Humira and Fatigue: What Users Say

• Hum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2019

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "Any negative ankylosing spondylitis experience I had before taking Humira was heaven compared to the awfulness Humira has caused me. There were zero positives for me while taking Humira. Even though I quit Humira a while ago, all of the negative symptoms Humira caused still continue. Now I have ankylosing spondylitis, daily headaches, extreme fatigue, constantly feel like I have the flu, way more back pain than before, constant vertigo, and psoriasis all over my scalp and jawline! I vomit a little bit in my mouth every time I see one of those ridiculous Humira commercials on TV. Humira was free for me thanks to the Canadian government and my insurance. I can’t imagine actually paying for this horrible drug. My heart goes out to anyone in the US that must pay out of pocket to play Russian roulette with their health by trying Humira. I wouldn’t use Humira again if someone paid me a million dollars! Absolutely the worst experience of my life."

• Ana...
• August 12, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I suffered from psoriasis for about 5 years and then started with severe pain in my fingers, then my wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, and finally my toes. I had no idea what was wrong with me, and I literally thought I was dying. I was only 46 years old. I was finally diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. I started Humira, and within 2 weeks, I was pain-free and have been since. I have been on Humira for over 2 years now. I have not suffered from any side effects at all. Humira also cleared up my skin about 90%, and the only symptom I still have from the PA is fatigue. Before Humira, I could not throw a football with my kids or catch a football, I was in so much pain. Now I can throw a ball, ride a bike, play basketball, whatever I want to do."

• gho...
• December 12, 2010

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been taking Humira now for about 10 years. First started as study patient and still continue to take it. It has been great. Recently, the cost has been the biggest concern. I have tried to take injections a month at a time rather than two weeks. I do not suggest this. Three weeks at a time seem to work great for me. After that, the pain starts to return. I am currently researching other medicines so I can stop taking this. The cost is just too high for me. Currently, the only long-term effects I have noticed are shortness of breath, hair loss, occasional dizziness, and fatigue/insomnia. I hope this review helps."

• Spa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 21, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I was put on Humira when I was 25, and I am now currently 31. The first thing I noticed was that it cleared up my plaque psoriasis very quickly. My nails and scalp looked normal within 3-4 weeks. I have PsA in my spine, ankles, knees, and hands. I was having trouble walking and experienced chronic fatigue, which caused me to gain 20 lbs very quickly. I would fall asleep from exhaustion after getting myself showered and dressed. After Humira took effect, I had my energy back. I could exercise again, and I was back to doing the things I enjoyed. I still experience flare-ups (mostly due to stress), and I still have difficulty sitting for long periods of time, but this drug was life-changing. Vicodin helps me with the flare-ups."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2012

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have rheumatoid arthritis for the last 7 years and was against any form of medication, but living with pain day in day out and caring for a newborn was very hard. Before Humira, I was taking 6 different tablets daily and ended up putting on lots of weight. I just started Humira 6 weeks ago and apart from not being able to sit on the floor, I am regaining my life back. So far no side effects, just thirsty and fatigued when overdoing it. Keeping fingers crossed. I found that if you let the injection reach room temperature, it doesn't hurt that much, only the needle sting."

• ACA...
• March 24, 2013

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "Female, age 40 with Ankylosing Spondylitis on Humira 2 x monthly for 2.5 years. I am so thankful for this medicine! I was crippled by this disease during inflammation for several years, and Humira eliminated it. The only drawbacks are that I am still chronically fatigued, am prone to infections, and fear the unknown long-term effects of Humira."

• Pol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 15, 2014

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Since being on Humira, I am a whole new person. It was hard being diagnosed at 29 with a new baby to take care of. I could barely get out of bed, open a jar, or change a diaper. I do have headaches often, fatigue, and slight mood swings, but it's worth it. I have my life back."

• Bre...
• May 17, 2015

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "I have had Crohn's symptoms for about 10 months. I was in severe pain with the constant inflammation. I was vomiting, and the nausea was unbearable. I recently started Humira. After one week of starting my injections, I immediately noticed that I had no more pain. I am able to eat without feeling awful afterward. The only side effects I've experienced are headache and fatigue, but nothing too unmanageable."

• Bos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Diagnosed with RA at 22 years. Started with Plaquenil, it helped for a year, then we added methotrexate. Took some time to get the dose right due to nausea. That combo helped for about 2 years. Then added Enbrel. Added Meloxicam. Prednisone as needed for the worst flare-ups. After serious ulcers, I stopped the meloxicam and prednisone as they both increase the chances of getting ulcers. Enbrel only worked for 1.5 years. Just switched to Humira, still taking Plaquenil and methotrexate. I prefer the syringes to the pens. Some relief in the first week, hoping it works for more than a year or two. Many illnesses due to the compromised immune system, and extreme fatigue, but my RA is so severe I am fully disabled without these meds. I hope I can find one that will last a little longer. With the Humira support card, I have not had to pay for this drug."

