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Enbrel Injection Site Reaction

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Posted 2/27/2014 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all,

I have been doing the Enbrel SureClick injections for about 8 weeks now and have begun having injection site reactions.  My leg will swell to an area the size of a softball, turn red and get hot at the site.  I have noticed that the reaction is worse when I inject in my right leg.  Oh, and did I say it itches like crazy too.....:( 

Any thoughts as to why one leg would have a different reaction than the other?  I am scheduled to see my rheumatologist on April 3rd.  I have PsA.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

thanks----

Posted 2/27/2014 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
SureClick here as well (and for 8 weeks - I just finished my second box yesterday.)

My right leg reacts worse than my left, too, for some reason. I don't get any itchiness, but I do get the redness and some swelling. I've found that icing before and after the shot helps a lot.

I wonder if the different reaction in each leg is due to the angle I'm holding the injector. I'm right-handed so maybe I'm hitting more of a 90-degree angle on my left leg than on my right. I noticed that my worst reaction was the second one and I wasn't holding the injector straight up and down like it shows in the pictures.

I would definitely report the itchiness to your rheumy. IMO, you should call and let them know. Mine has told me to report itchiness due to the possibility of a reaction/allergy. The shots have a bit of latex in them, among other things.
Posted 2/27/2014 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Carole,

I will call my dr and see what they have to say. I did not have any kind of reaction for the first few injections, then wham....it started. I am right handed also, did not think about the angle issue. I'll keep you updated on what I find out from the dr.

Have a great day.
Posted 2/28/2014 12:55 PM (GMT 0)
I had the exact same kind of reaction with my first injection and my rheumy said I must be allergic to something in the preservative in Enbrel. She switched me to Humira and I've never had that problem.
Posted 2/28/2014 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
Carol how is enbrel working for you? Are you getting any relief on it so far?
Posted 2/28/2014 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Don -

Enbrel is helping a lot. Now I'm just crossing my fingers that it keeps helping!

Thanks for asking.
Posted 3/11/2014 8:22 PM (GMT 0)

Bluesky13 said...
I will call my dr and see what they have to say. I did not have any kind of reaction for the first few injections, then wham....it started. I am right handed also, did not think about the angle issue. I'll keep you updated on what I find out from the dr.

Hi Bluesky13 - How are you doing?

I've been icing my injection site longer before and after the shot and I'm seeing an improvement. I had also read that redness may be due to the medicine not getting injected as deeply as it should, so I'm making an effort to push down harder on the injector. I had a small bruise after my last injection, but not the huge red site like before.

I hope you're doing well.
Posted 3/12/2014 12:23 PM (GMT 0)
I am really glad to hear that it has helped. I hope that it continues. I never had injection site reactions to enbrel but when I was moved to humira I had them pretty bad when I injected in my thighs. I tried my stomach instead and the reaction was much better. Just a thought.
Posted 3/12/2014 4:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Don -

I've thought about injecting my stomach; one of my coworkers has MS and used her stomach as an injection site. I've tried holding the injector and stretching out the skin, but I think I'm just not coordinated enough. :-)

This last injection on my leg is already less apparent than injections from previous weeks, so I think I've found the method I need to use.

Thanks for the info and the good wishes. I hope you're doing well today. Is the weather nice on that side of the Cascades? We have a gorgeous blue sky, no wind, and the temperature is supposed to be in the 60's this afternoon. Days like this are why I live on the east side!
Posted 3/12/2014 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, it is wonderful here today. about 60 degrees but best of all clear blue skies which is such a nice thing. I am doing better, the orencia I am certain is helping now and my knees have gotten much better along with my feet so walking is back in and in fact I am about to go now for a walk :)

Glad you found an injection site that will work, I hope you continue to get relief !
Posted 3/13/2014 3:18 PM (GMT 0)

Don_D said...
Yes, it is wonderful here today. about 60 degrees but best of all clear blue skies which is such a nice thing. I am doing better, the orencia I am certain is helping now and my knees have gotten much better along with my feet so walking is back in and in fact I am about to go now for a walk :)

Glad you found an injection site that will work, I hope you continue to get relief !

Thanks. I'm glad too. turn

I hope you had a nice walk and a great day today.
Posted 3/13/2014 5:39 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Everybody, hope all are doing well.

Carole, thank you for checking up on me.  This week's injection site is not too bad....yay.  I just get so tired for the next couple of days after the injection that is bothering me now....I know, what a whiner.  I go to see my new Rheumy on April 3rd....I will discuss all of my issues with him then. 

Enough about me, how are you doing?

Posted 3/13/2014 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for checking in. I worry. (I'm a mom, it's my job.)

I'm doing well, thank you. It seems like the Enbrel is doing its job. I injected on my right leg last night and have a big red spot again. I think I'll stick to the left leg; last week's injection is barely noticeable. Weird.

eta: Is the injection site still itchy? That scares me a bit - IIRC the Enbrel injection has some latex and latex allergies can crop up quickly.

Take care.
Posted 3/13/2014 8:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Carole,

Glad to hear you are doing well. I still have the itching at the injection site. I injected in my right leg this week and I always seem to have a greater site reaction than my left leg.

Hmmm....it's a mystery....lol

I will discuss this during my appt.
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