Does this count as "side effects"

[Mand125]

I started on betaseron (betaferon here in UK) 2 weeks ago, so have so far injected 7 times. On nearly all the injection sites I have a slightly raised red area, approx 1 1/2 - 2 centimetres in diameter, not at all itchy or bothersome in any way. Where I did the first 2 injections I now only have very small marks, more like tiny bruises.

I suppose I am looking for someone to tell me it is ok to ignore this. I don't want to go to the doc or MS nurse and risk the drug being stopped. I had a long hard and stressful battle to get in in the first place.

Advice anyone?

Mandy

[Mand125]

Yes still here, I tend to lurk more than post.

I'm not at all worried about the injection site reactions now, they just don't look pretty but are not bothering me at all. I am excited to be on the drug and keep my fingers crossed that it will help.

As for the other thing, I just wanted you to know how much we appreciate you and the helpful information that you provide.

Mand

[Quixotic1]

I also am glad to see you are still with us!  We have several people on Betaseron and I hope they answer.  From a medical standpoint it doesn't sound like you are describing serious reactions.  As long as the areas gradually improve and don't worsen, I see no reason to worry.

Magoo's wife is on Betaseron.  He follows us pretty closely.  Maybe he'll see this.  If not we can holler out to him.

I wanted to thank you for your nice words about the information you get here.  I am very glad it is helpful to your friend.

Hope to hear from you more often!

Quix

[Mand125]

Hi Shell

I'm still getting reactions but nothing more than raised red lumps and the occasional bruise.
I phoned the drug people last week and asked if I can have one of the betaject "comfort" injectors, I feel I have never really got to grips with the one I am using - I think it's called betaject lite. When I phoned the lady said that many people were saying the same thing. - They are going to send me the comfort injector.
I wonder if anyone else on the forum has come across this?

[sllowe]

Hi Mandy,

Just seeing if you were still with us!

How are you feeling w/your injection site reactions now?

Check in if you can,
-Shell

[Mand125]

Hi Shelly
I had about 14 yrs of "mild". Which basically meant that I never really felt right but was never bad, mostly sensory symptoms and a lot of fatigue. The only time I saw the neuro in 14 years was for diagnosis - MRI.
I got worse early last year, one relapse after another. Some days great difficulty in walking, a spell of optic neuritis (oh sorry migraine according to my GP) I had a battle with my GP to even get a referral back to the neuro, he made me feel like a nuisance and a fraud. I left in tears. I went back to see one of the other GPs who was much more sympathetic. - Then the next battle, to get the betaferon, at one time I actually caught the neuro out in a lie about the criteria for prescribing it, oh how it pays to keep informed!

Heehee I'm not bitter!

Anyway got it now and got my fingers crossed. I will keep this forum informed with my progress

[sllowe]

Hi Mandy,

Had they offered the betaseron when it was mild? Not that it matters, just glad you are on it now, but I am curious. We've heard a variety of Drs opinions here, some Drs do some don't.  I hope the betaseron prevents those relapses for you.  Did you have a long period of mildness, then the sudden change?

Sorry for all the questions, just that this MS varies so much, it's good to hear of different experiences.

ttys,
Shelly

[Mand125]

Hi both, thank you for your comments, that's fine, it sounds like I don't need to worry. Must say Shelly the side effects haven't been too bad at all, a bit of a temperature for a couple of days - the only problem is I am just getting over it and it's time for another injection - I take paracetamol to counteract this,I can't say that I have really had flu-like symptoms though.
I was jus a bit concerned about the redness but it sounds pretty much like yours from the Rebif so I am not worried.

I feel lucky to be getting the drug and am hoping it helps, this last year has been quite bad though probably nothing compared to a lot of people here.

My MS seemed to change last year from mild - with only sensory symptoms and a bit of weakness and fatigue - to a monster with lots of relapses, one neuro talked about secondary progressive but the other one says not.

[sllowe]

Hi Mandy!

Welcome! So glad you've joined us.  Keep an eye on your spots. While they are typical, the redness should not enlarge, or change color drastically, or begin to change dramatically.  

From my Rebif injections, I had red marks that were for the most part the size of a silver dollar, however some would be a bit bigger, and a little puffy.  This was normal for injection site reactions.  I would use soap and water in order for the injection not to sting, and would give the area a good rub w/a clean cloth prior to and post injections.  Warmth for me was the way to go, though ice has been good for others.

How are you feeling w/you MS? You have the dreadful flu-like symptoms? I have no doubt you do.  If you don't mind sharing, please do. You'll find a variety of experiences here, and friendship and support.  

Hope you stick around!
See you soon!
Shelly

[Dianacross]

I've never been on betaseron, but had my experience with copaxone and rebif.  They both left raised red areas and some bruising.  I think that the injection site reactions are ok as long as your feeling fine otherwise.  If you are really concerned just give a call for peace of mind.
Good luck with your treatments and I hope everything stabilizes for you.