Insect bites and Meds

[SarahJane926]

This may seem like a silly question but I have 3 insect bites from yesterday and am due to take biological today.. is it safe to do so? The bites are quite swollen and angry. Thanks

[helixhelix]

I am covered in bites, and take Enbrel. I keep an eye on them, and keep them clean (I sometimes use the antiseptic wipes that come with my injections since I don’t use them for that,). Try not to scratch!! I use an antihistamine cream to help me not scratch.

If the red area spreads and starts to run down a vein then time to call your doctor.

[SarahJane926 in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you, I will do just that! Good idea with the antiseptic wipes too, I didn't think of that. RA has turned me into a complete hypochondriac 😅

[helixhelix in reply to SarahJane926]

When I first started on Enbrel I created a first aid box full of antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial etc etc stuff. And got myself a new thermometer, lots of wipes, sterile solution etc etc. The main person who’s used it is OH! I’ve been fine. But good to have it in the cupboard...

[Gigi71]

After not been bitten for years I got 3 nasty bites at the weekend. I have to say I didn’t even think about not injecting my Humira today. So finger crossed🤞I did wonder however about my Infusion for osteoporosis yesterday and decided would be okay, I seem to be. More fingers crossed 🤞🤞x

[SarahJane926 in reply to Gigi71]

Me too, these bites are horrible things! I'm sure we will be okay, we'll definitely speak again if we're not 😅

[Angjoplin]

My RA makes me respond terribly to bites. They swell up and turn into blisters. With having many animals it was a regular occurrence. Even an ant bite once made my whole foot swell up.

That is until I started baricitinib. Now that my RA is finally under control I'm not over reacting to bites.

I've never stopped any meds because of bites.

If your anything like my over reaction to bites be careful keeping them clean. I used to keep the covered in savalon with salt water washes.

[MJSlide1958 in reply to Angjoplin]

Please may I ask if Baricitinib is effective? or more so than a injection biologic like Enbrel? Have you been able to compare?

[Angjoplin in reply to MJSlide1958]

I've tried embrel. Unfortunately I seem to be allergic to the preservative in all the refrigerated drugs. Had massive injection site reactions to them all. I cant really say if they work better because unfortunately I could never take more than 3 injections. Baricitinib has worked really well for me though.