I have been on Betaseron for 2 months. My injection sites are red and itch. Is this normal, and should I do anything about itl?
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Q: My injection sites are red and itch for about a week. What should I do
Answers (3)
3/11/09 4:41pm
Hi Cellis!
This seems to be one of the possible side effects to taking Betaseron of having site injection reactions. But you do want to make sure that you call your doctor to tell him or her that this is happening. If you are having any other symptoms such as having difficulty breathing you want to call immediately.
I am going to give you tons of information so get ready!
First of all you probably want to visit the Betaseron offical web site to read about this side effect and what they recommend.
And here on MS Health Central we have a page dedicated to discussing side effects of this medication and recommendations of what to do about them.
One of our patient experts here has also written an article about how to avoid these injection site reactions. You may read Lisa's article here.
And finally here is a message board where other MS patients talk about how they deal with injection site issues when taking Betaseron. You may find that forum here.
If you still have questions please come back and let us know. Thank you for your question!
3/11/09 10:02pm
Hi Cellis,
I don't use Betaseron, but instead use Copaxone. In addition to the article Merely Me recommended, I want to suggest a few things.
Have you experimented with different injection depths? Sometimes adjusting this can help to alleviate some of the site reactions. Deep enough under the skin to avoid burning and lumps, but not so deep as to risk hitting a muscle.
After the injection is complete, trying using something on the skin such as Tucks, witch hazel, or Arnica Gel. I've even heard of somebody using Benadryl spray on the area.
Finally, do not hesitate to call a BetaPlus Nurse who might have Betaseron-specific suggestions for you. Call BETAPLUS at 1-800-788-1467.
Thanks for your question.
3/12/09 11:02am
I use Beta and they sent me some little ice packs that I can freeze over and over again. Try using them on your injection site once you have injected yourself. See if this helps. Make sure that you are injecting the meatiest part when you inject. Do you rotate sites. I do my stomach, left & right, my thighs left and right. my but left and right, then I start over. I stopped doing my arms because it hurt boo hoo! My choice! Now I still bruise but that is just the fact of the business. I hope that this helps you out.
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By Cellis13— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 03/11/09
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