question for pegasys users - Hepatitis Message Board

dianasaska · 07-07-2003, 11:30 PM

When I was taking Rebotron (IFN injected 3x/wk plus 3 ribavirin tablets 2x/day) I noticed that the Rebotron liquid (squirted from the needle/syringe/pen to clear air) had a particular odour, somewhat synthetic and like an oil derivative (like turpentine or naptha/white gas).

Has anyone noticed if PegIntron or Pegasys injectable liquids have a similar odour, or do they have no odour?

I also noticed that if I got some of the IFN on my skin that I would break out in a rash where it came in contact, so I subsequently became careful about squirting the IFN onto my skin.

I am very interested in what anyone has to say about this wrt Peg IFNs (odour, skin contact sensitivity).

Neil/Lost1, I think you mentioned something about losing a precious drop from an injection once. And you also commented on how tough it was to insert the needle, I think that might have something to do with getting a less sharp needle - each time you poke your skin with one, the needle becomes less sharp. I remember that if I had to reposition the needle, it was tougher to break the skin.

Thanks!

Diana

peg_faith · 07-08-2003, 12:26 AM

Hi there Diana
I haven't noticed any smell at all with the pegintron when I prepare it for my husband to inject. I wipe the needle with alcohol swab before he injects and always try me best to only insert the needle once through the rubber seal when drawing up the dose or that will make the needle dull which then he has a harder time injecting.
Good luck, faith

Jemah · 07-08-2003, 08:14 AM

No smell from the pegasys either.

I do the same a Faith and wipe the peg droplet of the needle bevel with my alcohol wipe. I have not ever had an injection site reaction. I did bruise myself from rubbing to hard after the injection but that's when I first began.

I have sensitive skin also and have to use plain soaps like Ivory and Purex and the riba make me break out in a blister type rash on the tops of my hands and back of my knees (I'm a true weirdo!). They gave me Diprolene AP made by Schering for rashes and it works like a dream. So far they've given my samples but I want to keep a prescription on hand.

Take care,
Jeannie

LOST1 · 07-08-2003, 08:38 AM

Diana-
I have not personally noticed any odour whatso ever with Pegasys,or any reaction to my skin either, injected or dropped on, it just may be a reaction to certain individuals, I will try to see if there is any odour on my next injection and get back to you.

PS did you see my post in the 99 pecent post for Pegasys users?

Someday we will make this right,
One day we will win this fight.
Do not let treatment control you,
Control your treatment.
Be positive, to achieve a negative, be well all.

------------------
--Get Outdoors-Enjoy Life----Neil

[This message has been edited by LOST1 (edited 07-09-2003).]

dianasaska · 07-08-2003, 06:41 PM

Thanks Neil, Jeannie and Faith

Will check out Diprolene AP with my GP for the rashes, seems like I have some psoriasis rash which is getting worse.

Neil, yeah I saw your post about the 99% success rate but thought it was for Pegasys, not for Peg intron. It is very encouraging. Will wait for your next shot to see if you notice an odour from the Pegasys IFN2a solution.

Hope you all have good tolerance to your medication.

Diana