Start humira in between flares?
Hi all. After about 6-8 months on methotrexate & sulfasalazine, I have continued to struggle enthesitis and fatigue (though some improvement in finger joint pain & swelling!). From August to December, I had three pretty significant flares that left me exhausted. My rheumatologist put the wheels in motion for humira (getting insurance approval, etc) and it looks like I could start as early as next week.
The only problem? I’ve been feeling better this last month - relief from flares, just a bit of soreness here & there, etc. I was only diagnosed a bit over a year ago, so don’t have a great sense yet of how long I can go between flares. I guess I’m just looking for some input from others about your experiences with humira, whether you’ve ever started a new med when you’re not in a flare (in hopes of preventing more flares!), etc.
Would love to hear people’s thoughts and experiences.
Thanks! And Happy New Year!
Hi Allison,
You brought up some very valid points. I have had psoriatic arthritis for over 30 years and have been on biologics for around 20 years. Just from my personal experience my flares always returned with a vengeance; so I have opted to always have the medication in my body. This is an excellent question for your doctor as he will know your body best. I have been on 7 biologics and I wasn't flaring when I started most of them. Good luck on this journey and we are always here if you need us.
Enjoy the new year,
Diane, Psoriatic Arthritis, Moderator
Thanks Diane! I appreciate hearing your experiences and point of view.
