Humira

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the input. Will do it next time.

Libby

[Guest guest]

Hi Sherry,

Thanks for the input. As it turned out, it was out for at least that long before

I used it. I never had the problem with Enbrel, so I was just a bit surprised.

Libby in NM

 

[Guest guest]

Thanks . I kind of figured it was normal, but like you, I was not a happy

camper for those few seconds. But it is all relative, and I will get used to it.

Libby in NM

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your response. I have just had the one Humira, and I can't be sure,

but I really stressed my body this weekend and I am not hurting now.

I switched from Enbrel, because my legs are covered with psoriasis. Which began

after my first Enbrel years ago. My doc and I just decided to give it a shot to

see if the psoriasis improved with Humira. Too soon to tell.

Libby in NM

[Guest guest]

Joanna, you hit the nail on the head. The only problem was that my rheumy had

prescribed the pen for Humira and it does the injecting itself. And it did

burn. I am off it now but when I go back on I'm gonna request the syringes

instead. It's a matter of personal preference but another reason I didn't like

the pen was the loud noise it made when it planted the needle and started the

medicine to flow. I jumped a couple times when it did that and ruined the

dosage because I pulled the needle away.

Good luck,

Deanna

[Guest guest]

I currently use Enbrel but have also used Humira.  I'd like to suggest that you

all consider switching to the pre-filled auto-injector for which ever one you

use if you are not already doing so.  For Enbrel it is called SureClick, don't

remember what Humira calls it.  You push in the button to inject it and it pops

up when it is done.  Yes, the injection hurts, but with the plunger method the

dosage speed is not controlled by you and is easy to use. It is also easy

to dispose of when you are finished as the needle recedes back into the unit.  I

always take the unit out of the refrigerator at least half an hour before I use

it.

 

Because I've only experienced a hot red spot a couple of times at the injection

site I always inject into my upper thigh.  I tried my stomach once and my upper

arm once.  Okay, actually my husband gives me the injections on the count of

three and I yell " Ouch, ouch, ouch, " for ten seconds.  A nice bonding

experience.  LOL

 

Are there other sites some of you use for injections?

 

Sandy

[Guest guest]

Hi Sandy and all:

I use the Enbrel Sureclick. I think the fleshier parts (for me it's my

tummy or the almost-backside of my upper arm) hurt less. I used to do

my thighs, but I was hitting muscle there and that hurts.

Yes, letting the meds sit to room temp helps, as does icing the

injection site before administering.

--Vera

[Guest guest]

Dennis, I have no experience with Humira, but I hope it helps you as

much as Enbrel helps me.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

Sue

On Mar 18, 2009, at 2:12 PM, Dennis W wrote:

> It looks like the new Rheumy is switching me from MTX to Humira. Any

> things

> I need to know or tips for me?

>

> I know there has been much written about it but I'm too lazy to find

> it. LOL

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Dennis:

I just wanted to wish you success with the Humira. I don't know

anything about it. Hope it works well for you.

Good luck.

Hugs,

Barbara

>

> It looks like the new Rheumy is switching me from MTX to Humira. Any

things

> I need to know or tips for me?

>

> I know there has been much written about it but I'm too lazy to find

it. LOL

>

> --

> Dennis in eastexas

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dennis, I am on MTX and Humira. I have been on Humira for 5 years, it worked

wonderfully up until recently. Lots of stress causing allot of flares so

rheumy put me on MTX and Feldene, seems as now I am doing a bit better.

I inject in my abdomen it has more fat than your thighs and may hurt more.

If I may suggest do not get the pen. It really hurts.

I also let it stay out 30 minutes before injection it burns less.

Also let the alcohol dry before the injection.

Once you get used to it you will be fine.

I always make sure there are no air bubbles in it also.

