7 things I wish I'd known about Humira (before I started it!)

I am almost six months into my Humira journey now-and I thought I'd spend some time today sharing the things I wish I'd known before starting it. Beginning any biological drug is a scary time and it seemed to take me quite a while to get going (I needed to be cleared for TB, then arrange a delivery date for the medicine and a further appointment with a nurse who would show me how to inject). During that time, the fear and uncertainty definitely multiplied. But looking back, here's what I wish I had known at the start...

1. It's actually not painful

I'm not sure if this is the case for my US readers (I've heard the opposite from American bloggers), but it was PAIN-FREE to inject. I prepped, I flinched, I winced and...well nothing actually. Having my blood taken was more painful! Apparently, this is to do with the version of Humira used in the EU-and those in other countries may be lumped with something more agonising. Either way, I'm extremely grateful!

2. Prepare to be tired

It's worn off now but I wish I'd have known how tired I'd be after those first few injections. I'd have better planned my week ahead to include plenty of rest time and made sure I slept plenty the days before I started! The wave of fatigue I experienced was really quite intense.

3. Nothing really changes...at first

My only other experience with biologics was taking Infliximab in 2012. Within a week of Infliximab, my inflammation dramatically lowered and I felt great. With Humira, even by week ten, I was questioning it working. From my reading, Humira does seem to be more of a slow burner; so don't expect instant results! Happily, I did fall pregnant very soon after my first dose-so perhaps it worked its magic in a different way!

4. You'll just get on with your day

After the first one, I got my mother to inject me and scheduled it at set times-often of the evening so I could rest. Now, I just 'get up and go' and get on with my day. It really is something you quickly get used to and doesn't have to be a big deal.

5. You'll need a bigger fridge!

My goodness, if your fridge is small like mine-this stuff takes up some room! I receive three month's worth a time so that's quite a lot of needles. And if you don't have separate compartments, prepare for awkwardness when take a peek at your fridge. 'Can you pass me the hummus please; it's just next to those stocked boxes of biological drugs.'

6. You'll have more sharps boxes than you'll possibly ever need

People will keep giving you sharp boxes to put your needles in-even if the old one isn't full. And if you're anything like me, you'll keep forgetting to return the used ones. So prepare for a corner of your spare room to be littered with these boxes!

7. It's not as scary as it seems

You can't help but feel scared when you first inject yourself. For one, any type of injection seems scary-but knowing the strength of the drugs and its potential side effects means that the minute you release the button, you can't help to think 'what's happening?'. You question everything at first: 'I'm itching-is that the medicine?' 'What's that ache-is that the medicine?' Whilst the worries don't disappear and some people do experience a range of side effects on Humira, it's important to realise many people have a positive experience and feel well with minimum side effects. As each day goes by, you do start to feel a little less scared about the process.