Hi Kimberley, I have been on Humira, Enbrel, Simponi, and Cimzia. I found that some hurt more than others. Rather that burning sensation as the medication is going in. I have iced the area before giving the injection at the site and found that helps to decrease the sting of the medication going in. Hope that helps.

I agree with you. I have been on Enbrel and Humira, and I thought they both hurt A LOT. The worst part out Enbrel is I had to do it every week. Now I am on Cimzia. It is a real syringe, not a sure click pen. But, I barely feel the needle, and the medicine does not hurt at all.

My hubby said the same thing....he had to leave the Enbrel out of the fridge for about 10 minutes before injecting.

I'm lucky that I have a nerve damaged area and can't feel them! haha

Enbrel stings - saving grace for me is that it stops as soon as it's in. I haven't found a difference letting it sit out of the fridge vs cold, still stings! I pinch the area quite hard when I'm doing the shot, it takes my mind off a bit. I used to inject it really slowly (I don't use the pen), but now I speed it up a bit more.

Maybe every 4th shot doesn't sting going in, though haven't been able to figure out if it's the way I'm doing the shot, the location, or something else.

When I was on Humira, I got the burning feeling and then it went away after a few moments,

Not on it anymore.

Enbrel is a 27GA needle, Humira is a 29GA needle. Humira needle hurts less as it is smaller.

I found both liquids to sting badly - apparently its a PH thing. The MTX injections don't sting at all.

If you want least amount of pain for Enbrel/Humira do the following:

-Forget the "pens" - only use the pens if you have no other choice. Get the PRE-FILLED SYRINGES instead. Gives you complete control over how fast you inject the liquid.

-Warm shot up for exactly 1/2 hour - no less.

-Use topical Benedryl cream on the area before and after shot, and always pick the fatty area of your body.

-Ice the area for 5 - 10min before the shot - as much as your skin can stand it. And ice for at least 5 mins after the shot.

-Use a quick darting motion to inject needle and inject as slowly as you can, pausing to let liquid absorb at least twice. I used to take at least 5 mins to inject all the liquid.

Yes it is painful during injection.
I agree icing helps. I take the pen out 30 minutes before & ice the area. I then pull the skin taunt with my fingers where I'm injecting. That can be hard when my fingers hurt & are weak but I do my best.
I count while watching the window & try hard not to tense up.
My RAs office gave me those tips a long with the enbrel support line & people here. I don't dare take it without icing first.
Hopefully this helps.
Blessings
Sammy

Oh wow I did ice it first tonight untill my skin was stinging then did it and it helped ALOT. The last few seconds hurt but I culd handle it. I sure hope it works better for me than Humira.

I'm very interested in this discussion, as it seems I may be heading in that direction. I didn't even realize Embrel is an injection. I was floored at the cost. Sure hope my insurance helps A LOT.

When I was on Enbrel, I did notice a very big difference if I let it get to room temperature before I injected it. That usually took about 15 minutes but was well worth it.

I ice area and take sur-clic out of fridge to warm up for about 10 minutes, before injecting. Yes it hurts...OMG...and the pain is worse each time.
But usually as soon as I inject the pain goes away, sometimes I get a bruise and the site is sore...but so far, worth it. I have less morning stiffness, and more energy :)