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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> Techniques for "Imitrex tip" (injections)
        
(Message started by: ijunG4 on Jun 12^th, 2003, 7:32am)

Title: Techniques for "Imitrex tip" (injections)
Post by ijunG4 on Jun 12^th, 2003, 7:32am

Fellow sufferers,

Please share your techniques for self-injecting Imitrex using DJ's "Imitrex Tip" on the left, or the syringe w/ vial method.

For example,

where do you inject? (arm, thigh, other)
how deep?
how to puncture the skin (throw it in there like a dart, or go slow and steady?)

I don't have any problems with the auto-injector, and I don't have a problem with needles (as long as someone else is administering, at least). I'm just finding it very difficult to stab myself. Guess I'm not into self-inflicted wounds.

In my brain, I know that the faster I do the shot, the more effective the Imitirex will be. I also know that the needle pain is nothing compared to the full blown CH attack. But I end up hesitating too much, and the CH gets worse.

As DJ says, if only Glaxco made 2-3mg auto-injectors!

Any advice you can give would be appreciated.
(I didn't find any tips on this specific topic using search...)

Title: Re: Techniques for "Imitrex tip" (injections)
Post by Bob P on Jun 12^th, 2003, 8:21am

First, I inject in the thigh. Wipe the site with alcohol, set the syringe needle on the skin and tap the end of it with my index finger. It's a subcuteaneous shot so only needs to go in 1/8 inch or so.

For a plunger I used a white golf tee. The first time I measured the syringe and marked the 1/2 shot level. Injected to that mark like the hint says. I then marked the golf tee even with the top of the syringe. From then on I only needed to push the tee in until the mark on it and I knew that was 1/2 shot.

A while back a guy shared how he took 2 auto injector pens and marked then #1 and #2. He then cut part of the pens plunger off to equal 1/2 shot on the maked #1. He gave the dimension but I forget what it was. This way he could still use the auto injector, #1 for the first half shot and then transfer the syringe to #2 for the second half shot.

Title: Re: Techniques for "Imitrex tip" (injections)
Post by ijunG4 on Jun 12^th, 2003, 12:38pm

Thanks for the useful tips! I especially like the one with the 2 auto-injectors. I had thought about doing that, but I didn't know it was really possible.

Anyone--any idea what the best way is to get the 2nd injector? I got my 1st one free from my neuro as a starter kit. I suppose I could ask him for another one, although I doubt doctors would really approve of us hacking the equipment...

Also, another question I forgot to ask on the first post: Air bubbles getting into the syringe is OK because it's subcutaneous, not IV, right? No need to prime the syringe to get the air out?

Just curious: what would happen if this stuff is injected directly into the bloodstream? (Don't worry, not stupid enough to try)

P.S.
Bob P: I didn't realize you were *the* Bob, although I remember your numerous posts from the old board. Just sent you an e-mail about donation to OUCH.

Title: Re: Techniques for "Imitrex tip" (injections)
Post by cbolony on Jun 12^th, 2003, 5:02pm

ijunG4 i sent you a email go to the top right click on
messages

Title: Re: Techniques for "Imitrex tip" (injections)
Post by kissmyglass on Jun 12^th, 2003, 6:59pm

Ijung,

If you need an injector, let me know....

Kev

Title: Re: Techniques for "Imitrex tip" (injections)
Post by suzy617 on Jun 13^th, 2003, 5:02am

I just got my first rx for the injections, used the pills last cycle but I'm a better learner from watching instead of reading so I plan on bringing my kit to the convention to be shown how to use it, how to make it last longer and all that. Dont need it just yet but planning ahead for the big attack.

Suzy

Title: Re: Techniques for "Imitrex tip" (injections)
Post by ijunG4 on Jun 13^th, 2003, 7:43am

Thanks comrades, someone was kind enough to arrange an extra injector.

Suzy, I was hoping I could attend the convention this year for the first time, esp. with it being closer to home (OH) than usual. I'm going to have to pass, though, since I don't feel like driving 10-12 hrs. in-cycle, plus there was already a family event scheduled for that weekend.

If you haven't tried nasal spray, I would recommend that as well. Survey results seem to indicate it is surely faster than pills.

Based on my experience with nasal spray vs. injection so far, I would have to say that injection certainly is the sure-fire method, but nasal spray has its advantages in ease of use (such as when driving). Once I can do the "2 injector method", maybe injection will have an absolute advantage... except cost???

Here's another question to throw in--anyone have trouble bringing injectors onto airplanes with the security situation since 9/11? That might be a good place to use nasal spray instead.

Jun

Title: Re: Techniques for "Imitrex tip" (injections)
Post by cbolony on Jun 13^th, 2003, 8:01am

suzy617 using the imtrex tip is easy but whats even better is the imitrex vials comes in 6mgs just get a rx for the needles and load them for the day in 2mgs or 3mgs.So when you get a CH just reach for the needle in 2 seconds your done :) :)

Title: Re: Techniques for "Imitrex tip" (injections)
Post by maggie_may on Jun 13^th, 2003, 11:01am

on 06/13/03 at 07:43:01, ijunG4 wrote:

Here's another question to throw in--anyone have trouble bringing injectors onto airplanes with the security situation since 9/11? That might be a good place to use nasal spray instead.

I flew back in March from New Jersey to Cali, and I had no problem. I left my injector kit in my purse and sent it on through the xray machine. Wasn't questioned or stopped or anything about it. Lucky thing too - I didn't have any paperwork stating medical necessity. Even on my way back from San Francisco, I didn't have any problems. It might be different at other airports though.

My suggestion is, that if you bring your injector kit with you, definitely have that letter "just in case" and when you pack it, put it in one of your carry-ons - but don't pack it with your laptop since they have to completely empty the bags out and check everything by hand.

pfdans

maggie

Title: Re: Techniques for "Imitrex tip" (injections)
Post by suzy617 on Jun 13^th, 2003, 11:51am

Cbolony,
I hadnt given much thought of what to do with these injects but you have given me a plan now. Setting them up for the next few attacks sounds like a good thing.
Thanks,
Suzy