DesertBloom
04-09-2007, 06:35 PM
Hi All: I've been having a problem with the Forteo injection seeping out of my leg a little, and wondered if anyone had experienced this, or has a solution.
Since the injection is so small (20 mcgs) I hate to loose any of it with the injection. I inject it into my leg, and at least 2-3 times a week a semi small amount leaks out of the site. The amount I see on my leg is about the diameter of the needle cap, the end that you attach to the pen, which is about a 1/2 of an inch round. I tried using my stomach, and the same thing happens. Do any of you pinch the skin before the injection? I realize you don't have to do that, with this type of needle, but sometimes I just do it automatically. The only problem is I've tried not pinching and it still happens. I also rotate the site evertime, trying to figure out if there is a particular spot that's worse than others, but it still happens. I also make sure the needle is all the way in. I don't want to waste anymore than necessary.
Is this normal for the rest of you, or do you have any ideas? :wave:
Since the injection is so small (20 mcgs) I hate to loose any of it with the injection. I inject it into my leg, and at least 2-3 times a week a semi small amount leaks out of the site. The amount I see on my leg is about the diameter of the needle cap, the end that you attach to the pen, which is about a 1/2 of an inch round. I tried using my stomach, and the same thing happens. Do any of you pinch the skin before the injection? I realize you don't have to do that, with this type of needle, but sometimes I just do it automatically. The only problem is I've tried not pinching and it still happens. I also rotate the site evertime, trying to figure out if there is a particular spot that's worse than others, but it still happens. I also make sure the needle is all the way in. I don't want to waste anymore than necessary.
Is this normal for the rest of you, or do you have any ideas? :wave:
Sponsor
spinewhine
04-09-2007, 08:10 PM
I occasionally had a drop or two left on my skin. I think I was told by the Forteo rep that I had to hold the needle in my skin a little longer. I used to push in the button on the pen and count a little longer than they recommend. After that, I didn't have much leakage.
thyme2b
04-09-2007, 10:18 PM
I have noticed that sometimes the drops that come out during the priming remain on the outside of the needle and then would be on my skin. At first I thought maybe it was leaking or seeping. Try to notice if this is the problem.
I do count to ten very slowly before I withdraw the needle.
I do count to ten very slowly before I withdraw the needle.
taape
04-09-2007, 11:54 PM
This happened to me sometimes also. You just have to hold the needle in longer to give the liquid a chance to absorb.
osteoblast
04-10-2007, 01:26 AM
DesertBloom- In the training session that I had when forteo was prescribed I was told by the r.n. that if seepage(as you say) occurs that you should hold the needle in a little longer. The r.n. said that her entire job is training people to self- inject and that most of her trainees are diabetic. But she does train all forteo people too. Also she told me to hold the injection in to a slow count of 5. I have had a small amount on my skin-the size of a drop. The amount that you are talking about does seem to be too much and you should probably see if a change in technique will eliminate the seepage.
One other thought -I noticed early on that the needles prescribed were 31Gx5/16" (8mm) needles . On the printed info from forteo that I was given, a large four page folding out injection instruction sheet with colored pictures, it said use with either 5mm or 8mm 31 gauge needles. Because I am a big baby, I later called the r.n. and said why didn't I get the 5mm needles..She said that they only stock and train with the 8mm because they have better results with getting the fluid in. Well it's just a thought that if the slower injection method does not work that maybe a longer needle could be tried--if you are using the 5mm.
Good luck!
One other thought -I noticed early on that the needles prescribed were 31Gx5/16" (8mm) needles . On the printed info from forteo that I was given, a large four page folding out injection instruction sheet with colored pictures, it said use with either 5mm or 8mm 31 gauge needles. Because I am a big baby, I later called the r.n. and said why didn't I get the 5mm needles..She said that they only stock and train with the 8mm because they have better results with getting the fluid in. Well it's just a thought that if the slower injection method does not work that maybe a longer needle could be tried--if you are using the 5mm.
Good luck!
DesertBloom
04-10-2007, 09:01 PM
Hi All: Thanks for all the responses!! I'm in the process of checking all that was mentioned and I'll see how it goes. Today the med didn't leak and the only thing I did different was count to 5 even slower. I'm using the 5mm 31 gauge needle, so maybe a longer needle would help. I don't think that I'm getting med rolling off the needle after the priming but who knows for sure. Usually when I prime it, the med squirts up into the air in a long stream.
Thanks again, maybe I'm rushing the injection too much, even though I didn't think I was. Next time I'll leave it in longer than 5 long seconds.:wave:
Thanks again, maybe I'm rushing the injection too much, even though I didn't think I was. Next time I'll leave it in longer than 5 long seconds.:wave:
spinewhine
04-10-2007, 10:10 PM
Hi All: Thanks for all the responses!! I'm in the process of checking all that was mentioned and I'll see how it goes. Today the med didn't leak and the only thing I did different was count to 5 even slower. I'm using the 5mm 31 gauge needle, so maybe a longer needle would help. I don't think that I'm getting med rolling off the needle after the priming but who knows for sure. Usually when I prime it, the med squirts up into the air in a long stream.
