Re: Are the shots painful?

[Guest guest]

Christy-

You have heard corrert, the med is thick and the needle is big. It takes alittle

time to push all the med in and can sting alittle. I know it doesn't bother me,

but the infusion center where I go says they have several people that act like

it is the most painful thing in the world. Hope that helps

Tricia

From: Mom2SethDJLaney@...

Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2010 21:48:04 +0000

Subject: [ ] Are the shots painful?

Hi all -

I have 9 year old daughter that has severe persistent asthma, environmental and

anaphylactic food allergies. Her doctor has been trying to convince us to give

her Xolair for a few years now, but I can't seem to bring myself to do it,

because even though she has been a " professional patient " since she was a baby,

she is horrible about needles. I am told that the needle is large, the

medication is thick, and it is administered a large volume at one time. I'm so

afraid of subjecting her to that kind of misery, but at this point, she has been

on every medication to treat asthma, takes 5 different maintenance meds every

day and is frequently on steroids and nebulizers to control her many flare-ups.

Everything I have been reading about Xolair sounds so fabulous, except for maybe

the cost. But, no one seems to mention the injections being painful. I'm looking

for feedback on the shot process, especially as it pertains to young kids. Does

anyone struggle with this issue?

Thanks!

Christy

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi all -

>

> I have 9 year old daughter that has severe persistent asthma, environmental

and anaphylactic food allergies. Her doctor has been trying to convince us to

give her Xolair for a few years now, but I can't seem to bring myself to do it,

because even though she has been a " professional patient " since she was a baby,

she is horrible about needles. I am told that the needle is large, the

medication is thick, and it is administered a large volume at one time. I'm so

afraid of subjecting her to that kind of misery, but at this point, she has been

on every medication to treat asthma, takes 5 different maintenance meds every

day and is frequently on steroids and nebulizers to control her many flare-ups.

>

> Everything I have been reading about Xolair sounds so fabulous, except for

maybe the cost. But, no one seems to mention the injections being painful. I'm

looking for feedback on the shot process, especially as it pertains to young

kids. Does anyone struggle with this issue?

>

> Thanks!

>

> Christy

>

Christy,

It depends on the person giving the shots. Xolair is thick and it takes longer

for the nurse to push it in. A nurse who gives xolair should be trained in how

to inject it the right way. If they don't know how there will probably be pain.

Since 2003, every two weeks, I get a xolair shot in each arm and then a regular

allergy injection. I don't feel a thing when they inject the xolair but I REALLY

feel that regular allergy shot. It burns like fire most of the time.

Even if the xolair shots did hurt, I would not hesitate to take them. Xolair has

given me my life and breath back and has gotten me off dangerous steroids that

were wracking my body.

I am glad that your daughter was approved to get xolair. Give it some time and

be patient for results. Xolair is not a quick medication. It takes some people a

few weeks and others up to a full year to get any results. It took me over a

year.

Doug

group founder

[Guest guest]

Thanks Doug for you answers, they are always appreciated. I have been getting 2

injections every 2 weeks since April 1st and have not seen any real improvement

yet. I am still on 40 predisone daily, have tried a slow wean several times and

can't get below 20 and always end up back to 40. I am going to try a full year,

but got really disappointed when I hit the 6 month mark. I now have some more

faith.

Thanks for all you do for this group

Tricia

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

-----Original Message-----

From: " DougB " <uca79iii@...>

Sender:

Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2010 02:15:00

< >

Reply-

Subject: [ ] Re: Are the shots painful?

>

> Hi all -

>

> I have 9 year old daughter that has severe persistent asthma, environmental

and anaphylactic food allergies. Her doctor has been trying to convince us to

give her Xolair for a few years now, but I can't seem to bring myself to do it,

because even though she has been a " professional patient " since she was a baby,

she is horrible about needles. I am told that the needle is large, the

medication is thick, and it is administered a large volume at one time. I'm so

afraid of subjecting her to that kind of misery, but at this point, she has been

on every medication to treat asthma, takes 5 different maintenance meds every

day and is frequently on steroids and nebulizers to control her many flare-ups.

