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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Should I Do About A Hard, Red, Golf Ball-sized Lump At The Injection Site After Injecting Methamphetamine 3 Days Ago, Despite Taking Amoxicillin?

My daughter injected meth three days ago and now even though she s taking 800 or so mg of amoxicillin she has a very hard golf ball size knot on the site and redness but it s very hard to the touch what can I do to help her it was a relapse after 8 months sober
posted on Sun, 31 Mar 2024
Twitter Tue, 22 Jul 2025 Answered on
Twitter Sun, 3 Aug 2025 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Though the lump is golf-sized, you are suggested NOT to try to cut it open at home. Do not ignore it and hope it gets better. Injecting meth can cause skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTI) at the injection site. Sometimes an abscess, cellulitis, or even worse, a deeper infection may occur in meth users, like an infection due to Staph aureus, or MRSA.

Once an infection sets in, oral antibiotics alone may not penetrate well. An abscess usually requires incision & drainage by a doctor, in ER plus treatment with appropriate antibiotics im/iv along with analgesics, and antiseptic dressing of the wound. Get her examined by a GP in ER so that she is treated before symptoms worsen.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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What Should I Do About A Hard, Red, Golf Ball-sized Lump At The Injection Site After Injecting Methamphetamine 3 Days Ago, Despite Taking Amoxicillin?

Hello, Though the lump is golf-sized, you are suggested NOT to try to cut it open at home. Do not ignore it and hope it gets better. Injecting meth can cause skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTI) at the injection site. Sometimes an abscess, cellulitis, or even worse, a deeper infection may occur in meth users, like an infection due to Staph aureus, or MRSA. Once an infection sets in, oral antibiotics alone may not penetrate well. An abscess usually requires incision & drainage by a doctor, in ER plus treatment with appropriate antibiotics im/iv along with analgesics, and antiseptic dressing of the wound. Get her examined by a GP in ER so that she is treated before symptoms worsen. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician