Pegasus interferon injection : I have just done my... - MPN Voice

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Pegasus interferon injection

Hughley profile image
20 Replies

I have just done my 5th injection and it’s the preparing that causes me a problem I can snap the needle out without a problem but having difficulties after attaching the needle to the syringe taking the needle cover off in fact today jabbed my finger has anyone got any hints how to make it easier. The Pegasus interferon has brought my platelets down but also my white cells and neutrophils so the haematologist has taken me off the hydroxycarbamide which I was taking along with the Pegasus hope it all levels off when I have my bloods taken in 3 weeks time.

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Hughley profile image
Hughley
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20 Replies
hunter5582 profile image
hunter5582

Hard to say without knowing exactly what you syringe setup is. I have pulled the needle assembly off the lower part a couple of times, but it pushes tight back on. The needle assembly is well designed and have not had aby problems with sticks. I think the bottom line is that it is just a matter of practice. A few more times an I am sure it will not be a problem. Before long, you will be able to do it blindfolded!

Hughley profile image
Hughley in reply tohunter5582

I just hoping I get more used to prepping it

MistyBlue2 profile image
MistyBlue2

Hi.It's probably just down to practise.

I find it helps if I really wedge the needle onto the top of the syringe, then hold the 'join' tightly whilst twisting the needle cap.

You'll soon master it 😊

Hughley profile image
Hughley in reply toMistyBlue2

Thank you I will try doing that.

DJK12 profile image
DJK12 in reply toHughley

MistyBlue's technique is what I use for my EPO injections. Like you I had a lot of problems getting cover off to start with and was a bit disheartened by it, but once I worked out that trick it comes off easily - good luck.Diana

Hughley profile image
Hughley in reply toDJK12

Hello Diana I’m a bit confused can you explain what you mean by wedge

DJK12 profile image
DJK12 in reply toHughley

I think what MistyBlue means, and what I do, is push the needle firmly onto the syringe bit i.e. really 'wedge" it on then hold the two bits together at the join firmly with your left hand (presuming you are right handed) and twist the cover off. Took me about 4 injections to crack it but now it works each time.

Diana

Hughley profile image
Hughley in reply toDJK12

Thank you Diana I will try that next Thursday when I do my next injection.

MPort profile image
MPort

Hi it is down to practice and experience. I have pricked myself a few times over the 15 years probably when not following my usual routine. I get sterilising pad open and ready and plaster ready. I attach needle and express out the amount I don't need. Replace needle cap. Sterilise then remove needle cover and inject. Plaster on. Press down on plaster for 1 minute. That is how I was taught to do it. I come stuck sometimes if I vary this but I try not to. I inject before going to bed so it's best to follow a plan when tired. As the needle is so sharp and the merest touch draws blood it is understandable that scratches occur. After 6 months you will be like a pro.

Hughley profile image
Hughley in reply toMPort

Thank you

NCB1983 profile image
NCB1983

I have a bath to make me calm (and I also find this makes the injection practically painless). Then I get everything out and ready. I sterilise the area I plan to inject. Then I set up my injection by breaking the top of off the cap to expose the needle and then attaching it to the vial. I hope this is helpful.

Hughley profile image
Hughley in reply toNCB1983

Thank you

Izzys-Mum profile image
Izzys-Mum

I have the same problem- so difficult to get the cap off once its on the syringe, especially with weak wrist have to get hubby to help with it. Glad it's getting your platelets down.

Hughley profile image
Hughley in reply toIzzys-Mum

Thank you I’m so glad that I’m not the only one to struggle with getting the cap off I used to have a problem with snapping the needle container but ok at that now. I wish it could be done with the pen type syringe like diabetes sufferers use .

IrishSarah profile image
IrishSarah in reply toHughley

I had the same issue in the beginning, the panic of stabbing a finger and blunting the needle is real 😂.

The trick is to hold onto the base of the needle attachment while you’re removing the needle cover.

So your steps are

1) Crack open needle cover (this is the plastic housing the needle comes in, should be sealed with a sticky label that you break to open).

2) Remove rubber stopper from top of syringe (containing liquid)

3) Holding both horizontally, gently but firmly push the needle cover and syringe together

4) Look closely at where the needle cover & syringe are connected. You should see two slightly protruding lips. These are the base of the needle where it joins the syringe. Hold the lips at the base with one hand to keep needle and syringe joined together while you remove the cover with your other hand - a very gentle quarter turn on the needle cover will “unlock” it, allowing it to slide it off easily.

Hard to describe without a visual aid, a picture really does speak a thousand words!

Hughley profile image
Hughley in reply toIrishSarah

Thank you so much for your advice I wil try to do it the way you explained

Hughley profile image
Hughley in reply toIrishSarah

Hello Irish Sarah I have just done my injection and it went much better this time I did it the way you recommended thank you for your advice

IrishSarah profile image
IrishSarah in reply toHughley

Aw brilliant! Practice makes perfect 😉

Jynx93 profile image
Jynx93

I had the same problem with my first jab, the nurse talked me through it but made me do it. Just done my second one on Friday night and it went a bit better. Like you said it probably gets easier with practice, makes me a bit nervous having to do it myself but sure I’ll get used to it

Hughley profile image
Hughley in reply toJynx93

Thank you for your advice I do my next one on Thursday

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