... I will do my second injection tomorrow, and I'm nervous. The first one I did at the doctor's office, but I was nervous then too and don't remember everything they told me. Do I have to look for bubbles in the liquid, or check to make sure it's not cloudy? Do I rub the injection site after the injection? Are there methods you use to make it less painful or more effective? Is there anything else I should do or look for before injection?
Do you have any good tips or tricks for the Humira injection pen?
Question posted by jessie505 on 22 April 2014
Last updated on 13 April 2018 by Stacy3813
4 Answers
Stacy3813
14 April 2018
Thank you so much for asking this question! I literally have a panic attack when I need to do my injection. I will try some of the things you all suggested. I had a few pens misfire, which let to anxiety.
jojosaic
10 Feb 2017
Have used both syringe and pen found syringe much easier once I had a nurse give me brief tutorial. The pen can be prone to unwanted misfire. Also pen can require a bit more strength at hand/wrist which can be issue with RA patient
kaismama
22 April 2014
You know what stops those nerves? Experience. No one is calm about it the first few times they stick a needle in themselves. You do have to check the solution through the window to be sure its clear and it is filled to the fill line. There isn't much you can do for the discomfort caused by the medication. The pen will give it slowly and that helps. Clean the skin first, and let the alcohol dry before you give it to yourself. You don't rub it after the injection. If you need the directions to follow you can go to this web site. rxabbvie.com/pdf/humirapen_PIL.
kaismama
22 April 2014
You'll have to copy and paste the site into your browser.
jessie505
22 April 2014
Thank you! That website had a great instruction guide!
o_scheat
7 June 2014
My nurse said I could numb the area with an ice pack then sterilize the area just before injection!!! Good luck!!!
DzooBaby
22 April 2014
Just make sure you take the correct dose and use a clean needle. The medicine is for one time use only so if you dont use all the medication, throw the remainder away. It doesnt keep. Since the shot is subcutaneous, bubbles arent a big deal but if a large bubble is present, you wont get the correct dose unless you are using the entire syringe. If you are using the entire syringe, dont worry if there are a few small bubbles-they wont hurt you. Unlike the movies, a small bubble injected into you wont kill you! Swab the area you are injecting with alcohol and let it dry before you inject. It can sting more if the alcohol isnt dried. Dont use the injection if it has changed colors or has particles in it. Pinch up a bit of skin so that there is a little tension on the skin. This makes it easier for the needle to go in. the needle doesnt go in easy if the skin is not taut. There is really nothing to an injection. It just takes a time or two to get comfortable and you will learn.
Jab quickly rather than slowly so it hurts less. Depress the plunger slowly and steadily-going to fast can cause a bruise. Rotate sites. It is easiest to just go side to side. My son was a young teen when he had to do growth hormone injections and he used to do his own so if a 14 year old child can do this, so can you! Just relax, take a deep breath, read over the instructions and do it. It doesnt take a lot of skill to do. It is pretty easy really. You will be more comfortable after you do it a time or two! :) If you have any questions, you can ask myself or kaismama-we are both nurses.
jessie505
22 April 2014
Thanks so much for the advice!
Related topics
humira, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, injection, plaque psoriasis
Further information
- Humira uses and safety info
- Humira prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Humira (detailed)
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