Humira for Ankylosing Spondylitis User Reviews

• Oceanj
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 12, 2016

"I am 32, and as a child I was incredibly active. Around the age of 20 I started showing signs of AS, and was constantly in and out of the Drs, begging to be looked at- they shrugged me off as making it up, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, diabetes- it wasn't until at 25 I was completely incapable of turning my head & had trouble walking that someone took me serious. A specialist discovered I had AS. I only started Humira in Dec of 2015, a 40mg dose every 14 days. The morning after I woke up and just lay there in shock- I hadn't felt like this since I was just a kid. I sat up in bed and just sobbed. I am so thankful for Humira every single day. I walk everywhere, I can skip up the steps- my neck may be permanently frozen, but I am hopeful"

• Humir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2019

"Any negative Ankylosing Spondylitis experience I had before taking Humira was heaven compared to the awfulness Humira has caused me. There were zero positives for me while taking Humira. Even though I quit Humira awhile ago, all of the negative symptoms Humira caused still continue on. Now I have Ankylosing Spondylitis.... + daily headaches, extreme fatigue, constantly feel like I have the flu, way more back pain than before, constant vertigo, and psoriasis all over my scalp and jawline! I vomit a little bit in my mouth every time I see one of those ridiculous Humira commercials on TV. Humira was free for me thanks to the Canadian government and my insurance. I can’t imagine actually paying for this horrible drug. My heart goes out to anyone in the US that must pay out of pocket to play Russian roulette with their health by trying Humira. I wouldn’t use Humira again if someone paid me a million dollars! Absolutely the worst experience of my life."

• TJano
• August 3, 2020

"It has been about a year for me taking Humira. I was actually quite concerned before starting it as I read all sorts of reviews claiming stuff like getting cancer and such and I almost didn't take the drug out of fear. Having suffered from Anklylosing Spondylitis for a better part of 15 years and trying everything from different kinds of pain killers, muscle relaxants, chiropracters to months of physio therapy, I had just learned to live with back pain and dreaded it every morning. Humira has been a miracle drug for me so far. I haven't had any pain whatsoever since the first two weeks of starting it. Blood work is all normal and haven't had any reactions or side effects other than some redness on the area where I inject it. The pain from injecting was also way exaggerated in the reviews. It is a little painful but 5-10 secs of light pain is nothing compared to the relief it provides."

• JBR
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 27, 2019

"Was diagnosed with AS my last year in the Navy. My back was so bad that I could not walk normally (I had to walk like I had something shoved up my butt). They put me on Humira and I felt immediate relief. I was able to walk normally and even began running again. It’s been 5 years now, and I’ve gotten many colds but nothing serious. It allows mobility, which alleviates the pain. On no other meds so far besides acid reflux medicine. Very thankful, but still scared after every blood test. My quality of life has improved greatly."

• Rob
• September 19, 2016

"My first injection was friday. By sunday morning i felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I felt no pain. NONE! As someone that is on their feet for 12 hours a day, i cant believe i can come home and play with my daughter again without wincing in pain and struggling to function after 7pm. This is a miracle. The price of this drug is frustrating and i hope that may change over time, but if that is the price to pay to feel well, ill deal with it. I hope this was informative."

• JC99
• March 31, 2015

"I'm not one for hyperbole but genuinely think its a miracle. I've just had a proper good sneeze. Full inhalation, full 'James Brown' "Owwww!" At the end. First time in over a year not been halted mid-sneeze by the pain of the inhalation or having had to control the sneeze to a mild 'heeewwwwww-Ouch' Sounds ridiculous to those who've never felt that way, but in addition to the normal yada-yada-yada of being able to stand up and walk etc a proper sneeze or laugh or cough is priceless."

