Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hello,

I am a 14 year breast cancer survivor. I have had RA for 6 years. I am on Methotrexate, Vloarin & Prednisone. My Dr. now wants me to start Humira. I am looking for any info regarding it's usage with respect to remission & risk. I find info on Melanomas but nothing else. Please direct me, as I determine the lesser evil... Thank you, Deborah

Hi Deborah,

I have seen research articles linking Humira and other TNF inhibitors like Remicade to an increased risk of several types of cancers such as lymphoma, skin, gastrointestinal, breast and lung canceers. According to what I have read, people on Humira are also 3 times more likely to develop a serious infection like pnuemonia. That said, the risk still seems to be pretty small. My doctor wasn't worried about it when she put me on Humira a year ago. I worry but is hasn't stopped me from taking it.

As for remission, I don't know what the average results are for people long term. I've noticed more flares since I hit the one year mark. I am currently taking what I think is the maximum usual dose (40mg every two weeks), but my doctor would like to double it to one 40mg shot each week. I'm wary and haven't agreed to it yet. She did tell me that Humira, like some of the other biologics and most other RA medications only work for so long and then must be readjusted.

I did write a piece about the side effects of Humira and Remicade in my blog on May 26th. I hope you find this helpful.

Christine