Good luck to you and hope this works for you. Sandy in PA

[Guest guest]

I appreciate the kind words and info, but I saw the Rheumy today and it

looks like things are to change. Now he wants me on Enbrel, maybe, if I can

afford it. He quickly told me about the results of the last blood test, so

quickly I can't remember it. I did get the famous command: " I'm taking you

off Prednisone! " . I told him of my past attempts and my not getting below 7

mg, and he said that there are ways to get past that pain. Yeah, right...

Dennis in eastexas

On Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 3:25 PM, beacon348 <beacon316@...> wrote:

> Dennis, I am on MTX and Humira. I have been on Humira for 5 years, it

> worked wonderfully up until recently. Lots of stress causing allot of flares

> so rheumy put me on MTX and Feldene, seems as now I am doing a bit better.

> I inject in my abdomen it has more fat than your thighs and may hurt

> more. If I may suggest do not get the pen. It really hurts.

> I also let it stay out 30 minutes before injection it burns less.

> Also let the alcohol dry before the injection.

> Once you get used to it you will be fine.

> I always make sure there are no air bubbles in it also.

> Good luck to you and hope this works for you. Sandy in PA

>

[Guest guest]

Dennis, maybe you can get help from the company that makes Enbrel. I

certainly hope that it works out for you to be on a biologic. Maybe

then you wouldn't even need prednisone. I'll be pulling for you, as

always.

Sue

On Mar 19, 2009, at 9:36 PM, Dennis W wrote:

> I appreciate the kind words and info, but I saw the Rheumy today and

> it

> looks like things are to change. Now he wants me on Enbrel, maybe,

> if I can

> afford it. He quickly told me about the results of the last blood

> test, so

> quickly I can't remember it. I did get the famous command: " I'm

> taking you

> off Prednisone! " . I told him of my past attempts and my not getting

> below 7

> mg, and he said that there are ways to get past that pain. Yeah,

> right...

>

[Guest guest]

We're working with the Hopewell Foundation for help with the copay. It's

apparently the one that helps the most with aid for those that can't afford

the right meds.

Dennis in eastexas

On Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 10:16 PM, marysue <marysue@...> wrote:

> Dennis, maybe you can get help from the company that makes Enbrel. I

> certainly hope that it works out for you to be on a biologic. Maybe

> then you wouldn't even need prednisone. I'll be pulling for you, as

> always.

>

> Sue

>

> On Mar 19, 2009, at 9:36 PM, Dennis W wrote:

>

> > I appreciate the kind words and info, but I saw the Rheumy today and

> > it

> > looks like things are to change. Now he wants me on Enbrel, maybe,

> > if I can

> > afford it. He quickly told me about the results of the last blood

> > test, so

> > quickly I can't remember it. I did get the famous command: " I'm

> > taking you

> > off Prednisone! " . I told him of my past attempts and my not getting

> > below 7

> > mg, and he said that there are ways to get past that pain. Yeah,

> > right...

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Dennis:

I do hope you get some financial help when you take Enbrel. I also hope

it works well for you.

I too, have not been able to get off the Pred., as hard as I try. That

is the only RX that takes my pain and swelling away. I will try again

after my knee surgery is healed, and I am doing good. I don't want to

mess up my system right now.

My blood work is great, also my lungs and heart, so my PCP cleared me

for surgery. I can't wait to get it done.

Wishing you good luck when you start the Enbrel. Also praying for you

to have pain free days ahead.

Hugs,

Barbara

>

> > I appreciate the kind words and info, but I saw the Rheumy today and

> > it

> > looks like things are to change. Now he wants me on Enbrel, maybe,

> > if I can

> > afford it. He quickly told me about the results of the last blood

> > test, so

> > quickly I can't remember it. I did get the famous command: " I'm

> > taking you

> > off Prednisone! " . I told him of my past attempts and my not getting

> > below 7

> > mg, and he said that there are ways to get past that pain. Yeah,

> > right...

