Humira and Pain: What Users Say

• PBN...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had rheumatoid arthritis onset literally overnight in the wrist, and within a short period, all fingers, elbows, and shoulders. I have a negative RF but an elevated Sed Rate. I pushed my Rheumatologist hard to get in front of the disease progression. I was on Methotrexate alone for about 10 weeks, increasing dosage from 12.5mg to 17.5mg, but it had a marginal impact. I pushed for Humira, and within 48 hours after the first injection, I noticed improvement. I'm six weeks into combination therapy, and I'd say I'm 60-70% improved. Large joints are 90% better, but fingers remain stubborn. Yes, the shot hurts for 10 flipping seconds. I let it get to room temp for about 30-40 minutes...specialty pharmacist said that was fine. This medicine is awesome."

• RA ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2013

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have had rheumatoid arthritis now for 7 years. It runs in my family, both grandmothers, my parents, and my 5 siblings. I have been taking methotrexate injections for 2 years, plus Celebrex and Plaquenil along with controlled pain medication. I thought, 'Is this the way my life is going to be, always in pain?' I started Humira about 3 weeks ago, and WOW, after the 1st injection, the next day I could not believe how much my pain and stiffness had decreased. I could actually get up by myself in the morning. I take my shot every 2 weeks. I start noticing about Friday or Saturday a little stiffness and feeling achy and know it's time for the next dose. I have experienced a lot of pain, burning, and stinging on the injection site. I have learned that what works for me is to lie down."

• Hic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 16, 2013

For Ulcerative Colitis "Was on Remicade for over a year, which cleared the ulcerative colitis within a few weeks. However, within two weeks after the Remicade, I started having arthritis symptoms that got so severe I was taking Vicodin every 4 hours and still unable to sleep, or just do usual chores around the house. My hands were so swollen, I couldn't use them. Finally, the doctor decided to try Humira every 2 weeks. I have gone back to doing most of my chores, walking the dogs, and my hands are no longer swollen. I am starting to feel like a normal person again. Have only had three injections, which sting like the injections for a few minutes but it is worth it not to be in pain all the time. I hope this continues."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2015

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "I was recently diagnosed with AS at 35, after developing severe iritis in both eyes following my hysterectomy. My inflammation was so severe, my eyes swelled shut! After rounds of testing, everything came back normal. Then my severe lower back pain, and everything that comes with AS came on fast and I got iritis back in one eye! I could not walk, bend or sleep without crying and kept gaining weight! Finally they tested me for the gene, it came back positive. After seeing a specialist this past April, I began a variety of testing and was officially diagnosed! I started Humira in May and wow, I sometimes forget I have the disease! I lost 12 lbs in the first 2 weeks and now, not much pain. I am very thankful for this treatment and coverage!"

• T P...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2012, at 25. After an allergic reaction to methotrexate, I was put on leflunomide with great success for a short while. Unfortunately for me, my rheumatoid arthritis has affected every joint in my body. Every flare-up is different, but everything hurts at some point. I sought a second opinion and was immediately prescribed Humira. Like many others, I was given the pen. I must say that the suspense leading up to pushing that button is far worse than the 15 or so seconds of pain. I was given a sample fresh from the fridge at my appointment, and it hurt like hell. My nurse shared with me to let it come to room temp. I do my first at-home injection next week. Hoping for great results."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2015

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "I am a 43-year-old male. I have been struggling with hip and lower back pain for about 5 years now. I've been on NSAIDs for inflammation and pain. I don't really remember what a full night of rest feels like. To be honest, I was scared to take Humira until I did my research. On 2-11-2015, I had my first shot of Humira. I was thinking this sucker is going to really hurt. It took me about 5 minutes to get my nerve up. Oh well, I pushed the button, and the rest is history. OMG! Why did I wait so long? To me, the shot doesn't hurt, but it does sting just a little. 2 days after the shot, no pain in hips and sleeping all night. I still have some tightness in my lower back when I wake up. So far, it's a miracle."

• moj...
• February 26, 2011

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "My wife just had her first shot today 2/26/2011 so we don't really have a rating yet. She was very nervous about how painful she heard it was but followed the advice of a pharmacist who told her to put an ice pack on the shot location for approximately 5 minutes before and after. It was great advice and worked well for the pain and also the bump she was told to expect. I checked the area about 10 minutes after it was all said and done and couldn't even see where the shot was given. She also read these comments and wanted to respond to the advice about letting the drug get to room temp. Her doctor said that it is extremely important to keep it cold because the proteins will separate, rendering the medicine useless. Hope this helps."

