Injection Site Reactions
Redness, stinging, itching, swelling, or hardening at the injection site.
Why it happens
If injected while the medication is still cold, the “cold shot” stings. There could be an immune reaction to the injection site or a potential reaction to the medication itself (rare).
How to prevent it
Take the medicine out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before the injection, always clean the area with an alcohol swab first, and don’t forget to rotate injection sites each week.
How to treat it
A cold compress should help, or maybe a small amount of hydrocortisone cream if the itching is too much.
When to call a doctor
Any indication of an allergic reaction, hives, rash, or trouble breathing should prompt a call to the doctor.
When to go to the ER
- Inability to swallow or breathe.
- Severe, persistent vomiting (dehydration).
- Severe abdominal pain that makes you curl into a ball.
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
- If you feel like you are having a medical emergency.
None of this is medical advice. It is educational material drawn from FAT BITCH: Killing the Willpower Myth by Cat Clark, and it does not replace your prescriber, your pharmacist, or your actual doctor. If something here does not match what your care team told you, go with your care team and bring this along to the conversation.