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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Humira

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Rogers, AR

I am new to Humira. I am finding the injection painful. Also I don't know what timelines I'm looking at for it to start showing results. Any advice or insight would be helpful. I am new to self injection

July 15, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members shared extensive advice on reducing injection pain with Humira, with the overwhelming consensus being that injecting into the stomach... Read more

Members shared extensive advice on reducing injection pain with Humira, with the overwhelming consensus being that injecting into the stomach rather than the thigh is significantly less painful, and letting the medication warm to room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before injecting makes a noticeable difference. Several members recommended icing the injection site both before and after, staying well-hydrated around injection days, and using the auto-injector pen for easier self-administration. Most members noted that Humira typically takes about three months to reach maximum effectiveness, with some noticing initial relief after just three or four injections, though the burning sting during injection itself usually lasts only 10 to 20 seconds.

A myRAteam Member

Hello! It generally takes 3 months for the full benefits of Humira to take hold. I've been on it for about 4 months with limited success. I started the injections with the syringe but opted for the Humira pen instead because I could handle the pen independently. It sounds terribly painful to give yourself a shot in the stomach but after the first shot you know more of what to expect. The injection takes only 10 seconds. Just take a breath and try to stay relaxed, it gets easier with each additional injection. You'll become a pro in no time. Best of luck!

July 23, 2017
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member I also do my shot after the injection pen has been out of the refrigerator for a little while. It seems to not hurt as bad if it's not cold. I give myself the injection, usually in my thigh - alternating legs each week.

July 19, 2017
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member Yes the initial shot stings pretty bad - to me like a severe bee sting - but by 20 seconds of it - it goes away. Yes I have a knot sometimes and it feels warm afterwards, but honestly for the result of getting rid of the pain of my RA, it is worth it to me. I think when I started taking it, at that time every other week, it took about 3 injections for me to really tell that the pain was subsiding. I hope you continue to improve on it.

July 18, 2017
A myRAteam Member

I'm on Humira now. It doesn't sting as much as Enbrel to me. I let it sit for 20-30 minutes and do the injection​ in my stomach and it only stings for a few seconds. The nurse says it takes about 3-6 months for it to have the maximum effect. I've had 4 injections​ so far. It seems to be working enough for me to think I can do more than I really can. Lol!

July 21, 2017
A myRAteam Member

I get a burning pain when giving myself the Humira , I have been on it for ten years and always get the burning, but it doesn't last long

July 18, 2017

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