This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

I have discussions with patients every day about the importance of taking all of their doses of meds. I never missed a dose of Rebif for two years. Lately, however, I find that I am skipping 2 of the three doses per week because all of my injection sites are so tender and painful. Has anyone else done this? I am feeling guilty for missing doses, and I don't want to be a bad patient, but dang....it hurts to inject now!

EyeDoc,
I have been on Rebif for 3 years now and I try to rotate 3 sites at a time and give 1 a break for a month or two. That seems to help me. Right now I can't do my stomach because I have constant inflammed, sore muscles no matter where I do the injection so I am using legs, hips and arms. I haven't missed any though mostly because I'm afraid to. I know that some people used numbing gel on the site before injection but I haven't tried this. I use a hot rag on the site before but I can't really say that helps that much. Some times they're painful, sometimes not. Maybe some others will have suggestions too. Hope it gets better for you. I myself can't wait till life without needles.

Do you put something on your injection sites to try to heal the bruising/tenderness faster? I always use arnica gel on mine, and so far my sites seem to clear up in a week or so.

I know what you mean eyedoc. I've been taking rebif for 4 years and it whether or not I get a site reaction seems to be a total crap-shoot. I can't figure out why sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. I haven't been at the stage where I'm too sore to inject when a site comes up in the rotation though.

I hate to offer any tips because I'm sure you know what you're doing. I use a cold pack before and after the injection and I massage the site for a few minutes afterwards with the cold pack on.

Have you considered changing meds?

I agree with Scooby, I'm looking forward to life without needles.

The question is "How are you injecting?, EyeDoc.

Do you warm up the serum first?

15 - 30 minutes tucked in your armpit will bring it up to more or less body temperature - less shock to the injection site.

Do you inject SLOWLY?

That little needle isn't as innocent as it looks. Any liquid forced through a small bore needle at high speed becomes a cutting torch. That in fact is the technology used by manufacturers to trim fibreglass/resin motorcyle helmets when they come out of their molds - high pressure water jets.

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Carpe Diem

I use the autoinjector that Rebif comes with. I always let the medicine warm up to room temperature, and I always massage the site afterwards.

I used to be on Avonex. but I started getting relapses so my neuro switched me to Rebif. In two years I have had no more relapses so perhaps it is doing me some good. It is only the past month that I have been skipping doses.

I know I need to pull my big boy pants on and deal with the tenderness, but sometimes it is easier to skip. In fact, I am skipping tonight's dose.

I henceforth resolve to be better about my doses!

Thank you for the advice.

EyeDoc,

I've been of Rbif a litttle over two years. I can only relate what I do, which is based on conversations with my Rebif nurse, and with people in my local MS support group.

The bottom line is, it's ok to inject anywhere on your body, so long as you have a sufficent layer of fat to stick the needle in. The medication doesn't care where it goes in, as long as it does. Myself, I have substitued my middle-aged love handles for my arms. Lots of men do this, according to my Rebif nurse. I've even heard of people using their calfs, back of the thighs, anywhere with a layer of fat.

Have you considered using a location not "approved" by the drug company? As long as it works for you, it isn't wrong.

Good Luck with a new shot location!

Jack

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RRMS since 01/07.

I have only been injecting where they told me, but this seems like very good advice. I am going to try and speak with my neuro about this at my next visit.

By the way...middle aged love handles? Nope, I have no idea what those are

Hey EyeDoc,
The only thing I would add to the discussion is that I warm the medication up to BODY temperature before injecting. It is far too painful for me at room temperature. I couldn't bear it.

Carol

How do you warm it up?

.

I agree with Jack and Oreo about how and where you inject.

I put the syringe under my arm for a few minutes or I put it near a low heat source for a few minutes like a lamp. I do not autoinject at all. It pushed the med way too fast which burns like fire. I do it manually and take my time. This makes for less pain and burning and I think a smaller red spot. I can't inject in my legs, it bruises and I limp for 2-3 weeks.

I too am ready for no needles!!

CF

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Holly - Shine On You Crazy Diamond - Pink Floyd

9/3/09 Stanford - Dr Dake - Stent in R-J to unblock Arachnoid Cyst in Sigmoid Sinus. Stent in narrowed L-J. Balloon in narrowing where R & L Jugulars meet.

Just to let everyone know, I tried Bob's suggestion of rubbing the site with a warm, wet washcloth after injection last night and the site seems less red and sore. I will try it again on Saturday and see if I get the same results.