• Tra...
• November 27, 2013

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "I'm a 43-year-old female and have had ankylosing spondylitis since I was 15 years old. Started Humira a year ago and only lasted 6 months taking it, as it made me sick, feverish, weak, sweating, confused, and generally feeling unwell. But my pain was significantly reduced, and I had fatigue. Had to stop taking it, couldn't stand feeling sick."

• Di ...
• January 17, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "Been on this for almost 10 years. I now have frequent sinus headaches that are difficult to clear. Am fatigued but able to function well on this medicine, but now have stomach pain and also use methyprednisolone. Also, vasculitis has appeared in my ankle, and it's here to stay. I plan to stop and start Sulfasalazine EC to take its place as a DMARD, at least. An old case of psoriasis appeared after my 4th year but left entirely after 3 years. On my feet, and utterly painful."

• Mic...
• January 27, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I had an awful time with Methotrexate side effects, but the disease went into remission, and I stopped. Two years later, it was back, and this time we tried Humira. The psoriasis cleared up after about 8 weeks, and the arthritis inflammation disappeared. It's been about a year today with no side effects other than fatigue at the end of the workday. I'm 61 and feel I can work another 5 years. Without Humira, I don't think I could. Great drug, but too damned expensive. Bring on the generics."

• Fit...
• February 14, 2018

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "I took Humira for about 20 months. I was taken off it at my doctor's recommendation. I have developed psoriasis from this drug. Thanks, Humira. While on the drug, I still had stiffness, and I actually feel the same, if not better, now that I am Humira-free. Experienced headaches and extreme fatigue while on Humira, too. Presently just on Sulindac and feel so much better. The drug is outrageously expensive, and the Complete plan covers most. The company called me about nine times in regards to 2018 and checking my insurance plan. Interesting that they have not inquired as to why I am not taking the drug anymore. Perhaps they don’t want to add my Humira side effects to updated stats. Be careful what you put into your body!!"

• Abb...
• April 27, 2017

For Crohn's Disease "I've had Crohn's for about 6 years (age 25) and only 1 surgery so far. I started Humira about 7 months ago and was so happy with how well it worked and how affordable! I went from probably my worst flare-up ever to feeling 100% every day. However, I have been experiencing the most random side effects from it. I'm seeing multiple different doctors right now for many different things and still don't know if anything is actually wrong, but it sure feels like something isn't right. Some of the side effects I've experienced: severe skin rash on chest and back, sudden urge to urinate all the time, fatigue, headaches, muscle soreness, arms and legs easily going numb, and sweating a lot. There's more, but I'll spare you."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2018

For Crohn's Disease "I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease about four years ago now. I was started on Humira about 5 months ago following a bowel obstruction. Although my Crohn's symptoms have greatly diminished, I have been noticing a lot of side effects, such as fatigue, hair loss, sore and swollen joints, and a lot of nausea. With the Crohn's, I was in pain, but felt like myself. On the Humira, I’m in significantly less pain, but don’t feel like myself. I guess it’s a bit of a give and take."

• Put...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 12, 2020

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Humira was a life saver for 7 months for my psoriatic arthritis. Then everything changed and the adverse reactions began—drug-induced lupus causing massive hair loss from scalp lesions, skin rash, mouth ulcers and thrush, and fatigue like I never knew with PSA. I’ve never had this much hair loss, but then no other drug ever hit with such velocity before. I had fine hair but lots of it, so the loss was just visible in the shower and on the floor at first. But it’s relentless and unending until the bald spots are unmistakable to me and others around me. It’s been 4 months since I stopped this stuff and my histone antibody for drug-induced lupus is still positive. This drug is horrible and I wish I’d never allowed the start of it. It’s like something that is dormant laying in wait to attack. And when it does, it’s devastating."

• Dud...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 26, 2018

For Psoriasis "I have been on Humira for about two years, and it has worked great at clearing up my psoriasis. It cleared up my skin and nails. I had also tried just about every other treatment. I don't like taking medicine in general but decided I needed to do something after suffering for over 25 years. I do often feel tired and have gotten sick more often, and I think it is due to the Humira. I also have two young kids that bring home everything from school, so that probably doesn't help. I weigh the benefits of clear skin vs. the side effects. I have stopped taking it over the summer months when my psoriasis wasn't as bad, and it was about 5 months before it came back. Then I started the injections again. I know you are not supposed to stop and start, but my body was just feeling so fatigued I thought I needed a break. In conclusion, for me, the side effects are real, but I can finally wear shorts and swim with my kids without feeling embarrassed."

