Enbrel needles

[samuffin]

I have been on Enbrel plus methatrexate for 3 years and it has transformed my life and I am so grateful that I am on it. But has anyone over the last few months had any problem with blunt needles?

[Peapod]

Hi samuffin, I have been on Enbrel since moving to Spain 16 months ago, I have noticed that the last couple of months I have been having trouble with the needles, but just thought it was my hands!!!

My husband has said he thought the needles were blunt, not good, we have enough problems without having problems with the medication.

Here's hoping its just a faulty batch.

[magglen]

I havent had any problem with blunt needles. Do complain to Enbrel. I have always found them very helpful

[samuffin in reply to magglen]

I did contact them about 6 weeks ago but as they had no other comments from other users they made a note but that was it, understandably! I put the question up in case there were others who had just thought it was their hands. One person has replied but I will wait to see how many more there are. Problem is 2 or even 3 out of a box are fine and usually just one that practically requires a good run up!

I will only go back to Enbrel if there are a number of comments but thank you for the reply.

[muffin]

Yes, I thought it was just me having problems. I take enbrel the old way with a syringe not the new method and sometimes it really hurts when I try to put the needle in, and I actually move site to see if it is any better, but it never is. My RA Consultant told me to inject in by tummy, as low as possible, as there are fewer nerves there.

Muffin.

[samuffin in reply to muffin]

Coincidence your user name muffin and mine Samuffin!!

My husband gives me my injection because when I first started taking it my fingers were unreliable. I therefore know that it isn't just me and I do grit my teeth so that he isn't aware that one time is more painful than another. It wasn't until I saw him inspecting the needles that I realized that he could tell the difference as well.

We will try tummy. Thank you.

samuffin

[magglen]

Muffin I am interested to know what is the new way of taking Enbrel? I only know about sc injections, I find them painful unless they go into my tummy fat. Can't reach my bum though I have tried! I don't have any fat on my legs so avoid that area.

[Victoria-NRAS Partner Moderator NRAS]

Hi Magglen

Enbrel can be taken by syringe or a special injector pen called 'Myclic'. You can read a piece acout this from 2009 on our website:

nras.org.uk/about_rheumatoi...

Kind regards

Victoria

[marti]

I'm so glad you posted this, I was being to think I was imagining it, a couple of months ago I had a whole box that really hurt when injecting my husband thought the needles looked blunt. Thankfully my last few boxes have al been fine but I will mention it when scheduling my next delivery.