Dalisa asked
What size needle does the Bydureon BCise use?
Answer
The Bydureon BCise injection is an antidiabetic medication that is given as a once weekly subcutaneous injection. Each injection delivers 2 mg of the active ingredient, exenatide extended release.
The needle on the Bydureon BCise auto-injector is hidden and protected under the green shield after the orange cap is removed. Unlike other injection pens, you do not need to purchase pen needles as they are already contained within the pen. The injection device is a single use injection that does not require you to adjust for dosing.
The prescribing information does not list the actual size of the needle that is included within the auto-injector device. However, it most likely is a 23 gauge 5/16" (8mm) needle as that is the size of the needle that is included with the other Bydureon (non-auto-injector) product. In addition, clinical trials for Bydureon state that 23 gauge 5/16" (8mm) needles were used.
Below are the instructions for using the Bydureon BCise device:
- Start by removing the autoinjector from the refrigerator and lay it flat at room temperature for 15 minutes. (The autoinjector can be kept at room temperautre for up to 4 weeks.)
- Check the expiration date to make sure the the suspension is still within date.
- Wash your hands.
- Choose an injection site.
- You can choose to inject into the stomach staying away from the belly button, the thigh, or the back of the upper arm.
- You can you the same area of your body each week, but make sure to choose a different injection site each week.
- Sanitize the site with alcohol.
- Shake the autoinjector up and down for at least 15 seconds until the suspension is completely mixed. Look at the window, the mixture should cloudy and free of medicine sticking to the sides or bottom the bottom. (It's alright if you see bubbles.) After the medicine is mixed well you must inject the medication right away to make sure you receive the full dose.
- Unlock the autoinjector by holding the orange cap toward the ceiling and turn the knob at the bottom until you hear a click.
- Continue to hold the autoinjector with the orange cap up. To remove the orange cap unscrew clockwise. Once the orange cap is removed a green shield will pop up to protect the needle within the device.
- Hold the autoinjector to the injection site that you have cleaned. Push and hold the aurtoinjector into the skin until you here a click.
- Hold the autoinjector in place for 15 seconds while the medication is injected.
- After removing the device from the skin the green shield will pop back up over the needle and the medication window show an orange rod ensuring that you have received the full dose.
- Dispose of the empty device in an FDA approved sharps container.
Remember to store your Bydrueon BCise laying flat within the refrigerator until ready to prepare. It can be stored at room temperature away from light for up to 4 weeks.
