Humira and Itching: What Users Say

• TON...
• November 11, 2011

For Psoriasis "Just took my third shot and I'm starting to notice it's slowing down my psoriasis! No major results yet like I've read from others, but I can tell it's working a little bit. Hope it clears it all like a lot of other people have reported. Don't believe the hype about the pen being so painful, it's not that bad. If you have had psoriasis as long as I have, you are used to a little pain from the itching. I was going to have to pay $200 a month for my copay, but my wife is a nurse and recommended calling Humira to ask for assistance. They have a Humira card that made my copay only $5."

• ree...
• May 29, 2009

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "I have been suffering from ankylosing spondylitis for several years. My condition got so bad I couldn't walk, undress myself, get in or out of bed unaided, and didn't sleep through the night without pain. Tried several drugs that had no effect, and the joints in my back, ribs, and pelvis continued to fuse. Then I started Humira 4 months ago, and I haven't had a single bit of pain anywhere since. The only problem I have with it is the injection site is very swollen, hot, and itchy, and the drug itself can give you quite a sting, but I can now lead a normal active life. So for me, the side effects are well worth it, but I am concerned about the long-term effects of this drug."

• sAV...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 3, 2022

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been on Humira ever since it was available in the US. I am also taking methotrexate. I have rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis and uveitis, but ever since I have been on this combination, I have been problem-free! I have pictures to prove how much I suffered before: huge inflamed knees, itching rash on half the body."

• bad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2018

For Ulcerative Colitis "I fought my Dr. for almost 4 years until my symptoms of bleeding, excessive pain, cramping, diarrhea, urgency to go...all of it became unresponsive to prednisone, enemas (Rowasa, steroids), suppositories (Canasa), and my oral medication (Delzicol). 3 days after starting Humira-I was basically symptom-free. Had I known what I know now, I wish I would have started 4 years ago. Giving yourself the injection isn't pleasant, and I have gotten some local reactions on my stomach (red marks, itchy, bruising), but basically I don't care about any of that because I have 'normal' poop again! I am 28 years old and got diagnosed at 21 (though had symptoms prior for many years that they blamed on IBS)."

• Anonymous
• March 14, 2012

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "After many years on Imuran, my rheumatoid arthritis was no longer controlled. I was in terrible pain for months. About three days after my first Humira injection, I felt amazing. Didn't realize how bad the pain had been for so long. Then I had a setback. I was taking Imuran with the Humira and ran out of Imuran for three days. All the pain returned. I didn't go back to being pain-free after that, and some symptoms returned. My doctor switched me to Humira biweekly and injections of methotrexate weekly. Pain again subsided. I have had an itchy, puffy reaction at the site of Humira injections. Now, after 3 or 4 shots, I have horribly itchy, watery, burning eyes. Not sure if this is some kind of allergic indication."

• Jus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 18, 2022

For Hidradenitis Suppurativa "Humira quite literally degraded my quality of life horribly. Seven years since I stopped taking it. It ruined my body. Days where my feet have felt like they're going to shatter from joint pain, my lymphatic system is crap now, I've developed lipedema and lipolymphedema, psoriasis, rapid decline in vision since stopping it. My joints in my hands swell and throb like my grandma's did in her 90s. Headaches, strange skin irritation completely unrelated to anything known. They can't explain it. I'm in my early 40s now, but my body acts as if it's over 80. I was told that 40 years from when taking it, there's an extremely high chance that I will get cancer. The small amount of relief Humira provides is not worth the quality of life that was sacrificed in the promises they claim Humira offers. The headaches, the pain and zapped feeling for 3 to 5 days after each injection was for what? The body of someone in their 80s since they were in their 30s. DON'T BUY INTO THE HUMIRA HYPE! PLEASE!"

