Abatacept swap from pens to syringes.

[rounder]

Has anyone been told their abatacept pen will be changed to an injection syringe?

The rheumatology nurse rang today to inform me that due to a world shortage of abatacept pens the providers, forgotten the new name but they were Health care at Home, will be moving people into normal prefilled syringes. She asked if I was confident to self inject, when I queried getting some instruction she said the boxes come with an information leaflet😣. I'm not feeling too confident about using a syringe without someone showing me how so rather dreading the change. Luckily my sister in law is a midwife so hopefully she can instruct me or at least supervise a couple of times until I get some confidence.

I also asked about the CEV scheme for a PCR test and eligibility for treatment at home for Covid but she knew nothing about it. I do wish communication was better between government departments and those on the frontline.

[Lemon2]

I have just started abatacept and was intended to use clickject pens but was given syringes due to shortages. I was nervous as with previous medications had used pens,

I was fortunate to have a nurse from healthcare at home come out for first injection. They were easy to inject and I have no qualms using despite my initial trepidation.

Good luck with injecting I’m sure you’ll be fine after first injection xx

[rounder in reply to Lemon2]

Thanks for the reassurance, I think some one to show/supervise initially would be helpful.

[MadBunny]

When I started my Cimzia injections, the providers, who was Alcura at the time, sent one of their nurses to show me, and supervise my first two injections . She also offered to come round for the next one, but I was ok to do it by myself. I don't think I could have done it without help. I'm guessing they don't have the resources to send anyone 🤔I hope you can get some help xx

[rounder in reply to MadBunny]

Thank you, these are strange times and no doubt services stretched intolerably.

[MadBunny in reply to rounder]

True.

[Ms-D]

I got a call saying same thing. Not happy as I have fear of needles

[rounder in reply to Ms-D]

Oh dear, I hope someone can help you. My rheumy nurse did ask if anyone at home could help me but my hubby is needle phobic so that's definitely a no!😂....I am so proud of him conquering his fear to have all his Covid vaccinations to help protect me.

[Ms-D in reply to rounder]

I'm just about to call the health care at home team to arrange a nurse to show me. I just got used to the epipen as it was super easy to use. Oh well. Apparently shortage is till March. This a joke.

Well done to your hubby. I know the feeling of fearing needles. Its no picnic in the park 😕

Have a lovely day and a very merry Christmas my lovely

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Ms-D]

Hope you can continue with the pens. 🙏🏻

[Biofreak]

Yes got a call yesterday from rheumatology nurse. It isn't a problem for me as I have used them before when I was on a different biologic. In fact I find them less painful than the pen. But then I also have diabetes so I'm used to needles and syringes. Hopefully you will get some tuition from the provider.

[rounder in reply to Biofreak]

Thank you, I suspect I will have more help from my sister in law, Sciensus don't seem as customer focussed as they were as Healthcare at home.

[Biofreak in reply to rounder]

The main thing is that you have the help you need. Best wishes.

[Fra22-57]

Very strange.No nothing from mine and I am expecting a delivery of the pen type ones tomorrow.I have done the others before so it won’t phase me but communication is bad as you say

[rounder in reply to Fra22-57]

I had 4 weeks of pens delivered last week and there was no mention of a change. They had reduced my last two deliveries from eight to four pens due to shortages so perhaps it isn't too surprising on reflection.

[helixhelix]

I started with needles (actually started with complete self assembly - needle, syringe and vial) and it is fine…. And I was terrified of needles. Take your time. I used the “pinch and inch” approach (I have plenty to pinch!) and that worked for me.

[rounder in reply to helixhelix]

Well I certainly have far too many inches to pinch so hopefully it will help😂

[bpeal1]

In the past I have used pens and syringes. I definitely prefer syringes, you have far more control. Hopefully your sister-in-law can reassure you about technique but it is very easy.

[rounder]

Thanks for the reassurance.

[trunchalobesity]

I’ve only ever had the syringe (week6). Someone from the supplier phoned to come and demonstrate.

It goes in at a 45degree angle rather than 99 degrees with the pen and there are clear pictorial instructions

[rounder in reply to trunchalobesity]

I guess I just feel a bit squeamish about it. My hands are fairly rubbish and the pens are so easy to use it's a little daunting.

[medway-lady]

I asked to change from pens to jabs with Etanercept as could not push pen down. So have asked for syringe delivery for Abatercept as much easier to control and painless.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to medway-lady]

Agree and I hope to have syringes when I start Abatacept.

[medway-lady in reply to Neonkittie17]

I'm awaiting delivery so I hope it works as well as Etancerpet but without causing the UTI's a 6 month course of Hyrex has been prescribed now . I've never heard of that so wait and see, Renal pharmacy say should be ok but get blood tests done after 7 days then 14 days and will catch up then. So many medications.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to medway-lady]

I don’t know what Hyrex is, sorry. (Hydrex for BP?)

[medway-lady in reply to Neonkittie17]

No my blood pressure is great, and its Hiprex for UTI sorry I spelt in wrong and it may not even be available anyway according to pharmacy. Just have to wait and see. Have a lovely Christmas. x

[Neonkittie17 in reply to medway-lady]

You too. xx