Enbrel Injection site Reaction

Hi. I recently started on Enbrel and after the first injection all
seemed to be just fine. A day after my second injection I had an
injection site reaction. The area turned red to the size of a large
egg, got warm to the touch and was slightly raised. Two days later,
my first injection site started showing the same symptoms. I thought
it was very odd that my first injection site didn't show any reaction
until over a week had passed. Now I've had four injections and the
3rd reacted the same as the 2nd. The 4th has been byfar the worst.
The redness is about the size of a tennisball with a lot of heat and
my leg feels hard and swollen underneath.
I know that there have been many comments about injection site
reactions, but what I was wondering is if anyone has had such a
severe reaction and if it has actually gotten better for you with
future injections.
Thanks for any input.
Christine

Comments

8 Responses to Enbrel Injection site Reaction

  1. ellsworth17 on 2008-11-21 00:36:21.598643

    I have about messed myself up with the insurance people trying to have my
    new 50 Enbrel changed to two 25sIm not kidding that first box of the
    pre-mix was right up there with childbirth.hurt like hell is what it
    did.a pencil is definitely too small..large fence post was more like
    it!! I got my second box yesterday, and the first shot out of it didnt
    seem nearly so bad..not great, but definitely better. They certainly need
    to fix whatever the problem is.even though they wont admit there is a
    problem.meanwhile, I have to hope that I havent done irretrievable
    damage with my insurance,,,,,they are getting really testy about my heavier
    than recommended dosage.
    Liz T

  2. noble14 on 2008-11-20 23:22:55.286394

    WOW, I thought I was crazy...I too just got the new Enbrel 50's and I thought
    for sure the dang needle really hurt, I previously had no issue with the needle
    on the 25s. My Dr swears they are the same needle but, I am very doubtful. I
    DEFINITELY noticed a difference
    Julienne

  3. julia_20 on 2008-11-21 16:38:57.079314

    I agree, the Enbrel 50's do hurt. I do not know why, I only left mine out
    for 15 minutes - next time I will do 30 minutes. I think it was the drug, not
    the needle although it did seem longer. Half way thru the shot I had severe
    pain, enough to bring tears, my husband (gives the shot) didn't know what
    to do do, or if he had done anything wrong. I told him to finishthe
    injection, Maybe it is because the serum is colder than before, I think we
    warmed it
    up by mixing? If anyone has any tricks to help , please let us know.
    Gentle Hugs,
    Carol M. in CA

  4. noble14 on 2008-11-22 02:38:43.443329

    No question. I hate the new 50s and I have a 3 MONTH SUPPLY, I already asked my
    DR and I cannot go back to the old 25s until this is finished...
    Julienne

  5. cross170 on 2008-11-22 22:40:49.503595

    Sounds like the new Enbrel users are going through the
    same thing us Humira users are feeling. I think it's
    the citric acid in it that makes it hurt to much, you
    can really feel the burn, and yes, it brings tears to
    your eyes :(
    warm blessings,
    jane

  6. marietta_15 on 2008-11-23 03:32:52.710500

    I know that Arnica Gel is supposed to be only a topical analgesic, but i
    have found that if I occlude the spot by using some plastic wrap and tape
    where
    I plan to inject around 10-15 mins ahead of time, I will get a very numbed
    spot down at least half an inch if not more (IT will all be very white skin
    compared to all the rest around it)
    Michelle S
    group founder

  7. marietta_15 on 2008-11-23 11:06:46.022966

    I have hadgreat success using Arnica gel with site reactions. First apply
    a goodly amount , then put some plastic wrap then put tape all around to
    make it air tight. Then let it sit for 15 minutes. You will have a great
    spot that is pretty darned numb to some depths.
    Michelle S
    group founder

  8. tamara_100 on 2008-11-24 13:40:51.083385

    Hi Mary,
    Yes, it's OTC and brilliant for bruises.
    Marian in France

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