injection site reaction

salamander

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?

tillytop

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]

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

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

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

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

That's exactly it Delboy. The rash is about 3"x3" near the injection site and the previous site reacted too.