How long should I take Humira?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am a 55-year-old male. I have been suffering from ankylosing spondylitis for at least 15 years. With very limited mobility and severe pain, I was under continuous medication and was taking Remicade (Infliximab) for the last five years. Till recently, Remicade was working well and my pain was under control, however with some limited mobility. But, in the last three months, the stiffness and pain got severe. As per my doctor's advice, I started injecting Humira - Adalimumab once every two weeks. Four weeks since I had started using Humira now and so far injected two, but my pain and stiffness only got worse and the mobility is almost nil. My HLA B27 results are negative. My questions are, how many days or weeks do I need to wait to see improvement from Humira? How long should I continue Humira even if I did not see improvement? What option do I have if Humira does not work for me? Shall I try a starch diet (NSD) or a low-starch diet (LSD)?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
The recommendations are that you should get Adalimumabfor at least 12 weeks before we can say that you are a nonresponder to the drug. So, it would be the same 12 weeks. There are other anti-TNF drugs (anti-tumor necrosis factor) available such as Etanercept, Golimumab, and Secukinumab can try some kind of diet restriction, although scientifically it does not have much importance.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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