Immunosuppressive Forums

Hi. I'm prescribed Xeljanz cream, 11 mg once per day. My blood pressure at my visit with the rheumatologist was 196/70. It always runs super high during visits especially. I do take Atenolol 100 mg twice a day. I’m 69 with RA. We’ve tried several drugs that caused other issues. I was then started on HUMIRA for 6 months with no improvement. My next appointment with my regular pcp is next month. Wondering if I should wait to see if my blood pressure is getting better before starting? So sorry this is so long. Thanks for listening! ## Xeljanz has been known to cause high blood pressure as a side effect, along with nausea, diarrhea, and anemia. Ref: Xeljanz Information What are you blood pressure readings at home? Are they always high, or are they only that high, when you...

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I have been on humira for 14 months along with mtx. I have yet to see any improvement. I feel like I'm getting worse actually. I use a cane to walk. My elbow & knees hurt so bad to touch the bed to sleep. It keeps me awake at night. I am relying on ibp & oxycodone every 6 hrs to try & move. I have an appointment with my rheumatologist in 2 weeks &hoping for a change in medication. I assume I should have seen some relief by now. Anyone else take it so long without relief? ## Hello, Lisa! How are you doing? I'm sorry that you're in so much pain. Yes, I think that after 14 months, if there's no improvement, it is time to move on and try something else. Can anyone that's been on it chime in with their experiences? The FDA lists the typical side effects of...

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My boyfriend is on Humira and has just had his second jab, the instant he took it he has been a different person. The kind, gentle, sweet man I knew seems to be gone. He's constantly angry, he has no desire for me in any way, he's emotionally distant. In a rare normal moment he told me he feels empty, unmotivated and angry and hates himself because of it. What can I do? I hate seeing him like this. What can we do? ## It would be best if he consulted his doctor as they may need to conduct some medical exams. While they are very rare, this medication has been known to cause some cerebrovascular accidents, which may cause permanent damage, if left untreated, according to the U.S. FDA. These medications can be unpredictable, so it is always better to err on the side of caution. Has ...

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Humira gave my mom lung cancer. She was not a smoker and it was the only drug she was on. She died. Don't take this drug. ## Sorry to hear about what happened with your mom. My condolences for your loss. Thank you though for providing a warning to others about humira. Based on my own research I wouldn't doubt that humira could be a dangerous drug. Especially considering that it's classified as being Immunosuppressive. This means that humira can reduce the activation or efficacy of the immune system, which may open the door for things like cancer and other potentially serious illnesses. Having said that, I feel like humira is a threat to one's ability to recover. Hopefully other readers here will discuss these concerns with their doctor before giving humira a second thoug...

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I have anal stenosis along with crohns and the dr's are wanting me to go on humira. I was wondering if any one else is taking humira for this issue and what are the results. It's either this or more surgery. ## i have been on humira bi-weekly for 6 years.post 2 ops.only meds to have agreed with me. ## It is always best to follow your doctor's advice in order to assure the best outcome. You can learn more about anal stenosis here. The FDA warns that Humira may cause side effects, such as nausea, headache, back pain, and administration site reactions. Ref: Humira Information Are you on any other medications?

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I have been on Humira for over 6 years for my UC. Humira has made the quality of my life amazing and I am now in remission. In the last year or so I am catching every cold or flu I come across. Now the quality of my life is on the down fall. Anyone else that has been on Humira for a long time experiencing the same thing? ## The FDA does warn that people treated with Humira may catch various infections more easily than usual. Ref: Humira Information, and warnings. Our bodies also change with time, so it is always possible to start experiencing side effects that you haven't experienced before. The FDA lists other side effects as possibly including administration site reaction, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, and rash. Have you consulted your doctor to make them aware of this issue? ...