• Rae...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2019

For Hidradenitis Suppurativa "I started this medication in September 2019 for severe Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), which in a month was clear, but then I got psoriasis all over my body from it. I got pustular psoriasis on my hands and feet, and I got plaque psoriasis all over my torso, legs, back, and scalp. My doctors are so shocked, I’ve never been more depressed in my life. I think I’d rather deal with HS than deal with the constant itching and peeling. My feet have peeled a good 4 layers of skin. My doctor has now started me on phototherapy to my whole body with extra time to hands and feet. I have seen no improvement. Topical steroids (Kenalog), antibiotics - Clindamycin, nothing works. I think it’s best I stop Humira, but my doctors don’t think so."

• Mel...
• April 19, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I've been on Humira for around six months. Here lately, I've noticed a rash that itches super bad. It started on my face, where the left side of my face was swollen and hard with itching bad. Please, if anyone has had this happen, please let me know."

• Dis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 18, 2017

For Psoriasis "Started HUMIRA 8 weeks ago, and my psoriasis is worse than ever. It is causing worsening of itching, my hands and feet are drier, itchier, and more painful than ever. I am developing new lesions in areas I never had before. My dermatologist recommended taking it for another 4 weeks, but it is unbearable. I read that some patients develop anti-drug antibodies, I suspect I may be one of them."

• Do...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2018

For Crohn's Disease "I have been diagnosed with Crohn's since 2012 but had the symptoms from childhood, just never looked into it until it was affecting my job and daily life. I tried many drugs just to get side effects and no relief, but Humira was by far the worst ever. I developed HPV and had to have my cervix cauterized, and psoriasis so bad my hair was falling out in clumps and pustules on my feet and hands that itched and hurt so bad, and my tattoos were just red globs. My appearance was so bad, and I felt so horrible I seriously considered suicide. I stopped the Humira ASAP and took oregano oil, and it cleared up the psoriasis immediately, and I detoxed with charcoal and bentonite clay. I haven't taken any prescription drugs since. My doctor is pushing another biologic, Stelara, I fear for my life. My doctor is trying to kill me. I have far worse side effects than any pain my Crohn's gives me. Apple cider vinegar does wonders for me also, mixed with honey and hot water and lemon."

• Tin...
• April 27, 2017

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am on Plaquenil and the disease was progressing. My doctor (whom I respect and value) recommended going on Humira. I gave myself the first injection and thought I had gotten my life back. I felt better almost instantly. Unfortunately, eleven days later, I had a huge allergic reaction at the site of the injection and my entire body (head to toe) was covered in hives. I was in pain and very itchy for days. I had to discontinue the use of Humira immediately and was put on steroids to calm everything down."

• EBa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2019

For Psoriasis "I fully believe this is a wonderful drug for psoriasis, Crohn's, and other diseases; however, it isn't helping me! I have had psoriasis for over 10 years. I was prescribed Humira and was so excited that I would finally get this under control. The first two weeks, my psoriasis seemed to be getting a little better. I was very hopeful. Unfortunately, after the first two weeks, my psoriasis got worse! Everything flared up, scales everywhere, and itching like mad. At my 1-month checkup, my doctor told me to continue the medicine and use Enstilar to get it under control. By month 2, I was ready to give up on this medicine. I will be asking my doctor at my appointment to switch me. This is just my story with Humira, but I still feel it is a great medicine for some, just not me. :("

• Pat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 28, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "When I first started using Humira, I was so happy because it cleared my skin and scalp up a lot, but not completely. Now, after being on Humira for about 8 months, I'm having more and more side effects, and the one that scares me the most is trouble breathing. Within 24 hours of giving my shot, I wake up in the middle of the night and throughout the day with difficulty breathing. I also have itching. I think the drug was great at first, but now it's scaring me, especially now that all these side effects are happening and also my joints are real sore - beware of what you're injecting in your body before it may be too late."

