Needleprick after Administering Epotien via Subcutaneous route to my Hepa C+ Mom

[akiochen]

Hello. I need help here. My mom is a dialysis patient and hep c+. 2 days ago I injected via sq route of Epotien to her then I cotton swab the needle before I recap it, but I didn't notice that that the needle went out of the cap so I got pricked. I didn't see any obvious blood before that. But a day after we had her laboratory done and the viral load is low at 119. How high is my risk here? I am afraid. I got a hep B vaccine and able to have my booster yesterday. I am anxious too :( please help

[can-do-man]

"Bad blood must go in your veins."

Could you please provide a link for that??? If what you say is correct that shouldn't be hard to do. But I doubt you can because that is just not true.

[keepingOnkeepingOn]

No blood to blood contact is what I'm hearing. Rather no vein to vein.
Low risk if any. Bad blood must go in your veins.

[akiochen]

Hello Carlhcv thank you so much for the knowledge... i am just hoping that everything will be fine.

[Carlhcv]

I am not a fan of vaccines but did get my hep A-B vaccine shots when I found out that I had hep C. A co-infection is double trouble. Better to err on the safe side. The think the OP was correct to get vaccinated.

[akiochen]

Thanks for the advised.  I will be having that test after 2 weeks for peace of mind. I am happy to know that what happened is low risk. At least I have people here who has insights about my case. Thanks a lot!!!

[AWorriedMom]

I agree there is a low risk. If you are concerned and don't want to wait, a viral load test (HCV/RNA by PCR) will give you definitive results about two weeks post exposure. If there is a need to know, you do not have to wait six months and the viral load test is most accurate. The antibody test only shows exposure, while the viral load test shows if you have the actual virus.

[dontworry_behappy1]

It's a very wise choice  to be vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B.  These are preventable serious diseases.   You always want to be vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B if you have chronic Hepatitis C.  The results of not doing so can be deadly.  These vaccination are required in many professions.  Health care is just one of those professions.

Regardless,  if you have hepatitis C or not.......you should be vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B.

On a lighter note:  can-do-man has referenced that needle sticks are very low risks.   As stated the risk is extremely low .....almost zero.   Everyone should be tested for hepatitis C at least once.  

Best to you

[akiochen]

Thank you for all your comments and suggestions. At least I can calm myself and hopefully my results after 6 months will be non-reactive. I still want to take care of my mom. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything will be fine. Thanks again

[flyinlynn]

Not sure why you added that last remark about the hep B vaccine. The hep B vaccine he's nothing to do with hep C and as of right now there is no fav vine for hep C.

I do agree with the others your rusk is relatively low

Good luck
Lynn

[can-do-man]

“Nedle stick Risk for Occupational Transmission of HCV
HCV is not transmitted efficiently through occupational exposures to blood. The average incidence of anti-HCV seroconversion after accidental percutaneous exposure from an HCV-positive source is 1.8% (range: 0%--7%) (73--76), with one study indicating that transmission occurred only from hollow-bore needles compared with other sharps (75).”

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5011a1.htm

[patra_]

IHi.  I cannot tell you what your chance of getting the dusease is, BUT I can tell you that needle sticks are not uncommon in hospital settings, in cases like your Mom's, etc.,  Also, that hepc is very hard to get, and, as far as I know, few of those getting needle sticks, get hepc.

Now the better news:  First, hepc is hard to get.  
Second, you can wait about 6 months and have an antibody test.  IF that show negative, you are home free - no hepc!  If it tests positive, then ask your Dr to do a Viral Load (HCV RNA PCR (Quant).  Even if you were exposed your body can and may fight the disease off on its own.  That would leave antibodies.  The Viral Load test will tellyou definitively, whether or not you have it.  IF you are positive for antibodies, you always will be - not to worry.  Just IF you are, then get the second (and more expensive test), otherwise, no need to take it.
Third, hepc is a very slow developing disease so you have a number of years before there is any need to worry and
Fourth, and most important, if you have hepc, is that there are a several good treatments available, so treatment and cure are at hand, so to speak.

Relax, wait, and get your testing done at 6 months post needle stick.

Good luck, and to your Mom, too!

Pat

[can-do-man]

There's a lot here going in your favor, Needle stick risks are very low. And  where ones has to give the Procrit (Epotien) shot sense it is in the fatty part of the body and not the vein there is very little blood involved. Then there's her viral load count which if it is only 119 would be in your favor. Besides you said you had wiped the needle off before the stick. The risk is there and your/her doctor should be advised and you should be tested.

But don't freak out as you have a very low risk. Not quite zero but pretty close. Wishing you the best going forward.