Enbrel injection site reaction

[Guest guest]

,

I had the same exact thing happen to me but my 5th injection was much

better...my 3rd injection was the worst it was the size of my fist...

I hope your next injection goes well...

Vickey

cjhulley <cjhulley@...> wrote:

Hi. I recently started on Enbrel and after the first injection all

seemed to be just fine. A day after my second injection I had an

injection site reaction. The area turned red to the size of a large

egg, got warm to the touch and was slightly raised. Two days later,

my first injection site started showing the same symptoms. I thought

it was very odd that my first injection site didn't show any reaction

until over a week had passed. Now I've had four injections and the

3rd reacted the same as the 2nd. The 4th has been byfar the worst.

The redness is about the size of a tennisball with a lot of heat and

my leg feels hard and swollen underneath.

I know that there have been many comments about injection site

reactions, but what I was wondering is if anyone has had such a

severe reaction and if it has actually gotten better for you with

future injections.

Thanks for any input.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 2/17/2005 6:15:56 AM Eastern Standard Time,

cjhulley@... writes:

I know that there have been many comments about injection site

reactions, but what I was wondering is if anyone has had such a

severe reaction and if it has actually gotten better for you with

future injections.

Hi ,

I've had reactions at the site like that as well. I started taking an

antihistimine the day of the injections in the morning and gave the shots at

night. As soon as I did that I had no more reactions at the site. I took

Allegra

but I'm sure benedryl would work fine. Give it a try. Also please call

your doctor and just mention it as well.

Janet

[Guest guest]

Initially, I had pretty strong injection site reactions to Humira, but they

have lessened over time and are now practically non-existent. I realize this

is not Enbrel, but the principle is the same. Please talk to your

rheumatologist - perhaps you need to take an antihistamine or something similar

before

you inject. Good luck and I hope the Enbrel is a life-changing medication

for you as it for so many others.

Kathy F.

In a message dated 2/19/2005 9:18:14 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

fam24@... writes:

I know that there have been many comments about injection site

reactions, but what I was wondering is if anyone has had such a

severe reaction and if it has actually gotten better for you with

future injections.

[Guest guest]

I have been on Enbrel for two years now and I have only taken 5

shots of the new 50mg and with the first 2 I had terrible reactions

in the stomach but the last 3 there was none. Taking the shot still

feels like I am sticking a pencil into my stomach and trying to push

it in. They say these are the same needles as the one used on 25mg

shots but I don't think so! There is too big of difference between

the two to be the same and the new ones do measure bigger with a

digital caliber.

Dick

>

>

> In a message dated 2/17/2005 6:15:56 AM Eastern Standard Time,

> cjhulley@s... writes:

>

> I know that there have been many comments about injection site

> reactions, but what I was wondering is if anyone has had such a

> severe reaction and if it has actually gotten better for you with

> future injections.

>

>

>

> Hi ,

>

> I've had reactions at the site like that as well. I started

taking an

> antihistimine the day of the injections in the morning and gave

the shots at

> night. As soon as I did that I had no more reactions at the

site. I took Allegra

> but I'm sure benedryl would work fine. Give it a try. Also

please call

> your doctor and just mention it as well.

> Janet

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Since I had the reaction, the next time I took a Benadryl first, then I used

Arnica Gel (brand by Boiron-a homeopathic medicine). You put some on the

injection spot, cover the spot with saran wrap and tape for fifteen minutes.

Remove it and you will see a white area that is now numb- that is where I

injected the Enbrel.No problems at all. So I repeated this procedure each

time.

Arnica Gel is a great thing to have handy!!

M ichelle S

group founder

[Guest guest]

I have about messed myself up with the insurance people trying to have my

new 50 Enbrel changed to two 25”s…………I’m not kidding that first box of the

pre-mix was right up there with childbirth……….hurt like hell is what it

did……….a pencil is definitely too small………..large fence post was more like

it!! I got my second box yesterday, and the first shot out of it didn’t

seem nearly so bad……..not great, but definitely better. They certainly need

to “fix” whatever the problem is…….even though they won’t admit there is a

problem………….meanwhile, I have to hope that I haven’t done irretrievable

damage with my insurance,,,,,they are getting really testy about my heavier

than recommended dosage.