>

> Everything I have been reading about Xolair sounds so fabulous, except for

maybe the cost. But, no one seems to mention the injections being painful. I'm

looking for feedback on the shot process, especially as it pertains to young

kids. Does anyone struggle with this issue?

>

> Thanks!

>

> Christy

>

Christy,

It depends on the person giving the shots. Xolair is thick and it takes longer

for the nurse to push it in. A nurse who gives xolair should be trained in how

to inject it the right way. If they don't know how there will probably be pain.

Since 2003, every two weeks, I get a xolair shot in each arm and then a regular

allergy injection. I don't feel a thing when they inject the xolair but I REALLY

feel that regular allergy shot. It burns like fire most of the time.

Even if the xolair shots did hurt, I would not hesitate to take them. Xolair has

given me my life and breath back and has gotten me off dangerous steroids that

were wracking my body.

I am glad that your daughter was approved to get xolair. Give it some time and

be patient for results. Xolair is not a quick medication. It takes some people a

few weeks and others up to a full year to get any results. It took me over a

year.

Doug

group founder

[Guest guest]

>

> Thanks Doug for you answers, they are always appreciated. I have been getting

2 injections every 2 weeks since April 1st and have not seen any real

improvement yet. I am still on 40 predisone daily, have tried a slow wean

several times and can't get below 20 and always end up back to 40. I am going to

try a full year, but got really disappointed when I hit the 6 month mark. I now

have some more faith.

>

> Thanks for all you do for this group

>

> Tricia

> Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

>

>

Tricia,

You are quite welcome. In 2003, after 6 months of no relief, I asked my doctor

to let me quit. I wasn't getting any better and I was tired of the hassle and

cost. He advised me to stay the course and finally, 6 months later I was

improved enough to get off pred.

Keep the faith. I did and I am glad

Doug

[Guest guest]

Hi,

The medication is given subcutaneously into the fat tissue not muscle (where

vaccines, flu shots go). The needle is not big compared to the needles used to

inject into muscle below the fat layer. Your child is way more likely to be

harmed by all the inhaled steroids, pred bursts etc than getting over the fear

of needles. In fact, there is a very good anesthetic cream that you can put on

the area where it will be injected called EMLA. Its used in peds frequently

before IV insertions. You put it on about 30-45 min before and then it is

essentially pain free. I would look into that if the fear of needles/pain is the

only thing holding you back. The stuff is thick but the needle is not big. The

needle to draw the stuff from the mixed vial may be large but the needle to

inject is not. I have attached a sample picture if it helps.

e.g.

http://www.allegromedical.com/syringes-c570/3-ml-bd-luer-lok-syringe-with-25-g-x\

-1-in-bd-precisionglide-needle-combination-regular-bevel-regular-wall-detachable\

-needle-p547235.html

Glen can you comment on the use of EMLA in peds please?

, RN

________________________________

From: Tricia Croushore <mom2alexnabbie@...>

Sent: Fri, November 19, 2010 8:59:22 PM

Subject: RE: [ ] Are the shots painful?

Christy-

You have heard corrert, the med is thick and the needle is big. It takes alittle

time to push all the med in and can sting alittle. I know it doesn't bother me,

but the infusion center where I go says they have several people that act like

it is the most painful thing in the world. Hope that helps

Tricia

From: Mom2SethDJLaney@...

Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2010 21:48:04 +0000

Subject: [ ] Are the shots painful?

Hi all -

I have 9 year old daughter that has severe persistent asthma, environmental and

anaphylactic food allergies. Her doctor has been trying to convince us to give

her Xolair for a few years now, but I can't seem to bring myself to do it,

because even though she has been a " professional patient " since she was a baby,

she is horrible about needles. I am told that the needle is large, the

medication is thick, and it is administered a large volume at one time. I'm so

afraid of subjecting her to that kind of misery, but at this point, she has been

on every medication to treat asthma, takes 5 different maintenance meds every

day and is frequently on steroids and nebulizers to control her many flare-ups.

