Syringe

[Wantplaytennis]

A recently change of my biologic arrived requiring syringe application where previous biologic was via pen applicator which was easy and fine to self administer.Administering the first dose of new biologic was awkward and unpleasant to do with its longer needle and pushing the plunger with a swollen hand,difficult.

Was left with a raised weal and a week later when a red patch appeared .

I have now temporarily declined this medication as a result!

A complaint followed to be told there was a shortage of pen applicators due to them having been used for covid.I have no recollection of several covid jabs having been given to me or anyone else I've seen ,with a pen but with a syringe, so that seems somewhat odd!

Has anyone else had to change and been told that there will be a temporary change to syringes until pens become available again?

[Lolabridge]

Is your new biologic RoActemra (tocilizumab) by any chance? It can be used to treat severe covid in hospitalised patients.

I’ve been switched to it from my previous biologic and have been getting the Epipens to administer it to myself at home. I noticed in my instruction booklet it can be supplied in a pre-filled syringe or given as an infusion in hospital.

I find their excuse to you rather odd, that Epipens have been used in hospital so they only had syringes to send to you. Is it Sciencus or Healthnet delivering to you? I get mine from the latter. I would complain to your consultant and ask him/her to investigate and resolve the problem.

I have a fear of needles so it would freak me out if they send syringes to me!

Good luck!

[Wantplaytennis in reply to Lolabridge]

Hi,yes like you it is healthnet that delivered my biologic(sarilumab) in syringes .So that inconsistency is very interesting.

Wonder if it's a postcode job but thanks for that reply.I'll be onto them and rheumatology dept again and as you suggest, to my ghost of a consultant with that information,and see what excuse I'll get this time!

Thanks again.

[helixhelix in reply to Wantplaytennis]

sarilumbab is very similar to Roactemra, so same family and maybe same producers?

[DenMum]

Hi Want play tennis,Same thing happened to me. Twice. Once in April last year and now, last week. I'm on Kevzara (Sarilumab). Same reason given.

Last year I only had the syringe for one dose and happened to be seeing a nurse at my GP surgery that day so asked her to do it for me. This time there is more time and I've arranged for my supplier to send a nurse to train me. Psychologically, I find it difficult to stick a needle in. A pen is so much easier.

I also told my Rheumy team. I would recommend you let yours know especially as you have refused the delivery.

Hope you manage to sort things out for yourself.

[ruth_p]

They should have sent a nurse to train you how to do it.

[Fra22-57]

yes for me only temporary but I did get on ok as have used previously.I also think not suitable as you are using biologic drug to ease symptoms and not give you them through struggling to use the injection.Our hands are bad enough as they are aren’t they

[Whezziewhoozie]

HI,

I have had both pens and syringes sent to me and have taught myself to administer either. I actually prefer the syringes as I can control the speed of admin.

I would be careful about missing doses, maybe as the GP to help out while they are sorting out the supply issue. Annoying I know but better to get the drugs. The homecare team should also be able to send someone out to you to explain how to administer the syringe and or pen. I am not sure the supply issues are not here to stay so if you are comfortable with syringes once taught how to inject properly it may be an idea. Although I do understand people are totally needle phobic. - I do understand the need for education on how to do it rather than just watching the drug companies videos. (That’s what I did but I was keen to get started) Then it may be an idea.

Good luck

[aliplayspiano]

I have been on tocilizumab for 5 years and it has always been in pre filled syringe format. I wasn’t aware that it came in a pen format. The syringe is very easy to do but I would expect that you would be shown how to do the first one by a nurse. I’m happy with the syringe. The needle is very fine and I hardly feel it going in.

[bienassis]

I have had no experience of this so far - and no hint from anyone at the hospital that it is imminent!

It would truly be a backward step even temporarily. Vaccines are administered with a quick jab - the needle doesn't have to be slid under the skin as it is for some other medications. So it does surpise me that "pens" are being used for that purpose.

I've been fortunate enough to have had the syringe type given by my husband - but not always too successfully, so it was a relief when the change to "pens" was introduced.

But thanks for the info!

.

[helixhelix]

i have had temporary changes to syringes. Since it doesn’t bother me I never really questioned why, just pleased to get the drug!

[GrannyCrackers]

I take Sarulimab and had to use a syringe this time and the next. I had no training and have a needle phobia. However, I managed it ( needs must, I suppose). Can’t wait to revert back to pens.

Is anyone else on Methotrexate injections and having trouble obtaining a sharps bin? I have 10 used pens in a bag and don’t know what to do with them.

[Seatgeorge]

I allways ask at the hospital RA clinic and they change my yellow box, they also suppl if you ask them.