Pegasus interferon injection

[Hughley]

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.

[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 in reply to hunter5582]

I just hoping I get more used to prepping it

[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 in reply to MistyBlue2]

Thank you I will try doing that.

[DJK12 in reply to Hughley]

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 in reply to DJK12]

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

[DJK12 in reply to Hughley]

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 in reply to DJK12]

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

[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 in reply to MPort]

Thank you

[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 in reply to NCB1983]

Thank you

[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 in reply to Izzys-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 in reply to Hughley]

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 in reply to IrishSarah]

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

[Hughley in reply to IrishSarah]

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 in reply to Hughley]

Aw brilliant! Practice makes perfect 😉

[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 in reply to Jynx93]

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