Everything I have been reading about Xolair sounds so fabulous, except for maybe

the cost. But, no one seems to mention the injections being painful. I'm looking

for feedback on the shot process, especially as it pertains to young kids. Does

anyone struggle with this issue?

Thanks!

Christy

[Guest guest]

It really depends on the skill of the nurse/medical assistant giving the shot. 

The medication is thick and hard to push so pushing the med in can sometimes

cause the needle to penetrate the muscle, which makes me cringe on occasion. 

That kind of pain pales in comparison to the pain I would feel if I didn't take

the shot.  Xolair has been a Godsend for me and there's a chance it could be

for you daughter as well.

 

Since your daughter has anaphylactic food allergies that may increase her risk

for an anaphylactic reaction to Xolair.  This is something you should discuss

with your doctor should you decide to take the shot.  Good luck either way you

choose.

From: christylynnt <Mom2SethDJLaney@...>

Subject: [ ] Are the shots painful?

Date: Friday, November 19, 2010, 3:48 PM

 

Hi all -

I have 9 year old daughter that has severe persistent asthma, environmental and

anaphylactic food allergies. Her doctor has been trying to convince us to give

her Xolair for a few years now, but I can't seem to bring myself to do it,

because even though she has been a " professional patient " since she was a baby,

she is horrible about needles. I am told that the needle is large, the

medication is thick, and it is administered a large volume at one time. I'm so

afraid of subjecting her to that kind of misery, but at this point, she has been

on every medication to treat asthma, takes 5 different maintenance meds every

day and is frequently on steroids and nebulizers to control her many flare-ups.

Everything I have been reading about Xolair sounds so fabulous, except for maybe

the cost. But, no one seems to mention the injections being painful. I'm looking

for feedback on the shot process, especially as it pertains to young kids. Does

anyone struggle with this issue?

Thanks!

Christy

[Guest guest]

Putting my two cents in here. I have to agree with the needle used to

mix the Xolair is quite large(18 g), but the needle use to inject is REALLY

small( 25g). If any of you are getting injected with the larger gauge needle,

you need to make your doctors and nurses aware of that! I started using

Xolair in July of 2005. For the first 6 months my Pulmonologist's nurse, with

the guidance of a Xolair Rep, did the injections. THEN..to the horrors of my

fellow Xolair Patient speakers, I self injected two vials every two weeks for

over three years!!! Medco would deliver my shipment to my house once a month,

which I'd keep in my fridge. For safety reasons I had ( still have) an epi pen

on hand...but I have NEVER suffered an anaphylactic event since being on Xolair.

Presently I do not self inject, because my allergist, who is a Xolair Physician

Speaker and a participant on major Xolair studies, would prefer I didn't

because of the " black box warning " .

Compared to a bee sting...the Xolair injection to me was A LOT less painful.

How ever everyone's pain threshold is different.

________________________________

From: <carrie72583@...>

Sent: Fri, November 19, 2010 10:34:57 PM

Subject: Re: [ ] Are the shots painful?

Hi,

The medication is given subcutaneously into the fat tissue not muscle (where

vaccines, flu shots go). The needle is not big compared to the needles used to

inject into muscle below the fat layer. Your child is way more likely to be

harmed by all the inhaled steroids, pred bursts etc than getting over the fear

of needles. In fact, there is a very good anesthetic cream that you can put on

the area where it will be injected called EMLA. Its used in peds frequently

before IV insertions. You put it on about 30-45 min before and then it is

essentially pain free. I would look into that if the fear of needles/pain is the

only thing holding you back. The stuff is thick but the needle is not big. The

needle to draw the stuff from the mixed vial may be large but the needle to

inject is not. I have attached a sample picture if it helps.

e.g.

http://www.allegromedical.com/syringes-c570/3-ml-bd-luer-lok-syringe-with-25-g-x\

-1-in-bd-precisionglide-needle-combination-regular-bevel-regular-wall-detachable\

-needle-p547235.html

Glen can you comment on the use of EMLA in peds please?