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I am 67 and have been taking Xeljanz for about 2 years. I have RA and ulcerative colitis. My UC has been in remission for about 7 years. I have been having what my GI doctor thinks is IBS. I have been nearly debilitated by lower abdominal pain. Taking dicyclomine 4 times a day helps somewhat. Has anyone else developed IBS after starting or after taking Xeljanz for a period of time? I saw there currently is a study showing an increased incidence of IBS in people, especially women over the age of 60, who are taking Xeljanz.

Has anyone experienced a burning skin sensation from Ocrevus? For me, it is occurring in my back and buttocks. It is worse when I press up against any surface; sitting, laying, driving make it feel worse. Seems as though these symptoms started right around the time I started Ocrevus. ## It is possible that this is due to a side effect of the Ocrevus, it has been known to cause various types of pain, in some people, as well as depression, cough, skin infections, and peripheral edema. However, there is also a chance that it is a symptom of your medical condition, so it would be best to speak to your doctor to be sure. Are you on any other medications? ## I have. I had my infusion yesterday and later in the day the burning sensation began on my feet as well as the palms of my hands. Today ...

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I just started Humira in the last 2 weeks and I feel like my allergies are going nuts. My whole body is swelling. After reading some of your side effects this is somewhat normal. Does the swelling of legs, face, etc. go away? I went to the general practitioner to get something for my allergies. She seems to think its my body reacting to the Humira. ## Hello, Mic! How are you? I'm very sorry about the problem that you're having. That could be the sign of an allergic reaction to it. It should go away, in a few weeks, however, it most likely means that you shouldn't continue with Humira, as such reactions tend to worsen with repeated exposure. Other side effects, as listed by the FDA, may include dizziness, joint aches, headache, confusion and arthritis. Is there anything else ...

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I have been taking Humira now for over 10 years. I have experienced almost every side effect that has been mentioned here. The thing is this drug saved my life. I almost did not make it out of the hospital when Crohn's flared up. It was very touch and go. When I was released I met a great Rheumatologist and she suggested Humira. She explained to me my risk of cancer and other side effects but because steroids did not work for me I felt I had no choice. Glad I did. Dealing with side effects of drugs is not fun. Some have worse than others I feel for you. For me I fight through them as the alternative is not good. This drug is not for everyone and we all have to make our own choices so to all good luck. Both my colitis and AS are in remission with no flare ups since Humira. ## Thank y...

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What drugs are given with or before the infusion of Remicade? ## My nurse gives me IV Benadryl and two oral Acetominaphen. I still through the infusion like a baby. :) ## I get Solu-Medrol thru the IV before they start the Remecade because the first time I had infusion of Remecade I developed rash on my ankles and thighs. They also give me 2 acetaminophen & oral Bendryl 250mg. ## What the others have posted seems to about the norm for those being given Remicade, though it can sometimes vary depending on a person's individual needs. in general, they are given to help prevent some of the possibly side effects, which the FDA lists as possibly including chills, fever, headache, and rash. Can anyone else chime in with their experiences?

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I am in hospital and have been put on antibiotics. I have a bone infection (left knee) and an abscess in my TMJ. Could taking Xeljanz have caused this? ## One of the most serious side effects of Xeljanz is the risk of serious infections, other side effects may include high blood pressure, diarrhea, anemia, Rheumatoid arthritis, and pyrexia. So yes, it is possible that the Xeljanz caused these issues by making you more susceptible to infectious bacteria. What have your doctors said about the issue?

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I am a female early 60's. Have been taking xeljanz 5mg 2x daily for approx 1 yr 3 months. Recently switched to Xeljanx Xr. Right from the start, the swelling in my fingers went down, and are still down somewhat. However fatigue (and ironically insomnia), headaches, back pain, and more joint deformity of hands and toes that were nowhere near as bad before xeljanz are taking place. Also getting dizziness, ear tingling, and tingling in left hand so bad that it's hard to use sometimes. Cannot complete simple activities like tearing off a piece of scotch tape off a roll, or open jars etc. My RA doc says this is just joints "reshaping" baby finger on left hand has separated far apart from other fingers. One left toe has also completely crossed over another one which makes it h...

