Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group TNF Blockers: How common are headaches?

I have had severe headaches that I never experienced prior to being on Humira. When I told my Rheumatologist, she suggested taking 2 extra-strength Tylenol just before I inject my Humira. Since I started doing that, I haven't had a "Humira Headache". Now I just take one extra-strength Tylenol and it seems to do the trick. It's odd, since taking Tylenol, etc., *after* the Humira Headache hit never helped a bit. But it seems to help if taken as a preventative measure (prior to injection).

I am sorry for all of you with the headaches. It is the pits to have a headache. Also, the iritis is a real bummer.

Hope you all have a headache free day.

Blessings.
Possi

Hi Slowe, that's interesting for sure, I could give that a go. How often do you take Humira? Is it a once weekly thing?

Thanks Slowe: I am going to try the two extra strength Tylenol with Benadryl as my pre med before my next Simponi shot. Fingers crossed, it will do the trick. My doc told me to do this and for some reason I remembered to do the Benadryl but not Tylenol prior to my first injection.

Shane: My pain doc told me yesyerday to apply my voltaren gel on my head to treat my headache. So far, it is helping. And the extra caffeine is helping too . Hope your head is feeling better .

Shari

Is your neck getting stiff at night or sitting in one position for a long time? This will give me a migraine eventually if I don't get it worked out with my theracane. I would mention it to your primary care Dr. It might or might not be due to the injections but something else.

Could be Uveitis or Iritis coming on.

I had no idea Voltaren gel could work on your headache. I'm all over that. Have lot's of the gel.

Shane, I would just have it looked into a little more to be safe. Can't hurt.

Thanks Pea. I'm not the most active of people, I sit at a desk all day everyday. It did start along with the enbrel shots though.

I have a rheum appt next week, will definitely mention it.

I'm kind of afraid that he might discontinue the Enbrel though - I'm convinced it's going to be marvellous for me and it's pretty hard to get onto in NZ as I understand - I was lucky to be approved for it.

But of course, I will mention it.

Shane,

I take Humira every two weeks. I've been using Humira since May 2008, and it has quite simply changed my life. The headaches started a couple of years ago, and lasted for 3 - 4 days at near-migraine level of pain. Once I started taking the Tylenol, I no longer got the Humira-induced headaches. I hope Humira continues to be effective for me!

Shane: How is your head feeling? I wanted you to know my headache is almost gone today. I got tired of it yesterday and took two Extra Strength Tylenol with a Tramadol. You gotta do what you gotta do sometimes.

I do get headaches more often on biologics but it is still worth it to me. I did take Lorazapam for years while on Enbrel and that did help cut back on the headaches so don't give up hope.

Shari

Hi Slowe,

Always nice to hear when stuff works! I've always been a bit wary of taking Tylenol/Paracetamol on a regular basis, but once a week would be fine for me.

Hi Shari,

Thanks, good to hear It's feeling somewhat better for me, and last night was injection night. I was a bit sensitive to light previously, but not so much today. Maybe I'm adjusting