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Humira Pen

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Posted 7/14/2010 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
I just got my loading doses of Humira yesterday and frankly it made me feel like a wimp. With all the procedures and pain we deal with I thought it would be a breeze...but it didn't go as well as I thought it was going to. I am hoping part of it was just the anxiety because my doctor administered the first 2 doses and gave my nerves plenty of time to get worked up. The second 2 that I did actually hurt a lot less. Hopefully it will be much easier from here on out since that's the only time I will get 4 doses. Has anyone used both the syringe and pen and found one to hurt less than the other? Anything that lessens the sting? Or finds one area that is less painful to inject in?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Jenn

Posted 7/14/2010 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
I find the lesser of 2 evils is the syringe since you can stop the plunger when it burns however getting the needle in takes a bit longer for me as well as the administration of the meds. I prefer the syringes even tho the pens are over so much faster...well at least the injection itself is my nerves and being a chicken are higher with the pen therefore taking me longer to click the button
Posted 7/14/2010 9:15 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry it didn't go very well. You are NOT a wimp. I consider my tolerance for pain pretty high and I HATE getting my shot. It burns so bad!!! I haven't tried the syringe, but my theory is that it would probably hurt less because you can control how slowly you push the medicine in. With the pen you get what you get. I've had pens that shoot super fast and burn like the devil and I've had pens that shoot super slow and you can hardly feel the meds going in. The only trick with the syringe is then shooting yourself so that the stick of the needle doesn't hurt so badly. I know some people have tried the syringe, so I hope they come along and post their experiences for you.
Posted 7/14/2010 9:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, have you thought about pre-dosing yourself with pain meds?  Can be something simple like tylenol, aspirin or whatever prescribed product for pain.  Icing the spot seems to work, but knowing me -I would forget exactly where I iced -so maybe ice in a big bag!  Good luck! 

Posted 7/14/2010 10:21 PM (GMT 0)
Nope you are not a wimp- the pens burn so bad! I don't mind then except I have to work myself up to clicking the button every time. At least its over in just ten seconds and I don't have to think about it for 2 weeks. Yeah with all the pain I've been through (and we all have been through) you'd think it would be no big deal. I was really really suprised the first time how painful they are. Never tried the syringe though- but I like to ease and quickness of the pen. I try to focus on the postives about it.
Posted 7/15/2010 1:04 AM (GMT 0)
I have the epipen Humira and I give my shot in my stomach.  I have gotten use to the sting.  I have had no side effects (knock on wood).  I hope it lasts and I still hope I see more improvement.  Good luck!
Posted 7/15/2010 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
I had the first dose today too and thought the same thing. I'm pretty good when it comes to pain but man did they sting like hell. But at least as soon as it's over the pain is gone but it sure hurt all 4 times. At least later on it will just be only 1 injection so it won't be as bad. Can't believe how much it burns! I hope I can do it all right without the nurse there with me!

I heard the syringe hurts less but the pen is easier.
Posted 7/15/2010 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, I am suppose to start Humira or remicaid on the 27th of this month after I finish antibiotics. They took a TB test and basically the doctor wants me on remicaid but said I could start Humira (she's leaving it up to me). I believe she wants me on remicaid because of the rectal problems as far as drainage and fitulas (I have 3 senton drain in right now). I am woried because I read that if you have a open wound or infection you are not suppose to take those medications but the doctors don't know what else to do as far as treating the crohn's and rectal problems.

Sorry, for the long story. I wanted to ask a question about the humira. Does everyone get 4 shots the same day in the beginning because the doctor didn't mention that to me at all. I know I have my own post up asking some questions about Humira but I also wanted to know if you or anyone else ran a fever and had flu symtoms or other symtoms?
Posted 7/15/2010 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
Sweetnakira- According to my doctor everyone is on pretty much the same schedule and dose. While Remicade is usually infused every 8 weeks with a dose that depends on weight, Humira comes in a pre-filled syringe and everyone gets the same dose. You get 4 injections the first time, 2 two weeks later, and then 1 every two weeks.

I did have side effects on remicade, mainly a skin rash which is why I was taken off of it. Humira is supposed to be much less likely to develop any severe reactions like some people get wth . I've also heard that remicade is more effective on healing fistulas faster though.

Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.
Posted 7/15/2010 4:09 AM (GMT 0)
It's amazing the procedures we go through, and yet we get nervous about humira. I remember standing in the doctor's office with shaking hands....just holding the pen. It does get easier though...at least I think so. I just take in a huge breath, then push the pen and focus on my breathing until the med is all in...that's pretty much how I deal with any pain though, by focusing on breathing and nothing else, so I don't know if it helps anyone else to tell you that.

I've injected in both my belly and legs, and won't inject my leg ever again. I don't know if it's because I have more fat in my belly and more muscle in my upper leg, but it hurt much more in the leg.

Good luck, and I hope it helps you as much as it has me!
Posted 7/15/2010 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
As for loading dose yes you recieve 4 the 1st day then 2 weeks later it is 2 shots. THe nurse did 2 of the 4 and made me do the other 2 in the office. I also had reactions to Remicade however it took a few years of me on it to develop. the loading dose ONLY comes in pens now a days and if you want syringes you need to make sure you specify that to your doc
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