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New to Humira
Hello, just started using Humira along with Methotrexate,prednisone and folic acid to combat RA and OA. Hoping for what to expect other than what the doctor reported. Thanks for your sharing and support!
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Anyone have Humira cause hypothyroidism?
I've been on that exact regimen and while the Humira didn't work well for me, I didn't have any bad side effects at all. The only thing my doctor gave me in addition was Omeprazole to protect my stomach, steroids can be very hard on the stomach, and Boniva to protect my bones as Prednisone is a risk factor for osteoporosis. But those two additional drugs may depend how long you're on the Prednisone for; if it's a short period, it may not be necessary (I haven't found a biologic that works yet so I've been taking steroids for a few years now).
Best of luck - hope you're feeling better fast!!
I was diagnosed with RA, with pretty severe symptoms, 13 years ago. I started on methotrexate, added Humira about 5 months later, then added plaquenil (hydroxycholoquine) by the end of the year. I was very briefly on steroids in the beginning, then took ibuprofen for pain.
I have to say, I didn't have any noticeable side effects from any of the medications. I know I'm probably just lucky that way, and VERY lucky that, through this combination, I have felt 'normal' for a number of years. I've now been off plaquenil for several years, and I'm taking a minimal dose of the methotrexate. I inject Humira (citrate-free, it doesn't sting on injection) every two weeks. My blood tests (every 12 weeks) have been normal. My biggest problem is osteoarthritis and tendinitis in my hands. I don't know if the RA had anything to do with this. I also have osteoporosis, which I think was caused by taking prednisone when I was much younger for thrombocytopenia. I'm hopeful that the med regimen I'm on will continue to be effective for however many years I have left (I'm 73). I sincerely hope you are as lucky as I've been, and that you are able to continue your life without feeling the effects of this disease. As I said, I basically forget I have this disease, but I am careful to follow my treatment plan, which includes getting any vaccines my doctor recommends. I DO remember what the early days were like, and don't want to go there ever again!