Injection Site Reaction or Not?

[Corriel]

Can anyone share their experience with injection site reactions?

I have been on Rebif for 6 months and 2 days after every injection, the area gets bright red, warm and I will notice the occasional lump under the surface.

The red marks gradually fade over 2-3 weeks leaving behind a faint bruise. The lumps are new and the 2 that I have are about 3 weeks old so I do not know if they will go away or not.

The reason I ask is that I had a rehab appointment today and the doc mentioned it may not be an injection site reaction but an allergy and I should contact my neuro and check.

I am loathe to call my neuro because I do not think I will get any kind of response from his staff and I won't be able to get a straight answer.

I thought if anyone else thought it sounded like an allergic reaction then I would have to bite the bullet and call.

Thanks!
Corrie

[Cann1980]

Mine are exactly the same corrie :(
I did ask rebif people about the bright red hot spot and they say it is normal and it will hopefully adjust in our bodies and stop doing that.
I did not ask about the rest but figured I would get the same reaction....
I agree with Dennis it can't be reaction bc it would be a faster reaction if allergic.

[Corriel]

Thanks everyone! I have tried,heat andcold post injection and arnica gel, aloe vera andcurrently a homeopathic remedy called Ledum.

It used to take 5 days to get a reaction but itis down to 2 days now.  The folksat Rebif said they usually stop after 3-4 months. Guess they were wrong.

[calamfred]

Here is a link to Rebif: http://www.rebif.com/pages/starting-rebif/taking_rebif

I am not sure if we can post links or not, if not please forgive me for it.
Regards,
C

[Sailorsong]

While I don't use Rebif or any other injection type of DMD I would think if it was an allergy it would be more immediate after the injection. I know that when I have had allergic reactions to shots it has always been immediately and not localized to the site of the shot.

Dennis

[calamfred]

Hi,
My hubby is on Betaseron. But we researched before he started it. Have you called the ask a nurse hotline from Rebif? Their website says they have one, and suggests you call them if you experience any reactions or have questions. My hubby has called the Betaseron hotline, and they are great help!
Rebif website also says you can apply a warm cloth or compress after injection. And that you can apply a topical OTC like hydrocortisone cream, Aloe Vera, Oatmeal products.
Lastly I always think it's best to check with your own Dr, just to be safe.
Regards,
C