1. Decide if you are more comfortable with the pen or the syringe. Most biologics have both options and all the pens are different. The syringe gives you more control and the pens take some of the pressure off of you. Sometimes I find that the pens leave more of an injection site reaction than the syringe. Consider your mobility as well. Enbrel for example has a very ergonomic pen for those with mobility issues but it is also more automatic than most pens which I found to hurt more.
2. Read the packaging to determine how long you should sit the injection out for. Some have a limit for how long they can be left out for and some say leave it out for 30min before using. Letting the injection come closer to room temperature, if it is safe to do so, will take some of the sting away.
3. Pick an injection site that makes you comfortable. For the longest time I used my thighs only because I was afraid of using my abdomen, too many organs around there. But over time I ended up with more fat in my abdomen than my thighs so its easier to use my abdomen now and reduce injection site reactions and the likely hood of hitting a vein. Rotating your injection sites is important to reduce scar tissue so get comfortable with multiple sites.
4. Lastly, find a way to relax. If you need to be in your bed or on the couch, wearing your comfy, drinking a cup of tea or a glass of wine do it. Injections can be stressful and I swear they hurt more when you aren't relaxed.
A few come to mind:
1. Decide if you are more comfortable with the pen or the syringe. Most biologics have both options and all the pens are different. The syringe gives you more control and the pens take some of the pressure off of you. Sometimes I find that the pens leave more of an injection site reaction than the syringe. Consider your mobility as well. Enbrel for example has a very ergonomic pen for those with mobility issues but it is also more automatic than most pens which I found to hurt more.
2. Read the packaging to determine how long you should sit the injection out for. Some have a limit for how long they can be left out for and some say leave it out for 30min before using. Letting the injection come closer to room temperature, if it is safe to do so, will take some of the sting away.
3. Pick an injection site that makes you comfortable. For the longest time I used my thighs only because I was afraid of using my abdomen, too many organs around there. But over time I ended up with more fat in my abdomen than my thighs so its easier to use my abdomen now and reduce injection site reactions and the likely hood of hitting a vein. Rotating your injection sites is important to reduce scar tissue so get comfortable with multiple sites.
4. Lastly, find a way to relax. If you need to be in your bed or on the couch, wearing your comfy, drinking a cup of tea or a glass of wine do it. Injections can be stressful and I swear they hurt more when you aren't relaxed.