Everything you need to know
Please go through all the information provided below. If you have more questions, please email us through your customer dashboard.
General Information
Vital information about your injectable
This page provides essential details on utilizing this injectable. It is crucial to review and comprehend before starting this treatment.
Every medication presents both advantages and drawbacks that your doctor has considered in relation to your unique situation. If you have any apprehensions about taking this medication, consult your healthcare provider.
This webpage is always available in your online portal.
Description of medication
The injectables are supplied in a glass vial that may not be filled completely. Each vial is marked with a batch number and expiry date.
The vial will be enclosed in a protective container, showcasing the medication name, dose, and recommended dosage instructions.
If you do not understand any of the instructions, please contact us on the telemedicine platform through your customer dashboard.
Before you start
This product is not commercially available and the safety and efficacy have not been evaluated by SAHPRA.
Doctors prescribe this compounded medication because there is no alternatives available. The medication is compounded in a registered facility,licenced with South African Pharmacy Council.
It is restricted medication and is only available with a valid prescription.
Do not use this medication, if the following applies
Refrain from using the medication if:
- If it is has passed its expiry date.
- If the packaging is broken or tampered with.
- If it is kept >8°C (out of the refrigerator) for +48 hours.
It is imperative that your doctor knows complete medical history before use. You should inform your doctor of all medications that you are taking, including:
- All prescription medicines.
- All over the counter medication.
- All vitamins, herbal supplements or natural therapies.
Dosage & Administration of this medication
General information
The medication is administered through an injection into the layer of fat just beneath the skin, known as subcutaneous injection. This straightforward procedure can be done at home.
What dosage should I use?
The doctor will prescribe how much to inject, how many many times per day/week and the time of day to inject. The recommended dosages can also be found on the Recommended dosages page in the members online portal.
Where do I inject?
The optimal location for a subcutaneous injection is where the skin is soft, loose and away from the joint.
Suitable injection sites include:
- Lower abdomen (stomach) avoid being close to the belly button.
- Outer upper buttock.
- Lateral abdomen (love handles).
It is important to vary the injection site by at least 1cm each time. This will help to prevent irritation.
Do not inject into a site where you feel pain, lumps or firm knots!
If you experience anything abnormal while injecting, seek medical advice from your medical professional.
How do I inject?
It is important to ensure that the injection site is cleaned correctly and a new sterile injection is used every time. Following the recommended procedure to administer the injectable:
- Gather Supplies: Collect all necessary supplies, including the peptide vial, a Micro-Fine Insulin syringe, alcohol swabs, and a puncture-proof container for needle disposal.
- Wash Hands: Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them with a clean towel to prevent infection.
- Prepare the Peptide: Remove the protective cap from the peptide vial. Clean the rubber stopper on the vial with an alcohol swab.
- Prepare the Syringe: Remove the cap from the needle of the Micro-Fine Insulin syringe. Pull back the plunger to draw air into the syringe equal to the dose of peptide you need to inject.
- Insert Air into the Vial: With the peptide vial held securely, insert the needle into the rubber stopper and push the plunger to inject air into the vial. This equalizes pressure for easier withdrawal of the peptide.
- Draw Up the Peptide: Without removing the needle from the vial, turn the vial and syringe upside down. Slowly pull back the plunger to draw the correct dose of peptide into the syringe. Tap the syringe gently to remove any air bubbles, and expel them by pushing the plunger slightly until a small droplet of peptide appears at the tip of the needle.
- Prepare the Injection Site: Choose an injection site in the fatty tissue of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Clean the skin at the chosen site with an alcohol swab in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. Allow the area to air dry completely.
- Administer the Injection: With a pinching motion, grasp a fold of skin at the cleaned injection site. Hold the syringe like a dart at a 45- to 90-degree angle to the skin. Insert the needle quickly and smoothly into the pinched skin.
- Inject the Peptide: Depress the plunger slowly and steadily to inject the peptide. Ensure that the entire dose is administered.
- Remove the Needle: After injecting the peptide, release the pinched skin and withdraw the needle gently at the same angle it was inserted. Apply gentle pressure to the injection site with a cotton ball or gauze pad.
What if I forget an injection?
If you forget an injection,please consult your medical professional.
Do not double dose to make up for a missed dose!
What if I inject too much?
If you inject more than your prescribed dose, seek advice from your medical professional.
If this is not possible you can contact AfriTox, South Africa's poisons information database on 0861 555 777.
How long should I use this medication for?
Keep using for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
Do not cease treatment without consulting your doctor.
Recommended equipment
Recommended equipment, these can be purchased at any pharmacy.
- Bd Microfine Syr 0.3ml 8mm(30g)
- Alcohol swabs
Link to video instructional
What should I do whilst using the medication?
Take Note
Please ensure that you inform your medical professional:
- Before starting any new medication, tell your doctor you are using this medication.
- if you fall pregnant whilst using this medication.
DO NOT:
- Give your medication to anyone else, even if you believe it may help them.
- Use this medication to treat other condition it was not prescribed for.
- Change your dose unless required by your doctor.
Side effects
Despite the medication's minimal side effects, a small chance remains. If you feel like this medication is adversely affecting you, seek medical advice.
During a subcutaneous injection, there may be discomfort. Patients commonly feel a slight stinging or burning sensation at the injection site, but this usually fades quickly. If it continues to persist consult your medical professional.
Please cease the treatment and notify us of any side effects you experience while suing the medication via the contact us tab in your account dashboard.
Storage & Disposal
Storage
Store vials in the refrigerator from 2-8°C. Do not freeze!
Keep vials in plastic protective container.
Do not shake the vial.
Keep the medication and needles well away from children.
Disposal
All used needles must be placed in a sharps disposal unit to prevent cutting or piercing the skin and transfer of pathogens.
Never put used syringes in household or other regular rubbish bins.
If you cease using this medication consult your doctor or pharmacist about how to properly dispose of the left over medication.