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Information on self-administration by the patient: This section contains information on how to give yourself an injection of Nivestim. It is important that you do not try to give yourself the injection unless you have received special training from your doctor or nurse. It is also important that you dispose of the syringe in a puncture-proof container. If you are not sure about giving yourself the injection or you have any questions, ask your doctor or nurse for help.
How do I administer my Nivestim?: Nivestim is usually given once a day by injection, usually into the tissue just under the skin. This is known as a subcutaneous injection.
Learning to give your own injections will mean that you will not have to wait at home for a nurse to call, nor will you have to go to the hospital or clinic every day to receive your injections.
You will need to have your injections at about the same time every day. The most suitable places for injection are: the front of the thighs, the abdomen, except for the area around the navel.
It is better to change the injection site every day to avoid the risk of soreness at any one site.
Equipment required for administration: To give yourself a subcutaneous injection you will need the following items: A new pre-filled syringe of Nivestim; A sharps container (puncture proof container) for disposing of used syringes safely; Antiseptic wipes (if recommended by your doctor or nurse).
How do I give my subcutaneous Nivestim injection?: 1. Try to self-inject at approximately the same time every day.
2. Remove the Nivestim syringe from the fridge and allow it to reach room temperature (approximately 25°C). This will take 15-30 minutes. Check the date on the pack to make sure that the medicine has not passed the expiry date. Make sure you have your sharps container nearby.
3. Find a comfortable well-lit working place to give your injection and check the dose that you have been prescribed.
4. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
5. Remove the syringe from the blister pack and check that the solution is clear, colourless and practically free from visible particles. Do not use the Nivestim syringe if the liquid has particles floating in it or any of the liquid has leaked out of the syringe.
6. Hold the syringe with the needle pointing upwards. Remove the protective cap from the injection needle. The syringe is now ready for use. You may notice a small air bubble in the syringe. You do not have to remove the air bubble before injecting. Injecting the solution with an air bubble present is harmless.
7. Decide where to inject Nivestim - find a place on the front of your abdomen or the front of your thigh. Choose a different injection site each time. Do not choose an area which is tender, red, bruised or scarred. If your nurse or doctor recommends it, clean the area of skin with an antiseptic wipe.
8. Pinch a large area of skin, taking care not to touch the area you have cleaned.
9. With your other hand, insert the needle at an approximate 45° angle.
10. Pull the plunger back slightly to check if any blood appears in the syringe. If you do see blood inside the syringe, remove the needle and re-insert it in a different site. Slowly push down the plunger until all the contents of the syringe have been emptied.
11. After injecting the solution remove the needle from the skin.
12. Ensure the needle guard covers the needle according to the instructions for active needle guard or passive needle guard below.
13. Place the syringe into the sharps container. Do not try to replace the protective cap.
Keep used syringes out of the reach and sight of children.
NEVER put used syringes into your normal household waste bin.
Remember: Most people can learn to give themselves a subcutaneous injection, but if you are experiencing a lot of difficulty, do not be afraid to ask for help and advice from your doctor or nurse.