• Lin...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 24, 2019

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "HUMIRA has worked great for 4 years. Dr. prescribed new citrate-free HUMIRA, been on it for 2 1/2 months. My hands are weak again, my feet hurt/burn again, I’m tired and cold all the time. I’m calling Dr. to ask for a script for original HUMIRA. I’ll take the little pain of original over the not helping citrate-free."

• cho...
• July 19, 2012

For Psoriasis "I have had psoriasis since I was 16 years old, covering over 90% of my body. I am a woman of 53 now. I have used creams, to no avail. I have been on Humira injections for about 18 months, and I am clear. I was actually able to wear a bathing suit to the beach this year with no signs anywhere of psoriasis. It has truly changed my life and my outlook. I am, after all these years, finally clear and normal. I don't have to hide myself with long sleeves and long pants year-round, answer those awkward questions, and looks from strangers. Truly a wonderful medication. No side effects as of yet. I'm not looking for any this far along in treatment. The shot does tend to be a bit painful, but through the few moments of pain, I receive clear skin."

• Kim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 18, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am a 57-year-old female, diagnosed with RA 29 years ago. I took Enbrel for 9 years, but began to have more frequent flares, so my rheumatologist switched me to Humira. I took the first injection 20 days ago and felt great until day 12, when I developed severe flu-like symptoms, with aches and pains, and had a significant rash over my entire body and face. It was like having a major RA flare plus an itchy rash and headache at the same time. I was prescribed a six-day dose of prednisone and 24-hour-a-day Benadryl. I had little improvement three days later and received a steroid shot, which was three days ago. Four days later, I still have significant overall weakness, a major headache, and injection site reaction from the initial and last injection."

• Rie...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 8, 2013

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "I've had Crohn's disease since '05, and I struggled through high school with flares, pain, and just an unbalanced white blood cell count. My doctor put me on Remicade when I was a junior. A few days after, I could barely walk, my legs were killing me, but to me, it was worth it because I had somewhat of my life back. The summer I graduated, we decided it would be easy to switch to Humira since I was going off to college. It's my senior year, and this summer will be my fourth year on Humira, and I'm actually just having my first flare since starting Humira. They say they don't work forever, but I at least got 3 and a half years out of it. Plus, Humira helped pay for the cost of the medication."

• Rie...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 8, 2013

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "I've had Crohn's disease since '05, and I struggled through high school with flares, pain, and just an unbalanced white blood cell count. My doctor put me on Remicade when I was a junior. A few days after, I could barely walk, my legs were killing me, but to me, it was worth it because I had somewhat of my life back. The summer I graduated, we decided it would be easy to switch to Humira since I was going off to college. It's my senior year, and this summer will be my fourth year on Humira, and I'm actually just having my first flare since starting Humira. They say they don't work forever, but I at least got 3 and a half years out of it. Plus, Humira helped pay for the cost of the medication."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 30, 2014

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "I have had Crohn's disease for about a year and a half, and Humira has been amazing. I felt relief within one month and was in remission within nine months. Life is pain-free. The only side effect is yeast infections every week, and I feel like I have the flu the week right before I'm due for the shot. The shot is painful for 10 seconds, but it is worth it. Remicade is the only other option, and I would use it as a last resort. Otherwise, I am very satisfied."

• Man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2013

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "For ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. I am 28 years old, and today was my first dose. They did two in one, and after 15 minutes, I felt an ease in pain and stiffness, but I probably won't feel the full effect for a couple of days. So far, so good. You have to work with medication. It's a 50/50 type of deal."

• Anonymous
• October 14, 2011

For Crohn's Disease "I have been on Humira for 3 years. The injection is painful, but the results are excellent. I do not even feel that I have a disease any longer. Lots of energy and feeling normal is so worth any of the possible side effects. Just be careful and stay away when possible from any ill persons or highly populated areas."

• plo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 16, 2015

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "After 36 years of pain, stiffness, and inability to exercise comfortably, I was put on Humira injections. This was because the long-term use of Diclofenac high dosage caused problems with my liver. I have had a year on Humira and felt so much better, the pain and stiffness were significantly reduced. I came off Humira for six months due to health problems (which were not connected to Humira). After 3-4 months of not taking it, all symptoms returned with a vengeance. The worst being between the ribs and lungs. I am now starting back on it, so hopefully, will feel well again soon. I am worried, however, about long-term effects."

