So, I'm going to my RD's today and her nurse is going to teach me how to administer Enbrel. I'm glad that we're doing this on a Friday so my hubby will be with me over the weekend.
I just wanted to know - for those of you on Enbrel, what type of side effects did you have?
Melanie
I was on enbrel for 3 months before switching to humira and I don't get any side effects from either. I remember the enbrel burned less than the humira. Take a deep breath, I know its scary but its really pretty easy. The anticipation is the worst thing! Good luck!! It's not that bad. It just feels like a shot. Just took mine as a matter of fact. Get the sureclick, it's very simple. I've had zero side effects and it made my life good again. The one thing I would tell you that makes a huge difference is to make sure you let the alcohol dry before taking it. If you don't, it stings like a son of a bitch.Well, I only got about 1/3 of the drug in!
I did a test run with saline and didn't have any problems. So we got the Enbrel and I pushed the needle into my skin. Once I started pushing the drug in, it started burning. The nurse asked me if I wanted her to do it, so I said yeah. Well, she started pushing more of the drug in and it burned even worse! It almost felt like a firery splinter. So she stopped and I'm supposed to try again tomorrow morning. Hopefully I won't have the same results.
NO!! I'm tellin ya...get the sureclick. It's like an epi pen. Their's no needle pushing, only a button to click, wait about 15 seconds, and wham! Your good to go.Are you doing the 50mg premixed syringes or the twice weekly 25mg which you need to mix yourself?I did an injection of saline with no problem and I was able to get the needle with the Embrel into my skin. It's just once the drug started to go in, it burned something crazy. The nurse thinks maybe I'm just sensitive to the meds. Who knows?
The nurse showed me the pen and it definitely looks easier to administer, but still... if it burns the same way... I dunno.
I just want to take whatever I need to take in order to feel better. (insert huge sigh here) I thought this would be my "miracle drug." A girl can hope, right?
Definately get the SureClick...it's much easier. The 50mg Enbrel burns like Hell-o Mother going in. One of the suggestions here on the board was to ice the area before the injection. I tried it and although it doesn't completely stop the burning sensation, I do believe it helped. I got headaches and dizziness in the beginning. I do my injections at night now before bed so I don't notice any side effects now. Hope this helps and I hope the Enbrel works out for you.
PS...I was a total needle phobic so if I can do it anyone can.
Peace & Love...Neasy
The pen sounds like a great option. I don't do well with needles myself.
When you are prescribed an injectable drug, where on your body are you supposed to inject it?
Thanks--
Christina
I take mine in the top of my thigh, although alot of people say it hurts less in the belly. I don't think it hurts that much, and the idea of a needle in the belly, well, no thanks. I'll stick to my thigh.I was soooooooooooo terrified when it came time to start Enbrel. I had the nurse give me instructions, and was still mortally afraid, so she gave me the first shot
I said, "self, " I said, "Self, looks like its up to you... no matter how scared, or how much you think its going to sting, it sure cant hurt more than this hip or those knees do right now."
I got a cup of coffee, turned on my favorite music, sat in my comfy chair and decided to do it. I took the syringe out and let it warm to room temp, while I listened to music. I put the syringe across the top of my coffee cup. The fluid is cold, your body temp is 98.6 you want the fluid the same termp as your body. I rested an ice pack, wrapped in a soft towel on my tummy, so the entire area was ice cold. I rolled the syringe between my palms til I couldnt feel it, it was the same temp as my body. I wiped a HUGE area of my tummy with the alcohol wipe. (My tummy is huge and there are far less nerve endings there, and the skin is soft and easy to hold) I let the alcohol dry, the held the needle like a pencil, and pinched up a nice bulge of tummy skin. I slid the needle in at a 45 degree angle, and didn't feel it go in at all.
Then I exhaled, and shifted my grasp on the needle up to the plunger. I slowly pushed the plunger in saying all the while, "my toes won't hurt, my ankles won't hurt, my knees won't hurt, my hips won't hurt, my spine won't hurt, my fingers won't hurt, my hands won't hurt, my thumbs won't hurt, my elbows won't hurt, my shoulders won't hurt, my jaw won't hurt." By the time I finished that affirmation the syringe was empty. I withdrew the needle, it almost fell out, gently rubbed a bit with the ice pack. Gave myself a big cheer, and disposed of the needle.
I HATE needles. I am terrified. I shake and tremble, but my body accepted the need to do this. Now, 20 shots later, its absolutely NOTHING. I've had so much worse blood tests, or shots from professionals that hurt much worse. I am so happy that the meds are working and that I can take this specific action for myself to relieve so much agony.
This isnt a spa treatment but its something you do for yourself. the trick is take it slow and have the syringe at body temp.
Ooo Kathy I love how you think about it when you do your shot. That is awesome.
IF you can get your hubby to do your shot try your arm. I don't do enbrel but I do humira which burns like a (censored) and for me it burns less for some reason in the arm.
And of course....ICE!! Liek neasy said...it doesn't take away all of the burning but it does help. And the pens. I am so glad there are quick pens. GET THE PENS!!!!