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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2004 >> Imitrex Syringe question
        
(Message started by: suzy617 on Feb 4^th, 2004, 4:38am)

Title: Imitrex Syringe question
Post by suzy617 on Feb 4^th, 2004, 4:38am

When I thought my cycle was starting up this Sept, I filled a few of my syringes up in anticipation of that first headbanger night. Fortunately for me, it never happened, skipped this year...but my question is, can I save these syringes till next Sept. or do I need to throw them away? The vials I put in the refrig but not sure about the ones I filled already.

Thanks,
Suzy

Title: Re: Imitrex Syringe question
Post by Giovanni on Feb 4^th, 2004, 6:47am

Hi Suzy,

I believe that they probably would be okay, but I personally would not use them. Why do you store the vials in the fridge? I believe the storage directions gives temperature ranges which do not include refriderator temperatures.

John

;;D

Title: Re: Imitrex Syringe question
Post by t_h_b on Feb 4^th, 2004, 7:37am

Sometimes I prefill a syringe from a newly-opened vial but I would be hesitant to keep it for more than a couple of weeks.

My concern is not particular to Imitrex itself but with the idea in general. Once you've opened the syringe package and the vial they are exposed to micro-organisms. The risks would theoretically range from a more likely minor, easily treated local infection to less likely tetanus or septicemia if a local infection went untreated. It is just a subcutaneous injection. As far as the stability of the Imitrex itself, maybe someone else has some input.

However, since Imitrex is either extremely expensive if you pay for it yourself or hard to come by if you get it through insurance, it is a bit tempting. I guess the answer would balance your level of comfort with the risks with how precious the Imitrex is to you.

Keeping it in the refridgerator is okay as long as it stays over 36 degrees F. Some fridges get colder. The lower temperatures would retard bacterial growth. If you decide to keep them in the fridge, make sure the syringes are in a very clean airtight container to protect them from spills or condensation and monitor them for any cloudiness or significant color change or obvious contamination. (Different batches of Imitrex seem to have slightly different coloration when fresh.)

I am always very careful when pre-filling them to make sure my hands are very clean, not to contaminate the needle or the vial top and to place the needle cap with the opening facing up while filling the syringe. I don't prepare them in my kitchen or on the dining table or in the bathroom because the surfaces are already teeming with bacteria. I store the syringe in a snack-size Zip-lock baggie because my syringes come in bulk and are not individually wrapped but come in bags of ten. I even put my unused syringes in baggies.

All in all, it's not a good idea. But when you wake up at 3:00 a.m. with a bad one coming on fast, it's difficult to prepare the injection when you're barely awake, in pain, and working against the clock.

I would probably go ahead and store them. You can always throw them out later--you don't have to make the decision to use them now and your circumstances might change in the meantime.

Title: Re: Imitrex Syringe question
Post by jmorgan52 on Feb 4^th, 2004, 9:22am

Suzy, Are you filling syringes from the the autoinjector vials?

During my last episode in Dec/Jan I finally became brave enough to use the imitrex tip. Having done it at least 30 times now, I cannot see the point of decanting vials into a syringe. The qtip method is painless if you pinch a decent bit of flesh on the upper thigh and just push the needle in. If you remove part of the label on the vial you can judge 1/3 or 1/2 a dose quite easily with practice, and it is always available without messing around filling syringes. I did not have so much as a spot of blood after injecting using this method and it is pretty painless. In the past I have had some sore and slightly bloody auto injections!

As for keeping the auto injector refills I have used them up to 2 years past due date. Far too expensive to throw away. I keep them in my bedside cupboard.

John

Title: Re: Imitrex Syringe question
Post by suzy617 on Feb 4^th, 2004, 11:26am

Thanks for all the input guys. I think I will just dispose of them to play safe.
Giovanni, I put the vials in the fridge only because they had talked about that at one time here that some people do.
JMorgan, No they are not auto injectors. I have the regular vials which I divide into 3 injections.

Normally I probably would not question this but I'll be getting a new Insurance sometime this year and I dont know what kind of hassle its going to be to get the imitrex so I thought I would just hoard what I saved up now. :)

Thanks again,
Suzy

Title: Re: Imitrex Syringe question
Post by jmorgan52 on Feb 4^th, 2004, 2:47pm

Suzy where do you get the vials from? We only seem to be able to get the auto injector refills here - are they cheaper ?

John

Title: Re: Imitrex Syringe question
Post by Giovanni on Feb 4^th, 2004, 7:25pm

Suzy,

Why not keep the vials and just throw away the syringes? The vials should be fine. That way if you have trouble getting them again at least you'll have something on hand. Really happy to see you PF now! Yipeee

John
;;D

Title: Re: Imitrex Syringe question
Post by suzy617 on Feb 4^th, 2004, 8:04pm

JMorgan,
We are able to get the vials in the usa. I think they are about 75.00 a vial. Thankfully my insurance pays most of it but I'm only allowed 5 vials per month so splitting them in thirds helps out alot.
Giovanni,
Yes I'm throwing out the syringes and keeping the vials. They will still be good for the next round with the beast. Thanks for your well wishes. Sure felt good to skip this cycle. No...it felt great... ;)

Suzy

Title: Re: Imitrex Syringe question
Post by jmorgan52 on Feb 5^th, 2004, 1:18am

one more question Suzy

75$US does not seem that cheap?

I pay about equiv of about 58US$ for a 2 inj refill

When you spilt your vials into 3, how big a dose does this equate to compared with the autoinjector dose.

John

Title: Re: Imitrex Syringe question
Post by suzy617 on Feb 5^th, 2004, 4:30am

You have email JMorgan. ;)

Suzy