Stupid alert - help asap pls - how the heck do you use a PRE-loaded syringe??

[Trish77]

Okay, I can use a syringe and vial of INF just fine, mix my own and away I go.  Now I'm looking at this pre-loaded eprex/procrit contraption with plastic casing around it and a spring in the body of it and I'm not sure if I'm to pop the cap off and jab it in my abundance of subcutaneous and plunge away or if I'm supposed to pull the plastic casing off.  This one injection at nearly $500 I am terrified of doing ANYTHING wrong with this and wasting it and having to get another one.  (Cost to me is $100 and that's $100 more than I have so ... )

Can anyone tell me what to do with this?  My INF shot is Friday so I need to get this out of the way sooner than later.

Feel free to poke fun ... it's definitely a "stupid" moment.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Trish

[Trish77]

Yeah...it was dumb, Elaine.  But thanks for the thought. :) Should have considered at least calling the pharmacist.  

Yep...I'm doing okay.  Thanks for the hugs.  :)

Mouse...I see what you mean.  Weird little contraption, interesting that someone came up with this.  More comforted watching the meds gradually disappear from the "manual" syringe into my subcutaneous region though, I must say.  ;->

[Trish77]

Elaine.....this one was because the pharmacist asked me if anyone showed me how to use this and I said "well I'm already injecting subcutaneously" and she left it at that.  I figured no big deal...and then I opened it and saw $500 going down the drain if I didn't do this right.  I guess the doc figured if I'm already doing basic syringes, a pre-loaded is a piece of cake right?  Should have been.  Pretty dumb.  

[Trish77]

I read everybody's comments and I got to yours, Jim and went and read the instructions online...when I read my own instructions, and I did read them, I only found the part on how to inject when you load from a vial.  So after reading what you posted I went back and...well, I'm stupider even than before, because there was a little section for pre-loaded that I missed somehow and it's pretty step-by-step.  Just to make doubly sure, I just called the pharmacist (because you all suggested talking to the pharmacist...doh) and she assures me it's as simple as popping the cap off, pinching an inch and plunge away.  So I warmed it up and took the plunge and it's done now.  Hurt like a bugger going in at first and wasn't going in easy and then I wondered if the pre-loaded, you have to 45 degree angle them, I do my other syringes at a 90 or so with no problems...so took more of a 45 degree angle and it went in a little easier.  Stings more than the other but not a big deal and it's in there and nothing leaked.

Sorry for being such a dimwit.  I feel pretty stupid.  

Regardless.....I also thank you all for answering.  Stupid or no, I needed to know how to get this done and I didn't actually think of calling the pharmacist.  For whatever reason, I didn't think they'd show you how to use a syringe.  I figured they'd leave that to a doctor.   Yes.  I can get stupider even.

Obviously I'm feeling dumb and dumber.  I'll get over it.  That's eclipsed by relief at the injection going okay and gratitude, once again, that seems there is always someone here to help with even these kinds of oddball momentary panic issues that come up.

Thanks much.

Trish

[jmjm530]

Maybe try this:  http://tinyurl.com/6zl8nm

[geterdone]

That is what I thought also Mouse at least that is the way mine was delivered. I took the orange needle cover off because of being awkward to handle and also to cut the needle at the base and to be never used again. When reading Trishs post I thought it was a pre spring loaded plunger contraption that when injected the plunger would release by it self and then thought what if you hit a vain, lol what a rush!

jasper

[jmjm530]

Is this it? They got a contact number at the top but can't believe you didn't get instructions either included or from someone.
http://www.ypsomed.com/en/b2b/existing_products_2/344.html

[FloridaMouse]

Trish,

There should have been instructions enclosed with the Procrit.  If not, go to the pharmacy they should be able to help you.

Mouse
t
P.S.  That plastic casing thing gets pulled up across the needle after you inject, it's a "stick" safety contraption.  

Mouse

[jmjm530]

Prudence dictates not to do a thing until the pharmacist, manufacturer or doctor walked you though it. Of course, you could always "google" it and see what you get.

[Magnum]

I'm a little surprise the pharmacist or doctor hasn't shown you. Have you contacted the manufacturer. I would depend on those people to show you the way. If the manufacturer can't help you, then I will be amazed. Who makes the product? Then go online and see if they have a contact number. Perhaps they may even have instructions on line. Isn't the Internet wonderful?  Good luck...

Magnum

[alagirl]

I didnt even know they made procrit prefills

[Trish77]

Sorry....I should have posted this on the Social side...wasn't paying attention to that.