-------------------- tj Posts: 296 | From Portland, OR | Registered: Jun 2003
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Jill E.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9121
posted
Yes, it's the Tubex. It is usually not included in the Bicillin package, so you need to get the Tubex injector separately from the pharmacy - unless you'll be going to a nurse who already has one (mine did not). It's a plastic device and only costs a few dollars.
Jill
-------------------- If laughter is the best medicine, why hasn't stand-up comedy cured me? Posts: 1773 | From San Diego | Registered: Apr 2006
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posted
Um, not clear on how this thing is used. Could you go thru the procedure? Is it not the case that the syringes come prefilled?
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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Jill E.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9121
posted
The syringes do come pre-filled. Given that the nurse is injecting me in an area where I can't watch her, I haven't seen it in action.
But the Tubex seems to be a plastic device that holds the pre-filled syringe, and then acts like a plunger to inject it. I'm not sure if the syringe needs the Tubex because the Bicillin is the consistently of glue - therefore needing something to add extra force to the injection, or what. That is my guess.
If you go to the King Pharmaceutical website at www.kingpharm.com, they may have answers or explanations (they are the manufacturer of Bicillin).
Jill
-------------------- If laughter is the best medicine, why hasn't stand-up comedy cured me? Posts: 1773 | From San Diego | Registered: Apr 2006
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
The Tubex is the injector that you insert the loaded Bicillin syringe into. You use the Tubex to push it into your body. Have a doctor or nurse show you how to do your injections correctly. You usually need a seperate prescription to get the Tubex injector. .......................................... Select the Tubex injector and appropriate cartridge.
Turn the ribbed collar to the "OPEN" position until it stops.
Hold the injector with the open end up and fully insert the Tubex sterile cartridge-needle unit. Firmly tighten the ribbed collar in the direction of the "CLOSE" arrow.
Thread the plunger rod into the plunger of the Tubex Sterile cartridge-needle until slight resistance is felt.
Check for appropriate dose of medication, expelling excess air and medication as needed; recap needle.
For medication administration, remove needle cover by grasping it securely, twist and pull.
Following medication administration, do not recap the needle. Disengage the plunger rod. Hold the injector, needle down, over a needle disposal container and loosen the ribbed collar. Drop Tubex cartridge-needle unit into the container.
posted
I just took a picture of my Tubex and Bicillin so you can see what it looks like. The Tubex is the blue injector plunger, and the glass syringe is the Bicillin with needle. Hope this helps!
posted
Thanks, it really does help. This means you need a new tubex every time you inject?
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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-------------------- tj Posts: 296 | From Portland, OR | Registered: Jun 2003
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Jill E.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9121
posted
Lou,
No, you don't need a new Tubex each time. You buy one Tubex injector and just put a new Bicillin syringe into it each time. Obviously, throw out the used Bicillin, but keep the Tubex in a safe place to use next time.
The Tubex only cost me about seven dollars. I only wish the Bicillin were that affordable!
Jill
-------------------- If laughter is the best medicine, why hasn't stand-up comedy cured me? Posts: 1773 | From San Diego | Registered: Apr 2006
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tabbytamer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3159
posted
As Jill said, the injector is reusable. Note in WildCondor's photo, the needle is actually attached to the "tube" of Bicillin. It comes from the supplier that way.
When you toss out the empty tube of medicine, the needle, that remains attached, goes along with it.
Look at the plunger of the tubex injector. You can see the end part that you push with your thumb.
At the other end of the plunger is a ridged end that screws in to the ridged end of the tube of Bicillin.
After injecting the medicine, you simply unscrew the plunger from the now empty tube and discard the tube/needle.
posted
The Tubex is reusable, it is printed right on it. Make sure you have a doctor or nurse teach you how to do your injections properly before you attempt to do this yourself.
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
You can also get the powder and mix your own bicillin and do it the way Cave suggested, you still have to inject slowly because it mixes up thick. One of the reasons the needle is larger with Bicillin is so the medication can pass through the needle without clogging it up.
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Jill E.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9121
posted
I had posted a topic named Minimizing Bicillin Discomfort on April 26 that I just updated.
It has tips that I had gathered from many patients before I started Bicillin injections.
The tips have really helped me if you want to do a search for the post.
As already mentioned, the needle is a 21-gauge that I am doing OK with, but many people switch to a 23-gauge (finer gauge) needle.
Jill
-------------------- If laughter is the best medicine, why hasn't stand-up comedy cured me? Posts: 1773 | From San Diego | Registered: Apr 2006
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tabbytamer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3159
posted
I did ok with the 21 gauge as well. Actually, the needle never hurt, it was the actual med that was sometimes uncomfortable going in.
Anyway, after the first couple of injections, I rarely noticed any discomfort from the shots at all. Just the herx's later on from the bicillin.
Remember to completely relax the side (take the weight off that leg) before and during the injection. That is if someone else is giving it to you, of course.
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