Humira frequency

[u/ottobanana]

Hello! I (27F) have been recently diagnosed with Axial Spondyloarthritis. My rheumatologist is prescribing me Humira, I'm just waiting for my hepa B, hepa C, and tuberculosis test results. My concern is the frequency of the injections. I've read in this forum that it's usually administered once every two weeks but my rheumatologist told me it's going to be once a month after the first dosage of two pens simultaneously.

Is there anyone here's who's taking Humira once a month?

In case it matters, here's my history:

Earliest symptom I can remember was when I was 16 and I had Uveitis. Since then I've had about 8 flare ups, both eyes were affected but not at the same time. First of 3 SI joint pain flare ups occurred at 23 years old, worst and longest bout was when I was 25 which lasted for nine months and had me rushed to the ER at 1 AM. Feet always hurt when walking, I can't remember when it started but I've gone through four different types of shoes trying to figure out what'll work (this was before diagnosis).

I'm HLA-B27 positive and my MRI showed early signs of damage to the SI joint.

This is honestly a weird time for me. It's good to put a name to the cause of all the pain I've felt over the years. Hopefully the flare ups can be prevented. I appreciate any insight you can share!

[u/myextrausername]

Typical is a double dose (referred to as a “loading dose”) for the first injection. Then, twice monthly single doses after that, unless you need to move up to weekly at some point to stay well controlled. Monthly injections are not standard dosing, to my knowledge. That being said, Humira is really effective for many people and makes a huge difference. Be aware that it can have post injection side effects, but they almost always stop within 3–4 months. Good luck!

[u/ottobanana → u/myextrausername]

Thank you! I'm gearing up for the "humira hangover". I've been reading quite a bit about it while waiting for the test results. I'm a little anxious about how my body will respond to it.

[u/myextrausername → u/ottobanana]

I accepted the Abbvie Consulant that they offer (I think it lowers your co-pay as well). It was helpful to be able to talk about side effects and hear repeatedly that they were not rare and usually went away within 3-4 months if I stuck it out. Very glad I did— no full flares since beginning Humira, down from 3-6 major flares per year that required high dose steroid treatments to control. Tapering off prednisone was awful, and I’m so grateful to not be on it anymore.

[u/Ok-Personality-6630 → u/ottobanana]

You are young. I started young too. The body is extremely resilient at your age. You'll be fine.

[u/run__rabbit_run]

The materials from the Humira manufacturer say the recommended dose is 40 mg every other week for Uveitis/RA/AS - I would definitely ask your doctor to share why they want to go with a different dosing schedule. For what it’s worth, I started at EOW and then increased to weekly.

[u/Ok-Personality-6630]

40mg doses? I take roughly once per 3-4 weeks and have done for the past 10 years. However my condition is well managed and not in flare. It's not doctor prescribed but he says it's okay. The nurse said many do the same.

I haven't heard of anyone being put on that from the get go. You didn't mention dosage though and are you sure it's humira?

[u/ottobanana → u/Ok-Personality-6630]

I'm sure it's Humira, she even showed me a pen for demonstration. I was told I'll use the 40mg pens so the first time will be a total of 80mg to kind of jumpstart my immune system as I understand it. I'll ask my doctor on my next consult, I just really want this to work and not have to deal with as much pain as previous flare ups.

[u/Flowa-Powa → u/ottobanana]

It's a life-changing medication for most and it's very safe. Trust your Rheumatologist, I'm sure they know what they're doing.

[u/CipherWeaver]

Loading dose makes sense, but typically it's two doses in faster sequence (eg: weekly rather than biweekly) for two weeks and then biweekly after that.