Is it a flare or a side effect???
Hi everyone! I am recently diagnosed (about 7-8 months) and am currently on Humira. Otezla didn’t work at all for me, in fact, it made my symptoms worse. And Enbrel gave me an itchy rash that didn’t go away.
My question is - How can you tell the difference between a flare and a medication side effect?
I find myself feeling extreme exhaustion (with nausea) for about 3 days after I take my Humira injection. Like - can’t get out of bed exhaustion! Symptoms seem to get better as the day goes on so nights are actually ok. However, the following morning I’m back to square 1.
Is this a side effect that will go away? I’ve taken 3 injections. Or is it a flare?
This disease truly is challenging! I so appreciate this community. The support has helped me tremendously as I learn how to navigate my new life.
Hi
. I hope you get some responses from the community about this. I do not have experience with Humira, but I would think that the pattern of your fatigue points to a side effect. Have you talked with your doctor about it? Pharmacists are also great resources when it comes to side effects and interactions, so it might be worth checking with your pharmacy as well. Is Humira helping overall? If not, it might be worth trying something new anyway. Doctors have no way of knowing who will benefit from which PsA medications, so it's really a game of trial and error. It can take a ton of patience to find the medication that is most effective for you. Fortunately, there are lots of medications out there to try. Thinking of you and wishing you the very best. - Lori (Team Member) Thank you for your response Lori. I have sent an email to my rheumatologist and am waiting for her reply. I never thought to check with my pharmacist however! I will definitely do that today! I think Humira is helping a bit. I honestly felt better on Enbrel but my dr was concerned that the injection site rash never went away.
Thanks again Lori - this community has been so helpful!
Maia
Hello
, This is a great article. I have been on biologics for over 20 years. Humira was one of the first biologics I was on. I have had psoriasis for decades, so when I started seeing different things after biologic my doctor told me it was a side effect. The nausea was really bad, but the medication was working. Of course, we are all different, it could be a flare for someone else. I was on Humira for 6 years and then went to Enbrel which also had side effects. It was my dermatologists who told me I was having side effects. Talk to your medical team, they should be able to help you. This article is full of great information. Thanks for sharing. Diane (Team Member)
