Drug injection site reaction

[jaye-london]

Hi all,

I started Kevzara/Sarilumab in May. I have to inject once a fortnight. First two injections went fine. Third one I got a bit of a reaction at the injection site... red, itchy (very!) area about 2 inches diameter. I just had my fourth dose this week and injection site is even worse this time... about 6 inches diameter swollen, red and itchy.

I've been taking oral antihistamine (Piriton) in the hope it might help, but doesn't appear to be. Have tried putting ice on the affected area and also steroid ointment I have for eczema, but they don't help either. Not sure what to do. Will ask the pharmacist later when shop opens, but wondered if anyone has any tips?

Will also ring and let RA department know. This is my last biologic they're trying on me so I'm hoping it will help with RA (not yet).... but beginning to worry that my body might not cope with the side effects.

Any tips for dealing with a reaction at injection site?

Thanks.

[Gilliancheche]

I am due to start a biologic shortly, and they did ask me if I was allergic to latex as there is some involved in the injection packaging or something. Perhaps this is what is causing your problem. Hope RA department can solve this for you

[bradfordjoanna]

When on methotrexate developed similar reaction. Nurse suggested some people allergic to alcohol swab So started to inject after shower ( let air dry so v clean ) No problems. Ask Nurses I think. Good luck

[Neonkittie17]

Hi, this info from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) says no natural latex.

The primary packaging material for both PFS and PFP is the bulk PFS. Bulk PFS consists of a borosilicate type I glass syringe barrel (with inner lubrication with silicone oil) equipped with a stainless steel staked needle, protected by a soft elastomeric needle shield (SNS), and an elastomeric plunger stopper (polystyrene). The SNS is made of a styrene-butadiene elastomeric formulation and does not contain dry natural rubber, natural latex rubber or any of its derivatives. The choice of the container closure system is considered acceptable for the type of product and adequate to provide protection from microbial contamination.

PFS is the pre filled syringe. PFP is pre filled pen.

[Julied24]

Hi Jaye,

I’ve been on Sarilumab (Kevzara) for almost 2 years now. Like yourself I initially had a lot of local skin reactions but over time my skin got used to it and it gradually improved. I used to take paracetamol for the pain and use a small amount of savlon around the area.

It’s a common side effect of Sarilumab but I’ve also found that I’ve less localised reactions as my injection technique improved. I count for a good 15 seconds once the injection pen clicks that it’s empty and before I remove the needle and that’s made a big difference.

But my RA team did tell me to contact them if the reactions were bad so I’m hoping you’ve heard back from your team by now.

Hope it settles for you 😊👍

[jaye-london]

Thanks for the replies. The reaction is calming down now. Still itchy, but not nearly as inflamed as it was. It's weird, as I've tried so many RA drugs and never had any kind of adverse reaction... then again, nor did any help (except prednisolone)... so perhaps it's a positive sign.

I used to do some other injectable (can't remember which... I've been on so many drugs), so am used to self injecting with the prefilled pen. I know it's not technique or allergy to alcohol swabs, latex or such. Biggest concern is if my body will react even more to the next dose in a couple of weeks. I guess I'll soon find out!