1. < Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)
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Painful Kevzara Injection

Posted by kwahearn @kwahearn, Jul 13, 2025

I'm a 73-year-old female in otherwise good health, but was diagnosed with PMR in August 2024. After tapering down from 20 mg/day Prednisone to zero, then taking methotrexate (8- 2.5 tablets weekly), I had my first Kevzara injection last week. I was pleased that the self-injection pen needle did not hurt very much, but I was shocked at how painful the medicine was as it entered the subcutaneous layer of my abdomen. (I had set it out from the refrigerator for 2 hours prior to injection.) Has anyone else had the same pain?

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caroljeand | @caroljeand | Jan 23 11:09am
In reply to @mikeydee "@stonewheel I do the same ... "I pinched an inch of belly fat, 4 inches away..." + (show)
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@stonewheel I do the same ... "I pinched an inch of belly fat, 4 inches away from my navel and injected."I feel localized pain as the kevzara enters my body but it goes away very quickly after the injection... No other issues with the injection... I think the secret is to inject into your body fat...

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@mikeydee
Wish I had more body fat on my legs than on my stomach.
I find it awkward to try to inject my stomach so I do my best on my skinny thighs.
Wish this med came in a pill!

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stonewheel | @stonewheel | Jan 23 6:02pm
In reply to @mikeydee "@stonewheel I do the same ... "I pinched an inch of belly fat, 4 inches away..." + (show)
Profile picture for mikeydee @mikeydee

@stonewheel I do the same ... "I pinched an inch of belly fat, 4 inches away from my navel and injected."I feel localized pain as the kevzara enters my body but it goes away very quickly after the injection... No other issues with the injection... I think the secret is to inject into your body fat...

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@mikeydee yes and close to body temperature

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abd | @abd | Jun 14 11:29am
In reply to @kwahearn "I’m a 73 year old female diagnosed with PMR in September 2024. Was first on Prednisone..." + (show)
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I’m a 73 year old female diagnosed with PMR in September 2024. Was first on Prednisone for 6 months then methotrexate. Now on 4 methotrexate a week and two 200 ml self injecting pens of Kevzara since July 2025. The Kevzara has worked very well for my PMR symptoms and was pleased that the pen needle was pretty painless but even setting the pen out at room temperature overnight, the pain of the serum going in continues to be very painful Also after 12 injections, I still have itching and a large red patch from the injection site that lasts about 10 days. I had been giving myself injections in my abdomen and the redness covered almost my whole abdomen. I had my husband give me my latest injection in my left upper arm to see if there was a difference plus my waistband rubbed the red itchy area. Within 5 minutes I felt itching, after an hour I had a 2 inch warm red slightly swollen patch and after 8 hours the patch extended to 7 inches. Has anyone had similar issues? Has anyone found a way to relieve this side effect? Thanks in advance!

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@kwahearn I have just had my second injection of Kevzara - both were in my thighs. The first one left no sign. After the second one, I felt a hardened area the day after and then the next day noticed the red patch about an inch or so in diameter and warm to the touch.
I talked to a Pharmacist and was told may take three to five days to disappear. If remained or spread to call the doctor’s office. That’s where I am. There seems to be so many odd things I do not know what to mention. I do have another shot in a little more than a week and also a doctor appointment the day after the injection is due. May call to see if I should go ahead with the next injection.
Are these red patches normal?
I already seem to feel some relief - easing off quicker in mornings so hoping I can continue with Kevzara.
Appreciate these comments

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tweetypie13 | @tweetypie13 | Jun 14 12:57pm
In reply to @abd "@kwahearn I have just had my second injection of Kevzara - both were in my thighs...." + (show)
Profile picture for abd @abd

@kwahearn I have just had my second injection of Kevzara - both were in my thighs. The first one left no sign. After the second one, I felt a hardened area the day after and then the next day noticed the red patch about an inch or so in diameter and warm to the touch.
I talked to a Pharmacist and was told may take three to five days to disappear. If remained or spread to call the doctor’s office. That’s where I am. There seems to be so many odd things I do not know what to mention. I do have another shot in a little more than a week and also a doctor appointment the day after the injection is due. May call to see if I should go ahead with the next injection.
Are these red patches normal?
I already seem to feel some relief - easing off quicker in mornings so hoping I can continue with Kevzara.
Appreciate these comments

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@abd maybe try , as I do it, in the stomach “as per instructions” around my belly button.
No side effects, always chg location as per instructions.

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lmguen | @lmguen | Jun 15 7:54am

I have given injections in my thigh and stomach. Found that the stomach works much better. RA doctor said pinch an area in abdomen that is at least two inches from belly button. Was told if area itches or sore afterwards a cool pack or calamine or anti-itch lotion to area will help. In the legs since more muscular there was bruising and do have large welts in injection site in abdomen.

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laurelfagan | @laurelfagan | Jun 15 8:53am

I have had 19 injections so far and use the belly fat in my abdomen. Never have any issues.

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miluna | @miluna | Jun 15 3:44pm
In reply to @kwahearn "@kwahearn Here is a photo of latest Kevzara injection." + (show)
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@kwahearn Here is a photo of latest Kevzara injection.

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@kwahearn It looks like hives. Definitely speak to your doctor! Good luck

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tonimcbride | @tonimcbride | Jun 16 6:09am

I have had the same experience regarding pain with injection. It's very painful. I have to force myself to keep the needle in place until the medicine is done injecting. Kevzara has really helped me to wean off prednisone though, so it's a painful price I'm willing to pay.

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elizterrel | @elizterrel | Jun 17 9:25am

It helps to let it come to room temperature. Then pat/rub/tap the area to get it moving. Makes a HUGE difference.

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