Injection Site Reaction | Arthritis Information

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Hello,

I am new to this board. I am 30 and have PA.  When I was first diagnosed I was on Humira. As it helped with the pain I was not comfortable on it. I thought I was so brave taking shots but these really stung.  It is also so new and felt nervous not having any children yet.  ANYWAY, my rheumy said I cannot just stop taking meds or I will greatly regret it. I am currently taking Enbrel. Because I mix the solution the injections are pain free. So much better than Humira.  Now to why I am posting...

I have been on Enbrel for 5 months and I take it twice a week.  Recently I have been getting injection site reactions. The area is quite swollen and the next few days red and bruised. I did contact Enbrel and they seem to think this is normal. I have a follow up with my rheumy in a few weeks but in the meantime... Do any of you get these reactions?   Thanks - Alyson

Sorry I also posted this on the PA Thread

I took Humira for two years and never had any site reaction;  but it is normal for some people.

Welcome to AI.

Thanks - I did not have this reaction with Humira. Do you know what I am talking about with the sting? I suppose you get used to it. Everyone's different!  ;) thanks for your response.

I still have "shadows" on my skin from Enbrel bruises and I haven't been on it in months.

Enbrel did work wonders for me for awhile.

Hi. I am on Enbrel also and I inject into my thigh. I will get a very itchy area about 3 inches in diameter for the entire day where it's injected. Also, a few hours after I inject I get a pretty large lump under my skin that lasts about two days. Hope that helps.Ask your rheumy if taking some benedryl prior to injection would help slow
down the reaction.

I took Humira and also benedryl because of itcy rashes and bumps eeerywhere. My rheumy said to take one benedryl a half hour before shot and then for a few days after. I do know what you mean about the burn. It only lasted about 10 seconds but it stung.

Cinded

I have had two Humira shots. The first the nurse gave me with a syringe and the next one my husband gave me with the pen. Neither one hurt but the one with the pen made a hugh place that I still have a bruise from about 5 inches across. The first on is still a red circle. Is this normal. Does not hurt or itch just really bad looking. By the way both were in the stomach.

I called my nurse.  She said the swelling and bruising is totally normal. I just found it bizzare just getting a reaction after being on Enbrel for 5 months.  It's clearing up as the days pass so...it is what it is. right?  I said this before but it's the price we pay to be in less pain.  For me, Enbrel is totally worth it - for now. I am almost normal again.  Last winter was dreadful - I don't want to feel like that again.  Difficult washing hair, getting dressed, starting my car, walking downstairs - I could go on but you all know too well what I am talking about.  Kind regards - Alyson
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