I just started Enbrel - did my 2nd injection yesterday and woke to raised rashes on both sites. I inject on upper thigh. The worst of them is from last week strangely enough. It’s just larger in size .
I understand this is common to possibly have an allergic reaction at the injection site but what can be done about it. When do I get concerned. No fever, sites are sorta warm to touch, tender but not itchy.
Anyone experience this early on after starting?
Did you use the wipes? I had a reaction to them so don’t use them now. But it was just around the injection site affected not a rash anywhere else. Obviously you should consult your medical team if it is bad or gets worse, it might be a good idea to check with them anyway to be sure and so they are aware.
I used alcohol wipes to clean area for injection . That’s all. Will keep an eye on my them both. Thanks for your reply.
Yes that’s the ones I mean. I was told not to use them again and it stopped but ask your nurse 😊
I had a reaction to the alcohol wipes. I use cotton balls instead.
You can use an anti histamine to calm it down, but do consult your rhumi team.
I'm on enbrel and I was told to tell them of any injection site reaction. I was also told not to use the alcohol wipes, I always inject after I've had a shower.
Yes I did many years ago. Could be the wipe (wasn’t in my case) or maybe some steroid cream could help. (Mine was itchy sore red raised and I was on the original Enbrel product) Ask the rheumy. 🙏🏻Hope all goes well.
I had small site reactions at the start. They gradually progressed in size until they were almost dinner plate size and wrapping around my thighs. I ended up on anti histamine tablets all the time. Obviously this wasn't a great place to be. My biologics nurse suggested I switch from the ready made pens to the injections I make up myself as some people have a reaction to the preservative in the pens. I haven't had a problem since I switched. The bonus is it's also normally pain free as it isn't a stabby process like the pens, I can gently wiggle the needle in. Might be worth talking to them if the issue persists or gets worse. Enbrel gave me my life back so I hope it works for you too.
Thanks for everyone’s comments. I woke this am to both legs increasing a lot in size. Waiting for my rheumatologist to call me back as to where to go from here . Wipes u r all referring to ? I used an packaged alcohol wipe to clean area before the injection. I won’t give myself an injection ever without sterilizing the area. I had a high fever last night and it was difficult to stand and walk on both legs easily this am. I called into work bc I stand and walk a lot. Thanks again for everyone’s comments. I’m hopeful I can still be on Enbrel bc methotrexate didn’t work for me and I’m back to where I was bc of going off the metho. I hurt all over now. I just want some relief and know that it will take some time before I start to feel anything from Enbrel.
When I first started injecting Enbrel,I got a site reaction (sounds pretty much the same as you describe) but after a while it stopped reacting and now I rarely get a site reaction.
Good to know. Thanks
per Dr. she’s taking me off Enbrel bc it’s systemic reaction to Enbrel and not a localized rash. She’s suggesting Humira or Cimzia ? Anyone have experience with either of these. The approval authorization, copay and all steps that went into getting Enbrel was huge! So not looking forward to doing this all over again. Feeling very discouraged!!
I moved very swiftly form Enbrel to a Humira in 2013 and hope it’s swifter for you this time. My leg was a mess with red soreness and hurting and was a huge circle reaction and although Enbrel started to work (like magic after two hours) it stopped after 5 weeks and I went rapidly downhill. Good luck with what you try next. 🙏🏻
So sorry to hear that. I too hope that whatever she puts me on I can start. We all know these meds don’t just kick in right away. Bummer!! I need relief yesterday! 
Some of the anti TNFs can work fast for some people, but we never know how long it will take to feel the benefit for each of us. I hope you’re soon on something that works well for you.
I had the same reaction to the wipes ,I found using an antihistamine cream about 10 to15 minutes before stopped it happening.
I have been on Enbrel for two years and was fine until about six months ago when I got the same reaction. I was told I had become allergic to the preservative in the pen. I now have the injections that are a bit more completed but certainly worth it. I feel Enbrel gave me life. Good luck with your journey.
Enbrel injections- more painful than usual
What's the experience on here of enbrel injection site reaction? Got a small rash 5 days after second injection on both sites
