Tocilizumab Injections

[shazbat]

Hi guys I'm intending to give Roche Pharmaceuticals feedback on the delivery syringe of the Toc injections but wanted to ask if you have the same issues. I have been on the injections for 2 years now and doing well on the drug. However whoever designed the syringe clearly has no knowledge of RD. As the syringe itself has a strong spring at the front of the syringe presumably to cover the needle on completion. But the spring is so strong that once you have started the injection if suddenly stop half way through because of your RD the spring triggers meaning you cannot complete the injection. So I have to wait for my husband or family member to administer the injection everytime. I don't want to use a pen I prefer the injection, what idiot designed it. It's like pop out pills and safety caps on bottles Roche really need to rethink the design. Your thoughts please.

[hatshepsut]

Hi...unfortunately I had to stop tocillizumab...long story! ...but when I was injecting it I had exactly the same problems that you describe. The spring is far too strong. Hope you are well. M x

[Gnarli]

I feel that drug companies lose sight of the limitations the end user may experience. They should all employ people whose illness their meds are intended to treat. Give them some direct feedback on their delivery systems 'cos some of them are rubbish.

J

[ITYFIALMCTT]

I frequently wonder how they user-test these items because it really doesn't seem to cover the continuum of people who actually need to use them for their intended purpose and are having the full range of relatively good-to-bad days that are part of the experience.

[Angels-delight]

Hi Shazbat, when I was on Tocizumab I only used the pen and had no problem. Now I am on weekly Orencia injections using a syringe, I don't have a problem, not sure who makes them.

Take care,

Susan

[dwsurquhart]

I opted to get the iv infusion so I could avoid the pen. I was using the humira pen and hated it. Same issue about the spring in that one as well.

[LesBev]

Hi, well said. I was on those injections for over 6months and had exactly the same problem. As I live alone it often took ages to complete the injection, swapping hands to complete the job.....lots of tummy bruises and painful hands! Hope they listen to this feedback and I hope everyone has a comfortable weekend. Lesley

[davannh]

Hi I think the companies do test these injectors. I have taken part in about six studies where I have used prototype injectors ( no fluid and into a pad) and I have given feedback. I was selected because of my RA. Obviously they failed the research with this one.