Finally! Relief From My RA
By balentine2 on
I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for more than 20 years. In that time I have tried many types of medicines to treat my disease. Last year my doctor switched me to Humira and I can't remember the last time I have felt this good.
Humira is the brand name for adalimumab, which is a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker. It helps control the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis and can help prevent further damage to joints and tissue.It is also prescribed for people suffering from Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Crohn's Disease.
Since I have been taking Humira my symptoms have greatly reduced. I take very few pain relievers now and the swelling and tenderness is my joints has all but disappeared. My energy level has soared and I am able to do a lot more with my family.
Humira does have some serious side effects but fortunately I have not suffered from any of them. The major risk with taking Humira is the increased risk of serious infection. You can not take Humira if you have or have ever had Tuberculosis and you must tell your doctor if you develop any signs of an infection while taking this medicine.
Humira is given by injection that you administer yourself. I was a little leary of this but my doctor gave me the first injection and explained it very well. I use the pre-filled syringes but it also comes in injectable pens. It comes in a box with two pre-filled syringes. I take one shot every two weeks.
The only negative to this medication to me is the price. It is very expensive. It is classified as a level 4 drug so most insurance companies require that you pay at least 25% of the cost. Since the cost is approximatel $700.00 per shot my out of pocket cost is $350.00 per month. This is a lot of money but for me it has totally been worth the cost.
So, if you or anyone you know suffers from Rheumatoid Arthrits and need a new treatment, I would suggest talking to your doctor about Humira.
Wow. Glad to hear something about this from a source other than a TV commercial. You are right, that's a steep out-of-pocket expense, but to get your life back... what a wonderful choice. Glad it works so well for you. I had a friend die from the longtime effects of RA... not very pretty.
My Aunt has RA and she has also had good results with Humira. I am glad you are feeling better.
Balentyne have you accessed the prescription assistance programs about getting help with this? This is an enormous breakthrough for those of us suffering with autoimmune disorders, but what good is it if the patient cannot afford it?
Major breakthrough, thanks for the info (V)
Wow! That is quite a lot of money to pay. I agree with froggy, do check the prescription assistance programs to see if the Humira is on the list. Sometimes the actual manufacturer of the drug has its own assistance program, so check that out too.
Good to know soemthing can help this condition. So glad you found some relief.
Wow that's amazing. I am so glad it is working for you!
I will surely recommend this to my friend who is suffering from RA. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Glad to hear that this helped with your pain, and please be careful about the side effects.
I will surely reccommend this Humira to my friend who is also suffering from RA until her fingers all look bent .Thanks for sharing the knowledge with us.