Splitting a syringe

[Huginn]

I’ve just read an interesting response in another thread regarding splitting a syringe over two injections, which has got me thinking.

Due to the Pegasys shortage I have moved from 90ml fortnightly to 180ml monthly. I count myself lucky that I can still get Pegasys but my bloods have risen now, after a decent period of stability.

I didn’t realise that you could split injections from a syringe over time. How do you do this? I have a consultation next week where I can raise this.

Thanks,

Josh

[DougyW]

You would need an extra needle to do that which the hospital would have to supply. To me the idea is good but not sure the NHS would agree.

[RoundTheWorld]

Hi Huginn. Bit of a can of worms as a topic. I can now split my dose (with a Besremi pen designed for 2 doses in a month) but couldn’t when I was on Pegasys with a preloaded syringe (physically possible but not advised by the experts as it hasn’t been studied for safety and efficacy). Good you have an imminent appointment so you can discuss options.

[Huginn]

Thank you you two. These are my feelings too, and much as I'd love to get back to fortnightly injections I can't see it being a sensible route, especially as a regular strategy. I will ask at my consultation.

Cheers,

Josh

[Ducatirider]

I have been splitting mine for ages. My syringes are 180 mcg and I require 90 mcg a fortnight. I was initially discarding the excess then felt bad about wastage. I draw half of the volume using an insulin syringe and administer that then the following fortnight I administer the remaining 90 mcg from the original syringe.

[Minify in reply to Ducatirider]

Brilliant! I also split mine… but I use a 180 mcg vial and just draw it up in 2 insulin syringes. Administer one and save the other for the next week. Crazy to waste this expensive drug. My docs approve of the split technique.

[AnBee]

I was shown by my Senior Nurse consultant how to split them 4 years ago and never had a problem. I inject 45mcg every 2 weeks by withdrawing 45 mcgs into a diabetic syringe with a new diabetic syringe each time. All supplied by my hospital. Anyone who tells you it is dangerous is ridiculous. The cost and then wastage is obscene and doesn’t benefit anyone except the obvious.

[ainslie in reply to AnBee]

The important bit of course is to learn how to do it safely and hygenically, on the US forums it’s common to hear of re using , so it is being done but be careful

[AnBee in reply to ainslie]

I have been doing it for 4 years without any problems. It’s so simple and nothing to be fearful of. I was coached to begin with. Very easy.

[BadgerPV]

When I first started Peg my Physicians Assistant (PA) educated me on how and where to give myself the shot. Her advice was to throw the remaining 90mcg of Peg away as it wasn't needed. With no drug plan that would be like throwing $500 away each week..... no thank you. I was able to order similar needles that come with the Peg on Amazon and split the vials. It was a bit more difficult when I increased doses to 135 mcg, but I made it work. You can certainly figure out how to split vials; just don't reuse the needle. Good luck.

[Huginn]

Wow. I didn’t expect those answers! I will certainly bring up diabetic syringes with my consultant. Are you guys all in the states? Any splitters in the UK?

[RoundTheWorld in reply to Huginn]

I’m sure you’ve noticed from the comments, but in case not, Peg can come in pre-frilled syringe or in a vial. (I wonder if that affects the advice - your haematologist will know!)

[Huginn in reply to RoundTheWorld]

Thanks!

[Ducatirider]

I am in Australia and a veterinary surgeon

[Huginn in reply to Ducatirider]

Thanks. I also missed that members were talking about vials. I have always been given pre-filled syringes. I’ll talk to my consultant.

[Ducatirider]

I have pre-filled syringes.

It takes a bit of coordination but it works.