Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Enbrel Injection Site Reactions

medicmom5
medicmom5
5 injections down now and the reactions are still quite large - around 5 x 4 inches. Red, hot, swollen, itchy bump. I am switching from the pen to the prefilled syringe next week. Has anyone had better luck with the the reactions with the syringe?
sammyo1
sammyo1
I've heard people switching to the syringe but not sure if that was one of the reasons.
Have heard reactions at the injection site though.
Hope it works out for you.
Sammy
bcatz
bcatz
Is it working for your RA?
nomorera
nomorera
I was just about to post regarding this issue, however I DO use the prefilled syringe. Enbrel helps my RA but the injection site reactions seem to be getting worse, not better. I also have swelling about the same size you do, same reaction.
I tried icing, right after and continually on and off, but not much relief. I take a couple Tylenol to try to help with the swelling, but OUCH. This is rough!
free2beme6060
free2beme6060
Have you tried taking a benadryl before the injection? and even now. I was told this by my rhuemy but never had any injection site problems. I am on Humira. Benadryl is good for any allergic reaction...I am not a doctor but my sis is a nurse and she said the same thing. Might want to check into it...
ILoveHuskies
ILoveHuskies
I get a bump at first then in a couple of hours it is gone. I do the shot higher up on the thigh.
medicmom5
medicmom5
free2beme - yes I have tried the Bendryl 30 min prior and same results....I am a nurse too so I have the tricks memorized! tomorrow will be giving myself the prefilled syringe for the first time. i plan to ice prior and after, push the medication slowly and keep my fingers crossed! to make matters worse, I got stung by something last friday and two large, red, itchy welts on my leg so I really hope the Enbrel goes well....I don't need more large red itchy places on my body!!!