an injection but it's really not that bad. I started out on 40 mg but ended up with neuropathy because the dosage was too high so my doc lowered me to the pediatric dose because of my weight. I spent all of last year in a flare and finally in September we decided to try humira. It's not so painful if you use the syringe instead of the pen. The only side effect I'm currently getting is swelling at the injection sight but it's gone the next day. I'm getting the medication through Abbvie because even using my insurance I couldn't afford it.

cyndll1
Joined Jul 8, 2016

Mon, June 06, 2016 2:04 PM

Reply posted for laurbbyxo.

Most of the biologics have the same side effects or potential long term effects. unfortunately at this point they cant be avoided. I think of it was a risk i am willing to take because of the help i get from the biologics. i was on humira for about 2 years and the only effect i noticed was injection site reactions but it also didnt work super well for me. i am now on entyvio. yes, the cancer risk is super scary but the alleviation of symptoms is worth it to me. I was on remicade at 16, humira 20-23 and entyvio for the past year and a half. last fall i had a cancer scare with a positive PET scan and it has had me very anxious ever since. I constantly have my roommate check my skin for suspicious moles and watchc my blood like a hawk. i wish i had better answers for you but if your crohns is bad enough to need biologics they can definitely be worth it. they gave me my life back.

akr008
Joined Sep 2, 2014

Sun, June 05, 2016 3:32 PM

Reply posted for laurbbyxo.

I am 19 and was on Humira for about 8 weeks! I cannot speak for long term side effects, but I did not really have any problems during the treatment besides pain during the injection. Hope that helps!

southerngirl
Joined Jan 17, 2015

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