How Can I Make My Biologic Injection Hurt Less At Home?
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Question
I was prescribed a biologic for my asthma. I'm nervous about using a needle. What can I do to make it easier at home? Will anything make it hurt less?
Answer
Individuals who are prescribed biologic therapies for asthma (e.g., Xolair, Nucala, Dupixent) may experience pain at the injection site. This could cause some fear and anxiety with this procedure. There are some things that can be done to reduce these issues:
- Applying ice to the site where the medicine will be injected can help dull the pain.
- Applying an over-the-counter numbing cream to the site. This can be done a few minutes before the injection to numb the pain. Numbing creams can include lidocaine.
- Making sure the medication is at room temperature, to reduce injection pain.
- Waiting for rubbing alcohol to dry after it is used at the site.
- Relaxing the site where the injection will be given.
- Putting pressure on the skin before the injection.
- Massaging the site after the injection.
Categories
Asthma, Medicines
Answered by
John M. James, MD, is a board-certified allergist. He is also President of Food Allergy Consulting and Education Services, LLC. He has worked as a medical specialist in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for over 30 years. Dr. James received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
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