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Humira - Pen or Syringe?

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Posted 11/15/2013 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
Working our way onto Humira and the Patient Care person asked if I wanted to use the pen or the syringe. My understanding the way she explained it was the pen is an automatic way that dispenses the drug, the syringe you control the speed you receive the medication.

I opted for the syringe as I figured it might be a little less painful, but honestly I have no idea. Which way is better?
Posted 11/15/2013 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
With the syringe you can inject it faster, so it can be less painful. Still, I switched over to the pen once it became available since I figured I'd have an easier time using it than the syringe, if I ever had to inject myself. (My wife always injects me.)
Posted 11/15/2013 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
I tried both when I was on humira and thought the pen was easier but more painful. This sounds weird but I hated the"pop" the pen made as you injected it.
Posted 11/15/2013 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
H,i when I ws on Humira I used the pen the only reason was that I hate needles and there was no way I would be able to inject myself if I could of seen it x
Posted 11/15/2013 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
you should definatly do the pen. it only takes ten seconds and it only hurts when it's injecting. it's alot easier when you have to do it yourself cus you dont see the needle. you don't really have to think about it you just click the button hold it there and count ten seconds, and thats it. i just dont think i could stick myself and see the needle. good luck.
Posted 11/16/2013 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
I only use the pen. I can't stand needles so with the pen, I don't have to see the needle and it's over quickly. The click sound is a bit unnerving.
Posted 11/16/2013 5:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi I used the pen it is easier to use.
Posted 11/16/2013 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
Used a pen for Humira and a syringe for Methotrexate.

I preferred the syringes, but obviously not everyone else does. Needles don't bother me, so that wasn't an issue. With a syringe there is no pain as long as you take it slowly; don't inject the contents too rapidly, space it out over 30-60 seconds. Just felt I had more control and there wasn't that massive burning/stinging pain that you get with pens.

So I think you made the right choice!
Posted 11/17/2013 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
Figuring I use the syringe for the methotrexate I figured it was like the same thing. We get the 1st dosage delivered to the pharmacy Monday so we will see how it goes. I wonder if we can switch if she would rather the pen later on.
Posted 11/17/2013 9:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hello I think you can switch you have to talk to your doctor so
they can change your script.
Posted 11/21/2013 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I use the syringe.  I tried the pen and I jumped back when the spring sprung and the medication ran down my belly.  The second time I tried I found the pen hurt.  I like the control I have with the preloaded syringe. 

Julia

 

Posted 11/21/2013 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
Are the syringes still available in the US? I was told that I could not get them over here in Europe any more.

For me the pen is awfully painful the syringes are much better since I can control how fast the med goes in.
Posted 11/23/2013 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks all. First 4 needles done today with success. Painful, but with 4 of them I would think so!
Posted 11/24/2013 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Syringe - easy to control. No pain.
Posted 11/25/2013 1:08 PM (GMT 0)
Ditto on the pen. I had the pen when I was on Humira and it was fine. Now I'm on Cimzia and it's a syringe and I need my husband to do it. I just can't keep pushing once the stinging starts, it's like my body refuses to comply.
Posted 12/3/2013 1:17 PM (GMT 0)
I've tried both. With the pens, the risk of wasting a dose made me increasingly nervous. It got so bad I eventually jumped and lost a dose. I immediately switched to syringes, been fine ever since. Hurts less, too.
Posted 12/3/2013 2:32 PM (GMT 0)
isergodur - sorry I missed this. I am in Canada. Syringes are still available here.

I am hoping 2 needles is much less painful than the 4 2 weeks ago. When I asked the doctor about teaching my kid to inject herself as a backup she suggested switching to the pen. I think she would be less likely to do it based upon some of the comments you all have shared.
Posted 12/4/2013 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
My pharmacist taught me. I was nervous to, but after the first shot - nothing to it. I remember holding the needle to my skin but I just couldn't push it in and my pharmacist just pressed gently on my hand - done. That was over 5 years ago. The pen hurts way more in my opinion.

Julia
Posted 12/4/2013 6:13 PM (GMT 0)
I have used both. I prefer the syringe after getting over being nervous the first few times. I had one pen that didn't work. All the liquid fell on the on the floor.
Posted 12/5/2013 2:06 AM (GMT 0)
I used the pen because it was easy but it hurt more than most needles did. I would push the button, then wait for about 10 seconds for all the medication to go in then you could let go. But it did hurt me every time. It was not something I could get use to. At least with a normal needle you can choose how fast to put the needle in and how fast to push the medication in.

But I did find that if I iced the area before it did help to make it a little less painful.
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