Rebismart vs syringe

[Mike_Shuswap]

I've been using a Rebismart unit to inject Rebif for over 2 years now. I get a months supply at a time, which comes in a small box containing 4 multidose vials, each vial has 3 - 44mcg doses, (one weeks worth).

Last month my druggist aked me if I'd be willing to take a months supply of pre filled syringes. They had ordered them by mistake for another client who used to use syringes, but now uses a Rebismart injecter, and refused the syringes.

Once the product is sent to a drug store it cannot be returned, and at a value of about $2000.00, I understand them wanting to at least try to find someone who would take it. I decided to give it a shot :o) (pardon the pun).

To my surprise I kind of like the syringe. I don't feel the needle at all (so far), whereas with the Rebismart I almost allways feel the needle, with the exception of a few times in 2 years.

So, syringe pros: no pain while inserting the needle
                            no pain while injecting the Rebif
                            injection does not stop part way through if I am shaking too much
                            
Syringe cons:      I see the needle (doesn't bother me but thought I'd list it)
                            four times as much pakaging as Rebismart vials
                            way more sharps to dispose of (entire syringe goes into sharps container)
                            I cannot reach all my injection spots, espacially with both hands to pinch the area

Rebismart pros:  I can't see the needle
                            less pakaging to recycle
                            less sharps to get rid of (only needle and plastic needle container go into sharps container)
                            the Rebismart unit keeps track of my injection history
                            unit won't let me shoot up unless enough time has passed since last shot
                            one handed injection, no pinching the area required

Rebismart cons:  pain, ranging from very mild to wasp-sting like, when needle goes in
                            burning type pain while machine is injecting (about half the time)
                            machine in case is a bit bulky, only matters to me when traveling
                            shuts down part way into injection and withdraws needle if I shake too much, then I have to start
                           all over.

I can't comment on the Rebiject because I've never used one.

Does anyone have any similar observations?

What are your preferred injection methods? Auto inject? Syringe? Rebismart?

Tricks for reaching hard to reach spots? I can reach some spots with one hand but not with both to pinch the injection area, is the pinching absolutely necessary?

I'm trying to decide wether to switch to syringes from now on, or to stick with the Rebismart, and I value your opinions.

Thanks

Mike


                            
                            

[jibjen]

Hi,

I am well, I had a bit of trouble this summer with the heat and my MS as I am a beach bum and overdid it a bit in the sun but overall okay...only a bit off in my nuero exam but he felt it was overheated/stress bringing about my MS symptoms and not real flare.

I got a lecture...my bad.

My Avonex is well... I switched to the Auto injector a few months ago but kinda was used to the syringe and kind of miss it...I was used to the syringe and can find the auto injector sometimes big and clumsey but adjusting and sticking to it...side effects managble and pretty much none
if I take my Aleve/Advil before

My last MRI showed no changes so I am stable.

So pretty good i guess.. I am so glad you have not had any bad relapses and things are good. I hope you contniue to do well...Glad i caught you here for a chat..


Be well! Jibs

[Mike_Shuswap]

Hi ya Jib!

Always nice to hear from you!

I've been doing OK. No bad relapses. A few of the same old problems go up and down in severity...only one or two new nuicances that may or may not be MS related, blah blah blah...

Hey, It just dawned on me, in here is the only place where I give a more or less real answer to that question. In the outside world, like most, I usualy just answer "fine, thanks". )

How's the Avonex for you? Any side effects? I hope all is more or less well for you!

Mike

[jibjen]

Hi Mike,

I can not answer as I take Avonex - Autoinjector as I swtiched from syringe....really just wanted to say hello...how are you.


I CAN say although I inject in muscle for my med...I am kinda torn and like both..


BUT HEY!!! Hi and how are you!

Jibby Jen ;o)

[Mike_Shuswap]

Thanks Shell,

My wife is not so much into giving me shots, and as I rely on her for so much already, I don't want to push her into anything she's not comfy with.
She has given me rebismart shots when the machine shuts down because of my shaking too much, but the needle is not visible, so it's not so big a deal.

I like your idea of having both options, that would be ideal for me, but like you say, it's likely not possible. I am going to ask my druggist, and if he says no I'll get ahold of my rebif contact person and see what happens.

I gave up using the back of my arms a long time ago due to crazy pain a few times. I would prob give up injecting all together if I had that kind of pain everywhere.

Cheers,

Mike

[sllowe]

Hi Mike,

The rebi-smart pros and cons sound just like the rebi-ject to me.

So my comparison will be from that - I prefer straight injection for all the reasons you outlined here.

My trick for the hip shot is to grab a hunk of love handle w/my left hand, have the syringe ready in the other - put it through and then let down that hunk. You can then slowly push the medicine in.

I love the upper hip, goes in like butter. I ask hubby to do it when my eyes are off and I cannot maneuver so well.

My other best spot is stomach.  I inject there more than any other place because it's just easier.

If there is an option to alternate, i.e., auto inject for tough spots, and the manual inject in easy spots, that's my pick. haha I know it's prob not possible.
Can your wife can inject?
If so, then I would definitely have her do hips and arms if you stay with manual. If not, then can she grab the hunk? So, you can use both hands? i.e., one to hold they syringe steady, and the other to slowly push it in.