Thanks again, maybe I'm rushing the injection too much, even though I didn't think I was. Next time I'll leave it in longer than 5 long seconds.:wave:
I did a slow count to ten. That seemed to eliminate the problem.
Thanks again, maybe I'm rushing the injection too much, even though I didn't think I was. Next time I'll leave it in longer than 5 long seconds.:wave:
I did a slow count to ten. That seemed to eliminate the problem.
Rosegarden
04-11-2007, 04:51 PM
I'm new to Forteo but had a similar experience this week. I was wondering if it was some of the medication which had settled around the needle when the priming step is done. Then when the injection is given, it is left on the skin.
It's a little unsettling when this happens because we want the stuff to go IN!
It's a little unsettling when this happens because we want the stuff to go IN!
DesertBloom
04-11-2007, 05:16 PM
Hi Rosegarden: I'm trying all the different suggestion to see what happens, so far since I posted there hasn't been any leakage, and the only thing I'm doing different is leaving the needle in longer.
How's it going with you? Are you having any trouble with the injection? I hope it's starting to become second nature for you. For me, I noticed after a couple of weeks of injecting, the whole process seemed like I was on auto pilot, I just did it without thinking about it or taking much notice other than it leaking off and on afterwards.
I hope your t-scores go way up from the forteo, and you don't have any probs with it!!!
How's it going with you? Are you having any trouble with the injection? I hope it's starting to become second nature for you. For me, I noticed after a couple of weeks of injecting, the whole process seemed like I was on auto pilot, I just did it without thinking about it or taking much notice other than it leaking off and on afterwards.
I hope your t-scores go way up from the forteo, and you don't have any probs with it!!!
Rosegarden
04-11-2007, 11:40 PM
Thanks for asking, Desertbloom. I've completed one week, and it's getting easier. Thanks for the good wishes, and I wish you the same. As you may remember, I am on crutches with an existing fracture of the femur and hope to get some healing and avoid surgery. Who knows what will happen? Maybe it'll be Forteo AND surgery, but I hope not.
Have you called Lilly with questions much? Maybe you could call and ask why this is happening. I'd take a look before injecting to see how much if any of the priming stuff is around the needle.
How far through the treatment are you? (If you don't mind a personal question.)
Have you called Lilly with questions much? Maybe you could call and ask why this is happening. I'd take a look before injecting to see how much if any of the priming stuff is around the needle.
How far through the treatment are you? (If you don't mind a personal question.)
DesertBloom
04-12-2007, 11:28 AM
Hi Rosegarden: Yes, I remember about your fracture, and hope the forteo only, speeds the healing, and that you don't have to have surgery!!!
I've never called Eli Lily, and as far as my problem having to do with the priming stage, I don't think so. After I prime the pen, it usually shoots into the air, I then shake off the excess plus that's when I tap the pen again to release any bubbles. I think the problem is the amount of time I leave the needle in, but I'm not sure.
Maybe you could elaborate on how it's going with the forteo for those who are still trying to decide on it, if you want.:)
I've been on it for a year now, with no problems. My NTx test shows bone growth so I hope my next dexa will say the same.
Good luck with the fracture and forteo:wave:
I've never called Eli Lily, and as far as my problem having to do with the priming stage, I don't think so. After I prime the pen, it usually shoots into the air, I then shake off the excess plus that's when I tap the pen again to release any bubbles. I think the problem is the amount of time I leave the needle in, but I'm not sure.
Maybe you could elaborate on how it's going with the forteo for those who are still trying to decide on it, if you want.:)
I've been on it for a year now, with no problems. My NTx test shows bone growth so I hope my next dexa will say the same.
Good luck with the fracture and forteo:wave:
Rosegarden
04-12-2007, 09:29 PM
I'm going to call Lilly tomorrow about the excess left on the skin. They have a phone number and people dedicated to help Forteo users, so I'll take advantage of it. Let y'all know what I find out.
It's going pretty well, and I find I dread dose-time a little less each day. And I feel hopeful about the help this medication offers. I typed the directions for the injection on a piece of paper which is a more managable size than the flyer. It's going to be a while before I do the dose without looking at the "cheat sheet" I made!
I did goof this morning and dialed to #2 when I should have been at #1. I was hurrying, and it was a mistake on my part. So I didn't know what to do, didn't have time to phone Lilly, so I shot the dose in the sink and started over. I guess I'll be a dose short now. I'll ask about that tomorrow when I call.
Desertbloom, you're at the halfway mark!! That must feel good.
It's going pretty well, and I find I dread dose-time a little less each day. And I feel hopeful about the help this medication offers. I typed the directions for the injection on a piece of paper which is a more managable size than the flyer. It's going to be a while before I do the dose without looking at the "cheat sheet" I made!
