injecting frozen and thawed Pegasys by mistake?

[niceguy2007]

guys what happens if u unknowingly inject frozen and thawed pegasys? web doesnt seem to have any info on this.

[jmjm530]

Academic of course, since I'm THROUGH, DONE, FINISHED, IT'S OVER, but based on everything I've heard about the drip-drip RediPen, I would definitely opt for the Peg Intron vials used with a normal, grown-up syringe :)

But RediPen aside, the whole refrigeration/shipping/traveling thing would be so much less stressful with a drug that doesn't have to be refrigerated like with the Peg Intron Vials.

I still have my refrigerator thermometer -- bought for same purpose -- staring me in the face whenever I open the door. At least my lettuce will be the right temp for injection should the need ever arrise.

[NYgirl]

Correct - C2C sends me the vials instead of the pen which I always used before.  No matter it's the same stuff but it doesn't have to be refridged...I wish I had been able to get it ALL ALONG because I hate the Pen anyway...losing that bit at the top always makes you think you messed up the shot!

I want the vials so I get it ALL.

[jmjm530]

I believe the Peg Intron vials (not the RediPen) do not require refrigeration. This would seem a good choice for someone like yourself who is constantly traveling.

-- Jim

[turtle 2]

Pegintron in the Redipen.

[niceguy2007]

turtle2 were u using pegasys or pegintron?

[turtle 2]

I'm hoping the reward is clearing this virus for good.  I'm on week 20 of 48.  I have good days and bad with the side effects but even on my worst days I can still do what has to be done.  I do drink a lot of water, always have, but more so now. As far as tolerating the heat, I have never been anywhere that felt hotter than Houston in the summer time (my home).  So I guess I'm used to it. A lot of my friends tell me they are envious of my opportunities to travel but I would give it up in a minute if I could afford it.  My trips are for business, not pleasure, and it keeps me away from my family.  Having said that, I feel very lucky to have the life I have.

[Kalio1]

WOw, I have heard a lot of treatment stories but yours of travelling to Peru repeatedly and also trudging through the jungle has to be the most impressive! There should be an award for most exotic treatment experience. I hope you are not having side effects that are too severe, those experiences would be a challenge even for someone who isn't treating.
Hope you have help too and plenty of water. The heat alone would do me in.
How much longer do you have to treat? Sounds like you have a very interesting job/life.

[beamishboy]

yeah turtle-what gives?? kalio is spot on ,'there is a story to be told...."?  besides ,i want to go to peru too!!!!...please,more info...

[turtle 2]

On my last trip to Peru my meds got frozen for several days.  I was told by my nurse to go ahead and take one of the shots and send the rest back to be replaced.  The manufacturer told the nurse that as long as the glass vial was not broken and no water had escaped it would not hurt me.  They do not recomend this practice and will replace damaged or suspect redipens as long as they have not been used.  I was in the jungle for 4 weeks and replacing the meds was not an option.  I took 3 shots that had been frozen, in fact I had to thaw out two of them right before taking them.  I have no way of knowing if the meds were still effective.  I felt the same with the frozen ones as I do with unfrozen ones.  I've read your posts showing concern about air pressure, temp, etc, when flying with meds.  I keep mine in my checked baggage and have had no problems.  BTW the meds didn't get frozen on the plane.  That happened later while on land.  You can worry yourself sick thinking about what's going on with your meds while traveling.  This is my third trip to Peru while on tx and I just don't worry about it any more.  I do the best I can do and don't worry about what is beyond my control.  What you want to do and what you can do are not always the same.  Worrying won't change anything.

[turtle 2]

Not much of a story.  I work in the oilfield and only on international assignments.  Right now I'm in a hotel in Lima.  If you can get here before I have to go to the jungle you can take my place.  PLEASE!!!

[GrandmaA]

I froze all my first batch of Peg Intron. It was ruined. Had to throw it out and get replacements. I put it in the freezer by mistake for one day and night.

[niceguy2007]

also, wat abt 'switching' from swiss manvfactured pegasys to japanese manf. pegasys, both by roche but latter with an additional local log6o too?

[niceguy2007]

jim thanks. didnt inject yet.

[mycoldfeet]

As long as the fluid in the vial is clear and not milky I guess unless you have a reason to think it was frozen, don't worry about it. You will still have "unknowingly" used it.

[jmjm530]

Here's the local contact page although I'd contact the U.S. help line fist if you can.
http://www.pegasys.roche.com.pk/contact.html

Again, I think these contacts are supposed to be for health care professionals but that never stopped me from using similar numbers:) Maybe you can get the nurse who gives you the shots to call.

Good luck!

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

How do you know it was frozen and then thawed? You may be worrying needlessly.

On the other hand, if you're sure it was frozen, I don't believe you're supposed to use it. Same if there are particles floating around in it. At least that is what I read about the Pegasys pre-filled syringes. I assume the same is true of the vials.

Call or contact the Pegasys hotline at their web site. A nurse will answer the phone M-F business hours U.S. time. They will be able to guide you better. http://www.pegasys.com/injecting/hep-c-support.aspx

Here is a local Pakistan site: http://www.pegasys.roche.com.pk/
It does not appear to be consumer oriented but, if your doctor clicks on "Are you a healthcare professional" -- or I suppose if you click on your doctor's behalf -- there appears to be some local contact info.

Good luck and don't worry needlessly.

-- Jim