Pegysus Pre-Filled Syringes

[epiphiny]

This segues out of the previous post on Peg needle guards. I have had nothing but grief from the prefilled syringes for the past 42 weeks.  Over here in NZ we use ones with a red plunger and a clear needle guard.  

There is always a significant amount left over after each shot.  And yes, I depress fully, and I leave it in situ for 10 secs before I withdraw the needle to prevent leakage from injection spot.

I brought this up once before and had two conflicting opinions presented to me. 1: There is extra added to compensate for the plunger mechanism. 2. There is exactly the amount you need in each one.  Huh?  Clearly, no one really knows.

I also checked with my NP and she seemed to think there was extra included.

Anyway, since tx has brought the OCD out in me I decided to run an experiment.  I got all my 'left overs' and syringed them back into one syringe.  It took me 16 shots worth of left overs to get a full syringe.  Over the course of 48 weeks, that equals 3 extra 180mcg shots.  Or 3 less shots, depending on which way you look at it.

It equals about 8 drops per syringe but each syringe only 0.5ml.  So approx 8 drops is A LOT!

I would like to think this is extra but who really knows, maybe I'm 3 shots down.  And I wish I had figured this out earlier as I could have saved the extra in the fridge and used it to taper down at EOT.

Any thoughts or experiences?

Thanks,  Epi.

[Proactive]

"My guess is that the drug makers compensated for any leftovers"
You are correct

"Because a small volume of reconstituted solution is lost during preparation of PegIntron, each REDIPEN contains an excess amount of PegIntron powder and diluent to ensure delivery of the labeled dose."
http://www.rxlist.com/peg-intron-drug.htm

[charm27]

Hi wouldnt use the leftovers either.....
I did have the SAME situation with Pegasys left in the syringe after injecting.
I did question it- Was told it is extra as Jim said....

It is annoying I know! YOU WANT IT ALL!!!
CHarm

[jmjm530]

My guess is that the drug makers compensated for any leftovers. Personally, I would not use the leftovers for tapering or any other reason for the remote chance of re-infecting yourself with the virus. I know the virus is not supposed to live for more than a few days on surfaces but not sure if that's every been tested when refrigerated and in a liquid medium. I couldn't get my used syringes and barells out of the house quick enough and would bring them to my doc's office as soon as the sharp container starting filling up.

-- Jim

[epiphiny]

Oops sorry, think this should be on the other side...