N-Plate shots

I was wondering if anyone gives themselves N-plate shots? I was getting them at the doctor's office, but now because of insurance issues, I may have to give my own. I started the n-plate in August and have had good results, but now I'm a little nervous about giving them myself. Would like to hear other's experiences.

I haven't done N-Plate injections, but I have done Methotrexate injections. I was nervous at first, but did just fine. I actually Youtubed it and watched a demonstration that helped tremendously. Giving yourself an injection isn't hard. The needles are tiny and I was surprised that it barely hurt.

I know they self-inject in the UK, but am not sure people can do it in the US.

Thanks, Sandy for the info. I am not especially worried about giving the shot but about the amount of the drug and if you have to mix it and measure it correctly. It's supposed to be sensitive to light and heat so I would rather have it stay at the doctor's office. Evidently, you have to be your own doctor and nurse nowadays. Never heard of such idiotic things!

I know that Ann does N-Plate self-injections and has no problems. She lives in the UK. She prefers it that way, so it can't be too bad.

This is interesting, because R.I. Hospital would not allow the injection to be taken outside the hospital. As for me, it is less expensive to have the shot administered in the hospital. If outside the hospital the injection would come out of my prescription allowance. Insurance companies do determine our care, don't they. Jean

I self inject - I live in Canada. It was not as bad as I thought it would be. I kept thinking of the positives - I can do it in my home without trips to the hospital it's over within minutes etc. etc. etc.
I collect 1 months worth of prescriptions in an insulated pack with an ice pack - bring it home and put in the frig. After the first few times you become quite "professional" at it!!!!!!
Hope this helps - just think positive thoughts. Christine

Thanks, Christine for making me feel a little better. My problem is that I think they are going to ship the drug to my house and I will probably have to mix it myself and make sure I get the right dose. I'd rather have a nurse or someone who knows what they're doing do it. But like you said, I have to think positive!

At the hospital - they made sure I knew how to do it and watched me the first coouple of times - I also know if there are any questins I can call them. This made me feel more secure. C

I hope you find this useful because there is a discussion on nplate (romiplostin ) selfinjection on the UK ITP Support Association's web site at the moment. Go to the Association's home web page, at the bottom of that page klick on health unblocked . You may need to join but it is free and you get the Facebook comments as well. Derek

Thank you Derek for that information. It was helpful but sounded a little confusing to me (like I imagined). Luckily, the doctor's office called today and said the insurance co. re-considered and will pay for my shots. I am so relieved! I wondered if it was possible in the US anyway? Maybe just in the UK. Thanks again!

I don't self-inject...I give my daughter the injections. Mixing the drug is actually the easy part. I've been giving my daughter the injections for almost 4 years now and I promise...it is not hard once you've done it a few times. I really want my daughter to start giving herself the shots. She is 14, almost 15. She knows how to mix everything together, but is too afraid to give herself the shot. We did the first 18 months at the hospital and then when it was time for us to start self-injection, the nurse watched me mix it and had me do it in front of her and we also had a dvd that showed us the steps in case we forgot. You will really the convenience of doing it at home. We actually have to go back again this afternoon after going last week because her count was higher than the protocol wants. If it is over 200 again today, they will lower her dose and we have to go back again next week. Really hoping her count is under 200 so we can get the drug to do at home the next two weeks before going back again. (We have to go every 4 weeks and if her count is good, we get to take 4 vials of the drug home + the other stuff...we go every 4 weeks no matter what so I make sure I plan our vacations around the times we have to go to the hospital.)