, RN

________________________________

From: Tricia Croushore <mom2alexnabbie@...>

Sent: Fri, November 19, 2010 8:59:22 PM

Subject: RE: [ ] Are the shots painful?

Christy-

You have heard corrert, the med is thick and the needle is big. It takes alittle

time to push all the med in and can sting alittle. I know it doesn't bother me,

but the infusion center where I go says they have several people that act like

it is the most painful thing in the world. Hope that helps

Tricia

From: Mom2SethDJLaney@...

Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2010 21:48:04 +0000

Subject: [ ] Are the shots painful?

Hi all -

I have 9 year old daughter that has severe persistent asthma, environmental and

anaphylactic food allergies. Her doctor has been trying to convince us to give

her Xolair for a few years now, but I can't seem to bring myself to do it,

because even though she has been a " professional patient " since she was a baby,

she is horrible about needles. I am told that the needle is large, the

medication is thick, and it is administered a large volume at one time. I'm so

afraid of subjecting her to that kind of misery, but at this point, she has been

on every medication to treat asthma, takes 5 different maintenance meds every

day and is frequently on steroids and nebulizers to control her many flare-ups.

Everything I have been reading about Xolair sounds so fabulous, except for maybe

the cost. But, no one seems to mention the injections being painful. I'm looking

for feedback on the shot process, especially as it pertains to young kids. Does

anyone struggle with this issue?

Thanks!

Christy

[Guest guest]

Oh-my-goodness, the needles for injecting ARE NOT BIG. Not at all. They're

about the same size (from what I've been told) as the needles diabetics use to

inject themselves.

I injected myself at home for 1-1/2 years and generally, depending on the way

and where I injected, it did not hurt. There were a few times I managed to hit

a tender spot and yelped (!) but if there's plenty of fat (which I have) and the

injection is done v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y the way it's supposed to be injected,

it's barely noticed. The fact that the medicine is very thick does NOT make it

painful; rather, it just means that the person who's giving it should follow the

protocol and inject very, very slowly - sometimes as long as 30 seconds per

injection.

For me, the least uncomfortable area, to my surprise was my tummy. I know, it

sounds ghastly and my husband almost fainted at first when he saw me do it but

it was easier that way. Don't worry, the needle is so short and so thin, it's

not going to puncture anything important! Really! (In fact, my hubby has

injected himself in the tummy w/an MS med and also found it was more comfortable

there - heard the same from diabetics although it will become necessary to

rotate to different parts of the body.)

A few thoughts on injecting ...

wait 30 seconds between the alcohol wipe and the injection so the alcohol is not

pressed inside the skin where it irritates (and yes, it DOES irritate inside the

tissues).

During that time perhaps your daughter could fan the area to dry the alcohol and

be an active participant in her treatment. (my thought) Be sure she

understands that sitting quietly and letting it take a while to go under her

skin (that's as far as it goes) makes her more comfortable. Perhaps she could

count 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. to take her mind off it and pretend to count the time.

I found it was helpful to inject myself because I felt more in control and it

took my mind off from any discomfort.

It's very important that the healthcare providers and the family explain

thoroughly in a positive tone that this is a different type of shot from others

she's had. If possible, do practice on a doll or watch a video and do a

play-practice without an actual needle to get her in a positive mood. Of

course, I'd solicit input from a doctor and nurse who are accustomed to working

with children; they should know best.

That said, I only had my injections once at an infusion center (3 injections)

and although the nurse was supposed to be Xolair trained (thought she was sent

there by Genentech but I'm not sure) she was awful. She injected way too fast

and I ended up with 3 huge black painful lumps on my left arm THAT I HAD NEVER

HAD BEFORE. The chair reeked of body sweat and oil (the joint commission should

have been told and funding to that place should have stopped) and was completely

unsanitary. (It was part of a medical school in a major city) I was also

watching women being treated for breast cancer and the scene was not pretty.

Make sure that your daughter is not subjected to anything like that! It ended

my Xolair experience. Be her advocate.

