How will my rheumatic fever be managed?
Bicillin injections
To stop the strep germ from getting into the body and to prevent rheumatic fever from happening again, you will need to have an injection of benzathine penicillin, also known as bicillin, every 21 to 28 days. You may hear healthcare professionals call this secondary prophylaxis.
The injection is given into a big muscle in the hip and bottom area. Even though this may hurt a bit, it is important to have it on time. If you are late, it increases your chance of rheumatic fever happening again.
How long will I need to have bicillin injections?
Most people need bicillin injections for 10 years after the last rheumatic fever episode or until they are 21 years old (whichever is the longer period). Your health worker, nurse or doctor can tell you more about the treatment. Your rheumatic fever specialist will tell you when it is safe to stop having bicillin injections.
Other parts of the journey
My rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease journey introduction
Checklist - going home from hospital after my rheumatic fever
Taking care of my health after a diagnosis of rheumatic fever
What exactly is rheumatic fever?
My rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease journey in pictures
What exactly is rheumatic heart disease?
How will my rheumatic fever be managed? (You are here)
What other ways can I look after my health after rheumatic fever?
When can I return to doing the things I enjoy after rheumatic fever?
Will I need regular medical check-ups after rheumatic fever?
Acknowledgements
This information is adapted from the rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease booklet produced by the Rheumatic Fever Project Team, Te Whatu Ora - Counties Manukau, 2022.
References
Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease booklet (PDF, 9.94 MB). Te Whatu Ora - Counties Manukau, 2022.
