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Avatar universal

Peg-Intron Redipen storage problem

Hi all i just got a relapse of hepatitis-c ;/ .... now my doctor gave me a new drug ... its peg-intron redipen pre-filled pen

my question is how long can the device ( peg-intron redipen pre-filled pen ) survive in room temperature??? I think i screwed up somewhere when taking back the medicine to my country ( 10 hours travel ) ... i used ice packs to keep them cold but i went through a lot of custom checks and they have to open the bag .... and i think the ice packs only managed to keep them cold for like 15 degrees celcius during the 10 hour travel ;/

now im really worried .... theres 12 of them ... im worried because i dont feel any side effects like i used to...

my last question is .... is there any way to know for sure that the ( peg-intron redipen pre-filled pen ) are still in good condition?
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476246 tn?1418870914
Am Swedish American, my kids are half Indonesian. I love it there, especially the food and the massages. Miss all my friends. One of my sons will be going next months for 8 months. Lucky him. Don't think I'll make it there this year, as I hope to start tx.
Helpful - 0
179856 tn?1333547362
"I found the Redipen a bit of a pain, it failed to mix correctly on 4 occasions."

I agree Moahunter totally it happened to me too and a few times it jammed on me too!

I had no problem using the tablet version where you drop the tablet into the vial and then use the syringe to pull it all up.  It didn't have to be refrigerated at all (and I liked it better because I felt as if I was getting every single drop unlike the redipens).

I simply can't understand why someone who needs to travel so far isn't given the consideration of offering them this type system.  It was easier, better and I never worried about storage at all.  They came in a box with no ice or anything...........it gave me great peace of mind - even if the power went out at home I just didn't have to worry.
Helpful - 0
179856 tn?1333547362
"I found the Redipen a bit of a pain, it failed to mix correctly on 4 occasions."

I agree Moahunter totally it happened to me too and a few times it jammed on me too!

I had no problem using the tablet version where you drop the tablet into the vial and then use the syringe to pull it all up.  It didn't have to be refrigerated at all (and I liked it better because I felt as if I was getting every single drop unlike the redipens).

I simply can't understand why someone who needs to travel so far isn't given the consideration of offering them this type system.  It was easier, better and I never worried about storage at all.  They came in a box with no ice or anything...........it gave me great peace of mind - even if the power went out at home I just didn't have to worry.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am on PegIntron and was told that the refrigeration requirement was due to the FDA not being comfortable with the rubber stopper in the mixing device. The pen was designed so that refrigeration would not be necessary. Since the FDA is a govt agency, I suspect politics had a role in the decision. After 67 doses I have never had a problem with the device mixing improperly.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Well if youre feeling homesick you could always come to Jakarta hehe ... r u Indonesian?
Helpful - 0
476246 tn?1418870914
You make me jealous and home sick. I lived in JKT for 20 years and still have my houses there. (in Witana Harja Country Estate in Pamulang)

I really hope your meds didn't spoil. All the best, Marcia
Helpful - 0
338734 tn?1377160168
I know that there is literature published that indicates that Pagasys (not quite the same thing as Peg Intron) is OK for more than 24 hours at room temperature. For what it's worth.  :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thnx for the details for the jakarta branch....they are having lunch hehe ....so ill call back later

anyways i called the singapore branch and told them bout my problem....and they said it should be OK for the device to be stored at room temperature for like 24 hours...they said its no problem ;) .......anyways ill confirm this with Schering-Plough indonesia later

and about the side effects they said i should ask my doctor
Helpful - 0
87972 tn?1322661239
Are you in Jakarta? Maybe you can drive over to the Indonesia headquarters and ask them personally :o)

From: http://www.schering-plough.com/schering_plough/about/sp_worldwide.jsp

Indonesia
P.T. Schering-Plough Indonesia
Mayapada Tower, 10th Floor
Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 28
Jakarta 12920
Indonesia
Telephone: (62) (21) 522 5452

Although it might be more reasonable to simply ask a local doctor.

In any event, take good care, and best wishes with your treatment outcome—

Bill
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Peg-Intron Redipen is expensive and i think its pretty sad that the storage instruction is only limited to "should be stored at 2° to 8°C and do not freeze" ... they never state what will happen if the storage requirements are not met ( ive tried search engines to no avail )and how do we know that the device is still functioning? maybe like the discoloration of the powder?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
well...can anybody give me the Schering-Plough email? ... i really would like to email them .... i tried to find their email but i cant seem to find it .... only got phone numbers from their web site

i live in indonesia btw ;)
Helpful - 0
233616 tn?1312787196
thansk, my peg got warm for 4 hrs when the fridge got open..maybe I better call.
Helpful - 0
232778 tn?1217447111
I always wondered why it needs to be refrigerated, given that it is in power, and water form, before mixing. I guess the powerder could go off, but I don't know.

I found the Redipen a bit of a pain, it failed to mix correctly on 4 occasions. I finally, just resorted to the alternative, of mixing myself, which seemed to work ok.
Helpful - 0
87972 tn?1322661239
Using side effects for measuring the potency of interferon is a poor idea. I have no idea what conditions the meds were exposed to; and to my knowledge, there is no way to “field test” the proteins to see if they have annealed to heat. It’s possible in extreme environments, apparently.

I would think they would remain viable for 10 hours at 15˚ C, but I’m not a doctor or pharmacist.

You didn’t mention what country you currently call home; however, you can try to call Schering-Plough pharmaceuticals at their toll-free number:

Commitment to Care (Schering- Plough PEG-Intron system): 1-800-521-7157

However, they might not allow overseas calls to this number. You might also e-mail Schering-Plough and ask for their medical liaison office; they might be able to anwer your questions with authority.

Sorry to hear of your relapse; I’m in my second treatment as well.

Take care, and let us know what they say—

Bill
Helpful - 0
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