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Quick question about Cimzia

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 1/19/2012 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
I had a question for anyone on Cimzia.

I saw from the video on the website that you have to do a fast stab with the needle into the skin.  My question is does it have to be a fast stab or can you do it slowly.

My problem is I really really really hate needles.  I have dealt with the Humira pen but that is just pushing a button.  I am thinking since the Humira isn't working..my GI is going to want to switch to Cimzia but it really freaks me out.

As it is whenever I get shots or IV's I can't look at the nurses when they do them.  I have to have my eyes shut and I can't close my eyes if I give myself a shot.

Also, I know everyone says it gets easier...but trust me, for me it won't be like that.

Any help would be appreciated. 

Posted 1/20/2012 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
I was on Cimzia for several years and always gave myself the shots very slowly. I only used the prefilled syringe not the pens. The prefilled allows you to give the injection as slow as you like. I used to give mine over 2 minutes because of my heart issues. Remember to ice the area for a few minutes before the injection to reduce any discomfort.

Cimzia was a great drug for me and it gave me remission for several years and allowed my colon to heal enough to maintain on Lialda and Rowasa alone. I had no side effects from Cimzia and the shots were easy!

Good luck!

Posted 1/20/2012 3:48 AM (GMT 0)
You could do a slow stab, but it would hurt. The reason to do a fast stab or "dart" is because the needles are very sharp and it makes it easier to go into the skin. The fast dart doesn't hurt at all. If you think you could do it yourself, maybe you can get some needles (unused insulin needles) and practice on an orange. A nurse once told me that in nursing school they practice on oranges before people because the skin gives the same kind of feel as human skin.

OR... if you just can't bring yourself to do it, do you have someone who would be willing to do it for you? I just can't do it. Can.Not.Do.It. Tried it. Did it once. Failed on the 2nd time- ended up pushing the needle so slowly through my skin that it hurt. I figured, why torture myself? So... my husband does it for me and he shoots me in the fatty part of the back of my arm so I don't have to watch. Do you have a significant other, family member, coworker, friend who could do that for you?
Posted 1/20/2012 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
I am right there with you...my first dose of Cimzia arrived this morning. I have always had a fear of needles, but the fear has subsided a bit after being pregnant and being on Remicade (so many blood draws, i.v.s, etc.) However, self-injecting is a whole other ballgame! I just realized it's 2 shots as well...sigh. I keep pulling it out of the fridge to look at the needle and then put it back in. I am going to have my husband try to administer it this weekend, but I feel like he may enjoy it a tad too much (payback for nagging him turn)
Posted 6/30/2012 5:02 AM (GMT 0)
Man I just gave myself the second two shots and I think I am gonna have to have the nurse give it to me from now on. I just doubted myself the whole time and I don't think I had the needle far enough in when I injected the second one. I need a pen. Humira was a lot easier. I am just praying I won't have any side effects with this. I had horrible side effects with Humira and I didn't have a great time with Imuran either.
Posted 6/30/2012 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
The Cimzia shots are tricky for sure. Do you have the video they send to help you through it? After I was trained by a nurse, I watched the video and then before every shot, I read through the instructions that come with every dose. The Humira pen is way easier, for sure. I can't speak to the side effects, I had none with Humira(just didn't work for me at all) except for several sinus infections that I still get with Cimzia as well. Hope it works for you.
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