See how to correctly prepare, mix and administer ELIGARD
IMPORTANT: ELIGARD must be brought to room temperature before mixing.
- Make sure patient is in the treatment room, as ELIGARD must be administered within 30 minutes of mixing
- Always wash your hands and use gloves
- Open both ELIGARD packages
- Discard the desiccant packs from each package and ensure all contents are in place. You are now ready to assemble and mix ELIGARD
1 Open both ELIGARD packages
On a clean field open both trays, discard the desiccant packs from each package and ensure all contents are in place. You are now ready to assemble and mix ELIGARD.
2 Start with Syringe B: Pull out blue plunger
Pull out the short blue plunger rod with attached gray stopper from Syringe B and discard.
3 Insert the long white plunger rod from Syringe A package
Gently insert the long white plunger rod from the Syringe A package into the gray primary stopper inside Syringe B by twisting it into place.
4 Remove caps
- Unscrew the clear cap from Syringe A and remove the gray rubber cap from Syringe B.
- Discard both caps.
5 Join the syringes
- Join the two syringes together by pushing Syringe A into Syringe B and twisting until secure.
- Be careful not to over tighten.
6 Mix contents
Inject the liquid contents of Syringe A into Syringe B (which contains the leuprolide acetate powder).- Thoroughly mix the product by pushing back and forth between the syringes for about 45 seconds to obtain a uniform suspension.
- NOTE: Product must be mixed as described to ensure a uniform suspension is achieved. Shaking will not provide adequate mixing of the product.
- When thoroughly mixed, the suspension will appear colorless to pale yellow or light tan to tan in color (depending on the strength).
7 Remove Syringe A
Hold syringes vertically with Syringe B on the bottom. Syringes should remain securely coupled. Draw all the mixed product into Syringe B by depressing the Syringe A plunger and slightly withdrawing the Syringe B plunger.
8 Uncouple syringes
- Uncouple Syringe A while continuing to push down on the Syringe A plunger.
- Small air bubbles will remain in the formulation (this is acceptable)
9 Attach the sterile needle provided
- Hold Syringe B upright.
- Hold back the white plunger on Syringe B to prevent loss of product.
- Holding the needle in its protective sheath, twist the syringe clockwise until the needle is fully seated. Be careful not to over tighten the needle or it will become stripped.
- Move the safety sheath away from needle and pull off needle cover.
- You are now ready to inject!
10Choosing an injection site
- Choose an injection site on the abdomen, upper buttocks, or anywhere with adequate amounts of subcutaneous tissue that does not have excessive pigment, nodules, lesions, or hair. Avoid areas with brawny or fibrous subcutaneous tissue or locations that could be rubbed or compressed (i.e., with belt or clothing waistband).
- Choose an area that has not recently been used for injection. Cleanse the area with an alcohol swab.
11Administer injection
- Using the thumb and forefinger of your non-dominant hand, grasp an area of skin around the injection site.
- Using your dominant hand, insert needle quickly at a 90° angle, then release the skin with your non-dominant hand; inject the drug using a slow, steady push. Withdraw the needle quickly at the same 90° angle of insertion.
12Activate needle safety shield
Activate the needle’s safety shield by using a thumb, finger or flat surface to push the shield forward until it covers the needle. It should lock into place with a click you can hear and feel. Discard all components in an appropriate biohazard container.
Learn how to correctly prepare, mix and administer ELIGARD
Virtual Training Sessions include a demonstration to mix and administer Eligard.
The clinical trainer will answer any questions you may have.
To join a session in progress