HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Starting Adalimumab soon and a bit nervous…

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 2/25/2022 3:06 AM (GMT -7)
So I finally got approved for Adalimumab, brand name is Hyrimoz. Its a well known biosimilar of Humira in Spain from what I was told.

Just waiting for the call to go to the pharmacy to get loading dose and other jabs.

My biggest concern is that my GI wants me to continue on Azathioprine until June when I see him again. And then attempt to remove the Azathioprine and stay on Adalimumab.

I seem to have eliminated the daily bleeding since I started the nightly enemas again. Still have some discomfort after going and urgency shortly after I have a meal in the morning usually.

Feel some guilt that I could have done more, dirt changes and exercise maybe combined with the enemas to avoid the biologics but maybe would be short lived and wishful thinking..

I guess Im just freaking out about possible risks, mainly while on both meds with things like cancer etc and could do with a little feedback if you have any.

He said cancer rates while on Humira is under 1%, not sure how under he meant though because 1% seems very high.


Thanks
1Wish
Posted 2/25/2022 4:46 AM (GMT -7)
I've been through the guilt....and strict diets...and subsequent malnutrition. These days i enjoy the convenience of taking a pill twice a day, no shame in that, i still eat healthy just without eliminating major food groups. And when someone tells me i should change my diet to get better, I mostly want to punch them in the face.
Posted 2/25/2022 5:56 AM (GMT -7)
1Wish, poopydoop nailed it, there was nothing you could do. Never underestimate UC.

You have newbie fears about going on a biologic. Back when I was on Remicade & Humira I was on Imuran the entire time. It seems he is using the Imuran as a bridge until the new drug kicks in good.

Take care & stop kicking yourself.
Posted 2/25/2022 8:35 AM (GMT -7)
Thanks, feels comforting to know Im not alone dealing with the same thoughts.

I had been quite good for the last 10 days with no blood since I started the nightly salofalk enemas but today I had a normal solid bm, bigger than usual which I initially thought yay! But it was followed by dripping blood.

I guess this just re-enforces the need for the biologic.. 🤷‍♂️

Such a rollercoaster..
Posted 2/25/2022 9:06 AM (GMT -7)
Good luck! If you attain remission you’ll look back and wonder why you were worried and why you waited so long. I know I did.

Worry can be good tho, as can considering all the possibilities. My main thing is always to try to have no regrets! Although i always tend to second guess myself. In this case, I have none.
Posted 3/16/2022 5:26 AM (GMT -7)
So I started Humira on Monday, loading dose was 4 jabs, 2 jabs in 2 weeks, then 1 jab every 2 weeks. 40mg each dose.

So far no side effects and im sure way too soon to notice improvements.

I'm still on the Azathioprine, max. mesalazine oral dose + Salofalk nightly 4g enemas + budesonide foam every 3 days. I will stop the budesonide foam after a month and stay on Salofalk for a bit longer and maybe go onto every 2 nights then 3 etc.

I'm still very concerned about the fact im on Azathioprine 200mg + Humira at the same time. That's reassuring what you mentioned though @Straydog, thanks.

The initial idea is for me to be on both meds until June, then remove the Azathioprine. Am I at much risk do you think during these 3-4 months on both or are the risks more associated with long-term use? If so, what exactly is considered long-term?

Thanks,
1Wish
Posted 3/17/2022 6:42 PM (GMT -7)
It’s not your fault. You have a physiological disease. The upside is…

YOU’RE ON IT!!! You got this 1wish.

As for the Humira, I had moderate to severe UC last year. Today, no signs of disease. All I’ve taken is Humira. You would not be human if going on Humira didn’t get your attention. But it’s worked miracles for me and it’s one of the most used medicines on earth.

Go get ‘em. And take care man.
Posted 3/18/2022 3:28 AM (GMT -7)
I wouldn’t worry about being on a a plus Humira at the moment. Give it some time to work. June is only a few months away. While it is theoretically unnecessary to take aza with humira there are some people who do and don’t seem to be at much more risk of infection. It really depends on how your body handles the meds. Hope it works and is the magic bullet for your UC!
Posted 3/18/2022 4:48 AM (GMT -7)
I know it's scary, but once it kicks in you will be so happy to have your normal life back. Some docs use Azathioprine to help pervent antibodies when on a biologic -- especially at the beginning of treatment. June is only 3 months away so try not to stress too much. Good luck with Humira!!
Posted 3/20/2022 6:29 AM (GMT -7)
Thanks everyone for the encouragement. I'm keeping positive. It may still be too soon to tell but I think I'm feeling a difference.
Posted 3/21/2022 2:31 PM (GMT -7)
I hope it works for you!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply