injection site reaction

salamander
salamander Member Posts: 1,906
edited 9. Mar 2012, 11:31 in Living with Arthritis archive
I've just started Enbrel and have developed a very itchy, raised large rash at my injection site. Anyone else had this and what did you do about it?

Comments

  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Salamander

    I think injection site reactions are quite common. I used to get this with Humira but the consultant recommended that I took over the counter "one a day" non-drowsy anti-histamine tabs and it really helped. I used to take the first anti-histamine a couple of hours before I injected the Humira and then one a day for the next couple of days if I needed to. Didn't make it go completely but made a huge difference. Best to check with the doc or pharmacist first though to make sure you are choosing an appropriate anti-histamine. Might be worth chatting to a pharmacist today because if you could take some anti-histamine now I reckon it would help.

    Hope that helps some.

    Tillyxxx
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 0
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,
    I had a rash with etanercept on the injection site for a good few months. It didn't really bother me and I was told it is very common. Eventually it went away. If it causes you problems you should probably have it checked out.
    Take care,
  • salamander
    salamander Member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks Tilly and Nesia, taken anti histimines and will keep an eye on it. Gave me a shock this morning as I initially thought it was mosquito bites - in March!
  • smileymicrobe
    smileymicrobe Member Posts: 8
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,

    When i took my first Enbrel injection 2 days later i had a massive red lump appear around the injection site on my leg, after a week it kept getting bigger and more itchy. When the nurse came to give me the next injection she refused to give me it as she didn't like the reaction i had and i was sent to see my rheumy nurse. Aparently i am allergic to Enbrel and am now awaiting Humira - fingers crossed they won't do the same :-)

    I hope your reaction site is settling down and not giving you much bother x
  • salamander
    salamander Member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for your post Smiley and very interesting as my nurse has taken me off the auto pen and is prescribing an enbrel by injection from a powder mixed with water. Apparently there are less reactions that way. She's also reduced it by half the dose as I've got another infection (after only 2 injections!)
  • salamander
    salamander Member Posts: 1,906
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That's exactly it Delboy. The rash is about 3"x3" near the injection site and the previous site reacted too.