More Pegasys Injection Issues

[gvibes]

Hi everyone,

I find the posts helpful and interesting. Thanks to all.

So I have been injecting pegasys for 14 weeks for p-vera. I generally follow the instructions and am getting used to doing it. One question lingers for me that maybe people can give me feedback on: As I slowly fill the syringe from the vial, I often notice what I think is a significant bubble just below the needle. Now the syringe capacity is 1 ml so it is a small volume. My eyesight isnt great and I use readers so there could be perception problems. So I try to get rid of this bubble and it just seems to stay there. If I push the plunger, I see the drug go out the needle. Sometimes I try again to refill the syringe and have the same occurence or results may be slightly better. I may inject anyway without apparent adverse effects. It seems mostly to be anxiety provoking.

so I may call the nurse but wanted to hear peoples experience. thanks

[ConniesDad]

Hi there. I don’t have this issue but I have pre-filled syringes. Maybe you could ask your consultant or pharmacist if you could have pre-filled syringes too?

[gvibes in reply to ConniesDad]

that would solve it. never presented with the option. I also wouldnt be throwing out 90 mcg of pegasys every week - dose seems pretty stable. I'll check. thanks

[hunter5582]

The bubble at the top is common. It is easily dealt with.

Place the vial on a flat surface. Insert the needle. Invert and draw out more of the dose of the PEG than you take. Gently tap the syringe to bring all the bubbles to the top. Push the bubbles and the extra PEG back into the vial until you reach your proper dose.

Hope that helps.

[gvibes in reply to hunter5582]

thanks Hunter. in the last step, is the syringe vertical needle up with vial above it?

[hunter5582]

Yes. After you tap the syringe to get the bubbles to the top, you push the bubbles and the excess PEG back into the vial. The vial has to be above the syringe so the air bubbles get pushed out.

[Threelions]

Never had that problem as I’ve always used pre filled syringes which, if you could acquire, would solve your issue.Ask if you are able to have these instead, if available.

[Wyebird]

Glad Hunter has the answer. Hope it e works

[Big-Ted]

I use the prefilled syringes they are so much easier youneed to ask for them.

[ksos]

I've been doing the same thing that Hunter suggested and have always found it to work. Good luck!

[plum27]

I try to avoid bubbles but sometimes get a little one. I asked haematologist if I might do myself any harm if I inject a little bubble. She assured me that it could do no harm.