Byetta question

happymom · #1 (**permalink**) 03-25-2009, 10:28 PM

I have been on Byetta 5mg 2x day for about 2 1/2 weeks now. I recently noticed bruising in the area (on my stomach) where I have been giving my injections. Since the bruises don't show up right away it is hard to tell exactly. The bruises do not hurt but are fairly large (about the size of a US 50 cent piece). Both bruises have a very small light colored circle in the middle and then turn black and blue. I have had one of them for about 8 days and it is still black and blue- no changes. The injections do not hurt- in fact I usually don't even feel them. Has anyone else experienced this? What am I doing wrong? Any advice? Word of wisdom?

princesslinda · #2 (**permalink**) 03-26-2009, 07:35 AM

Do you take aspirin or blood thinners regularly? I take a low-dose aspirin daily, and sometimes i'll notice bruising, depending on where I give the shot.

I find about 3 fingers width to the right or left of the navel works best for me. The further away from that I go, the more bruising I notice. Also, it may be time to replace your needle.

moorejames · #3 (**permalink**) 03-26-2009, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by princesslinda

Also, it may be time to replace your needle.

I got lazy about replacing the needle on my pen for awhile, and started getting some pretty impressive bruises.

I now change them at least once a day, and I rarely get one now.

Sometimes, you just get lucky and hit a little blood vessel

princesslinda · #4 (**permalink**) 03-26-2009, 09:45 AM

I often tell my husband he'd better hope i'm not in a car wreck...as I sometimes have 3-4 of varying stages of blue, purple and yellow on my stomach at any given time. Looks like i've been punched a few times

...but they truly don't hurt.

I do hate when I hit a vessel though....OUCH!

I still don't change needles but about once a week...I keep the needle in my pen, and don't usually have an extra with me.

happymom · #5 (**permalink**) 03-26-2009, 08:49 PM

My doc told me to change needles every time I inject so the needles are fresh. I am on Lisinopril for my kidneys, Metformin and the Byetta. I have tried varying the locations. I noticed the closer to the navel I get, the more it stings so I try to avoid that area. Now that you all mention it, I just noticed that the bruises all seem to be along a track on my stomach. I will try avoiding that track and see what happens. Maybe I am hitting a blood vessel or something. Thanks!