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi dennis, were you going to sign up for the VA? you can get enbrel for an $8

copay

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 20, 2009, at 11:31 AM, " Barbara " <bcreedon@...> wrote:

Hi Dennis:

I do hope you get some financial help when you take Enbrel. I also hope

it works well for you.

I too, have not been able to get off the Pred., as hard as I try. That

is the only RX that takes my pain and swelling away. I will try again

after my knee surgery is healed, and I am doing good. I don't want to

mess up my system right now.

My blood work is great, also my lungs and heart, so my PCP cleared me

for surgery. I can't wait to get it done.

Wishing you good luck when you start the Enbrel. Also praying for you

to have pain free days ahead.

Hugs,

Barbara

>

> > I appreciate the kind words and info, but I saw the Rheumy today and

> > it

> > looks like things are to change. Now he wants me on Enbrel, maybe,

> > if I can

> > afford it. He quickly told me about the results of the last blood

> > test, so

> > quickly I can't remember it. I did get the famous command: " I'm

> > taking you

> > off Prednisone! " . I told him of my past attempts and my not getting

> > below 7

> > mg, and he said that there are ways to get past that pain. Yeah,

> > right...

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Darn! I forgot about that entirely. I'm battling a stomach/intestine problem

and now can't remember when it started. I've noticed a number of other

'forgets' with all that's been going on lately. My intestines hurt without

provocation and have had pain levels of 10 a few times. I've been to doctors

and have nothing new to work with. I wish I had something to go on.

Dennis in eastexas

On Fri, Mar 20, 2009 at 2:21 PM, Kate Fair <kalfoley@...> wrote:

> Hi dennis, were you going to sign up for the VA? you can get enbrel for

> an $8 copay

>

> Sent from my iPhone

>

>

> On Mar 20, 2009, at 11:31 AM, " Barbara "

<bcreedon@...<bcreedon%40>>

> wrote:

>

> Hi Dennis:

>

> I do hope you get some financial help when you take Enbrel. I also hope

> it works well for you.

>

> I too, have not been able to get off the Pred., as hard as I try. That

> is the only RX that takes my pain and swelling away. I will try again

> after my knee surgery is healed, and I am doing good. I don't want to

> mess up my system right now.

>

> My blood work is great, also my lungs and heart, so my PCP cleared me

> for surgery. I can't wait to get it done.

>

> Wishing you good luck when you start the Enbrel. Also praying for you

> to have pain free days ahead.

>

> Hugs,

>

> Barbara

>

>

> >

> > > I appreciate the kind words and info, but I saw the Rheumy today and

> > > it

> > > looks like things are to change. Now he wants me on Enbrel, maybe,

> > > if I can

> > > afford it. He quickly told me about the results of the last blood

> > > test, so

> > > quickly I can't remember it. I did get the famous command: " I'm

> > > taking you

> > > off Prednisone! " . I told him of my past attempts and my not getting

> > > below 7

> > > mg, and he said that there are ways to get past that pain. Yeah,

> > > right...

> > >

>

[Guest guest]

I hope you feel better Dennis, it couldn't hurt to try some refrigerated

acidophillus supplements. Sometimes it can help by resetting the friendly flora

in your gut. I give it to the kids whenever they take antibiotics or when we

had thrush. When you're ready check out www.va.gov and click on healthcare,

enroll.

________________________________

From: Dennis W <betnden@...>

Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2009 9:00:27 PM

Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Humira

Darn! I forgot about that entirely. I'm battling a stomach/intestine problem

and now can't remember when it started. I've noticed a number of other

'forgets' with all that's been going on lately. My intestines hurt without

provocation and have had pain levels of 10 a few times. I've been to doctors

and have nothing new to work with. I wish I had something to go on.

