I have heard some good and bad things about using humera. I’m kinda nervous taking this especially with all the other meds. Does anyone else have experience with humera?
I have not taken it. You could discuss your concerns with your doctor.
1 Like
I have not taken Humira. I don’t know if it’s good for fibromyalgia. It’s something to research or like @purplebutterfly suggests, asking your doctor. I know people with other disease are on it like Hydronitis (spelling). I am on Lyrica for my fibromyalgia and it does work. I know if I miss a dose I’m in a world of hurt. My rheumatologist has tried to increase it but it then starts to make me sleepy. Granted I am on a lot of sedating quality medications for other illnesses I’ve had.
~David
2 Likes
I am also on Lyrica and it has made a major difference, however I am also on other drugs which combined make me extremely drowsy. It seems that most people here with fm also have other health issues like myself. My drs. At this point are using trial and error to continue to find a definitive diagnosis. It has been a rocky road of ups and downs. From points of not being able to walk to times of feeling fine (which at this point are rare). I generally seem to be in pain all the time and just wish for the pain to go away. Everyday is a struggle as most of you already know. I am willing to try just about anything but humera makes me nervous since I seem to experience side effects of the other drugs I’m on and was looking for someone that might have some exp we wince with it for another similar illness. I just don’t know if the risks are worth it and my Dr. seems to be more concerned with shoving meds down my throat to “solve” the mystery of my illness. He just doesn’t get that the pain is everywhere not just in my back which is where the pain primarily started. I have tried everything from meds to Eastern medicine and physical therapy with very little results. Some treatments have even made things worse. I am losing hope that I will ever feel normal again without pain or be able to play with my kids the way I once could. I just was wondering if I could get a personal view of someone’s thoughts on humera and if the risks are worth the rewards.
@Kj34997 Don’t lose hope. I know it’s frustrating. Frustrating as hell. I have a bunch of drs. Cardiologist, Nephrologist (kidney), Rheumatologist, Primary Care, Psychologist, Pain Dr… …e.t.c. They all want to prescribe things so you have to be careful. My Primary Care is awesome. She’s not a pill person so if she can fix the problem then she will fix it. I will be doing Physical Therapy for my 3rd time now and I know it will help but I need the light massage daily just to feel good. Medicare only pays for so many weeks. If you are on too many sedating drugs, then see if you can get off some or go on lower dosages. I know a couple of times we’ve tried different medications and I became so sleepy all the time. It wasn’t living. I told my dr., listen, I’m on so many sedating medications and I’m in pain, can we reduce what I’m on and put me on something that will help my pain. I’d say too if you don’t have confidence in your doctor, search for another one. You need a doctor that is passionate who can think of fresh ideas, not just a pill dr.
I don’t know if Humira will make you sleepy. I don’t think so but don’t quote me on it. I would try to reduce some of the other meds if you can before taking the Humira. It couldn’t hurt to try it. I wish I could give you more advice on the drug. I know the drug works for people with different conditions. Try going to youtube and searching Humira. There are a lot and I mean a lot of people doing video logs on their conditions and trying new drugs such as Humira. Keep us updated if you can. I hope you get this resolved soon.
~David
I took humira for about 6 months and recently switched to enbrel. My body got used to it and it stopped working. I also dealt with the side effect of joint pain.
Interested in your thoughts on Lyrica. It’s time to look directly at some new pharmaceutical options.
Thanks!
Lynne
1 Like
I’m quite interested in your experiences with lyrica. Lots of the other pharmaceutical options aren’t for me, for various reasons, and I already take Effexor. I’m checking on the Lyrica option with some real intention, at this point.
Thanks!
Lynne
1 Like
Hi! I’d be concerned about taking Humira unless you are known to have an autoimmune disease. Fibromyalgia is not autoimmune. I’m assuming that you’ve been tested for Lupus and the autoimmune diseases? Most Rheumatologists do.
If you’re having symptoms outside the of typical fibromyalgia symptoms such as fever, swollen joints,rash, etc then that mat indicate a systemic immune condition. I have autoinflammatory disease which is the sister set of disease to autoimmune. Mine does not involve antibodies rather other parts of the immune system. However, mine was confirmed due to having persistent fevers, organ damage etc.
What is leading to the trial and error? Fibro unfortunately can be pretty debilitating all on it’s own. Another consideration is if you’ve had an MRI of your spine. I have problems with my legs, MRI showed that I had a bone spur driving into my sciatic nerve.
Also with the immune diseases and other forms of inflammation causing pain response to steroids like Prednisone can be a good indicator. Way less risky than a TNF Inhibitor like Humera.
My mri’s and x-rays showed bone spurs and bulging disks. They have done other tests that have been inconclusive. Steroids have not worked. At this point I’m not sure if the meds are causing more symptoms than the illness. I have some other symptoms that may be indicating something autoimmune also which is why they want to try humera as a last resort. I have had one injection but I’m still having leg pains and intermittent back pain. The wrist pain conned from my si joint. I have had at least 7 steroid shots that have dive nothing. They said I will probably have to go to a university. I’m drained and don’t know how much longer I can keep going through this. It has caused depression and anxiety. My life is not my own anymore. The meds make me tired all the time and are affecting my relationships. I just want it to end.
1 Like
Hi Lynne. Lyrica made a noticeable difference but didn’t take all the pain away for me. I’m on 150mg a day. I think 300mg is the max. Depends on how bad your pain is. It can definitely be helpful…
1 Like
That’s good to hear. I’m now wondering if anybody takes it along with Effexor. I have taken Effexor as an antidepressant for a long time (obv it’s not going to help my fibro, right?) with great success and am reluctant to do anything that will mess up a very good antidepressant relationship.
Prednisone has a lot of risks. It’s extremely risky. I’ve been on it since I was 14 and I’m 38. I’ve had 2 organ transplants so I have to be on it but because of it you can get diabetes which I had for 3 months after my 2nd transplant. Prednisone may cut down inflammation but there is always a catch with that drug. I know others on it. I agree with your thoughts on Humira. I don’t believe a doctor would put you on it for just fibromyalgia. Like you said, it’s for autoimmune diseases and fibro is not that.
David
Lyrica works for me. There is nothing out there that completely removes the pain unfortunately. I’m also on 150mg. I do notice when I miss one dose I’m miserable. Just last week I was on my couch all week. I had to force myself to move. If you sit stationary for too long in the day it can debilitate you. You literally have to force yourself to go for a walk to get better sometimes.
David 
1 Like
With all of these meds and the disease any stationary motion for too long will make you stiff. Some type of low impact activity is always suggested.
1 Like
I couldn’t agree with you more. Since we’ve had to stay home more I’ve found myself being even more of a couch potato. I didn’t even think that was possible!! I can walk around my house but if I have to go somewhere I get tired pretty easy because I’m being stationary too long. If we got 60 degree days with sun I would be out walking. Hope your staying healthy and well.
David