00:11.247
Hey, I’m Julie. Thanks for watching.
00:12.929
Today, I’m going to show you how to properly self-inject a dose of DUPIXENT® (dupilumab) using the single-dose pre-filled pen.
00:21.267
Since you’ve already learned how to self-inject with your health care provider, I’ll be here to guide you through your first at-home experience.
00:29.112
First thing we’ll go over is, what supplies to gather, how to prep the injection area, and how to inject the dose and discard your single-dose pre-filled pen.
00:41.166
If you haven’t yet read the instructions for use, located in your DUPIXENT® treatment packaging, pause the video and take a look.
00:48.425
It has step-by-step instructions, which I will go through with you today. It is important to read all the instructions carefully before using the pre-filled pen.
00:57.908
Let’s take a closer look at the pre-filled pen.
01:01.631
I found it helpful to review the different parts of the pre-filled pen like the cap, the window, and the needle cover before handling the pre-filled pen itself.
01:20.884
OK, it’s time for me to take my DUPIXENT® injection. Feel free to watch me and follow along as I self-inject.
01:28.929
Depending on your dose, your box of DUPIXENT® may be a different colour. This is the box for the 300 mg dose.
01:37.192
Before we start, here are some guidelines.
01:40.918
Keep the pre-filled pen and all medicines out of the reach of children.
01:46.047
Keep unused pre-filled pens in the original carton and store in the refrigerator between 2ºC to 8ºC, or 36º to 46ºF.
01:57.871
To begin, take your medication out of the refrigerator.
02:04.427
Take one pen out of the packaging by holding the middle of the pen body.
02:09.596
Now, let’s check the label on the pen to ensure that the medication and dosage strength are correct, and the expiration date has not passed.
02:18.156
Do not use the pen if the expiration date has passed. If the dosage strength or expiration date isn’t right, contact your pharmacy.
02:28.771
Next, take a look at the medicine through the viewing window.
02:32.624
The liquid inside should be clear and colorless to pale yellow. You may see an air bubble. This is totally normal.
02:41.628
Do not inject DUPIXENT® if the liquid inside is discoloured, cloudy, or contains visible flakes or particles.
02:48.848
Do not use the pre-filled pen if the window is solid yellow.
02:54.684
Do not use the pre-filled pen if it has been damaged.
02:59.333
Do not use the pre-filled pen if the cap is missing or not securely attached.
03:08.318
If you have any questions about whether the pen is ok to use, please call the Freedom support program, or your healthcare provider.
03:17.080
If you have an unused pre-filled pen, return it to the refrigerator in the original carton to protect it from the light.
03:27.670
Lay the pre-filled pen on a flat surface and let it naturally warm to room temperature.
03:37.104
Do not freeze or heat the pre-filled pen.
03:40.875
Do not put the pre-filled pen into direct sunlight.
03:45.793
Throw away any pre-filled pen that has been left at room temperature for more than 14 days.
03:51.907
On that note, if you ever need to remove a DUPIXENT® carton from the refrigerator,
03:56.173
it’s a good idea to write down the date of removal in the space provided on the outer carton, so that you can remember to use DUPIXENT® within 14 days.
04:08.289
Do not shake the pre-filled pen at any time.
04:15.033
As the pen warms up, let’s gather some additional materials you’ll need to self-inject.
04:20.955
You’ll need a cotton ball or gauze, an alcohol wipe and a puncture resistant disposal container.
04:30.776
If you don’t have a puncture resistant disposal container, call your pharmacy,
04:34.426
the Freedom support program or your healthcare provider to request a puncture-resistant disposal container.
04:43.128
Now, take your supplies to an area where you can sit comfortably.
04:48.276
I prefer the comfort of my living room couch. You might prefer the bathroom or your bedroom for privacy.
04:56.142
We’re almost ready to inject DUPIXENT®.
04:59.621
First, let’s wash our hands thoroughly with soap and water.
05:04.514
Next, let’s choose an injection site.
05:07.613
Both the stomach and thigh are acceptable
05:10.173
except for the 5 centimeters or 2 inches around your belly button.
05:15.809
If a caregiver gives you the injection, the outer area of the upper arm is also an option.
05:22.267
The person giving the injection should follow the same preparation procedure.
05:28.667
Be sure to choose a different site each time you inject DUPIXENT®.
05:34.164
Do not inject through clothes.
05:36.966
Do not inject into skin that is tender, damaged, bruised or scarred.
05:49.999
Now clean your skin with the alcohol wipe.
05:58.516
Do not touch your skin again or blow on it before the injection.
06:03.256
Let your skin dry before injection.
06:08.575
Pick up the pen by holding the middle of the pen body, with the needle pointing away from you.
06:15.515
With the other hand, pull the cap straight off.
06:19.830
Once you have removed the cap, do not put it back on.
06:23.801
Do not twist the cap off.
06:26.086
Do not remove it until you are ready to inject.
06:30.582
Do not press or touch the needle cover with your fingers.
06:35.043
Do not try to put the cap back on once you’ve removed it.
06:39.838
Inject the medicine right away after removing the cap.
06:43.628
Place the yellow needle cover on your skin at approximately a 90-degree angle.
06:51.182
Make sure you can see the injector window.
06:56.006
Press down and hold the pen firmly against your skin until you can no longer see the Needle Cover.
07:03.110
There may be a “click” when the injection starts.
07:06.303
As you hold the pen firmly against your skin, the injector window will start to turn yellow.
07:13.494
The injection can take up to 20 seconds.
07:16.489
You may hear a second click.
07:20.790
Check that the entire window has turned to yellow before removing the pen.
07:25.350
Slowly count to 5, and then lift the pen up straight off the skin.
07:30.816
And that’s it! You’re done.
07:35.014
If the window does not turn fully yellow,
07:37.817
remove the pen and call your healthcare provider or Freedom support program nurse.
07:43.991
Do not give yourself a second dose without speaking to your healthcare provider.
07:50.903
Lightly press a cotton ball or gauze on the injection site if you see any blood.
07:56.338
You can also cover the site with a bandage.
08:00.517
Do not rub your skin after the injection.
08:04.116
Be sure to put the used pen and its cap into a puncture resistant disposal container right away after use.
08:15.817
Do not re-use the pre-filled pen.
08:19.294
Do not dispose of pre-filled pens in your household trash.
08:24.259
Do not recycle your used puncture resistant container.
08:29.282
Follow your local guidelines and ask your pharmacy or healthcare provider for the appropriate way to dispose of your used pen.
08:39.909
Be sure to keep track of your injection date and site.
08:44.411
Thank you for joining me today.
08:46.416
Remember you can rewatch this video as often as you like to refresh your memory.
08:51.753
Contact your healthcare provider or the Freedom support program with any questions or concerns.
