how do you inject

[Mike_Shuswap]

I was just wondering what devices other people use to inject their DMD.

I'm on rebif and I use the RebiSmart injector. That's what they sent me and no one asked me what I wanted, but I'm glad because it's very easy to inject with.

Thanks

Mike

[sllowe]

This is the device then I heard about.

I remember now how the neuro wanted it available in the states so he himself could keep track of his patients and how well they are following their schedule.

Maybe we could advocate for it?
Thanks Mike!
-shell

[Mandy278]

Thank you for the info. I will keep my eyes open here in the US for it to become available. If I am still on rebif at that time. I am currently having another flare and according to the neuro, if I have 1 more, he will be changing my DMD.

[Mike_Shuswap]

I just spoke to my assigned Rebif rep.

He said the RebiSmart is available in the UK and in Canada, but not in the US or in Australia yet.

The UK was the first to approve it, followed by Canada.

Mike

[Mike_Shuswap]

Not in the US yet? Really? What a shame!

What about other countries? Anyone know if it's available in their own country?

It would surprize me if Canada is the only country allowing the use of the RebiSmart injector, however I believe Rebif is made by a Canadian company (i think) so maybe that would make a difference.

Mike

[Lulu54]

It appears the Rebismart is NOT available in the US - it is still being studied. So stop being excited ....

[Mandy278]

Thank you for the info. I will be giving them a call tomorrow to try and see if it is something I can get. I had the headaches and flu symptoms at first as well. But luckily I don't get those anymore. They stopped after about a month on the full dose so hopefully yours will too.

[Audrey_M]

Like you said, it sounds like a truly amazing device, and all things considered, the cost is really not that bad. I was on heparin for a while and that cost about US $115 a day. Never thought I'd be able to give myself shots, but when the medically necessary situation arose and the doctor asked me if I could do it, my answer was "I have to do it."

For anyone who might be interested, someone posted on YouTube to show how she uses the device. It's just under two minutes long:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBAMy0IACjQ

There are only a few comments posted on YouTube.

Audrey

[Mike_Shuswap]

It sounds to me like you would get a lot of benefit out of switching to the RebiSmart, because of the way it can be tailored for the individual user.

I do feel the needle going in and comming out, but it's not really painful for me.

No, so far I haven't gotten any burning feeling. I'm only at 22mcg so far, hopefuly when I get to the full dose things don't change.

I've had no site reactions at all so far, knock on wood (I'm knocking on my head).

I've been getting headaches after injecting, but I seem to be susseptable (huh?) to them anyway, so it figures that'd be a side effect I'd get.

Maybe just call the Rebif support # and talk to a rep. I'm sure they'd be happy to send you the unit and arrange training (it's pretty simple to use but hands on training can be easier than reading a manual).

The # in Canada is 1-888-677-3243. I'm not sure if it'd be the same in the US.

Good luck

Mike

[Mandy278]

That sounds great. I need to check into that! I currently use the rebiject and I still find them very painful. Everyone tells be that it is because I am too thin but I think there should still be a way for it to be a liitle less painful.

Do you get a burning feeling from the medication when it's injected? I get alot of burning.

[twopack]

Oh, cool beans Mike.  I didn't realize either that you were talking about a device that is smarter about Rebif than me (but that isn't too hard).  It seems like this system would save on the waste that was necessary before in giving titrated injection amounts.  There have been insulin auto-injectors designed for multiple drug doses available for quite some time but I haven't seen one this sophisticated.  TFS.

Mary

[Mike_Shuswap]

Yup, it holds a vial with a weeks worth of 44mcg shots in it.

It's truly an amazing device. It tells you what to do next, and only proceeds if all is well.

You don't even see the needles, which are contained in individual plastic containers which you place in the unit.

The RebiSmart even has skin sensors. When it's placed on your skin the green light comes on and you simply push the button. 10 seconds later it's all done.

It's fully tailorable to suite you, needle speed, depth, injector speed, etc etc.

It keeps a record of your shots.

You can look it up on the Rebif website. I did read where current users can get the RebiSmart injector if they want.

Mike

[sllowe]

Oh do tell me more about this smart device! I did hear about it at a recent lecture, but not sure if it's used the states yet.

Is it the one w/a weeks worth in it?

-Shell

[Mike_Shuswap]

Thanks for the responses everyone.

Twopack - Yeah, I agree the devices are not interchangeable. All the rebif paraphanalia is supplied free as well, however the drug costs $1945.00 per month where I live. Thankfully I have medical insurance. Yes, the ease of injecting makes it less of a chore.

Sllowe - The device I'm using is not the rebiject, it's the RebiSmart, a fully automated electronic device that does everything. I'm still tritating (the rebiSmart does that automatically) I took my 6th shot Sunday @ 8.8mcg, tonight will be my first shot @ 22mcg, and in 2 weeks it will increase to 44mcg. They did send me everything, then arranged for the nurse to train me and my wife at home.

Mike

[sllowe]

I'm on Rebif and I inject straight up. The rebiject is too abrupt for me and I find it more traumatic than controlling injecting myself.  You must have tough skin, lol  - glad to hear it's working for you.

Did they actually send that to you w/no nurse scheduled to come out?

You still titrating?
-shell

[twopack]

I think Mike that drug companies contract with speciality companies to design and manufacture an auto-inject device that will meet the specific needs of the drug they want it to deliver.  I'm sure they are all similar but I doubt they are interchangable.  That's why we aren't asked which one we want.

I use the autoject 2 for my Copaxone.  A doctor's prescription is required to obtain one but it is then supplied at no additional cost by the manufacturer of Copaxone.  I'm not sure I would trust any other device to deliver this specific medication correctly.

I'm glad to hear that the Rebif injector is easy and efficient for you.  That makes getting the job done less of a chore, doesn't it?

Mary

[Lulu54]

My copaxone is delivered into my body with my autoinjector.  I couldn't reach all those spots without it.  And heavens knows my husband smiles too much when he has to do my shot.

[jensequitur]

Yup, I've got the Autoject, which is a spring-loaded syringe shooter.  I put the syringe in, then push the button.

[essdipity]

Hey, Mike. I'm on Avonex, which is a deep injection, so I just... inject! The needles are very thin, the pain minimal to non-existent, and the site reactions are zero.

I believe only the sub-skin meds have special injectors, but then again, most are on one of these.

ess