Dennis in eastexas

On Fri, Mar 20, 2009 at 2:21 PM, Kate Fair <kalfoley (DOT) com> wrote:

> Hi dennis, were you going to sign up for the VA? you can get enbrel for

> an $8 copay

>

> Sent from my iPhone

>

>

> On Mar 20, 2009, at 11:31 AM, " Barbara " <bcreedon (DOT) com<bcreedon%40.

com>>

> wrote:

>

> Hi Dennis:

>

> I do hope you get some financial help when you take Enbrel. I also hope

> it works well for you.

>

> I too, have not been able to get off the Pred., as hard as I try. That

> is the only RX that takes my pain and swelling away. I will try again

> after my knee surgery is healed, and I am doing good. I don't want to

> mess up my system right now.

>

> My blood work is great, also my lungs and heart, so my PCP cleared me

> for surgery. I can't wait to get it done.

>

> Wishing you good luck when you start the Enbrel. Also praying for you

> to have pain free days ahead.

>

> Hugs,

>

> Barbara

>

>

> >

> > > I appreciate the kind words and info, but I saw the Rheumy today and

> > > it

> > > looks like things are to change. Now he wants me on Enbrel, maybe,

> > > if I can

> > > afford it. He quickly told me about the results of the last blood

> > > test, so

> > > quickly I can't remember it. I did get the famous command: " I'm

> > > taking you

> > > off Prednisone! " . I told him of my past attempts and my not getting

> > > below 7

> > > mg, and he said that there are ways to get past that pain. Yeah,

> > > right...

> > >

>

[Guest guest]

I have been a lurker for quite awhile.  All the information I've received here

has very beneficial to me.  I just started Humira two weeks ago.  I was on and

off Enbrel for the last 5 years.  It is amazing the results I've had from Humira

in just two weeks. I can't believe how great my body feels.  This morning as I

was getting up I thought to myself 'wow this must be what it feel like to be

normal'!  I feel great and my skin has almost completely cleared up.  For

the first time in years I don't have scales on my scalp or elbow. 

A couple of question though.  This morning my tongue felt really odd, like it

was coated in a white substance and kind of sponge like.  I've also noticed

some bruises that don't hurt but look nasty.  Just wondering if any of you have

experienced this.  My energy level feels better but at times I still feel like I

could sleep for hours!  I'm 40 years old. 

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Liz     

[Guest guest]

Hi Vicki: Great info. thanks. I know it is such a hardship to pay for

the costly meds. without ins.

Wishing you pain free days ahead.

Hugs,

Barbara

>

> I just wanted to let you all know that I did go to www.needymeds.com

and clicked on Humira. There is a phone number there where I actually

got to speak to a person. I was not asked my income or anything like

that, I just explained that I had a $100.00 per month co-pay and that I

would no longer be able to take this med because I could not afford it.

They gave me card numbers right over the phone, did immediate activation

and I will have a Humira card in the mail next week. My co-pay is now

$5.00 per month. There are tons of meds on this site, they work with

those of us who have no insurance or high co-pays to make sure we have

our meds. Honestly, if anyone is having a hard time paying for there

meds please check this site out. They are so helpful and actually come

across as caring. Enbrel is another med that they will help with,

although I, myself, have never been on Enbrel I know that several of you

have.

> Vicki

> Iowa

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes - thank you soooooooo much! I have been dealing w/ " patient assistance

programs " for soooo long and finally - a website that really helps! 

ltdavis_jrdavis@...

From: Barbara <bcreedon@...>

Subject: [ ] Re: Humira

Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2009, 6:09 PM

 

Hi Vicki: Great info. thanks. I know it is such a hardship to pay for

the costly meds. without ins.

Wishing you pain free days ahead.

Hugs,

Barbara

>

> I just wanted to let you all know that I did go to www.needymeds. com

and clicked on Humira. There is a phone number there where I actually

got to speak to a person. I was not asked my income or anything like

that, I just explained that I had a $100.00 per month co-pay and that I

would no longer be able to take this med because I could not afford it.

