Hi, I've taken several oral abx and am stepping it up to IM Bicillin. What should I expect? What are common side effects? Any tips for administration?
I would not have thought to ask, until I took minicycline and the dizziness and nausea knocked me flat! Oh, and the sleeplessness with mini. They don't mention that in the info from the pharmacy. The forum was what made me realize it was the drug and not something else.
Thanks!!
Posted by Sparrow (Member # 11734) on :
It has been one of the best meds for my daughter.
Be sure and give the injection slowly so it isn't quite as painful. I have heard of icing the injection site to numb it some before injection. We don't do that-my duaghter is one tough cookie and needles don't bother her, but everyone is different.
Also, rotate the areas where you give the injection, because I have heard, via the doctor we see, that some patiants begin to have problems from knots forming.
My daughter did not experience anything extra like nausea or dizzyness from Bicillin.
Good luck and hope yoou feel better.
Posted by notkrazybrian (Member # 10621) on :
i can just tell you i got nothing but positive effects from it.... administration... i have a few people now that can shoot me in my behind... (im on the skinny side so im limited to where i can put it) i think i could put it in my thighs now, but im still just switching up sides on my rear. did the dr show you how to do it?
Posted by KimDC (Member # 20699) on :
I had good results with Bicillin shots. I got them at the dr's office, since it isn't any easy shot to give. The nurse warmed the syringe with Bicillin in hot water before giving it to me. Also, she massaged the injection site after giving the shot, so it doesn't just stay right there. Take some Advil beforehand and immediately ice the site afterwards. Both of those things helped me with the injection site soreness.
The next 2 days after the shot, I always had an increase in fatigue and joint pain. Then, the next 2 days were great...no fatigue, no pain! Then, I would go back to my baseline. My dr. only allowed 1 shot per week.
Good luck, Kim
Posted by unsure445 (Member # 15962) on :
It only hurts if you tense up the muscle when the needle goes in.
Try breathing out when you get the injection. Its hard to tense up a large muscle while breathing out.
Good luck!
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Ice the area 20min prior to the injection. You can also apply emla(aka lidocaine/prilocaine) cream to the injection site to further numb the area.
After the injection apply heat to the area and gentle massage. That will help relax the muscle again. Then walk around for a few minutes. If I didn't apply heat, massage, and walk my muscle would be tight and sore for several days. This is really what helped for me.
Also, are you going to give yourself the shot? Or is a family member/friend going to help you? Bicillin needs to be administered in either the Dorsogluteal or Ventrogluteal sites. If you are unsure, ask a nurse to point them out for you or google the names. Ventrogluteal is my favorite site because it is less painful and you do not run the risk of hitting any major blood vessels or nerves like you do with the Dorsogluteal site. It is also very important to aspirate before injecting the medication.
There have been lots of posts on Bicillin in the past. Do a quick search and you will find a wealth of information.