Elsa's users about biological medicines

A couple of weeks ago, we asked you to share your experiences of biological medicines, and many of you have got in touch with Elsa. While waiting for the new program on the topic to be released in the app, we share some of your thoughts here. Many thanks to everyone who contributed!

“My first reaction was ‘Oh my God, how scary, I can't take the injection myself?’ (...) But it's going really well. Although it can be unpleasant at times, I think about what the alternative would be. This drug is what keeps me up. I try to remember that.” /Stefan

“When it hurts or stings, I curse really loudly until it's over. It usually helps, actually! Then, already after an hour or so, I feel that the medicine is doing its job.” /Eva

“I have used many different drugs over the years and there have been no problems starting to take a new kind of injection. It comes with instructions and I also usually watch the pharmaceutical company's video instructions.” /Lotta

“I have also involved my grandchildren so that they can see that it's perfectly okay to take injections, and we count to ten together.” /Lisa

Practical tips

“I have acquired a small cooling bag, which is intended for insulin syringes, to use when I go away for a few days.” /Ninna

“Nowadays, I order the syringes on the pharmacy's website before going there. That way I don't have to go twice. I receive a message when they are available for collection. I always make sure there are at least two syringes at home in case of expired date, or discolored liquid, which the pharmaceutical companies warn about.” /Lotta

“My medicine hurts less if I take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before taking it. This is in the package insert but I had missed it, glad I discovered it now!” /Anna

“The package leaflets can be very dramatic, so it feels good to know that I can always call the clinic when having questions. (...) I usually take a photo with my mobile phone of the place where I took the injection, so that I can easily check the following week where I last took it.” /Jutta

Ask for help when you need it

“I usually prepare myself mentally by lying down and relaxing for a while before taking the injection. When I'm ready, my husband gives me the injection right away. I think about my breathing and count to relax. The more shots we've taken, the more confident I've become with my husband helping me. (...) The syringe can become one's best friend and actually make one better.” /Annika

“There was a time when taking the injection made me feel so bad that it took more than an hour before I managed to actually take it. Then I started putting it off for several days. (...) Eventually, I told my new rheumatologist that I skipped the injection, and then I got to switch to another one. To me it was a completely different experience and suited me better. (...) I wish I had been told earlier that it is normal to feel this way, and that there are several different options to choose from.” /Ebba