Liz T

[ ] Re: Enbrel Injection site Reac.tion

I have been on Enbrel for two years now and I have only taken 5

shots of the new 50mg and with the first 2 I had terrible reactions

in the stomach but the last 3 there was none. Taking the shot still

feels like I am sticking a pencil into my stomach and trying to push

it in. They say these are the same needles as the one used on 25mg

shots but I don't think so! There is too big of difference between

the two to be the same and the new ones do measure bigger with a

digital caliber.

Dick

[Guest guest]

WOW, I thought I was crazy...I too just got the new Enbrel 50's and I thought

for sure the dang needle really hurt, I previously had no issue with the needle

on the 25s. My Dr swears they are the same needle but, I am very doubtful. I

DEFINITELY noticed a difference

nne

[Guest guest]

I agree, the Enbrel 50's do hurt. I do not know why, I only left mine out

for 15 minutes - next time I will do 30 minutes. I think it was the drug, not

the needle although it did seem longer. Half way thru the shot I had severe

pain, enough to bring tears, my husband (gives the shot) didn't know what

to do do, or if he had done anything wrong. I told him to finishthe

injection, Maybe it is because the serum is colder than before, I think we

warmed it

up by mixing? If anyone has any tricks to help , please let us know.

Gentle Hugs,

Carol M. in CA

[Guest guest]

Leaving the shot out longer does help but it still hurts quite a

bit. The 25mg shots went in like butter and never bothered me. I've

noticed and so has my boyfriend that the needle practically bounces

off the skin, so I think it's two fold, they are using world war II

needles and formula burns and hurts during injection.

>

> I agree, the Enbrel 50's do hurt. I do not know why, I only left

mine out

> for 15 minutes - next time I will do 30 minutes. I think it was

the drug, not

> the needle although it did seem longer. Half way thru the shot I

had severe

> pain, enough to bring tears, my husband (gives the shot) didn't

know what

> to do do, or if he had done anything wrong. I told him to

finishthe

> injection, Maybe it is because the serum is colder than before, I

think we warmed it

> up by mixing? If anyone has any tricks to help , please let us

know.

> Gentle Hugs,

> Carol M. in CA

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I was told to use ice first to numb the area. To get the full story

call the Enliven service number and talk to one of the nurses. Also

something about the needle is dulled during the installation process.

Took my shot this morning before I called. Next week I will try the

ice. If it works, ok, if not I go back to the 25mg when I see my

Rhumy next month.

Dick

>

> I agree, the Enbrel 50's do hurt. I do not know why, I only left

mine out

> for 15 minutes - next time I will do 30 minutes. I think it was

the drug, not

> the needle although it did seem longer. Half way thru the shot I

had severe

> pain, enough to bring tears, my husband (gives the shot) didn't

know what

> to do do, or if he had done anything wrong. I told him to

finishthe

> injection, Maybe it is because the serum is colder than before,

I think we warmed it

> up by mixing? If anyone has any tricks to help , please let us

know.

> Gentle Hugs,

> Carol M. in CA

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

No question. I hate the new 50s and I have a 3 MONTH SUPPLY, I already asked my

DR and I cannot go back to the old 25s until this is finished...

nne

[Guest guest]

Sounds like the new Enbrel users are going through the

same thing us Humira users are feeling. I think it's

the citric acid in it that makes it hurt to much, you

can really feel the burn, and yes, it brings tears to

your eyes

warm blessings,

jane

--- cornth1313 <cornth1313@...> wrote:

>

>

> Leaving the shot out longer does help but it still

> hurts quite a

> bit. The 25mg shots went in like butter and never

> bothered me. I've

> noticed and so has my boyfriend that the needle

> practically bounces

> off the skin, so I think it's two fold, they are

> using world war II

> needles and formula burns and hurts during

> injection.

[Guest guest]

I can't stand the new needles......the most painful shots I've ever

experienced. My husband has been giving them to me but I miss the

freedom I had with the 50mg. of being able to do myself if

necessary. I am seriously considering going back to the 25mgs. The

anxiety leading up to the 50mg is too much.

Do you think there's any way the company could make it a little

easier or are we stuck with it " as is " ?

>

> >

> >

> > Leaving the shot out longer does help but it still

> > hurts quite a

> > bit. The 25mg shots went in like butter and never

> > bothered me. I've

> > noticed and so has my boyfriend that the needle

> > practically bounces

> > off the skin, so I think it's two fold, they are

> > using world war II

> > needles and formula burns and hurts during

> > injection.