>

> Hi all -

>

> I have 9 year old daughter that has severe persistent asthma, environmental

and anaphylactic food allergies. Her doctor has been trying to convince us to

give her Xolair for a few years now, but I can't seem to bring myself to do it,

because even though she has been a " professional patient " since she was a baby,

she is horrible about needles. I am told that the needle is large, the

medication is thick, and it is administered a large volume at one time. I'm so

afraid of subjecting her to that kind of misery, but at this point, she has been

on every medication to treat asthma, takes 5 different maintenance meds every

day and is frequently on steroids and nebulizers to control her many flare-ups.

>

> Everything I have been reading about Xolair sounds so fabulous, except for

maybe the cost. But, no one seems to mention the injections being painful. I'm

looking for feedback on the shot process, especially as it pertains to young

kids. Does anyone struggle with this issue?

>

> Thanks!

>

> Christy

>

[Guest guest]

The shots are not as bad as the one poster stated. They are administered with

short small guage needles and are given subcutaneously...that is, just under the

skin. There may be a little pinch, but nothing more. That one poster might

consider a new infusion center.

On Sat Nov 20th, 2010 3:33 PM EST instdesgn1 wrote:

>Oh-my-goodness, the needles for injecting ARE NOT BIG. Not at all. They're

about the same size (from what I've been told) as the needles diabetics use to

inject themselves.

>

>I injected myself at home for 1-1/2 years and generally, depending on the way

and where I injected, it did not hurt. There were a few times I managed to hit

a tender spot and yelped (!) but if there's plenty of fat (which I have) and the

injection is done v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y the way it's supposed to be injected,

it's barely noticed. The fact that the medicine is very thick does NOT make it

painful; rather, it just means that the person who's giving it should follow the

protocol and inject very, very slowly - sometimes as long as 30 seconds per

injection.

>

>For me, the least uncomfortable area, to my surprise was my tummy. I know, it

sounds ghastly and my husband almost fainted at first when he saw me do it but

it was easier that way. Don't worry, the needle is so short and so thin, it's

not going to puncture anything important! Really! (In fact, my hubby has

injected himself in the tummy w/an MS med and also found it was more comfortable

there - heard the same from diabetics although it will become necessary to

rotate to different parts of the body.)

>

>A few thoughts on injecting ...

>

>wait 30 seconds between the alcohol wipe and the injection so the alcohol is

not pressed inside the skin where it irritates (and yes, it DOES irritate inside

the tissues).

>

>During that time perhaps your daughter could fan the area to dry the alcohol

and be an active participant in her treatment. (my thought) Be sure she

understands that sitting quietly and letting it take a while to go under her

skin (that's as far as it goes) makes her more comfortable. Perhaps she could

count 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. to take her mind off it and pretend to count the time.

>

>I found it was helpful to inject myself because I felt more in control and it

took my mind off from any discomfort.

>

>It's very important that the healthcare providers and the family explain

thoroughly in a positive tone that this is a different type of shot from others

she's had. If possible, do practice on a doll or watch a video and do a

play-practice without an actual needle to get her in a positive mood. Of

course, I'd solicit input from a doctor and nurse who are accustomed to working

with children; they should know best.

>

>That said, I only had my injections once at an infusion center (3 injections)

and although the nurse was supposed to be Xolair trained (thought she was sent

there by Genentech but I'm not sure) she was awful. She injected way too fast

and I ended up with 3 huge black painful lumps on my left arm THAT I HAD NEVER

HAD BEFORE. The chair reeked of body sweat and oil (the joint commission should

have been told and funding to that place should have stopped) and was completely

unsanitary. (It was part of a medical school in a major city) I was also

watching women being treated for breast cancer and the scene was not pretty.

Make sure that your daughter is not subjected to anything like that! It ended

my Xolair experience. Be her advocate.

