Today, I'll be getting my first shot of something. My doctor says I will have 4 choices of shots. I remember two being Humira and Enbrel, I don't remember the names of the other two. I believe that if I get an actual "choice," I'd probably choose Enbrel.
I'm wondering what I should be expecting after the first shot.
Like does the pain go away overnight? Itchiness? Don't operate heavy machinery? Etc.
I probably should have asked this question yesterday, instead of a few minutes before my appointment.
Generally no affects from the injection. I inject and go about whatever I was doing a few minutes before. It takes a few weeks to start to feel a difference for most people
Don’t get your hopes up! The most dramatic thing that may happen is an itchy patch on your leg. Even that isn’t guaranteed. Gradually, over a few weeks or months, you may notice small changes (you may think it’s your imagination at work for a while). And then one day you will go “Hey, wait … I don’t (fill in the blank) any more!”. I noticed an improvement in mood and energy after a couple of weeks. After two months, a reduction in pain and stiffness. My rheumy told me that it can be up to six months before the full effect is apparent.
If you’re hoping for a thrill or drama after your injection, a biologic isn’t going to deliver. Sorry. LOL As far as heavy machinery goes, you shouldn’t operate it if you don’t have the proper training.
Besides site reactions from the shot, you probably won’t notice anything. The results are not linear; so you might have to wait several months before results.
Many insurance companies consider Humira a tier 2 biologic, so the chances of getting it approved without trying cheaper biologics is slim.
A few people say they felt a difference within the first week, but that is pretty uncommon.
Mataribot, which biologics are less expensive? My insurance company insisted I try Humira before the Enbrel my doc requested. I figured it had to do with who played golf with whom rather than the actual price!
It has to do with manufacturer’s subsidies. But for the most part, Enbrel is cheaper and easier to get approved for first line biologic. United Health hates Humira, but is willing to approve Stelara over it (approximately 6k USD) per shot.
Well, turned out I didn't get my shot after all. My doctor recommends Enbrel, but we have to wait for insurance prior authroization first (7-10 days, he says)... maybe I should have asked for a sample shot...
It’s better to wait for approval. Your body can build up immunity to the the drug in a very short period. Miss a month or two of injections and when you continue the drug it may not work as good or even at all.
Just got my first shot today. It's one of those spring-loaded syringes. If the nurse wasn't there making sure I was holding it right, I'd probably pulled it off my leg before it finished. Nurse suggest I ice up the area next time I do it myself. I'd probably ask my girlfriend to make sure I hold it in for the next few shots.
