Cimzia injection - icing before injection? Legs or stomach?

Has anyone iced your leg before Cimzia syringe injections? I have to give myself my first injection & am a bit nervous. I was on humira before and had no problem with the pen (it was easy and pain free), but the Cimzia hurts like heck and the thought of hurting myself makes me worried I’ll want to pull the needle out. Any tips to make it hurt less?

Also do you prefer legs or stomach and why? I haven’t tried stomach (also freaks me out).

I know I’m just psyching myself out and will be fine once I do it the first time but still.

[sjhewitt42]

Hi I used to take Cimzia injections for 5 years and I totally understand how you feel. I preferred doing them into my stomach as it’s much softer. You need to leave the injection out first to get it up to room temperature as it will sting more if you don’t.

Maybe have someone to help you? They could put the needle in and you could push down syringe?

It’s hard at first because you know what’s coming but I think the thing that got me to do it was the fact that it really was a wonder drug for me and gave me my life back through some of my thirties. Good luck. Sarah xx

[Hidden in reply to sjhewitt42]

Glad to hear it helped you!! Thanks for the advice. I will definitely let it get to room temp.

[Scottishlad]

The Cimzia needle is so fine that I rarely feel it going in. Make sure that the syringe is out of the fridge for 30 mins to allow it to come to room temperature and it won't sting as the Cimzia goes in.

I use the belly as I don't have much fat on my legs and the Cimzia ends up in the muscle rather than subcutaneous as intended. I got a slight injection site reaction when injecting into my thighs.

[stbernhard]

Hello Jennt, I find that if I jab the needle quite forcefully and very quickly in a smooth action, there is no pain at all. It can happen that you catch a small nerve or blood vessel. That can sting a bit for a while. CIMZIA worked wonders for me. I hope it will do the same for you.

[Moomin8]

I use a pen injection for Cimzia. I do it in my stomach- it's fine tbh. Try not to worry, but definitely leave it to get to room temperature.

[RAscotia]

I have found stomach much less painful than legs. I leave the drugs out of the fridge for 45mins to warm up a bit. I don’t feel the needle, but it is sore when the liquid is going in for about 15 seconds max. I’ve never tried icing my stomach but would be interested to know if it helps. Good luck.