Re: Prefilled Enbrel Syringes - Ouch!

[Guest guest]

I used Enbrel about 7 years ago and their needles then were awful. Very

dull. I was so glad to switch to Remicade.

[Guest guest]

My daughter had similar experiences with the Humira Pre Filled. I can't speak

for the needle dullness issue, but her rheumy told her the extreme burning with

the Humira injection had to do with the binder used in the Humira. Sounds

entirely too simple.

I was on Enbrel for 8 years. Had very little difficulty with it. Just switched

to the Humira but not the pre filled and while it burns for a bit, it is a small

price to pay for such a decent drug.

Libby

[Guest guest]

Ronnie:  there are two types of pre-filled.  One is a simple syringe; the other

a " quick-click. "   I have never used the quick-click but have heard some say it

hurts more than the regular syringe.  I have no problem with the regular

pre-filled, except that it may burn a little if you inject it too fast.  Don't

push hard, though!   Based on my experience, that's exactly the wrong thing to

do.  Ice first for about five minutes, inject in the abdomen, and push very,

very slowly once the needle's in.  To get the needle in, however, don't go

slowly:  just use what is almost a stabbing motion.  You should not feel it at

all.  My needles seem very thin and not that long though I have nothing with

which to compare them so can't judge how they compare with what you were using

when you mixed your own.    

 Joanna Hoelscher

[Guest guest]

I have found that if you leave the Enbrel out of the refrigerator for about

½ hour to 45 minutes so it is not so cold and then pinch the skin the shot

is not nearly as bad. I asked my rheumatologist if this was ok and he said

it was fine to let it warm up a little bit.

Best regards,

Barbara Lerner

[Guest guest]

I have also noticed that the pre-filled syringes hurt more than the

mix-them-yourself ones -- both going in and when I'm pushing down the

plunger. But they're so much more convenient....

--

D. Lukoff ÷ lukoff@...

[Guest guest]

I think the pre-filled simply have thicker, duller needles. I was just

surprised at how much more painful they were. They are more convenient

though. BTW, I have always let the mixed Enbrel set until it is room temp.

It is part of the mixing process. I changed my prescription back to the mix

kits. I now just have to use these up. Thanks for all of the responses.

Regards,

Ronnie E.

[Guest guest]

Ronnie E,

I have used the pre-filled for a couple yrs. I inject on my thigh, pinch

skin, hold at 45% angle touch needle to skin and push in steady but

slow, works fine for me that way - no pain until I start to inject,

very little discomfort for the amount of relief I get.

Ralphie

[Guest guest]

I had a similar issue with the ready to shoot Enbrel. Not really quite

sure why the needles are do dull but the pre-made injections have a

higher alkaline base than the ones you mix yourself. I called the

company and that is what they shared with me.

I used Enbrel for two years and am now on Humira...fewer injections

better result, for me anyway.

Though it is true, the wee bit of discomfort far outweighs the benefits.

Keep on keepin' on!

kathy

[Guest guest]

I missed some of the posts on this but what I found helps with injections, I've

only been on Humira, is to give myself injections in the stomach. In the thigh

it really hurt not so much in the stomach. You may want to try that.

 

Good luck!

~Jeff and DeLazzer

" We can do no great things-only small things with great love. "

-Mother

[Guest guest]

Hi Ronnie and others,

I've been on Enbrel now for about 1.5 years. My first four injections

were via pre-filled syringe, but my doctor and my sister (who has a

nursing degree) administered those. I've always been squeamish about

injections and had really bad arthritis in my hands (and all over my

body) which made the first few injections difficult to administer on my

own. After that first month, my doctor switched me to the Sure-Click,

hoping that it would make me less squeamish. I now administer my own

injections, but yes, it hurts more than when somehow else had injected

me from the pre-filled syringe.

Icing the spot, and picking areas where there is less muscle (for me

abdomen, upper arms--rather than thighs) is the best way. I also

started buying the alcohol swabs that have some pain reliever in them.

Still hurts, but better than being in constant pain from the arthritis.

--Vera