[Guest guest]

I have hadgreat success using Arnica gel with site reactions. First apply

a goodly amount , then put some plastic wrap then put tape all around to

make it air tight. Then let it sit for 15 minutes. You will have a great

spot that is pretty darned numb to some depths.

S

group founder

[Guest guest]

I know that Arnica Gel is supposed to be only a topical analgesic, but i

have found that if I occlude the spot by using some plastic wrap and tape

where

I plan to inject around 10-15 mins ahead of time, I will get a very numbed

spot down at least half an inch if not more (IT will all be very white skin

compared to all the rest around it)

S

group founder

[Guest guest]

I've been on Enbrel for a year and give my shots on my abdomen. I

found that if I keep the needle just under the skin I hardly have

even a bruise. I can see the bubble of medication under my skin and

when I finish I take the alcohol pad and mush it around until the

bubble is gone.

Before I figured this out I had huge black and blue marks that lasted

for a month or more and were very sore.

>

>

> Hi. I recently started on Enbrel and after the first injection all

> seemed to be just fine. A day after my second injection I had an

> injection site reaction. The area turned red to the size of a

large

> egg, got warm to the touch and was slightly raised. Two days

later,

> my first injection site started showing the same symptoms. I

thought

> it was very odd that my first injection site didn't show any

reaction

> until over a week had passed. Now I've had four injections and the

> 3rd reacted the same as the 2nd. The 4th has been byfar the

worst.

> The redness is about the size of a tennisball with a lot of heat

and

> my leg feels hard and swollen underneath.

>

> I know that there have been many comments about injection site

> reactions, but what I was wondering is if anyone has had such a

> severe reaction and if it has actually gotten better for you with

> future injections.

>

> Thanks for any input.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

OK! Now we are talkin', what is Arnica, and where do I get ?

Thanks,

Tamara

>

> I know that Arnica Gel is supposed to be only a topical analgesic,

but i

> have found that if I occlude the spot by using some plastic wrap

and tape where

> I plan to inject around 10-15 mins ahead of time, I will get a

very numbed

> spot down at least half an inch if not more (IT will all be very

white skin

> compared to all the rest around it)

>

>

> S

> group founder

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I've never heard of Arnica gel........is it over the counter?

>

> I have hadgreat success using Arnica gel with site reactions.

First apply

> a goodly amount , then put some plastic wrap then put tape all

around to

> make it air tight. Then let it sit for 15 minutes. You will

have a great

> spot that is pretty darned numb to some depths.

>

> S

> group founder

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Yes, it's OTC and brilliant for bruises.

n in France

[ ] Re: Enbrel Injection site Reaction

I've never heard of Arnica gel........is it over the counter?

>

> I have hadgreat success using Arnica gel with site reactions.

First apply

> a goodly amount , then put some plastic wrap then put tape all

around to

> make it air tight. Then let it sit for 15 minutes. You will

have a great

> spot that is pretty darned numb to some depths.

>

> S

> group founder

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Shoot, so much for being in the 40% who don't get the reaction. I woke up with

an itchy welt on my thigh near my injection site from Tues. Did others who

tried Enbrel get welts and how long did they last? Did they go away? Were they

bad enough to make you rethink Enbrel? Did anything help?

Thanks tons, Kate F

________________________________________________________________________________\

____

Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know.

Ask your question on www.Answers.

[Guest guest]

Hi Kate:

I have never got an injection site reaction of any kind. I've been on

enbrel for a little over a year. I inject on Monday and take one

application out of the refrigerator, set my timer for 20 minutes. When

the timer goes off I proceed and whala..... no pain, no rash, it's all

good.

I've tried both the regular syringe and the sure click and both and no

problem at all. Perhaps you are injection when the solution/needle is

too cool? Just guessing.

Carol Zwald

On Jan 11, 2007, at 3:04 PM, Fair wrote:

> Shoot, so much for being in the 40% who don't get the reaction. I woke

> up with an itchy welt on my thigh near my injection site from Tues.

> Did others who tried Enbrel get welts and how long did they last? Did

> they go away? Were they bad enough to make you rethink Enbrel? Did

> anything help?

> Thanks tons, Kate F

>

> __________________________________________________________

> Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know.

> Ask your question on www.Answers.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol, thanks for your note. I do take it out for about 20 mins. The welt

is about the size of a silver dollar. It's raised and hot. I'm not worried, I

think it's an allergic reaction. I called Enliven and they were somewhat

helpful, although of course, they're just going to tell you to call the dr if

you're worried.

