Hi, I have been injecting the new style Metoject pens into my upper thighs. They are causing huge bruising/ injection site markings for weeks and one thigh got infected which has scarred.
I know the alternative is to inject into my belly fat but I really don’t fancy this.
I had no issues with the old style pens - completely fuss free!
Anyone else experiencing this issue?
Doing it in your stomach won’t necessarily stop that, I often bruise but I try to do the injection away from any capillaries although you can’t always see them easily. It’s just something that happens.
when I injected in thighs I injected a bit higher up.I did this for a few years then changed to stomach.I didn’t get bruising like that in thighs but I do on stomach.Now there is a short supply I am having infusions.
Is there a shortage of methotrexate
Not that I know of.sorry I thought you were on Abatacept
Sorry got confused when i saw metroject. Yes I am and there is a shortage of the devices to deliver abatacept but the actual medication is available via infusion.
I've been using the new ones for about 6 weeks. I did get a bruise on one occasion but not since then 🤞. I was sceptical about the new pens but other than one bruise have been fine. I inject in thigh like you. Regarding the infection, do you use alcohol swabs before injection? If not maybe try that. Xx
I have found the new pens easier to use and have had no problem with bruising yet, although I inject into my stomach. Used to do thighs but had more frequent bruising then with old pens.
I had a big bruise like those which lasted 2 weeks after I pressed the pen on a bit too violently. I was in a hurry and went for it more like an epipen. Its been OK when I do it more gently. I don't like the idea of injecting into my tummy either. Hope you get it sorted, it's not nice to live with bruises and feeling like a pin cushion.
I used to have this with the original ones, and seem to be better with new ones, I do it quick , one two click 5 secs and off
Oh my goodness, poor you, that’s significant bruising! I have had no bruising from new pens. Could you see your GP and ask if there is any possibility of being prescribed old-style pen or do they just not make them any more? That seems really strange. I would hate that too. I avoided injecting into belly for a long time but now I have adalimumab pens too I inject it there and it’s honestly not any more unpleasant than thighs, I don’t mind it at all. Worth trying?
I was told to do my mine much higher up, I get the occasional bruise, I would prefer to use my stomach, but I inject Humira there. X
I use my thighs to inject but I use the fatty bit at the top side, no bruising
Like Fra22-57 my first thought was the nurse showed me to inject higher up my thighs.
I'm not a fan of the new pens, I find they sting post injection. I get no problems (so far) when I use the stomach site, but I pinch the skin even though it says no need to. I can't pinch the skin on my thigh the same way.
Reckon a call to speak with the RA nurse about it , is the way to see what can be done?
Perhaps try icing the area just before injecting. I don't like injecting my thighs as it feels more painful than stomach.
Thank you so much for the helpful replies.
Someone asked if I use Alcohol wipes - I do.
I asked for the old school pens when I ordered my prescription earlier in the week…worth an ask, if no success I will inject higher up the thigh.
I have been injecting for 7 years with Metoject pens & Adalimumab no issues….but that has changed with the new style pens….not impressed unfortunately!
I also use the outside of my thighs - flabby bit! - rather than the muscle. I've got a couple of the old-style ones left but will be trying the new ones after that 🤞
That's absolutely normal, with you being a fairly skinny build you are more likely to bruise. I saw a comment suggesting alcohol swabs onto the area before injecting, I was specifically told NOT to do this as the pen will than inject into the alcohol and mix with liquid causing a reaction.
I was scared about the stomach injection too, but it is absolutely no worse pain or comfort than the leg. Slightly right or left of your belly button { I measure with 4 fingers width away from button}
Essentially the more fattier areas you shouldn't have a problem.
I often bruise but they do go after a week or so. I personally find injecting in my tummy (with metrojet) hurts less and bruises less.
I inject in my thigh, but aim for the upper area and to the side. For some reason I instinctively feel that the front of my thigh might be more vulnerable - no idea why!! The new pens gave me a bit of a fright the first time as they work straight away but I try to do it as gently as I can, expecting the sudden prang. No problems so far with the new pens.
Update….Thank you so much for the advice, I tried top right of my thigh….much better. Hopefully less bruising/scarring. Hope this post has helped someone else 😊
I get bruises just like you. I got them every time with the old style, sometimes big ones ( 1 lasted a month and left a shadow mark after that ) , sometimes small. I have smallish thighs too.With the new ones it varies. I assume its technique with me as i get more bruising on my right one and im right handed so maybe too much pressure? My rheumys advice was to find a fatty bit , but i bruise more if i do it higher up ...technique ? . I always look.for any visible veins / blood vessels under my skin so i can avoid them.
I also had a weird one where there was a yellow lump under my skin straight after, as if the liquid hadnt gone in and dispersed yet. I thought it was a bruise but it dissapeared after 15 mins ????
Bottom line, i just dislike doing it, but have to. All the best 🙂
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