>

>

>--- In , " christylynnt " <Mom2SethDJLaney@...>

wrote:

>>

>> Hi all -

>>

>> I have 9 year old daughter that has severe persistent asthma, environmental

and anaphylactic food allergies. Her doctor has been trying to convince us to

give her Xolair for a few years now, but I can't seem to bring myself to do it,

because even though she has been a " professional patient " since she was a baby,

she is horrible about needles. I am told that the needle is large, the

medication is thick, and it is administered a large volume at one time. I'm so

afraid of subjecting her to that kind of misery, but at this point, she has been

on every medication to treat asthma, takes 5 different maintenance meds every

day and is frequently on steroids and nebulizers to control her many flare-ups.

>>

>> Everything I have been reading about Xolair sounds so fabulous, except for

maybe the cost. But, no one seems to mention the injections being painful. I'm

looking for feedback on the shot process, especially as it pertains to young

kids. Does anyone struggle with this issue?

>>

>> Thanks!

>>

>> Christy

>>

>

>

>

>

>------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have been giving my self the shot for 6 months. the needle is small and i like

to put it in my tummy also. I have no pain there. In my arm it stung but there

is more muscle there. The only side effect i have is very tired the day i give

it. I hope this helps. i love xolair.

> >>

> >> Hi all -

> >>

> >> I have 9 year old daughter that has severe persistent asthma,

environmental and anaphylactic food allergies. Her doctor has been trying to

convince us to give her Xolair for a few years now, but I can't seem to bring

myself to do it, because even though she has been a " professional patient " since

she was a baby, she is horrible about needles. I am told that the needle is

large, the medication is thick, and it is administered a large volume at one

time. I'm so afraid of subjecting her to that kind of misery, but at this

point, she has been on every medication to treat asthma, takes 5 different

maintenance meds every day and is frequently on steroids and nebulizers to

control her many flare-ups.

> >>

> >> Everything I have been reading about Xolair sounds so fabulous, except for

maybe the cost. But, no one seems to mention the injections being painful. I'm

looking for feedback on the shot process, especially as it pertains to young

kids. Does anyone struggle with this issue?

> >>

> >> Thanks!

> >>

> >> Christy

> >>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >------------------------------------

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I've been getting Xolair shots in both arms for four or five years. From the

beginning pain from the shots have been non-existant. Usually I can't tell when

the needle is inserted (just under the skin). Once in a while I feel a very

slight sting. But the nurse that administers the shots and I are usually giving

more attention to conversation (we've came to be friends over the years) and I

could care less about the sooo slight slight sting when it occurs. I'm more

concerned if I feel a drop or two leaking out onto my arm which could leave a

wet spot on my shirt so I keep my shirt pulled up to wipe off any drip.

> >>

> >> Hi all -

> >>

> >> I have 9 year old daughter that has severe persistent asthma,

environmental and anaphylactic food allergies. Her doctor has been trying to

convince us to give her Xolair for a few years now, but I can't seem to bring

myself to do it, because even though she has been a " professional patient " since

she was a baby, she is horrible about needles. I am told that the needle is

large, the medication is thick, and it is administered a large volume at one

time. I'm so afraid of subjecting her to that kind of misery, but at this

point, she has been on every medication to treat asthma, takes 5 different

maintenance meds every day and is frequently on steroids and nebulizers to

control her many flare-ups.

> >>

> >> Everything I have been reading about Xolair sounds so fabulous, except for

maybe the cost. But, no one seems to mention the injections being painful. I'm

looking for feedback on the shot process, especially as it pertains to young

kids. Does anyone struggle with this issue?

> >>

> >> Thanks!

> >>

> >> Christy

> >>

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >------------------------------------

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

, the Xolair shots are a no-brainer, no-painer ... given with a tiny

needle just under the skin. The " big needle " i'm hearing about just isn't in my

experience of four or five years getting Xolair, and never was.

But the expense is phenomenal if you don't have insurance, so contact Genentech

and ask for referral of your daughter to an assistance organization (which, I

understand, they just happen to fund).

