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Rebif injection, dry itchy skin

brianap
brianap
I've been on Rebif 22 mcg for about 8 months.I take benadryl and ibuprofen with each shot. I massage the area afterwards. I get the normal red blots each time, but this was different. About a week after injecting , the injection site got really itchy. The skin there has a few red spots and the feels very dry and sand papery. It almost looks like eczema, but not quite. Its on my waist line and my pants really iritate it. Just wondering if this is withing the range of "normal" or something else. I have not called the nurse about it but I have and appt with the neuro next week. Anyone else had this?
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm also on 22 mcg Rebif (for 6 months). My regimen is like your -- benadryl, advil, etc.

Never had the dryness & itching, & haven't seen it discussed on any of the forums -- but the DMDs can affect each person differently.

Could it be shingles? Eczema?
Have you changed anything like detergent, lotion, soaps, etc?

Maybe someone in this group can help -- I'd have my primary care doc look at it...
deleted_user
deleted_user
It is very important to inject in the right places, which includes finding a place that will not be irritated by your clothing, or not wearing something for a day or two that will not be tight against the area.

I would call the nurse, and then make sure to wear loose clothing in that area.

Have your changed the detergent you might have washed the clothing in, or using a different soap, or maybe a different kind of lotion?
LilMargie
LilMargie
I've been injecting Rebif since 12/2007. Always get the red patch, always get the itching. If you are getting it on your waistband though, my thoughts are that maybe you are injecting too close to the naval and middle. Here is from their guide:

"Choose the injection site. The best sites for giving yourself an injection are those areas with a layer of fat between the skin and muscle, like your thigh, the outer surface of your upper arm, your stomach or buttocks. Do not use the area near your navel or waistline. If you are very thin, use only the thigh or outer surface of the arm for injection. Use a different site each time you inject (thigh, hip, stomach or upper arm). Do not inject Rebif into an area of your body where the skin is irritated, reddened, bruised, infected or abnormal in any way."

Here's the link to the website for other instructions.

http://www.mslifelines.com/rebif/treatment-routine/tips-on-taking-rebif.jsp
brianap
brianap
"Do not inject Rebif into an area of your body where the skin is irritated, reddened, bruised, infected or abnormal in any way."

If I followed that I would have to stop injecting. This injection was actually more on my backside/hip area. Oh well. I guess like so many other things you just deal with it.