I did goof this morning and dialed to #2 when I should have been at #1. I was hurrying, and it was a mistake on my part. So I didn't know what to do, didn't have time to phone Lilly, so I shot the dose in the sink and started over. I guess I'll be a dose short now. I'll ask about that tomorrow when I call.
Desertbloom, you're at the halfway mark!! That must feel good.
Rosegarden
04-13-2007, 12:33 PM
I called Lilly this morning, and she said I need to be sure I am counting to 5 very slowly, and don't start counting until the button is pushed. I'll be more careful to do this.
DesertBloom
04-13-2007, 02:29 PM
Hi Rosegarden: Thanks for the info from Lily... I was counting slowly till 5, but now I'm counting to 10. Today there was still a little left on the skin, so I don't know if it's coming off the needle, from the prime or not. I guess I'll call Lily too and see what they say.
I've done the same thing where I actually dialed to 2 first, and tossed it like you did (the dose). Luckily that only happened 1 time, I think I was really rushing, at the time, and I've stopped doing that.
I did something similar on the instructions, but it wasn't long until I didn't need it anymore; I don't think I've looked at that pamphlet in at least 11 months.
You're going to be surprised how fast that first year goes by. I can't believe it's been a year for me, it seems like it was last month that I started.:wave:
I've done the same thing where I actually dialed to 2 first, and tossed it like you did (the dose). Luckily that only happened 1 time, I think I was really rushing, at the time, and I've stopped doing that.
I did something similar on the instructions, but it wasn't long until I didn't need it anymore; I don't think I've looked at that pamphlet in at least 11 months.
You're going to be surprised how fast that first year goes by. I can't believe it's been a year for me, it seems like it was last month that I started.:wave:
Rosegarden
04-13-2007, 10:38 PM
The Lilly lady took down the number and date from my syringe and said I could possibly receive a call from Lilly. But I don't expect to, and I don't think anything is actually wrong. I didn't have any fluid on the skin this a.m.
Maybe we should sing Yankee Doodle or some such when we inject, just to be sure we're going long enough.
The Lilly lady also said that if I dial too far (to 2 when I want 1), I can dial back to 1, going counterclockwise. I was really reluctant to do that because I didn't want to "hurt" the "pen."
Let me know if you need/want their phone #.
Maybe we should sing Yankee Doodle or some such when we inject, just to be sure we're going long enough.
The Lilly lady also said that if I dial too far (to 2 when I want 1), I can dial back to 1, going counterclockwise. I was really reluctant to do that because I didn't want to "hurt" the "pen."
Let me know if you need/want their phone #.
DesertBloom
04-13-2007, 11:12 PM
Rosegarden: Thanks for the info. I thought I tried dialing backwards, like you said, and it wouldn't move or it jammed, can't remember for sure. Since I only lost one dose, it didn't think much about it since there is *so* much left after the 28 days, when you have to toss it. Wait till you see how much we waste out of that pen.
I have the number just haven't gotten around to it yet, but thanks.:wave:
I have the number just haven't gotten around to it yet, but thanks.:wave:
snowflake11
04-13-2007, 11:20 PM
yeah, why is it that we have to throw the pen out after 28 days?
DesertBloom
04-13-2007, 11:43 PM
Good Question... I've heard varying answers, but since you've been calling Lily you might want to get their answer. ;) My Dr said that because forteo is a peptide, it doesn't last more than that length of time *after* the pen is first used and the rubber seal is broken with the needle, it looses it's potency.:wave:
snowflake11
04-13-2007, 11:53 PM
k-o. i will call the company tomorrow (or monday i guess) and ask. stay tuned!
taape
04-14-2007, 02:01 AM
Don't try and turn the dial backwards because you will break the mechanism. Once I had a pen jam and I called Eli Lilly and this is what they said to do-turn the pen with the needle towards the floor, press on the opposite end of the pen and that will release the jam. It does work. You might loose a little medication but it's better than not being able to do your dose the next day because it's jammed or the mechanism is broken.
Rosegarden
04-14-2007, 06:10 PM
Taape, I guess you mean press on the end where the needle is. That would be a good thing to practice after the 28th dose when we have nothing to lose.
I actually had a few drops still coming out of the needle this morning after counting very slowly and removing the needle. I guess I need to count to 10 slowly.
I actually had a few drops still coming out of the needle this morning after counting very slowly and removing the needle. I guess I need to count to 10 slowly.
taape
04-14-2007, 06:49 PM
Press on the end of the pen (not the end where the needle is)--the other end where you turn the dial--mine is blue in color. Hold the pen with your thumb on the end and the needle end with the needle towards the floor. When your turning the dial your supposed to hold the pen with the needle up towards the ceiling. This is the exact opposite.You should be able to press the end button down hard enough to unjam it.