I have just had my second double dose of Cimzia. Last time the injections stung. Afterwards I remembered something a nurse once said to me when giving me a steroid injection. He seemed to be taking ages and he apologized and said that he was doing it very slowly so that it did not sting or hurt afterwards.

So this time (nurse doing one injection and me doing the other) we injected the liquid very slowly - AND NEITHER INJECTION STUNG. In fact, once I had felt the initial prick of the needle I didn't feel anything at all while injecting Cimzia and I also have not had any problems afterwards at the injection sites.

These injections were also in my legs which are supposed to be not as `pleasant' at the stomach area.

I am so pleased as I was really worried about being able to give myself an injection with a syringe, but actually I think it is better than a pen as you have more control.

Hope this info helps.

Jo

Pleased to hear it went well.

Love Jeanxx

Hi Rose,

No side effects at all, except my first double dose knocked me for six for about 36 hours. I was OK the day I had the injections but the next day all I wanted to do was sleep. I did get up and do things but very slowly. I was back to 'normal` the next day. Only to be expected I suppose, new medication and a double dose.

I was OK after my second double dose, a little more tired but nothing that affected what I wanted to do.

I haven't really noticed much of an improvement in the amount of joint pain yet, but I do feel as though I have more stamina. I can definately continue to do housework etc longer before I become exhausted, which is good.

The other thing I noticed was that by the end of the 2 weeks I didn't feel as good as the week before (as though the effect of the medication was wearing off) and I feel a little better again now, having just had another dose. So that must mean I am getting some improvement from Cimzia. Just hope that as the medication builds up, the effect lasts longer.

I know Cimzia are saying that patients will feel an improvement very quickly but considering how bad your RA has to be in this country before you can get anti-TNF I think that is too much to expect from any medication. Saw my consultant last week and he said that some people can feel an immediate benefit but others can take up to 4 months.

Best of luck with Cimzia, let us know how it is going.

Jo

Hi Joan

Thank you so much for your reply it's a great support

At the moment I'm delayed having my first injection because the RA male rheumatology nurse had an accident over the Bank Holiday weekend while he was chopping sticks and injured his nose and eye, poor thing so, hopefully we'll start next week

I hope your response is better soon, I'll let you know how I get on

Rose xxxxx