• Anonymous
• August 9, 2016

For Plaque Psoriasis "I was on the drug for about 6 months and had no side effects besides pain during the drug injection. My plaque psoriasis completely disappeared within the first 6 weeks and continued to do so until about 6 months later. No rhyme or reason, but it stopped working, and I'm in the WORST FLARE of my life. I've never had any issues with my hands or feet, but now that's my troubled spots. My hands and feet are severely dry and peeling, and the pain and itch are horrific. I'm using all the medicated ointments and creams that my dermatologist has prescribed, along with a new biologic, Stelara, and nothing has stopped the flare. I wrap my feet in Saran Wrap to help hold the moisture and medication in, and do the same with my hands with gloves. HELP!"

• Ste...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 9, 2018

For Psoriasis "Went on Humira 3 years ago and felt like I had been given my life back! No more lesions, itch, or flakes! I was so happy! But it quit working about 7 months ago, and my psoriasis has come back with a vengeance! Dr. wants me to keep using it for 3 more months, and if no improvement, we will try something different. So depressing I am back to trying every crazy promise on the internet!"

• juk...
• October 17, 2009

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Experienced allergy symptoms from this (itchy eyes, sinus pain/running nose, etc.). Also had what the doctor called an allergic reaction to the shot on my leg. Started swelling up and got bigger than the palm of my hand. Red, horrible-looking, and it hurt to touch."

• hon...
• November 6, 2008

For Psoriatic Arthritis "13 injections so far, my blood work looks better on some of my visits. I have allergy-like symptoms continually, which are a nuisance: runny nose, itchy eyes, etc. I am sitting here in pain, and fibromyalgia aggravates everything. I wish something would make me feel better completely."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2021

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I did my first infusion, and one week later, started itching everywhere. I had a skin biopsy that confirmed a drug-induced allergy. I've been on high doses of steroids to counter the reaction. I'm miserable. And since Humira stays in your system for up to 100 days, this is going to be a fun time. Never ever again."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "So far, so good. Been on Humira for 4 weeks. I had plaque on the soles of my feet, which have cleared about 25%. I had tried Otezla in the past with no clearing at all. Still adding steroid cream and laser, but swelling, itching, redness, and plaques all show improvement. The injection is not that bad, just stings for a few seconds. I use the pre-filled syringe, not the pen, as people have reviewed it as less painful. I was hesitant to go on this due to potential complications. But my quality of life is so improving every day that it's been well worth it. Look forward to continued improvement in the next few months."

• Gem...
• August 14, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "After taking Humira for 3 months, the plaques are a very tiny bit better but itch horribly. Unfortunately, I now also have pustular psoriasis, and the psoriatic arthritis that hadn't been too much of a problem is much worse. I don't know why doctors want patients to continue this drug when it makes things worse. I had about 50% coverage with plaques. Now I have about 30% pustular in areas I've never had it before - back, underarms, face, arms, hands, legs, feet. Psoriasis is truly a terrible disease. Western medicine needs to quit poisoning people and get to the root."

• Suz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2018

For Plaque Psoriasis "8 weeks on Humira. For 4 years, I have had plaques on only the soles of my feet. I finally decided to try Humira after no results with Otezla. Now it's on one of my legs and one of my arms too, and it did nothing for my feet, worse if anything, and itching is still terrible. Do not recommend this drug. I am switching to Cosentyx."

• luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2018

For Psoriatic Arthritis "I was on the med about a year and a half ago. I loved it - cleared everything up! I felt good and confident! I did, however, get in a car crash shortly after the medication was kicking in. That being said, I was given medication to bring down inflammation and pain in my freshly injured spine, hip, and pelvic bone. When it came time for me to do my injections, the pain pills I was on interfered with my injections, and I started getting a large swollen circle around the injection site. My dermatologist quickly pulled me off of it, and it's all come back 10x worse. I remember waking up every day more disappointed and angry because having this disease is already obnoxiously itchy and painful, but going from having nothing to a big breakout makes you go crazy, and it felt worse than ever. I guess I was too used to having a good thing."

• Anonymous
• July 19, 2019

For Psoriasis "Humira has helped me so much that I'm no longer afraid of going out because of the dry skin and the itching. I'm a true believer in this product. I'm really pleased with the results..."