Humira
I was on Humira for about 3 mths and then developed PCP Pneumonia and had to stop. I then went onto Corsentyx which made no difference. About 2 and half months ago I restarted Humira. I take it on a Friday afternoon every 2 weeks. I have noticed that on the 2nd and third day after taking it I feel really sick. My chest starts to feel so tight and it feels like I'm struggling to breathe and then on the day after it feels a little better. Is this normal? Has anyone felt like this.
I'm so sorry to hear about your PCP pneumonia on Humira—I know that any biologic can make us more susceptible to infections because they suppress the immune system. I was on Humira a while back and also developed some strange infections, specifically a strain of strep throat that is only seen in the immune suppressed and elderly. But I am on Cimzia for about a year now and have had no infections (knock wood!). There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for why one medication causes an issue, and another in the same class doesn't.
I am glad you were able to restart Humira, though. I'm not sure if the chest tightness could be related but definitely let your doctor know as that's one of the symptoms you always want to report. I know that some people with AS have costochondritis, which inflammation of the cartilage in the ribs/breastbone and it can cause chest pain or tightness. I've struggled with costochondritis on and off for several years now and it can be uncomfortable and intermittent. Here is an article about the chest pain seen with AS: https://ankylosingspondylitis.net/symptoms/chest-pain
Hoping you are feeling okay today!
Hey
. That sounds awful and I am so sorry you have experienced that. I personally never experienced chest tightness with Humira. I did, however, experience the typical "Humira hangover". Here is an article by one of our advocates about her husband's experience with Humira hangover and what it typically entails. https://ankylosingspondylitis.net/living/humira-hangover Also, if you haven't already, I would definitely give your doctor a call and see what they think about it. All my best, -Katie, Team Member
