Anti Tnf Injections

[SALI]

I am being considered for anti tnf when I next visit consultant. Can these be done by injection pen or is it by needle. I am a bit of a baby when it comes to injections, although my husband has offered to do them. What is the usual frequency?

[dorisd]

Hi, I have been on anti tnf for about 18months now. They can be done either way.The pen is my personal preference. Like yourself i dont like injections either. They are taken weekly. Hope this helps.

[SALI in reply to dorisd]

Hi, and thanks for that. Will push for the pen option. Still all a bit confusing and scarey. Sometimes I think I am missing a link with this disease and don't understand all the medical speak.

[Hidden in reply to SALI]

Hi Sali, Fear not, it is so simple, and you will even get to liking the pen, because it makes you better. Some of the anti-tnfs are taken twice a month, some, like Simponi, just once a month. Almost always with Methotrexate, they were designed to work together. Goood luck! Loret xx

[cathie]

I wrote a couple of long things about this. I have the infusion every 8 weeks but some ant tnfs are injectible weekly. They'll monitor you carefully. I gradually improved a lot less pain more mobility.

So good luck xxx

[SALI in reply to cathie]

Thanks for reply. Am still new to site and will keep searching questions and answers pages. Still all a bit overwhelming for me - don't quite know what has hit me!

[Hidden in reply to SALI]

It is a big, overwhelming situation, but the more you live with it, you will get to know more about it all. Try not to wqorry, and stay in touch right here! Loret xx

[cathie]

I put a long blog on anti-tnf about a month ago. If you look at my name under the directory you might find it as I don't do t hat many. Good luck, there are lovely people on this site and you should feel free to ask anything.

And as for feeling lost - I agree. I resisted learning more about the disease as a way of not facing up to it, but I'm learning.

Cahie

[cherry2]

Im on cimzia- 1 year now, its an injection but only every two weeks, which i still dont really like doing but it really only does take about 10 seconds and it is out weighed by the benefits. You'll be fine. When you know if its going to happen and which one look back through all the questions and blogs as we have shared quite a bit of info about anti tnf's in the past. You must be in quite a sorry state if you are being considered so make sure the consultant see you for how it is- dont put on a brave face and remember that you then will have to be assessed by 2nd person- often the nurse 6 weeks later -so it can feel like quite a long process.Check out healthtalkonline.org where you can listen to consultants and patients talking about anti- tnf- you may find that useful. Good luck, x

[Hidden in reply to cherry2]

Hi Cherry

I've had my 1st loading dose of cimzia and 1wk on I have an all over rash; I have to wait for consultant to agree to let me have 2nd dose next wk. Do you have any bothersome side effects? Is this your 1st TFN drug? Thanks for any info......Kath

[cherry2 in reply to Hidden]

Hi, yes cimzia my 1st ant tnf. I didnt get a rash apart from large white patches on my thighs near the injection site. Its always such a pain being certain what causes rashes, presume youve made sure you havent used anything else new in the past week- shower gel etc. The side effect im now experiencing is some twitching to one side of my face and a wierd vibrating/ tingling on the other side of my body, awaiting a neuro assessment end of march- but they are always reluctant to take you off the drugs if you have generally responded well as i think im right in saying that you are only allowed to try two.

Let us know what the consultant decides, best wishes, x

[Charlie36]

I was on anti-tnf by injection. It really was no problem at all and the spare tyre finally came into its own! I gained enormous benefit on enbrel and was devestated when I had to come off the programme. I gather the pen now available is a huge improvement on the injection anyway. Best of luck with it. Try not to worry to much, it's really not difficult or painful and you will be advised how to do it by an expert I'm sure.

Charliex

[Sam59]

Hi Sali

I have been taking Humira for some time now as a fortnightly injection (pen). Sometimes it stings a little and get the odd small bruise or itching. I too have issues with needles but as others have said the benefits out way that. The spare tyre does help! A nurse came to my home to show me how to use the pen and answer any questions I had. Good luck with it all.

Samx

[sarahwhitk]

I take Enbrel by injection once a week in my stomach. it is easy to do (I hate needles too), but would rather do it myself (rather than my husband) as I need to do it slowly, for me it stings a little if done too fast.

you will need to have a section of your fridge for it as it needs to kept cold, this was my only worry as I have children who help themselves to snacks, I did talk to them about it and they have never touched them in 2 years.

I do feel better with this injection than without it, go for it and don't worry too much it is fine once you get going and gain confidence with it. x

[Hidden]

When you are due to take your first injection(usually by pen) a nurse will come over and demonstrate how to do it. The best place for me is just above the knee as there's less chance of the needle bouncing off the site when you press the plunger. Its true there is a little sting but it only lasts a short while. You will get confident with these injections in no time at all and feel the benefit of greater mobility but this does take time.

All the best from Jezza

[muffin]

I have been on anti tnf for 8 years - it's wonderful. I have it by weekly injection, a nurse came to show me what to do and it is easy, and doesn't hurt. I believe there is a small pen type now, but the difference it makes to me I would happliy use a knitting needle to get the results I have had.

I take mine weekly, but there is an alternative of once a fortnight and monthly and these are done by infustion at the local hospital.

Muffin

[Hidden in reply to muffin]

and now, Simponi is a once a month injectable. very easy to use, prefilled syringe. Easy to forget the dose, so I make it the first of each month.