Questions for everyone taking Humira

Hello to all my RA brothers and sisters in the valleys and on the hilltops fighting this disease.

I'm about to begin a clinical trial taking Humira (October 1) and would like any feedback and experiences (good /bad) from anyone who has been taking Humira for at least 6 weeks or longer.

How do you feel the day after your injections? How many of you use the self injection pens? Are you more/less fatigued physically or mentally than normal on those days? Have you had any problems with upper respitory, injection site (or other) infections since taking Humira?

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 (still have good and sore 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 drop out of the trail if things get worse for me on this drug. Hopefully, I will not be one of the placebo patients (double blind study) in this clinical trial. If so for the first 12 weeks, I'm at least guaranteed to get the real thing on the last 12 weeks of the trial. Hopefully it will work magic for me and I can get back to work and doing the things I enjoy: hiking, biking, kayaking, etc- just in time for the nice Fall weather down here!

I appreciate all your fellowship and support.

Regards,

Bret