Depomedrone injections: how often?

[girli1111]

In the uk, is there guidance for how often these steroid injections can be given? I had one in July, and previously one years ago. In my mind I recall being told I shouldn’t have more than a couple a year.... but now I’m wondering if I’ve made that up? It gave me great relief in July, just as I started methotrexate, felt like a miracle, but I’m now feeling worse than ever. Not sure whether to seek further meds or not... I’m next in clinic in March, any advice welcome, thanks

[helixhelix]

My rheumy allowed me 3 a year....

[girli1111 in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks, that makes me think I didn’t imagine it then! Do you actually have them that often? Am I right in thinking the ‘risk’ is osteoporosis?

[helixhelix in reply to girli1111]

I only had 3 in the first year. Since then I've not needed them very often - perhaps once every 18 months?

I think osteoporosis is a risk if you have a full dose injected every 6 weeks. But I think main risk is to subcutaneous layers, and buttock muscles and so on, and also it can create dimples where you inject. Here in France my hospital will not give steroids by intermuscular injection as they say too risky re BP fluctuations, but have given me infusions of the same dose. Go figure. Who knows what's real and what's not and is just local custom.

[girli1111 in reply to helixhelix]

Ha! I think dimples in my buttocks are the least of my problems right now!

[Neonkittie17 in reply to girli1111]

Kenalog gave me some muscle atrophy on ze butt and dimpling, but it worked its way back into shape and disappeared. The nurse told me Depomedrone was less likely to do that so the last couple I had a few years back didn't dimple.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to helixhelix]

I have my right knee injected about every 8 months. It's the only thing I have had to have injected in years as it swells massively behind and over the top front despite no active RA but In the past I had to have quite a lot to be able to move. They told me no more than 3 into the same joint in 12 months. Obviously when you need them you need them 😐 x

[Nettac]

I've had three a year. Doc says no more than that. If you've only had one I'd ask for another if you're struggling.

They don't last long for me, and don't get rid of all the pain, but I'm grateful for them nonetheless.

[Barrister]

My hospital has said one every three months. I’ve had quite a few injections in the past 18 months, due to shoulder pain and more widespread joint pain and have just been diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency, due, my endocrinologist has said, because of the steroid injections. So I now have to take hydrocortisone every 4-6 hours for the rest of my life. So be aware! I have to say though, that I believe that I have adrenal antibodies and that would mean it’s actually autoimmune ( still waiting for the antibody results).

Clemmie

[girli1111 in reply to Barrister]

Sorry, do you mean the adrenal insufficiency is likely to be autoimmune? I feel somewhat overwhelmed by how complicated this all is!

[Barrister in reply to girli1111]

If it’s primary then it is caused by adrenal antibodies, secondary is often caused by steroid use ( eg for asthma, arthritis etc). My Endo believes mine has been caused by steroid use but still waiting for antibody results so it may change to primary.

Clemmie

[Downtime]

I understand you can have 3 or 4 per year. I had 2 general depo ones last year and 2 in my hips for bursitis. The depo ones only lasted 6 to 8 weeks but certainly made me feel normal for a while! Sorry to hear about your adrenal insufficiency, that’s a worry. How does it affect you?

[girli1111 in reply to Downtime]

I don’t have adrenal insufficiency - we’ll, not as far as I know, but I’m wary of it as I do seem to have quite a few symptoms in common with it. After a terrible night I’m getting myself off to gp to ask for another injection, needs must, can’t go on like this! Thanks for replying

[vivgibbs]

well done you 😊 get help from someone if you can't cope

[girli1111 in reply to vivgibbs]

Thank you, saw gp, had regular bloods taken, and injection has Been ordered for tomorrow.