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Humira and Pneumonia (and other infections like it)

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 10/6/2007 5:19 PM (GMT -6)
For those of you who are on Humira, could you help me out? I would really appreciate it if you could answer this question and let me know if this has occured with you.

I have been on Humira for about 8 months. As we all know infections (even serious) can occur often while on drugs such as Humira. about 3 weeks ago I was diagnosed with really bad pneumonia. After antibiotics, time off from work, etc. I am not better and prob. worse. Unfort. My GI has told me NOT to take my next dose (which really scares me). Is this happening to you? It is just awful and want to know if this has happened to anyone else and what you do!

Thank you SO much!
Posted 10/6/2007 5:37 PM (GMT -6)
I got pneumonia while on Remicade. It took me longer to recover than I would have expected. I had to postpone my infusion until I 1) finished my antibiotics, 2) no longer had a fever, 3) no longer was wheezing, 4) no longer had a productive cough. Getting rid of the cough was the longest part of the ordeal.

I am concerned that you say you are probably worse since finishing the antibiotics. You really need to see your primary and get checked out. It could be that you did not have the correct antibiotic. Or is your primary concern continued coughing/wheezing, difficulty breathing? You might have some asthma that can occur after a bout of pneumonia. Your primary should be able to determine what is going on and get you the help you need.

As long as you are still symptomatic, it is risky to take any anti-TNF because if an infection is still lurking somewhere, you could get seriously ill by taking your Humira.
Posted 10/7/2007 8:17 AM (GMT -6)
eyes
I had my first dose of Humira just over a week ago and scheduled for 2nd dose on Friday. I am a bit concerned hearing about how much this drug increases my chances of infections, especially reading about the pneumonia you are fighting with. I work in an office everyday and although I Lysol everything often I know that I pick up germs from dozens of people every day. This scares me quite a bit.
I do hope that you feel better soon, I think that the advice from Ides about seeing your doc again is a good idea. You should be feeling much better by now and since your not there's a problem. Take care of yourself and feel better soon!
Posted 10/7/2007 10:52 AM (GMT -6)
Honestly when you have severe Crohn's it is all about The Quality of Life and feeling better and then of course taking care of yourself the best you can. Most meds (for Crohn's) especially, the Remicade and Humira type DO make your risk for infection much greater. But it is working for my Crohn's @ about 70 % and no hospital stays for about 8 months which is unheard of for me. Make Sense? So that is sorta how I look @ it.

I work @ a school 4-45 hrs. a week and if you could imagine the children and sicknesses that go around there! It is not good @ all for me. This is what I went to school for so this is a major daily challenge. However, I am working on trying to get about 10 hrs less a week because this IS crazy and I know I am working way too much and way too hard BUT we all know how that goes b cause NO ONE understands ever!! So I am working on that and taking care of myself.

If it was not for the HUMIRA I would not be able to leave the house. I still have my daily issues but I can have a much better life and we can do things, etc. I am not finding myself cancelling on poeple on a daily basis, etc.

That is where I am at. Yes this pneumonia is awful and it is hard b cause no one can help me BUT I am working VERY close with two Doctors and they are FABULOUS!
Posted 10/7/2007 3:34 PM (GMT -6)
Hi Hope things clear up for you soon. I have a bad cold too and it is hanging on .I am glad I am not sheduled for my Rem. for awhile because I am having enough problems getting rid of the cough ,phylem, and still using oddles of klenex. I am so happy to hear the Hum. is working for you. lol gail
Posted 10/7/2007 7:20 PM (GMT -6)
Lovepink,  I just responsed on another thread...the poll on humira, please read. 

Posted 10/8/2007 6:34 AM (GMT -6)
stay away from People. I do and I never get sick
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