>

> Putting my two cents in here. I have to agree with the needle used to

> mix the Xolair is quite large(18 g), but the needle use to inject is REALLY

> small( 25g). If any of you are getting injected with the larger gauge needle,

> you need to make your doctors and nurses aware of that! I started using

> Xolair in July of 2005. For the first 6 months my Pulmonologist's nurse,

with

> the guidance of a Xolair Rep, did the injections. THEN..to the horrors of my

> fellow Xolair Patient speakers, I self injected two vials every two weeks for

> over three years!!! Medco would deliver my shipment to my house once a month,

> which I'd keep in my fridge. For safety reasons I had ( still have) an epi

pen

> on hand...but I have NEVER suffered an anaphylactic event since being on

Xolair.

> Presently I do not self inject, because my allergist, who is a Xolair

Physician

> Speaker and a participant on major Xolair studies, would prefer I didn't

> because of the " black box warning " .

>

> Compared to a bee sting...the Xolair injection to me was A LOT less painful.

> How ever everyone's pain threshold is different.

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: <carrie72583@...>

>

> Sent: Fri, November 19, 2010 10:34:57 PM

> Subject: Re: [ ] Are the shots painful?

>

>

> Hi,

>

> The medication is given subcutaneously into the fat tissue not muscle (where

> vaccines, flu shots go). The needle is not big compared to the needles used to

> inject into muscle below the fat layer. Your child is way more likely to be

> harmed by all the inhaled steroids, pred bursts etc than getting over the fear

> of needles. In fact, there is a very good anesthetic cream that you can put on

> the area where it will be injected called EMLA. Its used in peds frequently

> before IV insertions. You put it on about 30-45 min before and then it is

> essentially pain free. I would look into that if the fear of needles/pain is

the

>

> only thing holding you back. The stuff is thick but the needle is not big. The

> needle to draw the stuff from the mixed vial may be large but the needle to

> inject is not. I have attached a sample picture if it helps.

>

> e.g.

>

http://www.allegromedical.com/syringes-c570/3-ml-bd-luer-lok-syringe-with-25-g-x\

-1-in-bd-precisionglide-needle-combination-regular-bevel-regular-wall-detachable\

-needle-p547235.html

>

>

> Glen can you comment on the use of EMLA in peds please?

>

> , RN

>

> ________________________________

> From: Tricia Croushore <mom2alexnabbie@...>

>

> Sent: Fri, November 19, 2010 8:59:22 PM

> Subject: RE: [ ] Are the shots painful?

>

> Christy-

>

> You have heard corrert, the med is thick and the needle is big. It takes

alittle

>

> time to push all the med in and can sting alittle. I know it doesn't bother

me,

> but the infusion center where I go says they have several people that act like

> it is the most painful thing in the world. Hope that helps

>

> Tricia

>

>

> From: Mom2SethDJLaney@...

> Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2010 21:48:04 +0000

> Subject: [ ] Are the shots painful?

>

> Hi all -

>

> I have 9 year old daughter that has severe persistent asthma, environmental

and

> anaphylactic food allergies. Her doctor has been trying to convince us to give

> her Xolair for a few years now, but I can't seem to bring myself to do it,

> because even though she has been a " professional patient " since she was a

baby,

> she is horrible about needles. I am told that the needle is large, the

> medication is thick, and it is administered a large volume at one time. I'm so

> afraid of subjecting her to that kind of misery, but at this point, she has

been

>

> on every medication to treat asthma, takes 5 different maintenance meds every

> day and is frequently on steroids and nebulizers to control her many

flare-ups.

>

> Everything I have been reading about Xolair sounds so fabulous, except for

maybe

>

> the cost. But, no one seems to mention the injections being painful. I'm

looking

>

> for feedback on the shot process, especially as it pertains to young kids.

Does

> anyone struggle with this issue?

>

> Thanks!

>

> Christy

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks to everyone for all the great feedback. I think I know what we need to

do, so soon we will be embarking on the process to get started. She will go for

bloodwork tomorrow, and will also being seeing a Speech Therapist to evaluate

her for Vocal Cord Dysfunction. Many different avenues to pursue to make her

better... I guess it's better to have lots of options than not enough!