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I started on Xeljanz Feb 5; 5 mg twice a day. Within a week I experienced a very raw, sore tongue, mouth, loud ringing in my ears, blurred vision and dizziness. Anyone else experienced any of these? ## Wow! I'm sorry about the experience you had. Are you feeling better, now? Has anyone else experienced this? Blurred vision and dizziness are listed as typical side effects of this medication, by the FDA. They also list ear congestion as being possible, so that may be why you experienced the ringing. It can also cause a sort throat, but I didn't see anything about the rawness. ## I have alot of these symptoms mentioned but I've been suffering with severe neck pain, in the muscles and tendons, on one side, which seems to be causing earache and sinus headache for 6 months now. I...

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Wondering if anyone out there is experiencing this. Severe red face and neck. I assume it is from being on remicade for over 12 years now. ## Remicade has been known to cause issues such as flushing, rosacea, and abnormal skin pigmentation as side effects. However, you should have this checked out by your doctor to rule out other possible causes. Are you on any other medications?

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Can these two medications be used together (xeljanz 11mg and oxycodone/apap 5-325 mg)? I have RA but just started xeljanz and am still healing from surgery in pain. ## Yes you can take these medications together. There are no drug interactions with the two drugs ## I didn't find any interactions listed, either, but it is always best to check with your doctor, or pharmacist to be sure. The FDA lists the typical side effects of Xeljanz as possibly including: diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and trouble sleeping. Is anyone else taking both of these medications?

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Has anyone seen any effect on their teeth when they have been on remicade for a long time. My dentist seems to think this is my problem. Thank you. Please, someone answer as soon as possible. ## I have been on Remicade for years, and I had a problem with my teeth, but it was not related. I was on Depo Provera for five years, and that made my teeth very brittle and decay very rapidly. My dentist was SHOCKED. It also caused Ostiopenia in my spine. I have the spine of an 80 year old woman and I am only 27! Check your other medications to see if it could be something other than the Remicade. ## yes. my teeth became loose on the left side plus a lot ofother issues including a few absesses in my mouth. ## me too, I've been on it for 3 years and have now had 2 root canals and several filli...

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Has anyone taken humira for TMJ arthritis. ## Hello, Sanela! How are you? TMJ is a stress disorder of the jaw joint, which isn't usually related to arthritis, so an arthritis medication would not usually be used. Do you have arthritis in some form that may be causing some jaw pain? Or do you just have the TMJ? Has your doctor suggested trying Humira? ## Hi there, Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. These disorders are often incorrectly called TMJ, which stands for temporomandibular joint. My son has TMJ arthritis. He's been diagnosed with JA when he was 2 (he is 18 now); mostly had his knees, ankles affected. For the past several , it is his TMJ. And yes, h...

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Im 39 and suffering from RA. Im scared to use HUMIRA iinjections because of its side effects list. i want some one to advise me if i should use it and also how was their experience wth HUMIRA ## you've probably already gotten an answer but I've been using Humira for years for RA and LOVE it. No side effects aside from some minor itching at the site and every now and then a headache but if I take it before bed i don't get one. Some of the other drugs have far worse side effects. this one is pretty mild. ## Do you have cancer now? People get cancer in 5 years of taking this drug. My mom and many others have died from lung cancer and weren't smokers but took Humira. ## I wouldn't if you smoke. The combination of the two seem to accelerate the risk of cancer.

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Does anyone know of someone being diagnosed with breast cancer while on Humira? ## HI, Audrey! According to an article that was published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, both Humira and Remicade can increase the risk of cancer. It's because they are anti-TNF agents and they said that patients taking one had a three-fold increased risk of developing cancer. Learn more Humira details here. Of course the issue is knowing whether or not the person would have developed cancer anyway, or if it was due to the medication. How long were you on it? ## 2 years and 2 months ## I was on Humira 2 years and 2 months. ## I was on humira for about 1 year and dx with dcis last Sept. on routine mammogram. Also dx with sarcoidoisis at same time. Had double mastectomy and found mult....

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