They gave me card numbers right over the phone, did immediate activation

and I will have a Humira card in the mail next week. My co-pay is now

$5.00 per month. There are tons of meds on this site, they work with

those of us who have no insurance or high co-pays to make sure we have

our meds. Honestly, if anyone is having a hard time paying for there

meds please check this site out. They are so helpful and actually come

across as caring. Enbrel is another med that they will help with,

although I, myself, have never been on Enbrel I know that several of you

have.

> Vicki

> Iowa

>

>

[Guest guest]

> >

> > I just wanted to let you all know that I did go to www.needymeds.com

> and clicked on Humira. There is a phone number there where I actually

> got to speak to a person. I was not asked my income or anything like

> that, I just explained that I had a $100.00 per month co-pay and that I

> would no longer be able to take this med because I could not afford it.

> They gave me card numbers right over the phone, did immediate activation

> and I will have a Humira card in the mail next week. My co-pay is now

> $5.00 per month. There are tons of meds on this site, they work with

> those of us who have no insurance or high co-pays to make sure we have

> our meds. Honestly, if anyone is having a hard time paying for there

> meds please check this site out. They are so helpful and actually come

> across as caring. Enbrel is another med that they will help with,

> although I, myself, have never been on Enbrel I know that several of you

> have.

> > Vicki

> > Iowa

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Fish and flax oil are used for anti-inflammatory purposes. I would buy the oil

in a liquid and take 1 tbsp total per day, more fish oil though. Capsules are

much more expensive and you need 15 capsules to get this amount. You should

maybe start with 1 teasp. and work up over two weeks, to see if you have any

digestive issues. they do have lemon flavoured fish oil, or you can put in a cup

with lemon juice and drink the fish oil that way. Later on, you could even take

1 tbsp fish and 1 tbsp flax seed oil per day, it won't harm you. But, you need

to reduce the butter or oil per day to not add calories to your diet.

Omega 3 is the ingredient these oils have. It would take 2 -3 months for any

improvement so be patient. Even if there is no improvement it is totally worth

it to take these, as it will reduce cholesterol, risk of heart disease, and

diabetes.

The other two herbs that are really good are boswellia, and holy basil. But give

each new supplement a month or 2 to do its thing as you won't know what works,

if you try too many different things at once (now if only I could take my own

advice)

Another note, omega 3 supplementation only works well if you also reduce omega 6

consumption. That means no margarine, veggie oil (only canola and olive, and

not too much ) limited red meat, lean as possible. Dairy is also inflammatory.

Try a month off dairy, then add back into your diet to see if you are

sensitive. Yes, that means ice cream.

Usually supplementation programs begin with the diet, because many supplements

are not effective if the diet has stuff in it to counter its effects.

Look up, anti inflammatory diets.

" kbarwig " <kbarwig@...>

[Guest guest]

: I can't respond to the question about your foot psoriasis but there are

programs available from the company that manufactures Humira that would allow

you to get it at very low cost unless you're on Medicare or Medicaid. Look up

their website and there will be a link providing information on it.

Joanna Hoelscher

[Guest guest]

If you decide to try giving up dairy make sure you take calcium supplements

because osteoporosis is the last thing any of us need!

" safyre " <safyreshel@...>

[Guest guest]

Definitely, a calcium supplement is important, but they are not created equal.

500mg of a well absorbed supplement is better than 1000mg of a horse pill.

Usually the liquid forms are best, they all taste not great, but maybe mix with

juice. Also, a calcium supp with vitamin d and magnesium works best. Take it

with food, but not when eating meat, especially red meat, as calcium inhibits

iron absorption. Calcium citrate is better than calcium carbonate, and if you

can't do a liquid then go with a capsule (gel cap with powdered supplement

inside). Other good sources of calcium , broccoli, spinach, canned salmon with

bones in, almonds, soy milks are fortified , some orange juices are fortified

and almond milk is sometimes fortified.

" kbarwig " <kbarwig@...>