Swelling and stretch marks at injection sites - Lubion and Clexane

[fviskcus]

I'm 5 days into injecting daily at home with Lubion and Clexane. Both are much more painful than previous injections I've had (Gonal F, Inhixia etc). My stomach is swollen on one side, and I have some small stretch marks in one particularly tender spot. It's not red or hot, so I don't think there's any infection and I don't really want to call the clinic our of hours emergency over it. But I am a bit concerned that this isn't normal? Has anyone else had this kind of swelling and pain at injection sites and should I call the clinic?

Edit 2 days later:

To combine the amazing advice I've gotten in this thread in case anyone is looking for some similar tips and tricks in the future.

Obviously this is all in addition to the medical instructions, not instead of, and are just things I've found helpful.

- gently warm the medication vial first, give it a date with your boobs while you prep all the needles

- pinch and insert as usual at an exact right angle to the skin

- inject slowly. So slowly you can barely see the movement. While you're injecting release the pinch very slowly, at the same pace so that by the time the vial is empty you're barely pinching at all

- gently re-pinch to remove the needle

- gently push down on the spot (don't rub!) for about 10-15 seconds after taking the needle out

This has all helped me hugely and I'm not longer getting painful spots at the injection site. It does itch a bit more as it's going in, but its nowhere near as painful or sore as before and the tenderness doesn't last for as long either.

You're all brilliant!

[Tir-26]

I’ve had the same issues. Would do harm to ask your clinic Nurse and they’ll show how to take them and check you over?. I found Clexane the worst! I assume you’re switching sides eg (1 day left //1 day right // up // down)done in 45º? My nurse told me to always use alcohol before the injection (not after) and do not squeeze the zone after the injection.

All the very best with your treatment and hope you get some relief from injections x

[fviskcus in reply to Tir-26]

Definitely switching sides and also using my legs now too. They're both such thick liquids! Have you found anything to relieve your symptoms?II was told to inject while still grabbing the fat (for want of a better description 😂), do you release once the needle is in but before you've injected?

[Tir-26 in reply to fviskcus]

45 degree angle helped me best and gently release the fat 😆 it would be a good idea to visit your clinic for a little help but i feel your pain!. All the best

[fviskcus in reply to Tir-26]

That's very helpful. Will see how it goes tonight and then double check with the clinic tomorrow!

[Fruitandflowers]

I didn't have clexane but was on lubion once or twice a day - they sting like crazy and especially at first I got big raised red swelling at the site of injection and it sort of travelled down my thigh. It was very painful. It gradually got better but never comfortable. I always did it on my thighs and tried to alternate but especially when I was doing it twice a day it made the whole area pretty sore and bruised. Grabbing the fat, as you say, helped with the worst of the stinging. It's probably worth checking with your clinic too just to make sure they're not concerned about your reaction.

[fviskcus in reply to Fruitandflowers]

Thank you. It really is a an unpleasant one! I think I'll call the clinic on Monday rather than have to make an emergency appointment today - the only thing that is comforting me is that it doesn't feel hot to the touch.

[Choots]

Yes! Lubion was soo painful to take and left red raised sores. What helps is heating up the Lubion against your skin for 5 minutes before injecting- i put the vial in my bra which would bring up the temperature nicely. Still hurts but much more manageable.

[fviskcus in reply to Choots]

That's a good idea, thanks very much!

[Pkm4321]

hi ya

I have the same issue. My skin I swollen and bruise at the fragmin injection site. The fragmin injections are the worst- they sting so bad. Can bend over during day as they are so sore.

After 4 days I realised it’s less painful but unsure it’s just because I have got used to it.

Sorry can’t help but least your not alone !

[fviskcus in reply to Pkm4321]

I'm sorry you're going through it too! Sending lots of painful sympathy

[Wishinandahopin]

Lubion I find stingy afterwards for a while and it gives me a weird mark for a while. Clexane is very stingy going in and then after I often get a bruise. Both are definitely the most annoying injections I’ve experienced in ivf!

Make sure to swap sides each time etc and inject in different areas.

Keep an eye and if things get worse and v hot etc then contact clinic.

Fingers crossed for you 🤞🏼❤️

[fviskcus in reply to Wishinandahopin]

Thank you

[WaitingforGabriel]

I always used ice on the area before injecting, luckily never suffered from swelling or coloration.

[Applepie7]

Hi I had this with Lubion and Clexane. I found Lubion to be very stingy so I would use ice to numb the area before injection then would rub the area gently afterwards. However Clexane was worse itvwas painful and would leave rwd patch marks and become itchy so my clinic asked me to stop using it. I hope it gets better soon. Maybe worth speaking to your clinic. Good luck.

[fviskcus in reply to Applepie7]

Thank you so much. I'm going to speak to my clinic tomorrow

[Hidden]

I’m not sure if it’s they the same thing, but I had a horrid allergic reaction to Lublin. My legs and tummy swelled up and I had to change to pessaries instead! Definitely DO NOT rub the site after injecting. I’ve popped a picture up. I hope it’s not this! It was unbearable 😢

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[fviskcus in reply to Hidden]

That looks incredibly painful. I'm so sorry you went through it. I don't think it's an allergy as thankfully I'm not itching. Just very sore.

[Purplehedgehog87]

I have lots of stretch marks so have to find open space for injections. You can use anywhere you can get a good pinch of skin, you could put cold compress on afterwards for a little bit, might help with swelling and sting.