• Anonymous
• July 30, 2019

For Ulcerative Colitis "After being first diagnosed with UC in 2008, I just recently had a flare-up in December of 2018. I would say that's remarkable. Just recently, I had a colposcopy in January 2019 and started taking first the steroids, Lialda, and then Apriso after being completely healed and having no signs of bloody BMs. Yes, I discontinued these drugs. But I had a flare-up and started back taking first Lialda for about a week, then switched to Apriso for another week and discovered these two drugs should be used only for UC maintenance. So I called my doctor's office and the nurse put me back on the steroids, which aren't working for me at all. The nurse said it takes a while before you start to see significant results. It's the bubble guts, GI tract inflammation, fatigue, and bloody BMs that are excruciating."

• Sme...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2020

For Plaque Psoriasis "Horrible stuff - made me sicker than a dog. Fatigue, joint pain, and upper respiratory infections that I couldn’t get rid of - never had issues like that before. Every time I would do an injection, I would break out in lesions. About the time they would clear up, it was time for another injection. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone unless you just enjoy feeling like death warmed over 24/7. Since I stopped this med, I feel SO much better - so far the psoriasis hasn’t returned, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed. What is mysterious is why the medical folks prescribing this junk are so unaware and in denial of the side effects."

• PPT...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 15, 2019

For Psoriasis "Probably because I have a strong fight-back immune system while still being young, I really don’t enjoy such treatment that worked at first and then backfired like anything. I’m really looking for a treatment that can last long, but Humira was not the choice for me, and I don’t know what to do now. After trying all pills, lighting treatment, herbal showering, and cream (most of the time I’m lazy to apply), I switched to Humira for a goal of 100% clearance. It worked so fast, like in 6 weeks, and then kept for a year and a half, but all of a sudden all the redness, rashes, and scales came back just like what it was only in 2 weeks, and it terrifies me. Every time I did the shot, it stopped and got better for 2 or 3 days, but the plaques are just madly itchy. Hope people got prepared for the aftereffects around the injection area and your body system; also, another side effect to me is extreme fatigue over a year."

• Mik...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 18, 2020

For Crohn's Disease "Used Humira for about a year and a half before I stopped. It had a good effect on the Crohn's disease, but the side effects were terrible. Severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, and fatigue were some of the worst. Although it was very easy to take, just using an autoinjector every second week."

• Dru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2021

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "First 3 injections; next day, migraine lasted two days, racing resting heart rate 130 bpm. Day two through four, blood pressure 183/82, severe fatigue, excruciating joint pain, 70% vision loss. Day four through day 90; bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, bloody nose, sweats, fevers, uncontrolled rage with adrenaline through the roof."

• Ukl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2021

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "Absolutely amazing for my ankylosing spondylitis. I had moderate to severe pain constantly for the last 8 years, with constant nerve pain and inflammation in my hip from my sacroiliac joint and lower spine, which occasionally flared up in my neck and across my spine at chest height. This caused my ribs to inflame and my chest plate, which wasn't good for breathing or when I had a constant chest infection, which I think was due to DMARD immunosuppressants flaring it up constantly - plus they didn't help my suspected IBS and Crohn's, which is common with anky, and unfortunately, I suffer from them all. I was diagnosed properly in 2017, thankfully. I started on Humira 5 months ago. I was so scared I gave it a chance, but it's been the best thing for me. I have no inflammation and no nerve pain, it's gone completely. I inject every 2 weeks, and it took around 4 injections to work fully. I notice by day 12 sometimes I'm fatigued a little bit, ready for the next, and then I feel amazing."

• bei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2018

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "My 15-year-old got diagnosed with Crohn’s disease recently. Being undiagnosed for so many years has made Crohn’s hard to treat. For her, the symptoms are weight loss, fatigue, red or itchy eyes, and inflamed or bumpy skin. Seeing her, I now know these symptoms cause fatigue. I have been reading about her symptoms and complications, and this helps me solve all my doubts regarding her health. I am looking at advice from parents who have some special guidelines or diets that can help ease her flare."

• wor...
• October 26, 2016

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "Have been on Humira for 2 months. Discontinued Endicort as MRI showed it was not working, although I felt good. Within weeks, got very sick again with fatigue, joint pain, and abdominal pain. I had to go off work. Gastro doctor prescribed prednisone for 5 weeks to buy me more time for the Humira to start working, which was very effective for the pain. Have just finished the prednisone 5 days ago, so am waiting for my Crohn's symptoms to return. So far, so good, but my energy level is low."