Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives Anti TNF and other biological medications Who's on Enbrel

I think that I will ask for extra needles. That rubber just dulls the heck out of them.

I only get one month at a time....this next time they will give me 2 months....than 3.
I hope this study continues or maybe a new study. I will not be able to pay otherwise.

Betty

The Enbrel package each includes a new syringe with a needle. I noticed today that when I went to stick me with the new needle it just didn't go in. I must not have darted it hard enough into my thigh. I had to just push it hard into my skin. Next time I will dart it a bit harder so it can break the skin. The first shot was just perfect. I darted it with enough force for it to just slide in the skin. Anyway.
I also noticed that I was getting a tingling sensation into my head. Like a mild headache. I also felt pressure behind my eyes. When I closed my eyes I could see like little lightling effect inside my eyes. Anyone experience this?..
Dan

Dan,

Some needles are easy and some are not.....or else the skin is just tougher in some areas.

When I first started the Enbrel and during the first several months, I would feel a warm flush feeling in my head and upper body. It would pass quickly. This does not happen anymore. It was just in the adjustment phase. Keep us posted.

Betty

HI Betty,
Thanks for your info. I guess it's the skin. Or maybe the way I thrust the needle on my left thigh better then on my right thigh. I injected it today on my left thigh and it just went in smoothly. I still feel the same feeling in my brain and the pressure is less now on my eyes. Again I will keep you posted.

Dan

I got a package from Enbrel today which included a disposal container for needles. I was curious if everyone got one and where do you dispose of the container at???
Thanks
Louise

Well,
I have not called Enbrel to see how we can dispose of the needle/container. But I know when I was on Kineret shots(daily) I had a container full and call Kineret. They told me to call the city to see if I could dispose of them. Well to make a long story short, I couldnt find anyone that would take the container. I called the city and they told me that they used to take them but not anymore. I went to my rhuemy and they wouldnt take it. I called Kineret and they told to call the city or take them to my rhuemy. So to answer your question. I don't know but if you find out let me know. I live in Virginia, in the city of Chesapeake. So now I have a container full of the old shots plus the Enbrel container. Sorry, Good Luck

I believe if you call the Enbrel folks, they will help you with this.

Betty

Hi Dan,

I've been reading the posts on Enbrel because . . . today my doc put me on the waiting list! He says it should be the first of the year and I'll have it. (Dan, you just started -- how long from the time you were put on the list until you got the stuff?) I'm reading all these positive comments, and learning lots from all of you. THANKS! Now I just want to get started.

I had been on sulfasalazine and methotrexate, but with both my WBC went dangerously low in just a month, so I had to quit those. (I have to have a bone marrow biopsy in a month -- the doc thinks I might have a problem. My marrow just disappears so fast on these drugs. That's why ENBREL -- now worry about marrow. Yay!) Now I just have no meds for a while, while I wait. NSAIDs don't do a thing except bother my stomach, and I won't go back on prednisone. Might have to get SI injections (cortisone) to get through the next month. Also doing LSD/NSD and lots of walking in the meantime.

I'm not too nervous about injecting -- I had been injecting the methotrexate (had an ulcer recently, so no drugs in this tummy). It isn't too hard.

Oh, at the Enbrel website, they tell how to get rid of the sharps containers, get new ones, and get all the cool freebies they give away (like the cooler for traveling). And the number is . . . (here's the memory test) . . . 1-888-4ENBREL.

OK, thanks again for the info. Now the dull part -- waiting.

Patty



Left, "teacher."
Above, with daughter (Chris) in Mexico, a month before AS kicked my butt!

My cat's web page: http://www.pet-parade.com/petpages2/page.asp?id=351

Hi PattyG,
My rhuemy put me on the list last year around Oct 2001. So I was on the waiting list for one year, but that was before they opened another pharmaceutical factory in Conn. What I hear the waiting list is being approved rapidly. So I am sure you will get your Enbrel enrollment number soon. I received my letter the first week of Nov and I have injected myself four times now.
I had tried most all other NSAD drugs. My stomach was like yours, it just ache everytime I took a pill. I balch like a banchee. I had an ulcer, but I don't think I have it anymore.
I will call Enbrel when my container gets filled. When I was on Kineret shots they wouldnt know where I could dispose of my container. But I will check or call Enbrel to get them to pick up the cantainer. Thanks for the info.
I know how you feel about injecting it. The Kineret shots had an simple injector where you would see the syringe or needle and the medication already came mix in the syringe. But the Enbrel is ok. The needles are small and they don't hurt when you inject them. Just dart it fast but not too hard and the needle goes in easy. You will do OK... I was a little scared when I injected my first one. But its ok now.
Good Luck..
Dan

Betty,
When you start getting Enbrel, each package comes with the syrine filled with the diluent(1ml Sterile Bacteriostatic Water for Injection) that you inject into the Enbrel vial. So all you do is throw it away after you inject yourself. The package includes:
mixing station, alcohol wipes(2), Pre-filled diluent syringe and syringe plunger. You have to insert the syringe plunger to the diluent syringe. I don't used the mixing station. I just peel off the cap on the enbrel vial. INsert the plunger and inject the diluent into the vial. I let it mix for a few minutes. Fill the syringe and inject it in. I pinch my thigh and dart the needle in. anyway I just thought I give you all that info. Also each package box contains four applications.

GoD Bless you

Dan