Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives Anti TNF and other biological medications Starting to have reactions to Enbrel - others?

So 4 weeks of Enbrel, and it's virtually like flipping a switch - my pain is nearly entirely gone!! I'm very pleased with it so far. However (there's always a however, isn't there?) I'm getting increasing red swollen itchy injection sites. The first time it took a week and just got splotchy red, but it's increasingly worse such that this weeks was a red itchy lump almost the size of my palm by the next day. I know this is normal, but what do I do about it? Is it likely to keep getting worse? I will probably call the support number or my nurse but I wanted to hear from the masses.

Also, my pain is virtually non-existent most of the week, except for the day after the weekly injection, and a little bit the day after that, then nothing, with no clear other reason why. Is this normal? Is the first shot wearing off and the next one not quite working yet? Experiences appreciated.

Overall, I'm a happy girl. I hit the treadmill the other day for a hard core walk (4 mph - I haven't moved like that in forever!) and was a little beaten up the next day, but overall great.

Thanks!
Sarah

Hello Sarah, I had these at the beginning of my Enbrel routine. Cleared up by itself after a week or so. Did you get 'the hives' too? I did and that cleared up too.

Enbrel, as a few others here have strongly stated, has given me comfort and freedom from some pain......a definite yes vote for Enbrel.

That kind of reaction is common. You might try some antihistamine before the injection.

My nurse recommended taking a little Benadryl prior to the shot. That may help you. My allergic reactions involved my heart, so the Benadryl didn't help me, but the Enbrel wasn't working any miracles either though so I am SO glad it is working for you. I would not worry about small injection site reactions, those are very normal/expected from all they told me. If you are concerned at all, your nurse or the Enbrel care line can answer any of your questions. They were always good help for me.

Yay for you having it work!! I am stuck with using diet since I am allergic to the biologics, dang it! (wink wink) I really am grateful to have the knowledge about the diet. Really. HOnest. Most of the time! (nodding)

Hey Sarah i will do my 6th shot in two days make sure you clean site well & wash your hands.i've had no site reactions[lucky me,wish you didn't].enbrel best thing since the DVR.i can sleep,not as much pain,move,ect ect.

Tommy P.
P.S.best of luck

don't scratch !

isr's are very, very common...sometimes you'll have clear skin and six or seven old injections sites will pop out at ya.

my rheumy is convinced that probably half are bruises caused by beginners' facility with syringe or lack thereof. he also said it is a sign your body is reacting to the enbrel- a good thing.

keep shootin'

I get an itchy injection site most times after injecting. My shot always wares off two days before my next shot but better to have 5 good days and 2 bad than 7 bad.


Kevin

Hey thanks guys. Kevin, when yours wears off, how long after the next shot does it kick in? Just curious. Trying to figure out how this is all going to be. I was SO excited just to push a heavy grocery cart around the store and parking lot yesterday - it's the little things, right?! Previously that was agony for me. I can also get in and out of a car with one leg at a time, and lift up one foot, bend over and put on my shoe - I'm sure many of you know what I'm talking about! Everyone else just looks at me funny when I win these small battles.

Thanks for the support!

wait till you discover you can walk in stride in a straight line.

if you're running out before next dose...in the us there is enbrel in 25ml dosage for twice a week use. AND some doctors looking at this spacing question will write a a script for two 50's in a week for a short period to get you 'over the hump' as you become accustomed to the enbrel magic.

I take mine at night before bed and it is kicking in by the morning. Although I must say a lot of my pain and fatigue is because of the damage I have and the Enbrel doesn't work on all of my pain.

Kevin