Interferon Injection

[vegas22]

Hello. Over five weeks ago I have been placed on Interferon Alpha Injections. At this moment I am only taking half the dosage . Then I have to change the needle the following week and use the other half of the dosage. The needle is slightly larger than the normal needle that is in the packet. I have noticed on two of my injection spots on my tummy there has been a small lump and bruising. Just wanted to know if this could be a reaction or I have not injected it properly.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

hello vegas22, it might be worth checking with your haematology nurse specialist about this. Best wishes, Maz

[JT_Marlin]

Hi vegas - Ive been on 45mcg weekly pegasys for a year now. My doc said to throw out the needle and unused portion after each dose. All my needles are the same size. So not exactly the same as your situation. I alternate left and right sides of the stomach each week. Never any bumps just redness & tenderness remains on both sides. I agree that you should check w your doc.

[Ellafea]

Hello there. Initially, I was the same as you, a half dose of 45 of a 90mcg needle and I would throw the left over away. (I always felt this was a bit of a waste!) Now I have the full dose weekly. I also have a constant red mark on my tummy where I inject, but this doesn't seem to bruise. Obviously with Polycythaemia we are more likely to bruise, so I guess this makes sense? But obviously check with your doctor! 😊 Sometimes I have noticed if I don't squeeze enough flab/skin, my mark may be worse / bleed. I think it's just practice! I used to hate needles now I'm injecting myself once a week. I also try and alternate my left and right, but most recently have just been doing the left as I'm more confortable / aiming with my right hand! Anyways good luck! I hope youre managing okay with the injections!

[Ellafea]

Maybe the larger needle is causing the bruising? Sometimes I will bruise if I've been for a blood test, if it's been particularly cold my veins are more difficult.

[lebowski42]

I don't do stomach because of this issue. I inject it into my butt.