Prepackaged Enbrel Injections... | Arthritis Information

 

So I recently started Enbrel again and to my surprise the syringes came prefilled with the Enbrel instead of the little kit that you have to put together. I love all that Enbrel is doing for me, but I HATE this new packaging. It takes so long to inject the 50 ml and I can't push the plunger too fast or it feels like my skin is burning alive. I always get a rash and a huge irritated lump at the injection site more frequently than ever before. I was wondering if anyone receives the same style of Enbrel that I'm getting, and if there is any possible way I could have the injections switched back to the way they were before.

 

Thanks.

Sabrina:  The only Enbrel that I've used is the 50mg. prefilled syringe and to date I've had no rash or bumps.  It does burn but if I yell loud enough I don't notice it!!!!! 

Will be starting Remicade on May 30th and I really believe I'd rather give myself a weekly shot than have infusions.  Enbrel and Mxt just not working.  Talk to your RD and ins. co. about switching to previous packaging.  Good luck with Enbrel.  I know it works for a lot of people.

Wow. I've heard a bit about Remicade but I've never spoken to anyone that has taken it. Please do post about it after you have formed an opinion on it. I'm sorry to hear about the Enbrel not working for you. A couple years ago I was being careless and didn't want to take them and I would just throw them away or shove the package under my mattress so that my parents would think I had taken my injections for the week. Goddamn that teenage rebellion. I regret it now so much because I could have been in much better shape and I'm paying for it now. As well as the fact that it is so freaking expensive. I've only been on it for a month, but man oh man, I could feel the difference the day after I took my shot after not having it for about 8 months, it was like a miracle, haha.

I really only feel the burning if I inject it in my thigh, so I usually just do my injection in the ass, haha. I feel the least pain/burning/swelling there. Anyway, thanks for the advice. I think I'm just going to talk to my doctor about it. Once again, please let me know how the Remicade goes. Thanks and good luck!

Sabrina: There are a couple of people here that are on Remicade.  Enbrel was working ok. but I had to stop because of a fungal infection on my knee.  We were in the jungles of Mexico and no one really had any idea what I had so RD said to come off until fungus went away.  When I went back on inj. they didn't work.  Surprised me...I thought if they worked once they would begin again.  A big disappointment.  I'll give a blow by blow account of my Remicade escapade.  I  also regret not starting the biologics earlier in the disease process but once I went into a natural remission I also went into denial.  Damage was done over a period of 6 years and I had a severe flare 14 months ago and haven't gotten it under control. Maybe we've learned a lesson? Mine come prepackaged. The only thing I do is ice it before hand. I definitely choose where the fat is, like in my belly, rather that in my thighs. But it seems to me that some people are more sensitive to the burning. I'm trying Remicade for the first time at 1pm today!  I'm just about to leave work so I can go make myself lunch and drive over there.  Thankfully, I have a friend and then my boyfriend coming to sit with me for the FOUR HOUR APPOINTMENT.  Methotrexate just isn't working and I can't afford the Enbrel...  but if Remicade fails I'll have to find a way to afford it!  Wish me luck!  I'll report back.

Hi Sabrina,

I too had a problem with the burning sensation.  My RD said to not to inject the enbrel straight from the fridge.  He said to let it sit for a couple of minutes before injecting.  This worked for me, so maybe it will help with you too!  Don't let it warm up too much.  Just about 3 - 4 minutes. I hope this helps.

Sha

Hi Sabrina, I've been on the pre-packaged enbrel for close to a year. I always get a site reaction but over the months the reaction has lessened. You can try icing the site where you inject yourself right after injecting. Also, dry off any medication that is ozing out of the site with a clean cotton ball right after the injection. Benedryl cream can ease the itching/irritation. If you release the plunger very slowly, it doesn't hurt as much.

My Enbrel comes in the mail tomorrow. I havent taken it before but the booklet from the company and the pharmacist from the Enbrel Team at the pharmacy gave me some tips. The approved injection sites are the upper arm, theigh, and abdomen.  SubQ injections are not generally given in the rear end. If used in the abdomen it should be at least 3 inches away from the navel and the sites should be rotated each week and at least 1 inch from each other. Let it sit out for approx. 30 min prior to injection to reduce burning and you can take an OTC allergy med like Benedryl or Clariton to ward off site reactions.

I had a choice between Enbrel, Humira or Remicade. I am going to give Enbrel a fair shake, but I am glad I have a choice incase it doesnt work or if I have a bad site reaction. I have some skin problems so that is my biggest concern.

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