Humira clinical trial to study disadvantages of a singular monthly dose (80mg) instead of bi-weekly

BretN is waiting on the Lord: "They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." - Isiah 40:31 Living With It I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis at age 44, in May 2007 (9... Send Message Subscribe: BretN

Thursday, September 04, 2008
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Next week (9/10) I will participate in a clinical trial, double-blind study that compares 80mg dosing of Humira, once/month VS. normal 40mg dosing every 2 weeks or a placebo dose. I've never been on Humira, so I'm hoping for some improvements in slowing the progression of this disease and reducti...

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Humira
ann
Sunday, September 07, 2008 at 01:47 AM

Hi Bret.....

I do take humira and have been taking it for almost 2years.....I also take metho along with the humira....and other drugs for the RA. I have severe RA now and for some odd reason it is just getting worst. However when I did take humira twice a month it did work well for me. I was able to maintain a very normal life and I believe exercising was very important part of helping ease alot of the RA. The RA has gotten worst in the past year and not seeming to get better so they have me taking the humira now every week. So I kinda feel I'm in somewhat of a test trial. I forgot to mention though that I have had RA for over 15 years and has just recently took a turn for the worst. I know that they will come up with something new that is bigger and better...I'll just have to wait. But so you know I did have very good results with the humira....hope you do too.

Best of luck

re: Humira
BretN
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 09:36 PM

Hi Ann,

Thanks for your kind words of encouragement.

I hope your RA symptoms have eased up and you're feeling better since you wrote. I have a few questions for you about your experiences with Humira.

How do you feel the day after your injections? Are you more/less fatigued physically or mentally than normal on those days? Have you had any problems with upper respitory (or other) infections since taking Humira? Are you taking 40mg/week of Humira now, instead of every other week?

At my doctor's request, I have stopped taking all my DMRD meds (sulfasalazine, palaquenal) to get ready for the clinical trial that begins next month. I'm only taking prednisone and advil as needed for pain and swelling. It's been about 2 weeks now (off meds) and I don't seem to feel any worse/better than when I was taking them. I still have good and bad days like before. I would rather take just Humira if its as effective (hopefully better). Unfortunately, I can't take Mx because it is too hard on my liver (enzyme counts get too high). My main concern taking this drug is that it will supress my immune system too much and increase my chances for respitory infections. Currently, with the exception of RA, I'm very healthy and rarely get sick (even colds). I can always get off the trail if things get worse for me on this drug. Hopefully, it will work magic for me and I can get back to work and do the things I enjoy: hiking, biking, kayaking, etc- just in time for the nice Fall weather down here!

I appreciate your fellowship and support sister.

Regards,

Bret