Storage of Pegasus interferon

[Hughley]

I started on Pegasus interferon last week and I am very concerned regarding the storage of the syringe in my fridge not being at the correct temperature 2-8 degrees centigrade I have bought a digital fridge thermometer but it fluctuates every time I open the door. Does anyone have any advice regarding storage who also are on Pegasus . Thankyou

[hunter5582]

Please review with your pharmacist. I do not think those minor fluctuations from opening and closing the fridge makes any difference at all. The Pegasys is not that sensitive. Providing it spends the bulk of the time at the correct temp it will be fine.

[Hughley in reply to hunter5582]

Well I have done my first injection at home but had problems knowing how to snap the needle holder so a neighbour came round to show me she is a doctors receptionist and knew what to do hopefully next time I will be more confident.

[hunter5582 in reply to Hughley]

Yep. I pulled the needle off the first time. Its easy once you know how. Glad you got the first inject done. It gets easier every time. Before long you will be showing others how to do it.

[Hughley in reply to hunter5582]

It does make you feel a bit silly not being able to do the prepping but not having a problem jabbing it in.

[hunter5582 in reply to Hughley]

It is a skill that like any other you have to learn. Nothing silly about learning something new. Glad you find the jab easy. that is where many get hung up. All the best - happy jabbing to you.

[Hughley in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you have a lovely weekend

[Joetcalr in reply to Hughley]

I have a problem getting the plastic top off too, stabbed my thumb one time!

[Hughley in reply to Joetcalr]

The nurses make it look so easy and do it so quickly

[alastair70]

I find that it takes a good 30-40 minutes for interferon to come up to room temperature. I've been on interferon gor 4 years now and haven't had a problem.

I hope this helps

[Nellin]

Hi Hughley,I keep my Pegasys boxes in a sealable container on the bottom shelf of the fridge, above the salad drawer. I also have a fridge thermometer and there is some fluctuation but very little, I think that is usual. Hunter is right, you could speak to your pharmacist, who I am sure will reassure you. I take my dose out about 10-15 mins before I inject, opening the box to let the syringe contents warm up.

Hopefully you will find that your awareness and care is already doing the right thing.

Take care

Nellin

[Wyebird in reply to Nellin]

Good thinking regarding the boxes. My fridge is totally chaotic. I must tidy my fridge now!!

[Hopetohelp]

I keep mine in the salad draw at the bottom too, that way it is more protected from keep opening the door. I lay a can of drink beside it that always stays there so if weather really hot the can should continue to keep medication cool even if hot air gets in. It can’t be that sensitive as they don’t give me anything to keep it cool when I pick it up from the hospital pharmacy to bring home which was a boiling hot day last time and a hot car journey. I needless to say didn’t hang about😅

[Hughley in reply to Hopetohelp]

Thank you all so much for your advice so is it better to keep it in a plastic box as well thankyou

[Hughley]

I do my first injection tomorrow it’s not the jabbing I am concerned about it preparing the needle and syringe the practise nurse showed me last week so I hope I will be ok doing it on my own .

[hunter5582 in reply to Hughley]

Not to worry. It is really easy. There are some on-line videos, but sometimes written instructions help.

Here are the instructions

1. Take the PEG out of the fridge to let it warm up a bit.

2. Wash your hands

3. Prep a sterile area to prepare the injection. Just wipe a solid surface with disinfectant. Place everything you need on the sterile area.

4. Prepare injection site with alcohol prep pad. Let the alcohol dry.

5. Prep the syringe.

a. If prefilled - pump out the excess to correct dose.

b. If prepping from a vial - place vial on sterile surface. Insert needle. Invert and draw out more than the dose. Tap the syringe to get bubbles to top. Inject PEG back into vial until it is at correct dose.

6. Pinch an inch on your abdomen at least 2 inches from the navel.

7. Insert needle under the dermis and slowly plunge to inject.

8. Release the pinched inch and withdraw the needle

9. Carefully recap the needle and dispose in sharps container.

10. Place band-aid on injection site.

I have been self-injecting for about 7 weeks now. It really is no big deal once you know how.

All the best.

[Hughley in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you so much Hunter you are so Kam nd and helpful

[Hughley in reply to Hughley]

Sorry hunter that was an error it was meant to say so kind

[Otterfield in reply to Hughley]

When I was on Pegasys, I used to keep the prepping instructions open every time, even when I already knew what to do. To get the rubber cap off the syringe part you have to twist it quite firmly, so don't worry if it doesn't come off first time. When you pull the cap off the needle make sure you hold it horizontal. You will get used it. Good luck.

[Nellin]

You will be fine Hughley, just take your time, stay calm and remember you are doing this to keep yourself safe and well. It gets easier with practice.Be kind to yourself

Nellin

[Hughley in reply to Nellin]

Thank you Nellin for your kind thoughts

[Threelions]

Interesting.I never realised it needed warming up a bit and have injected straight from the fridge for the last 2 years.

Is the warming up essential for any particular reason ?

[ksos in reply to Threelions]

My pharmacy told me to taking it out of the fridge up to an hour before injection because it is a bit thinner at room temp than when cold. That means it moves more easily into your system and is supposed to help with reducing pain at the injection site. I took that to mean it's more about comfort than efficacy. Hope that helps -- Kim

[vegas22]

Hello Hughley. I am just wondering if you can inject in your thighs as well. Maybe someone out there might know the answer.

[Dunceville in reply to vegas22]

U.S. package insert for Pegasys says thighs are fine for injection sites.

[Hughley]

I was told by the nurse to inject into the stomach but some people do it into the thigh I have only done 2 so far next one Thursday .

[JaK2ET]

I recently began the switch from Hydroxycarbamide to PEG-Interferon (though at present, after only 3 injections, the new treatment is having to be paused for a week or two as I am struggling with side-effects). Aware that the injections need to be stored in a refrigerator and anticipating problems (though I had not actually been given any of the medication to take away), I asked my specialist haematology nurse for how long the syringes could safely remain out at room temperature, for example during travel between hospital and home or during a power cut.

I was told that a period of a few hours would not be a problem. If there were, for example, a more extended power cut, it would be recommended to contact the pharmacy for advice on whether the syringes would still be safe to use ...