This site is intended for UK patients who have been prescribed Pelgraz®

Injection Guide
 for patients
 that have been
 prescribed Pelgraz®

This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring.
This will allow quick identification of new safety information.
You can help by reporting any side effects you may get.

Read more

Information for injecting yourself if you have been prescribed Pelgraz®

How to use Pelgraz®?

Always use Pelgraz® exactly as your doctor has told you. You should check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are unsure. The usual dose is one 6 mg subcutaneous injection under your skin using a pre-filled syringe and it should be given at least 24 hours after your last dose of chemotherapy at the end of each chemotherapy cycle.

Information for injecting yourself

This website contains information on how to give yourself an injection of Pelgraz®. It is important that you do not try to give yourself the injection unless you have received special training from your doctor or nurse. If you are not sure about giving yourself the injection or you have any questions, please ask your doctor or nurse for help.

How do I inject Pelgraz® myself?

You will need to give yourself the injection into the tissue just under the skin. This is known as a subcutaneous injection. You will need to have your injection at about the same time of day, each time you inject.

Equipment that you need

To give yourself a subcutaneous injection you will need:

  • a pre-filled syringe of Pelgraz®
  • alcohol swab
inject

What should I do before I give myself a subcutaneous injection of Pelgraz®?

Do not shake the pre-filled syringe as vigorous shaking may damage the medication. If the pre-filled syringe has been shaken vigorously, the solution may appear foamy and it should not be used. Ensure the needle cover remains on the syringe until just before you are ready to inject.

  • Take your Pelgraz® pre-filled syringe out of the refrigerator
  • Check the expiry date on the pre-filled syringe label (EXP). Do not use it if the date has passed the last day of the month shown or if it has been kept outside of the refrigerator for more than 72 hours or has otherwise expired
  • Check the appearance of Pelgraz®. It must be a clear and colourless liquid. If there are particles in it, you must not use it
  • For a more comfortable injection, let the pre-filled syringe stand for 30 minutes to reach room temperature or hold the pre-filled syringe gently in your hand for a few minutes. Do not warm Pelgraz® in any other way for example, do not warm it in a microwave or in hot water
  • Wash your hands thoroughly
  • Find a comfortable, well-lit place and put everything you need where you can reach them including the Pelgraz® pre-filled syringe and alcohol swab

How do I prepare my Pelgraz® injection?

Before you inject Pelgraz® you must do the following:

  • Hold the syringe and gently take the cover from the needle without twisting. Pull straight as shown in Picture 1. Do not touch the needle or push the plunger
prepare injection

Picture 1

  • You may notice a small air bubble in the pre-filled syringe. You do not have to remove the air bubble before injecting. Injecting the solution with the air bubble is harmless
  • You can now use the pre-filled syringe

Where should I give my injections?

The most suitable places to inject yourself are:

  • the top of your thighs; and
  • the abdomen, except for the area around the navel (see Picture 2)
  • If someone else is injecting you, they can also use the back of your arms (see Picture 3)
  • It is better to change the injection site every time to avoid the risk of soreness at any one site
Picture 2

Picture 2

Picture 3

Picture 3

How do I give my injections?

stage 1

Picture 4

  • Disinfect the injection site by using an alcohol swab and pinch the skin between your thumb and forefinger, without squeezing it (see Picture 4)
stage 2

Picture 5

  • Put the needle fully into the skin as shown by your nurse or doctor (see Picture 5)
stage 3

Picture 6

  • Pull slightly on the plunger to check that a blood vessel has not been punctured. If you see blood in the syringe, remove the needle and re-insert it in another place
  • Always keeping your skin pinched, depress the plunger slowly and evenly while grasping the finger flange until the entire dose has been given and the plunger cannot be depressed any further. Do not release the pressure on the plunger (see Picture 6)
stage 4

Picture 7

  • After injecting the liquid, while keeping the syringe at the same angle and maintaining pressure on the plunger, remove the needle and then let go of your skin. The protective sleeve will automatically cover the needle and an audible “click” will be heard to confirm shield activation (see picture 7). The needle guard will not activate unless the entire dose has been given.

Disposing of used syringes

Dispose of the syringe as instructed by your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.

Reporting of side effects:

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This medicine is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get.
See www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard for how to report side effects.

Please also report side effects directly to Accord-UK Ltd by calling: (0)1271 385257 or by email:
medinfo@accord-healthcare.com.

Patient Information Leaflet