• jay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2013

For Crohn's Disease, Maintenance "Was on Remicade until October 2012, after my last colonoscopy, and the doctor saw blockage, and he felt it was no longer working even though I felt fine. He moved me to Cimzia, which didn't work for me, did that until January when I was switched to Humira. Didn't think it was working, but now, three months later, I finally feel like it's effective. Wish they could make a pill form. The injections aren't extremely painful, but they don't feel good. Maybe it's different for people with body fat, but I have close to none and won't inject anything in my legs."

• Mot...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 17, 2016

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Saved my life. Saved my marriage. Had psoriasis and P. arthritis since grade school. Covered me from head to toe, 80%. Started Humira at 41. Been on it now for over 3 years. The only side effects I notice are that my shoulder no longer has me crying in tears over the pain, and my psoriasis is gone. Totally gone. Strangely, however, in the past year and a half, the areas I once had persistent psoriasis have now turned into freckled patches. Some of the freckles are fairly dark. But I'll take some freckles over the hell I've lived with most of my life and make the choice to start Humira all over again. Saved me for sure. Don't even know what I would do if I lost my Humira. Shots are no big deal."

• Sic...
• September 17, 2015

For Ulcerative Colitis "I was put on Humira on June 10, 2015, for severe to moderate ulcerative colitis. I, in total, received 7 injections (including the four injections and then two injections at once for the startup). On July 5, I woke up with severe stiffness and pain throughout my entire body. I called my doctor and was advised to drink a lot of water and take a couple of Tylenol. I didn't listen and googled my symptoms. After testing with another doctor, I was diagnosed with drug-induced lupus. In addition to this, I lost about 35-40% of my hair, developed psoriasis all over my face, legs, and chest, and developed pins and needles feelings in both feet and legs. Take this med ONLY when you are willing to suffer these side effects because they can/do happen."

• UTE...
• February 17, 2016

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "2006, tested positive for R.A. with low symptoms. Started with methotrexate for 8 years along with 1 tablet of folic acid - no problems. Sept 2014, R.A. advances to severe symptoms, and a specialist removes medication due to affecting the liver. Primary doctor suggests using Enbrel. Used it for 6 months - no improvement. Switch to Humira and it worked for one month. Severe symptoms are in feet, hands, and neck. Inflammation is the main reason that these areas are affected more often. Hopefully, there is something else in pill form. Shots are painful and do nothing for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2015

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been on Humira since January, and my pain is worse, especially in my upper extremities. I was told at the time I started Humira that my thyroid levels were too low (Hashimoto disease). The doctor upped thyroid meds at that time. I am wondering if perhaps that is playing a role in my RA not improving. It is hard to be patient when in pain."

• Dou...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 30, 2014

For Crohn's Disease "Been on Humira over two years. This medicine brought my Crohn's under control. I am on one pen every two weeks. Brought it into remission. Well worth the painful shot. That pain is gone in seconds. Beats chronic pain."

• Anonymous
• November 17, 2011

For Ankylosing Spondylitis "Don't know why, but the Humira Pen injection is almost always super painful. MUST be poor design. I did self-injections with a string of Enbrel for 10 years, and it never hurt. And after a recent hip replacement, I had Arixtra (blood thinner) injections that were completely painless. Why does the Humira pen hurt so bad? And I know it is not me because I have read hundreds of other people complain about the same thing."

• kot...
• July 10, 2010

For Psoriatic Arthritis "Humira has given me my life back. It is truly a miracle drug. Since I have been using the pen, it has been a lot easier to give myself the shot. It starts to take effect quickly for me, and I feel like my age: 28. Without it, I have trouble getting on the toilet, walking at all, engaging in anything active is too exhausting and very painful. I will be on this medication for the rest of my life, that is until they find a cure!"

• Jak...
• April 12, 2017

For Ulcerative Colitis "Humira ruined my life. I now have horrible arthritis that wakes me up screaming in pain when I move my knees. My joints are swelling and painful. I have also lost control of my left bicep, it went dead and no longer works. I also have horrible nerve pain, especially around my elbows. This medicine caused so many new problems for me that I never had before taking it. I just had mild to moderate UC before taking this. I'm now in pain all the time. I failed Lialda and Remicade before this."