Injection Reaction

[conniegraham]

hi everyone,

I’ve been on the tocilizumab injection for over 12 weeks now and for the last 3 injections I’ve been having reactions the size of a table spoon on the injection site. It goes almost 3D and very red, hot and sore.

Is there any advice on how I can stop this?

[allanah]

Report it to your rheumy helpline as you may be having a local reaction.

However also do you use an alcohol wipe on your skin pre injection. Some peoples skin dont like them so washing instead of using the wipe can help.

But it could also be your technique so call whoever showed you how to inject too. Just some ideas xx

[conniegraham in reply to allanah]

Thank you, very helpful

[Silverpixie]

I never use an alcohol wipe, just inject after my shower. I'd speak to your rheumy team. Tocilizumab has been life changing for me after 4 other biologics didn't work. Hope you get this resolved

[conniegraham in reply to Silverpixie]

yes I spoke to the rheumy team and they suggested no alcohol wipe but it still reacted !

so glad that tocilizumab seems to be your miracle drug!

[Glitterbug00]

I switched from toc infusions to injections at the start of lockdown and got a reaction just like you describe. The weird thing was it wasn’t every time for me. I found an ice pack and calamine lotion cooled it down. But then I read a post from someone here suggesting keeping the pen pressed in for a bit longer after the injection to stop any toc getting on the skin. And, touch wood, I haven’t had a reaction since! But obviously I’m not a medic and agree you should check with your rheumatology nurse in case it’s a more serious reaction 😀

[conniegraham in reply to Glitterbug00]

Thank you this is very helpful! the things that the rheumy team told me to do didn’t work so I’ll try this next week

[Tiggytiger88 in reply to conniegraham]

I have had a skin reaction from the very start of using toc injections. Much worse on my legs so now always inject into stomach. Have tried all the mentioned techniques but still get a red hot burning rash about 4 ins square but it subsides after 3 days. I treat with hydrocortisone cream as rec by Rheumatology nurse. Anti histamine tablets helped in the first instance but now I tolerate without. Tocilizumab helps me so much that I feel it's worth carrying on.

[conniegraham in reply to Tiggytiger88]

oh gosh that’s so rubbish! that’s what I keep getting, I’ll deffo look into that hydrocortisone cream thank you ! Hope you find a solution to the reactions soon x

[Paisley58]

I had the same reaction. I would try not using the alcohol wipes to clean the area, that seemed to work for awhile but eventually it started to happen again. I was then given antihistimines by my GP which I would take before I had to inject which stopped this from happening but then I began developing other symptoms so I had to stop because it turned out I was allergic.

if the situation doesn't improve I suggest you speak to your Rheumy, hope it settles soon.

[conniegraham in reply to Paisley58]

Thank you for your reply! Sorry to hear that you've bee having reactions too, but I will definitely stop using the alcohol wipes and see if that helps me!