Prolia is a drug used to treat osteoporosis and to increase bone mass in patients with weak or brittle bones. Injections are usually given once every 6 months. Before administering them, make sure you receive training from a professional doctor so that you know the technique perfectly. You should clean the injection area well and insert the syringe into the skin. Push the plunger slowly until the full dose is released, then stop pressing. Be sure to throw the syringe into a sharp object container.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for the injection
Step 1. Describe your health condition to your doctor
Whenever you start a new drug therapy, it's important to discuss your medical history with your doctor. Drugs can have interactions and cause adverse reactions.
- Prolia can be dangerous for patients with kidney disease, compromised immune system, thyroid / parathyroid problems, stomach or bowel problems, dental surgery, or allergies to denosumab (an ingredient in the drug) or latex.
- Let your doctor or dentist know if you have jaw problems while taking Prolia. If necessary, also undergo a dental examination before starting therapy.
Step 2. Ask your doctor for a demonstration
It is important not to attempt to give yourself (or someone else) a Prolia injection if you have not received training from a professional. Ask your doctor to show you how to use the drug before trying to administer it.
If the idea of giving yourself the injection makes you uncomfortable, go to your doctor whenever you need a dose. He will be happy to carry out the procedure for you
Step 3. Take the syringe out of the fridge 30 minutes before using it
An injection at room temperature causes less discomfort than a cold one. Take the medicine out of the fridge and leave it at room temperature for about half an hour before giving the injection.
- Do not heat the syringe with a heat source (such as a microwave or hot water). Let it warm up naturally. Artificial heat can deteriorate the drug or even break the syringe.
- Make sure you don't leave the syringe exposed to direct sunlight while you wait for it to warm up, as the sun's rays can contaminate the medicine inside.
Step 4. Discard the syringe if it is broken or if the medicine is cloudy
Look at the syringe and make sure it is not damaged or contaminated. Do not use it even if the medicine inside is cloudy or contains particles, if any part of the syringe looks broken or has cracks, if the needle cap is not present or not completely sealed. In these cases, take another syringe from the package or ask your doctor for a new prescription if you run out of them.
You should also throw away syringes that are past their expiration date (which you will find on the label)
Step 5. Sterilize the injection site with alcohol and wash your hands
You can inject Prolia into one of the following subcutaneous areas: upper arm, abdomen or upper thigh. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to disinfect the chosen area and wash your hands thoroughly with disinfectant soap.
- You can't do shoulder injections yourself, so you'll need to get help from another person in this case.
- For abdominal injections you can choose your favorite spot outside of a 5cm radius around the navel.
Part 2 of 3: Inject the Medication
Step 1. Remove the cap, keeping the syringe straight
Take the syringe carefully with one hand and hold it vertically (with the needle pointing up). Use your other hand to pull the gray cap up and remove it. Once the needle is exposed, make sure you don't drop the syringe and don't touch it with anything else to avoid possible contamination.
Step 2. Squeeze where you will inject
Use your thumb and forefinger to do this. You should tighten the skin to create a hard surface to insert the needle into.
Try to lift about 2 inches of skin away from your body for an effective subcutaneous injection
Step 3. Insert the needle into the skin
Insert it completely into the skin, until the syringe barrel is in contact with the surface. Continue to tighten the skin until the operation is complete, when you completely remove the needle.
Step 4. Slowly push the plunger down until you hear a "click"
Keep pushing until you reach the end of the reservoir to deliver the full dosage. Release the plunger and the needle will automatically return to the syringe safety.
Step 5. Discard the used syringe in a sharps container
You should never throw used syringes in the normal household trash. Throw them into containers designed specifically for used syringes and other sharp objects.
- You should never reuse or recycle used syringes.
- If you don't have a sharps container, ask your doctor how to safely recycle used syringes.
Part 3 of 3: Taking the Right Precautions
Step 1. Do not take Prolia if you are pregnant
This drug can be harmful to fetuses and can pass into breast milk, so you shouldn't breastfeed while taking it.
- Make sure you are using a reliable contraceptive if you are taking Prolia.
- If you take Prolia and become pregnant, stop treatment immediately and consult your doctor.
Step 2. Do not take Prolia if you suffer from hypocalcaemia
This condition causes low levels of calcium in the blood. Prolia can further reduce the concentration of calcium in the blood and bring it to dangerous levels.
See your doctor right away if you notice any of the following symptoms and are taking Prolia: muscle spasms or cramps, tenderness or tingling in the fingers and toes or around the mouth, seizures, confusion or loss of consciousness
Step 3. Store the Prolia in the refrigerator
This drug should be stored at a temperature between 2 and 8 ° C. You should never freeze it or keep it at room temperature.
Put the whole package in the fridge to protect the drug from direct light exposure
Step 4. Do not give Prolia to children
It is a drug intended for adults. It is dangerous for children, as it can slow down the development of bones and teeth.
