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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/24/2011
Posts: 21
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Hello everyone,
Just after a little bit of advice and reassurance. I started on Enbrel approximately four weeks ago, and have injected myself using the pen approximately three times. All was good until Tuesday when I last injected (in my thigh). I also used the antiseptic wipe this time, although was told by my Rheum nurse that this is not really necessary.
I noticed yesterday that I had a red patch which was itchy and slightly swollen around the injection site.
I rang the Rheum nurse who stated that this had be quite common and not to worry too much unless I feel unwell or it starts to spread. Also noticed in the Enbrel info that this can happen.
The redness is still there today (2 days later) but no worse.
Has anyone else had this with Enbrel or Humira? I was a bit surprised to get it as I had no reaction to my previous injection, so hope that this is just a one-off!
Would really appreciate any advice on this,
Thank you,
Rachael
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 357
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Hi Rachael I've been on Enbrel a number of years now and do get injection site reactions from time to time. I sometimes have an antihistamine tablet for a day or two to help calm it down if it's particularly red or itchy. You could ask your GP or rheumy team if this would be OK with your other medications. Hope this helps Jo. x 2012 Fundraising for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RoboJo
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/8/2009
Posts: 43
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Hi Rachael,
I had an allergic reaction to enbrel the first 3 or 4 injections were fine.Then i noticed a slightly raised red patch on my leg,i just thought it was a reaction on the injection site & it was a bank holiday,thought nothing of it.The following week i injected again and i had a bad reaction on my other leg,this time it was really raised,painful and about the size of a saucer if that makes any sense.The hospital said they had never seen anything like it,even took a photo!
Hope you get on ok with the next one!
Poppyxx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 88 Location: Aylesford, Kent
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Hi Rachael I was on enbrel for 3.5 years and never had one reaction to the injection, sadly it stopped working for me grrr. I was told right at the very beginning by the enbrel nurse not to use the antiseptic wipe. She said, you know your not really dirty so it would ok to just do the injection. She said most reactions occure because the wipe itself reacts. So I never did use them. As you say you did one before without the wipe and you was fine. Love Belinda x Treat others how you wish to be treated!!
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 714
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Rachael
I am sorry that you are reacting to the Enbrel. Yes unfortunately I did the same for both Enbrel and Humira and eventually had to give up both. Hopefully this will not happen to you and it is just a blip whilst your body gets used to it. Just keep an eye on it and if it gets bigger each time then speak to your Rheumy nurse.
A home delivery nurse came to show me how to inject for both the Enbrel and Humira and frightened me to death about how cautious I should be when injecting and using wipes, spill kits etc. Even to be careful to going to the loo so that I do not pass anything on to my family. I was completely phased and came onto this site immediately and asked for advice. I was told by the more experienced on this site that I most probably had a chemo nurse who deal with patients who take a lot stronger dose. I think it is down to your personal preference.
Hope your reaction settles down soon.
Jackie
xx
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Rachael I have been on Enbrel for about 7 years and not really had problems at the injection site. However I use needle and syringe, which for me seems to offer better control than pen, and I inject into the abdomen. Only used a leg once and never again! Hope it's a one off reaction and things settle down quickly. Lyn x
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/24/2011
Posts: 21
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Thank you all for your replies and advice. My thigh is still slightly red, however things have settled down a lot over the last few days. Will keep an eye on it, and may try injecting into my stomach next time!
Best wishes to you all,
Rachael.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/4/2010
Posts: 576
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Hi Rachael - I was the same as you. I took photos over week 3,4 and 5 by which time it was saucer sized and very painful. When I showed the nurse I wasn't allowed any more and changed to Cimzia. I have had no reactions to this but it seems much less effective.
Good luck - hope you get sorted xx Ailsa
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/24/2011
Posts: 21
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Thanks Ailsa,
Did my last injection yesterday this time into my stomach, and have had a small reaction (redness and itchiness) but not as big as my thigh was. Due to see the Rheumatologist for routine appointment next week, but quite worried, and hope these reactions will subside as have only just started these drugs and do not want to rule out another treatment option so soon.
Best wishes,
Rachael.
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