SunRa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3559
posted
I'm beyond confused right now and I figured I'd get a more accurate answer here than calling the pharmacy again, who seem just as confused with all this bicillin stuff.
my dr prescribed 1 shot of 1.2 mil u/week to start.
the rx I received is 4 vials that say "1,200,000 per 2mL". So I assumed that each vial was one dose, but the quantity reads "8".
are there two doses in each vial?? or did they make a mistake saying there are 8 doses?
I'll probably have a nurse do it since they look different than the IM Mg I'm familiar with injecting. but before I go, I want to get the dosing straight!
any help would be much appreciated!! thanks Posts: 1563 | From MA | Registered: Jan 2003
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
If your dose is 1.2 million units, then you do one whole syringe each time. If it says per 2ml, that means there is 600,000 mu in 1ml dose, and if there are 2 doses in the syringe, then you are getting 2 doses, even though it is truly only one. It's just the way its marked up. I always used the 1.2 syringe and went through the same confusion. Double check to make sure you dont have 2.4 mu per 2 ml. That is another dose, and usually its done via 2 of the 1.2 mu shots, one in each hip, once per week. Are they vials, or pre-filled syringes? I always got pre-filled syringes and never had to mix anything. The usual starting dose is 1.2 mu once per week, then increased to 2x, then 3x per week.
Hope that makes sense!
Another thing, make sure you keep it in the refrigerator! If the pharmacy takes it out of a room temperature bin, then it's no good and they damaged it. Keep it in your fridge at home at all times. Take the syringe out and leave it at room temp for about 5 minutes before you inject it. Make sure you know how to use the Tubex injector and aspirate.
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SunRa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3559
posted
hey there! thanks for clearing that up I had to read it several times (my brain, not your wording), but it makes sense now. thanks!
I made a mistake...they're not vials, but pre-filled syringes. and yes, 1.2mu - I just double checked.
although I don't know how the pharmacy stored it - my bf picked it up for me. it does say to be refrigerated on the bag, so I REALLY hope they did!!
is the "liquid" (if you can call it that) supposed to be so thick? at least that's how it looks. fun fun. can't wait!
thanks again for the help. hope you're feeling ok and enjoying the snow! time for bed...
Posts: 1563 | From MA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
I learned a little trick when my daughter had to get rocephin shots 3 days in a row for pneumonia.
Took a frozen bag of corn and applied it to site for injection for 3-4 minutes. Helped numb the skin so the shot wasn't so painful.
Of course I am such a big sissy baby about needles. I have immense respect for all of you who inject yourselves. Yikes!!!!
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
Good! Glad you got it cleared up! Yes, the Bicillin is thick and white, and should be injected slowly over about 30 seconds. Make sure you know how to do the injections, and aspirate to check for blood. I always found a hot shower right after the shot eased any butt pain from the shot. Cold may work too but the warmth helps it absorb into the muscle. Good luck!
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Jill E.
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9121
posted
Yes, I had the same dosage confusion. The pharmacy kept telling me I was getting (and being charged for) 20 doses, even though it was 10 syringes. Even though my doctor clearly wrote on the Rx to inject 1.2 million units each time (a full syringe).
The pharmacist said they compute it based on milliliters or something. Anyway, I just ignore it and do the full syringe each time.
The new Bicillin syringes have a plunger built-in so you don't need the separate blue Tubex injector. The older Bicillin needs the Tubex. Depending on which one you got, you may or may not need to order the Tubex separately.
There are tons of posts on Lymenet about how to reduce the pain of Bicillin - just check the archives.
Bicillin is supposed to be refrigerated but don't panic about the shipping or the pharmacy's storage.
I made the mistake of leaving two boxes out on my counter once over a weekend, called King Pharmaceuticals, and it was still OK based on the temperature in my house. But I am careful about keeping it refrigerated all the time - there was just that one mistake.
And most pharmacies seem to be good about keeping certain meds in the fridge.
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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SunRa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3559
posted
thanks guys! I really appreciate all the helpful tips! and thanks for posting the pic WC...but since mine look different, I'm wondering if I have to order the Tubex Jill mentioned ??
here's a pic of mine:
cave, thanks for the heads up. I did a search and hadn't found this exact info, but did bookmark a few posts with tons of helpful suggestions about injecting it and minimizing the discomfort, etc.
Posts: 1563 | From MA | Registered: Jan 2003
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SunRa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3559
posted
oooooohhhhh ok...a little slow tonight...I just re-read Jill's post - so mine has the built in plunger and I'm guessing I don't need anything else and am all set to go?
I'd much rather do them at home, but I guess we'll have a nurse do the first one so that we get it right.
thanks again!
Posts: 1563 | From MA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Once you have a few of these under your belt, you will be fine. You are right to have a nurse show you at least the first time. It will help you get the technique down and gain confidence.
-------------------- Suzanne Shaps STAND UP FOR LYME Texas (www.standupforlyme.org) (Please email all correspondence related to protecting Texas LLMDs to [email protected] with copy to [email protected]) Posts: 977 | From Austin, TX, USA | Registered: May 2004
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