Can anyone give me encouragement? I'm a little bummed. I've been flaring since

Oct. I'm better of course, but I could really use a few weeks of remission or

near remission. I tried to taper my prednisone and Celebrex and my knees are

getting squishy with fluid (actually down the front of my shins too, gross) and

the pain is worsening. My hubby wants me to call the dr. I have a follow up in

10 days, but I'm sad and wish I could do a better job of beating it back.

Re: [ ] Enbrel injection site reaction

Hi Kate:

I have never got an injection site reaction of any kind. I've been on

enbrel for a little over a year. I inject on Monday and take one

application out of the refrigerator, set my timer for 20 minutes. When

the timer goes off I proceed and whala..... no pain, no rash, it's all

good.

I've tried both the regular syringe and the sure click and both and no

problem at all. Perhaps you are injection when the solution/needle is

too cool? Just guessing.

Carol Zwald

On Jan 11, 2007, at 3:04 PM, Fair wrote:

> Shoot, so much for being in the 40% who don't get the reaction. I woke

> up with an itchy welt on my thigh near my injection site from Tues.

> Did others who tried Enbrel get welts and how long did they last? Did

> they go away? Were they bad enough to make you rethink Enbrel? Did

> anything help?

> Thanks tons, Kate F

>

> ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

> Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know.

> Ask your question on www.Answers.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I would take it out let it sit for about 15 min and ice my thigh down

and then inject it helped a lot with the redness and burning of the

injection.

Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

On Jan 11, 2007, at 3:04 PM, Fair wrote:

> Shoot, so much for being in the 40% who don't get the reaction. I woke

> up with an itchy welt on my thigh near my injection site from Tues.

> Did others who tried Enbrel get welts and how long did they last? Did

> they go away? Were they bad enough to make you rethink Enbrel? Did

> anything help?

> Thanks tons, Kate F

>

> __________________________________________________________

> Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know.

> Ask your question on www.Answers.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I take Enbrel, and I have injection sight reactions. Even when I let it set out

long enough to warm up a bit. Enliven suggested using an ice cube on the area,

Myself I found welts lessened by letting the alcohol dry before injecting. I

still bruise and have the injection spot for about a week.

Fair <kalfoley@...> wrote: Hi Carol, thanks for your

note. I do take it out for about 20 mins. The welt is about the size of a silver

dollar. It's raised and hot. I'm not worried, I think it's an allergic reaction.

I called Enliven and they were somewhat helpful, although of course, they're

just going to tell you to call the dr if you're worried.

Can anyone give me encouragement? I'm a little bummed. I've been flaring since

Oct. I'm better of course, but I could really use a few weeks of remission or

near remission. I tried to taper my prednisone and Celebrex and my knees are

getting squishy with fluid (actually down the front of my shins too, gross) and

the pain is worsening. My hubby wants me to call the dr. I have a follow up in

10 days, but I'm sad and wish I could do a better job of beating it back.

Re: [ ] Enbrel injection site reaction

Hi Kate:

I have never got an injection site reaction of any kind. I've been on

enbrel for a little over a year. I inject on Monday and take one

application out of the refrigerator, set my timer for 20 minutes. When

the timer goes off I proceed and whala..... no pain, no rash, it's all

good.

I've tried both the regular syringe and the sure click and both and no

problem at all. Perhaps you are injection when the solution/needle is

too cool? Just guessing.

Carol Zwald

On Jan 11, 2007, at 3:04 PM, Fair wrote:

> Shoot, so much for being in the 40% who don't get the reaction. I woke

> up with an itchy welt on my thigh near my injection site from Tues.

> Did others who tried Enbrel get welts and how long did they last? Did

> they go away? Were they bad enough to make you rethink Enbrel? Did

> anything help?

> Thanks tons, Kate F

>

> ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _

> Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know.

> Ask your question on www.Answers.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I don't even use the alcohol wipes on my skin. I just don't think it's

necessary or does much good. I sometimes have a bruise, but actually I

think I get them less often than I used to. I think that we get a

bruise when we hit some little capillaries.

Sue

On Friday, January 12, 2007, at 10:58 PM, Nettleton wrote:

> I take Enbrel, and I have injection sight reactions. Even when I let

> it set out long enough to warm up a bit. Enliven suggested using an

> ice cube on the area, Myself I found welts lessened by letting the

> alcohol dry before injecting. I still bruise and have the injection

> spot for about a week.

>