• papi
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 10, 2017

"Dear all, I am a 26 year old Dutch man who has been living with AS since 18, but got diagnosed just 4 years ago at 22. Because Humira is so expensive they made me use NSAID's like diclofenac and naproxen for two years. Before I used humira I dropped out of college, couldn't do any sports and was bed ridden most of the day. If I would for instance do the dishes, I would be broken for the rest of the day. A little over two years ago they started me on Humira and it has completely changed my life. I was very wary of the medicine because it involves shooting yourself up and I was hesitant as I had just taken these heavy painkillers which did not benefit me at all. I couldn't walk and now I play football three times a week and am back to work/uni"

• bez
• March 13, 2017

"I'm a 53 year old male, have had Ankylosing Spondylitits since I was a teenager, undiagnosed until a bout of Uveitis (inflammation in my eye) in 2010, the blood tests revealed I was HLA B27. From there my illness steadily progressed until hospitalisation in 2016, by the end of 2016 I was having more frequent episodes of uveitis followed by debilitation reactive arthritis that left me unable to move. The last episode in Feb 2017 saw me hospitalised again, due to the pain of my ribs expanding when trying to breath. I received my first Humira injection pen injection the day after being hospitalised in Feb...... It's a miracle. Within 24 hours I was feeling better than I had felt in 8 years. Humira has given me a second chance."

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

"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!"

• Katie
• May 7, 2018

"I was diagnosed at 40 with Ankylosing Spondylitis and found out I am HLA- B27 positive. My pain in my back neck and ankles was unbearable at times, & the exhaustion was horrible! I quit my job of 17 years because I could no longer stand for hours anymore. After many medications that didn’t work and made me very sick. Last week I started Humira and noticed a huge difference by the next morning. I am no longer exhausted. So for I have nothing but great things to say about Humaria. The side effects are scary, but not hurting anymore is priceless"

• James...
• December 17, 2015

"Took the pen injection once every 2 weeks for 4 years. Went from 18 inches from the ground vertically bending over too touching my toes. From partial flex of my neck to full flex. Still have common arthritis problem such as inflamed vertebra and joints. Humria cleared my psoriasis completely. Wonderful working medicine. I can now do many more physical things and a lot more flexable without pain or stiffness. But for warning, let the pen warm to room temperature to reduce bruising."

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

"I am a 43 year old male. I have been struggling with hip and lower back pain for about 5 years now. Been on NSAIDS for inflammation and pain. Don't really remember what a full night of rest feels like. To be honest I was scared to take Humira until I done my own research. On 2-11-2015 I had my first shot of Humira. I'm thinking this sucker is going to really hurt. 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 its a miracle."

• Velta
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2014

"This is a fantastic medicine. I'm 31 years old and have struggled with back pain since being about 25. Being very tall (6'4) many of the issues were put down to my tallness. When the back pain started affecting my breathing I knew something more that being tall was a play. After a number of differing referrals, I was finally passed to a Rheumatology specialist who spotted my symptoms very quickly and suggested my treatment. It took over a month to get the test results and approvals but when I started treatment the results were within a week for me. Now I have next to no pain and I have no real symptoms. The injections are uncomfortable but for 10 seconds of pain for 2 weeks of being able to move and breathe without being in pain is worth it."

• RN...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 22, 2016

"Severe back pain while sleeping started over a year ago... Assumed it was work related, so I started looking for a new job. Then the foot/ankle pain and joint swelling came. I was in terrible pain and could barely walk around at my new job. Finally after seeing seeing my pcp multiple times, I went to ortho. She referred my to a rheumatologist. I thought I was a healthy 30+ year old, but after 6 months of blood tests, X-Ray's mri's and multiple follow ups... I now have the official diagnosis. I noticed an immediate difference as soon as I took Humira. I have had 3 doses And symptoms are gone... Although my feet get sore just as I'm due for the next treatment. I'm worried about the long term side effects, but for now just happy without pain."

• BMR
• November 13, 2015

"Prior to taking Humira, I competed in marathons, triathlons and an Ironman. Additionally, I was a swimming coach. All of a sudden, I could not walk. I spent days in the hospital with no answer. After one back surgery, and a second one being planned, my rheumatologist prescribed Humira after testing positive for Ankylosing Spondylitis. Within two months, I had no more back spasms, I could sneeze with out a spasm, I could stand long enough to wash dishes. I began walking normal again. It was a long two years of pain and suffering. Now taking Humira, I have my life back. I feel great! Do know, it does 'turn off' your immune system. I found, taking a probiotic with immune support (and lots of hand washing!) it was not a problem."

• Longbow
• February 2, 2012

"I have had ankylosing spondylitis for 20 years, 45 now, was able to cope well with anti-inflammatories. Pain and mobility really started to get bad in last 5 years, last year anti-inflammatories stopped being effective, major loss of mobility, lots of pain and had to add pain killers. Started Humira and was pain free in 1 month, gained back all mobility, pain free and able to do any exercise I want without any problems. 6 months in and no side effects as yet."

