Pegasys syringe sometimes leaks

[Otterfield]

I have been on Pegasys 90mcg weekly since last July. I am always very careful preparing the syringe but approximately every second or third week some leaks out from the join between the needle part and the syringe part.

The drug is working so I can't be losing that much I suppose (even though it feels like I am) but I can't work out if I'm doing anything wrong. I press firmly when I join the two parts.

Any thoughts anyone? Thank you.

Jennie

[MPort]

Hi Jennie,

I have been injecting Pegasys for about 13 years and this happens to me too - occasionally. I always make sure the needle engages in one firm push. I don't inject the whole syringe full so I inject the first part into a tissue and it doesn't leak. But when I inject into my skin very occasionally drops appear at the join. I think it just might be the angle/pressure but like you I have sufficient so I don't worry. Every year or so I read up the instructions again to refresh my knowledge of injecting. It's a long time since I had nurse instruction on how to do it correctly! Maybe others will have an answer.

Mairead

[Otterfield in reply to MPort]

Thank you. It's reassuring to hear from someone with lots of experience.

[Jocko]

Hi Jennie,

I've been injecting for 2 and a half years.

I get the same as you when injecting - it's more unusual if it doesn't leek.

My counts are low so I don't think about it that much but would also be interested to know if I am doing something wrong.

It did occur to me that maybe because it's just come out of the fridge that the liquid may be thicker and is not going through the needle point as easy as it should. I have considered taking out of the fridge and rolling between my palms to warm before injecting to help the fluid be more liquid and therefore not get this issue.

However I've not done this yet.

I don't think it's anything to worry about - but it's very annoying.

All the best

Jocko

[MPNBlog in reply to Jocko]

Hi Jocko

I've been told to take the Pegasys syringe out of the fridge for 30 minutes before injecting. It also prevents any stinging. I worried once when I forgot and it was out of the fridge for an hour but that's OK - Pegasys can be out of the fridge for quite a while.

Good luck.

[Otterfield in reply to MPNBlog]

Thanks both of you. I will certainly try getting it less cold before injecting, as I have been doing it straight from the fridge.

[AndyT]

I’ve never experienced that in the 5 years I’ve been on Pegasys - are they the standard Roche 90mcg pre-filled syringes?

Maybe try injecting very slowly, to reduce the pressure and see if that helps..?

[Otterfield in reply to AndyT]

Thanks, something to try.

[Trli]

I was told to press the needle and the syringe joint together but then twist a little.

[Otterfield in reply to Trli]

That's interesting, I will try that.

[JT_Marlin]

I have been on 45mcg pegasys for 3 months. I am given monthly, four 180mcg vials and four needles. The needles have caps on them and when Ive gone to pull the caps off it has separated from the injection part before. I just try to hold the top Needle part when pulling the cap off. I’ve never had any medicine leak out though whether when sucking the medicine into the needle or while injecting.

[Otterfield in reply to JT_Marlin]

That must be annoying. My nurse told me to keep hold of the sort of ridge bit on the needle part and pull from there.

[Miriammusic]

Hi Jennie,

I am on 45 Mcg weekly for the past year and a half. I don’t have the prefilled syringes but rather the ones like yours. I’ve never seen it leak. However I do wish I could get rid of those pesky air bubbles. Maybe I am pulling the plunger out too quickly?

[Vtr1000 in reply to Miriammusic]

Hi Miriammusic, if you have some air bubbles in your syringe once you’ve drawn your medication try the following. Hold the syringe upright (needle facing up) and then flick the side of the syringe. You may need to do this more than once. The air bubbles will gradually work towards the needle and then slowly press the plunger. Repeat the process until there gone. Practice makes perfect.

[Otterfield in reply to Miriammusic]

I tap the syringe a few times before I remove the needle guard.

[MPNBlog]

Hi Otterfield

I agree - twist the needle slightly when you put it on so it grips. I also align the bevel of the needle with the line on the syringe barrel so I know which way is up. I find if I get the liquid on my skin I get a big red welt which last more than a week. Nurse told me to rub it with Oil of Evening primrose which seems to help.

Best wishes.

[Otterfield in reply to MPNBlog]

Thank you. Luckily, I've never had a reaction from spilling it on my skin. That sounds really uncomfortable!

[Miriammusic]

I am doing a drum solo on the syringe most times. Tapping away and flicking to get the air bubble out, but it’s very difficult. I think maybe I am drawing the plunger too quickly at first? This week I’m going to try to go very slowly.

[Vtr1000 in reply to Miriammusic]

Hi Miriammusic, try applying pressure to the plunger and maintaining the pressure while you put the needle into the meds. This will remove some of the air in the needle thus reducing the air in the syringe once you’ve drawn your meds. Where abouts on the syringe are you flicking, I’ve found if I flick nearer the top (needle) it’s easier to position the air bubbles over the needle also adjusting the pressure of the flick. I’m afraid it’s practice makes perfect. Good luck.