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Humira: How long did it take to kick in for you?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/9/2015 8:34 AM (GMT -5)
Hi All,

I'm on day 16 or so of Humira. Just took the second loading dose of two pens a few days ago and patiently awaiting success.

I'm wondering for those of you for whom Humira worked how long it took to kick in. Was it a slow gradual change over the course of a few weeks or a month or nearly immediate over the course of a day or two?

I'm guessing that for some it was quick and some it was slow.

The second part of my inquiry has to do with the fine print in the Humira literature which reads:
"For patients with Ulcerative Colitis only: Only continue HUMIRA in patients who have shown evidence of clinical remission by eight weeks (Day 57) of therapy."

I read on here of people being on it for four to six months before noticing a change and that seems to go against the manufacturer's advice. I'm hoping that if this stuff doesn't kick in by week 8 that my GI will be ready to change up treatment, which in my case would be Remicade. It sounds like he wants to exhaust many if not all of the chemical options before considering surgery. I'm remaining optimistic about Humira and Remicade but if those fail then I think I'll pretty much be at the "Cut this thing out of me!" stage.

Anyway, it's always nice to get a little feedback here. Thanks to everyone who posts responses to folks on this forum. The interaction, information, and camaraderie are invaluable.

Oh yeah...sometimes the shots sting but only for a few seconds. You can handle it! :)

Brent
Posted 4/9/2015 10:36 AM (GMT -5)
I have crohn's colitis not UC but I'm on Humira and it put my CD in remission and I believe it healed my RV fistula (which was the main reason my GI put me on it) so I'm not sure if you want experiences from only those specifically with UC but I thought I'd share just in case...

So it put me in remission but I'm not sure exactly when because I also have IBS and that is still flaring and the symptoms can be quite similar to IBD, I still have frequency, the urgency seems to be better but my IBS is mainly constipation and sometimes diarrhea. My GI told me to see a dietitian and I'm also going to seek therapy because IBS is very stress driven, but the dietitian put me on low FODMAP no fructose diet for the next 4-6 weeks (today is day 4 for me) and I'm finally starting to be able to have less constipation issues, still having some frequency though.

I was shocked when my GI said my CD was in remission, c-scope was all clear but I still felt horrible. You're still just in the loading dose stage so chances are it hasn't quite kicked in yet so I wouldn't be concerned about it yet. Your GI should be able to help you if you don't notice any improvements within a reasonable expected time, they may even increase your dosing.

I agree, those shots can hurt but nothing compared to the pain and all the other crap that goes along with flaring so I'll take those painful pinches any day lol! I did my first 4 loading doses in the tummy, and the rest I've done in my thighs, alternating each time as instructed by the nurse that came to help me with my second loading doses (where' you're at now) I hope you find remission from Humira for a very long time...the only major issue I had from it is it started giving me horrific headaches but thanks to another member on this board (ks1905/Keith) mentioned that using an antihistamine has made a world of difference...so you're right, this board is amazingly helpful and knowledgeable and kind.
Posted 4/9/2015 10:38 AM (GMT -5)
It took about a month for me. But I have always been really receptive to meds. I hope it works for you.
Posted 4/9/2015 10:45 AM (GMT -5)
I saw a change after 2-3 weeks, but it wasn't anything significant. It definitely lessened my symptoms, but no remission. After about 6 months, I doubled the dosage without any further decrease in symptoms. Promptly got a couple of consecutive sinus infections about 6 weeks later and discontinued the Humira. Did the loading dose of Simponi about 4 weeks after that, and promptly had elevated blood pressure, strange heart rhythms, and a strange sense of pressure in my neck and forehead. Didn't pursue Simponi any further after that.
Posted 4/9/2015 11:16 AM (GMT -5)
It took 3 months for noticeable changes I was on a twice a month doses. Then about a year later the symptoms started coming back, I went on an every week dose. This whole process lasted two years and Humira became ineffective (probably because of antibodies).

Now I am on Entyvio but I hear it could take up to 4 months before I see any results.
Posted 4/9/2015 8:44 PM (GMT -5)
Well, I haven't taken Humira but I can tell you, with Simponi, I didn't wait very long for results. I was in a severe flare up and things weren't improving. I think I did the 2 loading doses and then a 3rd dose and I had no positive change in my condition. At that point, it had been about 2 months and I was struggling badly, I didn't want to keep waiting to see if it worked in 6 months, i wanted relief.

I went to Remicade. From reading here, I notice a lot of people have instant relief with remi but some don't get relief for a few months. Even the people who dont' get relief for a few months seem to make slower but steady progression toward improvement. No such luck in my case. I had the loading doses, not a lick of improvement... I think I had one more dose without improvement, then I added MTX, then I had a double dose twice. At that point, I was on steroids too and still not doing very well. I knew there was no hope, I was a non-reponder to AntiTNFs. :(

That was a sad realization but nothing can change the reality. You know, only 60% of people respond to remicade and it has the highest chances of response. 60% is a great likelihood for response but 40% is still a pretty large group... It makes you wonder, why didn't I respond? What's the difference between me and a responder? Is our UC different or is it something to do with my body?
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