Re: backing off meds/bad reaction

January 15, 2010

I was on Enbrel for a long tie and then couldn't afford it. When I started

receiving SSDI I went back to it and it didn't work. I've been on Humira for

quite a while with some success. However, due to illnesses I had to stop for

over 6 months. When I started it again, I had a bizarre experience. That night

my hands and feet started swelling, my knuckles were so inflamed they were

turning purple and the pain was so bad I couldn't pull my sheets over me - even

my fingernails felt like the nerves were exposed. I was miserable for quite a

few days. Since then, it seems like every time I inject I experience increased

flaring and pain. Over the holidays I was so bad I couldn't hold utensils to

eat. This is the 3rd time it's happened so I'm calling my rheumatologist. Has

anyone had that reaction or something similar? I'm sorry you're going through

such a bad time - it's more than frustrating. I've had to increase my pain meds

so that

gives me some relief - thank God my dr. understands. Oh, has anyone had to go

on a different med when Humira stopped working? If so, what was it. I can't do

methotrexate. Thanks for any input.

Kathy

January 16, 2010

Do you have a heart problem? If you have a valve or have had congestive heart

failure in the past then you should not take Humira. I am on Enbrel and have

been for 10 years. I also take Plaquenil, and Mobic. This combination works for

me. If you have bad psoriasis bad then you probably won't want to take

Plaquenil [i have skin lupus] but Mobic might help tide you over until you can

find something new. I don't recommend Arava though as it can cause liver damage

quite rapidly. I think you might want to try medications that have already been

proven safe. Ask you doctor for some pain medication until they find a new

approved medication. I was on methotrexate for 7 years and I, too don't want to

take that again. I hope that you are on fish oil with GLA. Also get the enteric

coated kind [Costco] the Kirkland brand is excellent. Mobic works really well

for me.

cathy from ma

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