All of your words made me feel better about our situation, thank you so much for

your encouragement!

>

> Putting my two cents in here. I have to agree with the needle used to

> mix the Xolair is quite large(18 g), but the needle use to inject is REALLY

> small( 25g). If any of you are getting injected with the larger gauge needle,

> you need to make your doctors and nurses aware of that! I started using

> Xolair in July of 2005. For the first 6 months my Pulmonologist's nurse,

with

> the guidance of a Xolair Rep, did the injections. THEN..to the horrors of my

> fellow Xolair Patient speakers, I self injected two vials every two weeks for

> over three years!!! Medco would deliver my shipment to my house once a month,

> which I'd keep in my fridge. For safety reasons I had ( still have) an epi

pen

> on hand...but I have NEVER suffered an anaphylactic event since being on

Xolair.

> Presently I do not self inject, because my allergist, who is a Xolair

Physician

> Speaker and a participant on major Xolair studies, would prefer I didn't

> because of the " black box warning " .

>

> Compared to a bee sting...the Xolair injection to me was A LOT less painful.

> How ever everyone's pain threshold is different.

>

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: <carrie72583@...>

>

> Sent: Fri, November 19, 2010 10:34:57 PM

> Subject: Re: [ ] Are the shots painful?

>

>

> Hi,

>

> The medication is given subcutaneously into the fat tissue not muscle (where

> vaccines, flu shots go). The needle is not big compared to the needles used to

> inject into muscle below the fat layer. Your child is way more likely to be

> harmed by all the inhaled steroids, pred bursts etc than getting over the fear

> of needles. In fact, there is a very good anesthetic cream that you can put on

> the area where it will be injected called EMLA. Its used in peds frequently

> before IV insertions. You put it on about 30-45 min before and then it is

> essentially pain free. I would look into that if the fear of needles/pain is

the

>

> only thing holding you back. The stuff is thick but the needle is not big. The

> needle to draw the stuff from the mixed vial may be large but the needle to

> inject is not. I have attached a sample picture if it helps.

>

> e.g.

>

http://www.allegromedical.com/syringes-c570/3-ml-bd-luer-lok-syringe-with-25-g-x\

-1-in-bd-precisionglide-needle-combination-regular-bevel-regular-wall-detachable\

-needle-p547235.html

>

>

> Glen can you comment on the use of EMLA in peds please?

>

> , RN

>

> ________________________________

> From: Tricia Croushore <mom2alexnabbie@...>

>

> Sent: Fri, November 19, 2010 8:59:22 PM

> Subject: RE: [ ] Are the shots painful?

>

> Christy-

>

> You have heard corrert, the med is thick and the needle is big. It takes

alittle

>

> time to push all the med in and can sting alittle. I know it doesn't bother

me,

> but the infusion center where I go says they have several people that act like

> it is the most painful thing in the world. Hope that helps

>

> Tricia

>

>

> From: Mom2SethDJLaney@...

> Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2010 21:48:04 +0000

> Subject: [ ] Are the shots painful?

>

> Hi all -

>

> I have 9 year old daughter that has severe persistent asthma, environmental

and

> anaphylactic food allergies. Her doctor has been trying to convince us to give

> her Xolair for a few years now, but I can't seem to bring myself to do it,

> because even though she has been a " professional patient " since she was a

baby,

> she is horrible about needles. I am told that the needle is large, the

> medication is thick, and it is administered a large volume at one time. I'm so

> afraid of subjecting her to that kind of misery, but at this point, she has

been

>

> on every medication to treat asthma, takes 5 different maintenance meds every

> day and is frequently on steroids and nebulizers to control her many

flare-ups.

>

> Everything I have been reading about Xolair sounds so fabulous, except for

maybe

>

> the cost. But, no one seems to mention the injections being painful. I'm

looking

>

> for feedback on the shot process, especially as it pertains to young kids.

Does

> anyone struggle with this issue?

>

> Thanks!

>

> Christy

>

>