My doctor offered me Humira maybe 6 months ago, but I wanted to try more "traditional" Crohns drugs first. By traditional, I mean drugs that come in pill form. Humira was originally developed as a drug for rheumatoid arthritis. It's injected subcutaneously, because if taken orally, the digestive system would destroy it.
This is what it looks like.
I wasn't thrilled about giving myself shots. I'm not great with needles (not terrible, but not great). I've been known to have vasovagal reactions (aka, get close to passing out).
I was concerned about the cost. I have good insurance, but I know Humira can be ridiculously expensive. But my cost was pretty good, $35 for a months supply (but my receipt said my drug plan saved me over $3000).
After that, I had to go to the injection clinic to learn how to give myself shots. This didn't go great. I made my husband come with me. He is worse with needles than I am. But I wanted him to see how to do it, in case I really couldn't. The directions suggested injecting in the tummy or thigh. The first shot went ok, the second one really hurt for some reason. And then I almost passed out.
I've gotten better since then. I've been using it for almost two months. I've found that pinching my stomach fairly hard while giving the injection helps a lot.
As far as side effects, I have a few. I usually get run down for the next day or so. Also I get a mild injection site reaction, it kind of looks and feels like a hive.
In terms of results, it's inconclusive so far. But hopefully it will help me out.
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