• Sledg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2014

"Humira is a miracle. Prior to being on Humira I had tried two previous solutions NSAIDs and a non-starch diet with lots of exercise. NSAIDs had absolutely no effect. The non-starch diet with some exercise did help bring the pain to what I would call manageable but flares would still happen and with them would come several day cycle of poor sleep, less exercise, and so on. My rheumatologist explained that some new research suggest Humira may actually help to stop the progression of the disease so I gave it a shot (pun, hah!). It took about 3 weeks to start kicking in and by week 5 my symptoms were totally gone. No back pain. No shoulder pain. No waking up in the middle of the night."

• Leyla...
• May 6, 2015

"I was diagnosed with Ankylosing spondilitis 8 months ago at the age of 49 although I had back pain and sacroiliac joint pain for many years which seemed to be getting worse and worse. I started getting inflammation in my eyes about 10 years ago. (uveitis) On my orthamogist's advice, I saw a reumatologist and even though white lines appeared on my SI joints on MRI scans she was unhelpful. I got worse and kept self medicating. After more bouts of uveitis I went to see the reumatologist again who tested me for the HLA gene. When it came back negative, she dismissed me again until 3 years later I could no longer walk even though I had been swimming and doing Pilates. Humira has given me my life back after 4 months. My mobility is back."

• dagma...
• June 30, 2014

"I see some comments about painful injections, I had that too but I wasn't letting the medication warm up after taking it out of the refrigerator, if it warms up it's no problem. I've been on this about 4 months and I'm feeling better every week. It's awesome."

• Ann
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 17, 2020

"Just started taking humira. I took my first shot a week ago. My life has changed completely I have no pain, I can walk normal humira gave me my life back after 4 years of pain. It has also helped my crohn's as well I highly recommend humira"

• Neo
• July 15, 2018

"Took humira for AS and it worked great the first month and my pain went down to a 1. By month 6, I had contracted klebsiella pneumonia from my lowered immune system from this drug and a subsequent systemic candida infection. That was 10 years ago and I still have severe systemic candida from this poison. Nothing has helped...antifungals work but only temporarily because Humira permanently changed my immune system. I am now on permanent disability because of having to cope with both my original illness as well as the devastating effects from this DNA altering drug. People...Abbotts labs does not care about you...only their bottom line and making billions. Humira is now black labeled meaning you take it at your own risk and Abbott labs will not be responsible if you get infections or cancer from it because you were warned by their label...."

• ACAB
• March 24, 2013

"Female, age 40 with Ankylosing Spondylitis on Humira 2 x monthly for 2.5 years. I am so thankful for this medicine! I was crippled by this disease during inflammation for several years and Humira eliminated it. The only drawbacks are that I am still chronically fatigued, am prone to infections, and fear the unknown long-term effects of Humira."

• jakee...
• January 10, 2014

"I am 19 years old and was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) when I was 17. I was prescribed Humira very quickly because my AS caused severe back, hip and ankle pain and have been taking it for over a year now. So far, the medicine has worked very well and I feel no pain whatsoever. The medicine does make me feel tired, but this is a genuine side effect."

• Andyzx
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2015

"I am a 46 yr old male. Diagnosed 16 yrs ago with psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Treated with meloxicam and sulfasalazine but I have been prescribed so many different NSAIDs over the years. Have had iritis, and small patches of psoriasis on knees. Recently, disease has progressed to AS. Pain in hips, lower back and neck was terrible. Months of pain. My RA Dr suggested Humira. I researched and initially was nervous of side effects but honestly, the pain was so bad I needed to try something. I took my first injection two days ago and already my pain is nearly gone. What a difference in such a short time. No side effects yet but I am staying positive."

• Kim
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 19, 2018

"I resisted taking this drug for at least a couple of years, but finally gave it a try. Sulfasalazine didn't do all that much by itself. After about 3 months, the pain was significantly lessened. I could walk much easier, the back pain much lessened. After about a year, shingles. Oh, joy. About 3 months after that, huge, ulcerated sores started developing. No one could explain what they were. Copious drainage, would not heal. Completely stopped taking Humira at that point. Took 2 months to stop new sores from cropping up. Every single one is still present, 4 months later, in various stages of healing. Do NOT take this drug if you have ANY other option. I shudder to think what it's doing or has done that I don't know about yet."