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Hey, I’m Julie. Thanks for watching.
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Today, I’m going to show you how to properly self-inject a dose of DUPIXENT® (dupilumab) using the single-dose pre-filled pen.
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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.
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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.
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If you haven’t yet read the instructions for use, located in your DUPIXENT® treatment packaging, pause the video and take a look.
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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.
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Let’s take a closer look at the pre-filled pen.
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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.
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OK, it’s time for me to take my DUPIXENT® injection. Feel free to watch me and follow along as I self-inject.
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Depending on your dose, your box of DUPIXENT® may be a different colour. This is the box for the 300 mg dose.
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Before we start, here are some guidelines.
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Keep the pre-filled pen and all medicines out of the reach of children.
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Keep unused pre-filled pens in the original carton and store in the refrigerator between 2ºC to 8ºC, or 36º to 46ºF.
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To begin, take your medication out of the refrigerator.
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Take one pen out of the packaging by holding the middle of the pen body.
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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.
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Do not use the pen if the expiration date has passed. If the dosage strength or expiration date isn’t right, contact your pharmacy.
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Next, take a look at the medicine through the viewing window.
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The liquid inside should be clear and colorless to pale yellow. You may see an air bubble. This is totally normal.
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Do not inject DUPIXENT® if the liquid inside is discoloured, cloudy, or contains visible flakes or particles.
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Do not use the pre-filled pen if the window is solid yellow.
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Do not use the pre-filled pen if it has been damaged.
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Do not use the pre-filled pen if the cap is missing or not securely attached.
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If you have any questions about whether the pen is ok to use, please call the Freedom support program, or your healthcare provider.
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If you have an unused pre-filled pen, return it to the refrigerator in the original carton to protect it from the light.
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Lay the pre-filled pen on a flat surface and let it naturally warm to room temperature.
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Do not freeze or heat the pre-filled pen.
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Do not put the pre-filled pen into direct sunlight.
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Throw away any pre-filled pen that has been left at room temperature for more than 14 days.
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On that note, if you ever need to remove a DUPIXENT® carton from the refrigerator,
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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.
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Do not shake the pre-filled pen at any time.
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As the pen warms up, let’s gather some additional materials you’ll need to self-inject.
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You’ll need a cotton ball or gauze, an alcohol wipe and a puncture resistant disposal container.
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If you don’t have a puncture resistant disposal container, call your pharmacy,
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the Freedom support program or your healthcare provider to request a puncture-resistant disposal container.
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Now, take your supplies to an area where you can sit comfortably.
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I prefer the comfort of my living room couch. You might prefer the bathroom or your bedroom for privacy.
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We’re almost ready to inject DUPIXENT®.
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First, let’s wash our hands thoroughly with soap and water.
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Next, let’s choose an injection site.
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Both the stomach and thigh are acceptable
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except for the 5 centimeters or 2 inches around your belly button.
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If a caregiver gives you the injection, the outer area of the upper arm is also an option.
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The person giving the injection should follow the same preparation procedure.
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Be sure to choose a different site each time you inject DUPIXENT®.
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Do not inject through clothes.
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Do not inject into skin that is tender, damaged, bruised or scarred.
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Now clean your skin with the alcohol wipe.
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Do not touch your skin again or blow on it before the injection.
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Let your skin dry before injection.
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Pick up the pen by holding the middle of the pen body, with the needle pointing away from you.
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With the other hand, pull the cap straight off.
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Once you have removed the cap, do not put it back on.
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Do not twist the cap off.
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Do not remove it until you are ready to inject.
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Do not press or touch the needle cover with your fingers.
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Do not try to put the cap back on once you’ve removed it.
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Inject the medicine right away after removing the cap.
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Place the yellow needle cover on your skin at approximately a 90-degree angle.
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Make sure you can see the injector window.
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Press down and hold the pen firmly against your skin until you can no longer see the Needle Cover.
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There may be a “click” when the injection starts.
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As you hold the pen firmly against your skin, the injector window will start to turn yellow.
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The injection can take up to 20 seconds.
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You may hear a second click.
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Check that the entire window has turned to yellow before removing the pen.
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Slowly count to 5, and then lift the pen up straight off the skin.
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And that’s it! You’re done.
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If the window does not turn fully yellow,
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remove the pen and call your healthcare provider or Freedom support program nurse.
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Do not give yourself a second dose without speaking to your healthcare provider.
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Lightly press a cotton ball or gauze on the injection site if you see any blood.
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You can also cover the site with a bandage.
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Do not rub your skin after the injection.
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Be sure to put the used pen and its cap into a puncture resistant disposal container right away after use.
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Do not re-use the pre-filled pen.
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Do not dispose of pre-filled pens in your household trash.
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Do not recycle your used puncture resistant container.
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Follow your local guidelines and ask your pharmacy or healthcare provider for the appropriate way to dispose of your used pen.
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Be sure to keep track of your injection date and site.
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Thank you for joining me today.
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Remember you can rewatch this video as often as you like to refresh your memory.
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Contact your healthcare provider or the Freedom support program with any questions or concerns.
1-844-216-1181
