Humira

[Teufelhunden]

Has anyone used or is using Humira to treat Crohn's disease?

[mecrpk]

I have been on Humira for about 3 months now. The injections are a piece of cake, comes in prefilled pens and the needle is tiny. I used to inject methotrexate which was much worse. I am currently weaning off of Entocort while waiting for the Humira to kick in. They say it takes a few months. I'm still having some joint pain, but it is better. Fatigue is a huge issue for me as well as diarrhea. My doc has me taking 2 immodium in the moring and 2 at night as well as whenever I need it during the day. All this seem s to be helping and hopefully this course of treatment will last for a while without ravaging side effects.
I say, give it a try!  

[chudski]

I have had Crohn's for 50 years now.  I've tried every med for it.
Sulfa's bad.  Endocort good.
Remicade was a miracle drug for me.  I was ready to have the whole large colon removed.
It completely cured me.  Then it started to fail after five years of infusions.
(It didn't help that I started to drink).  I am now on Humira.  It's been a month
and the ulcer in my large bowel (what's left of it) has just stopped bleeding.
The sharp ulceritic (hmmmm, good word, if I do say so myself) pains have also stopped.

[buckeyeroots]

My doctor is going to put me on Humira as soon as my bloodwork, chest x-ray and TB tests are completed.  I have some mild to moderate abdominal pain, frequent bowel movements on occasion and skin breakouts.  I am tired as well, but I haven't had any real serious problems requiring surgery.  After six months I quit responding to the pentasa and entocort.  I am hoping that this HUmira works.  Was it hard to learn to do the self-injections?  I am squeamish, so my sister who is a nurse said she'd help me.  Do you have any side effects from the Humira?  How often do you have to get blood tests or TB tests and such done?  He told me that I should see results within a few weeks.  Do you have to avoid contact with people since it suppresses your immune system?  I have lots of questions, but anything you can tell me about Humira is helpful.

[lizziecee]

Hi Tammy - I have Crohn's, so not sure what meds are prescribed for UC. I got Crohn's some 38 yrs ago and was steroid dependent, which has had a huge detrimental effect on my bone density so I now have to take the bisphosphonate Fosamax, and Calchichew/Vit.D.

Some 7 yrs ago I found on the internet that methotrexate ( a chemo drug used for breast cancer some years ago - funny how I got bc after 2 yrs on it!) was being used in the USA, but as I live in England, where there are few patients with Crohn's, was not licensed. I eventually got my gastro to prescribe it, and it has made a huge difference to my quality of life. No more severe rectal haemorrhages that required hospitalisation, and I am doing fine these days. I am not sure if it can be prescribed for UC, but you may want to ask your gastro about it.
My gastro would not prescribe Remicade for me, although I am aware it is used in the US - there are many questions about its' side effects, particularly lymphoma. Humira is only being trialled here in England, so not sure what the results have been. I am very happy on methotrexate.

Liz.

[tammy3137]

I have ulcerative colitis. I have had it since 1995. I have been hospitalized 3 times in the last 6 months. I have tried every medicine out there for ulcerative colitis. They put me on Remicade back in Oct.'07 but no relef. They say that I am steriod dependent. Now they are putting me on the Humira. But seriously I really have my doubts about it too. What is everyones oppinion?

[susie0011]

Yes, I started on Humira in June, 07 and am doing very well.  Prior to that, I was on Remicade (starting Aug.2000).  The Remicade finally gave me relief from the severe arthritis, my main Crohn's symptom.  Before that, I had difficulty bending my arm to comb my hair.  It may take a time for the medicine to help, depending on your wife's symptoms.

susie0011

[Teufelhunden]

Thanks for the response. How is your son responding to it? What was he taking before? My wife started Humira about two months ago. She was taking asacol for ever it seems but it just wasn't doing anything for her. So far, she really hasn't seen any response to the Humira. Is there a time period when she'll start feeling the effects of the new meds? Thanks. I hope your son is responding well. Take care.

[pam54]

YES MY SON HE IS 13 NOW AND WAS STARTED ON HUMIRA WHEN HE WAS TWELVE SIX MONTHS AGO