Started Humira today..

[Zebrina]

I had a colonoscopy about 2 weeks ago and I found out that my Pentasa wasn't working for me and I was flaring so they switched my medicine to Humira. I had to do the tb test about a week ago. So today I had to give myself the four shots... Ouch!!!! I'm very scared of needles but I guess I'll have to get over that. I was just wondering if it's normal to bruise? I put them in my thigh and three were fine but one is bruised looking. Is that normal? Also do you guys like Humira? Any tips? Thanks so much

 

[theOcean]

Did you go too low/too close to your hip in the leg that bruised? I did that once and it seemed I accidentally injected in the muscle and it bruised pretty badly.

Otherwise I also sometimes get bruises because I get injection site reactions to Humira, which are annoying but aren't indicative of allergy so they aren't anything to worry about.

Are you using the pre-loaded pens or the syringes?

 

[Orchid]

Yeah, sometimes you get bruises. I've heard the autopens are especially rough because of all the force they use and trying syringes instead may help.

 

[Darmora]

I use Humira pen and inject in thigh. Small bruise once. I bruise way worse - every week in stomach from methotrexate injection.

 

[Zebrina]

I use the pre loaded pens!

 

[JenLyn]

It helps to let it sit out of the fridge for about 20 minutes right before the injection with the pre loaded pens so it doesn't bruise as much. Sometimes it helps with the pain too

 

[badbelly]

When I hit a vein or blood vessel I bruise really badly, but otherwise not so much. Good luck and hope the Humira works for you!

 

[tots]

The pens are harsh! Oh my gosh they hurt and bruise. I switched to the syringe, need so small you don't really feel it. Slight burn, not bad though.

Good luck, I am going back on it soon.


Lauren

 

[theOcean]

Like JenLyn said, it's a good idea to leave the pen out for at least half an hour or so. When it warms up I find it isn't as painful. I know some people on this site also ice or use numbing creams which can help before injecting, too!