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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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Humira Injection Reaction

melissaenderle
melissaenderle
I was wondering how many of you developed a reaction at the injection site with Humira and what was done as a response. After two injections that went just fine, my last three have resulted in a big red, swollen, itchy area around the site -the last one being around 3".
Did you stay on the Humira or switch? If you began a new biologic, did you get a similar reaction?
debRAinOC
debRAinOC
I once got a big welt after a Humira injection, and it grew to about 6" wide by the evening. I called my rheumy the next day, and he said such a reaction is "not uncommon." My spot wasn't itchy though -- just big, red, and warm to the touch.

The doc said I could keep taking the Humira but I should keep some Benadryl cream on hand for next time. I had reactions for the next several injections, but they were smaller each time and eventually went away. That was several years ago, and I'm still on Humira.

A DS friend said she gets an itchy spot each time she injects. Her doc told her to take an antihistimine for 1 or 2 days before her injection and to use a cortisone cream. She also said icing the area helps her.

If you're still concerned, you can talk with a Humira nurse at 1-800-4-HUMIRA. If it's after hours, you'll have to leave a message and they'll return your call (within the hour I think).
MKP1952
MKP1952
I have never had a reaction from my shots. I agree with debRAinOC, call the Humeria nuirse.
kkak
kkak
I had similar welts with Enbrel. I called Enbrel support and showed my rheumy. Both said it was not of concern. My thought was that it's a small price to pay for feeling better.
melissaenderle
melissaenderle
Thanks debRA for the tips. I did use Benadryl cream the last two times and it did reduce the number of days the area was affected. Did your friend take a pill antihistamine and if so, do you have a name I could search for in the store?
Andromeda2
Andromeda2
I got big itchy welts from Cimzia too. Dr wasnt concerned either and said to use Benadryl cream which was a joke because it did nothing. I used clobetasol ointment and that took them away fast. Now I put an ice pack on the injection site right after the injection for 20 minutes and again two more times throughout the day. Works like a charm. No more itchy welts.
debRAinOC
debRAinOC
Yes, Melissa, she took a pill antihistamine. I don't recall the name, but since this was several years ago, it was probably one of the older brands such as Benadryl (not one of the newer ones such as Claritin or Zyrtec).
MaryPop
MaryPop
I used to have huge local reactions to Enbrel. My rheumy suggested taking a Benadryl (25mg) approx. 30 min prior to giving myself the injection. Worked very well.