Should I worry about an Enbrel site reaction?
Okay, I've never posted a question. I just clicked on the box & I already feel like I'm whining...
I switched to Enbrel 6 weeks ago. After the 3rd shot, small reaction, itchy. With each consecutive shot, it is worse. This time, the reaction was really soon, after only 10 minutes and is very big, thick, and hot. Is there any danger of a more drastic reaction?? So far just the injection site.
Thanks for any help, Kelly
Kelly, sounds like we both started Enbrel at about the same time. I hope it works for you! It's been a godsend for me thus far.
I had the same thing occur. Worse reaction each time and then a funny thing happened. Previous injection sites would react...it's like they were communicating with each other! I read the literature and called Amgen's Enliven hotline and talked to a nurse. Injection site reactions are the most common side effect (almost 1/2 of patients experience them). They say that in the vast majority of people, the reactions get better over time and are not enough to make people stop taking Enbrel. I used cortisone and benedryl creams to relieve the itch. My reactions eventually went away. In fact, I just injected two hours ago and I can't even tell! I hope that happens for you also. If not, call your doctor.
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When I was on Enbrel, I got injection site reactions, as well - it's quite common. However, it would probably be a good idea to run it by your rheumatologist, especially since the reaction is escalating. If you don't have other symptoms, is likely not a problem, but it's always a good idea to be safe.
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Kelly Young
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 09:41 PM
Thank you Lene.
It is a lot better today.
However, if the next one continues to escalate, I know that you are correct...
If I had a Rheum dr. who cared, I would have called already.
I am in the waiting period right now to get into a new office where hopefully it will be better. We call this guy Dr. Scoff because that's what he does to all of my test results, or symptoms, etc.
Y'gotta try to laugh. or else you only cry.
Glad to meet you , Lene.
Lene Andersen
Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 11:29 AM
I've noticed your answers and comments around the site and we're very happy to have another active and supportive user here - welcome to the family!
Your daughter sounds awful. It makes me so mad that people with RA so often have to work so hard to find a doctor who cares and who listens. It's a disgrace.
If you're worried about the injection site reaction, you could, as Andrew did, contact the Enliven program, just to get their point of view on it. They'd probably be less likely to scoff than your doctor would. I hope you find a better doctor soon - please let us know how things go.
I have been on Embrel for 6 weeks now for psoriatic arthritis. I developed an injection site only after my 4th injection. I have the auto injector, is anyone else using this? I wasn't sure if this was the reason why I was getting a reaction. First time it was the size of a golf ball, second size of a grapefruit this last time size of a small watermelon. Though it does go away after 5 days, but then 2 days later I am due for my next injection. I hope this resolves itself...Let me know if anyone else is experiencing such.
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Kelly Young
Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Oh, MY! That is the most extreme reaction I've heard of. Please, call the Enbrel Enliven team who give patient support. The number is on the literature and packaging. And if it's that bad, have you told your doc?
Usually, the site reactions do get worse for a while. Then they get better - if you get accustomed to the medicine. But, for some people, they develop an allergy to something in the med. So, tell the docs what is up. They may want to peek at it. You could call and say, "It's this big. Do you want me to stop by and show you?"
Hope that helps some. It's good you are looking for answers. We have to educate ourselves about such complicated diseases as RA and PA. Good luck.
Kelly
http://rawarrior.com/2009/10/psoriatic-arthritis/
Kelly Young
Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 11:06 PM
I wanted to update my own Enbrel status here. I wrote a blog to explain the whole thing, but the bottom line is that, eventually, I had to quit Enbrel for 2 reasons. First, it never worked well enough on my tough as nails RA. Second, I developed rashes and hives that would not subside, but just got worse. You can read more of the story here.
I know Enbrel works wonders for thousands, so nothing personal. ;D
HEY-thank you andrew.
feel a little less scared-
bet there is a name for that old ISR's swelling also.
have heard that before.
We shall see. Yeah, benedryl cream that's what I did. Last thing I need is to put anti-histimine in my system with this fatigue...
c ya - Kelly
www.rawarrior.blogspot.com