If you and your doctor or nurse have decided that you can inject Fasenra (benralizumab) yourself, it is important that you know how to prepare and inject it properly.
This short video shows you how to use Fasenra prefilled syringe.
Ensure you read the ‘Instructions for Use’ carefully before using Fasenra prefilled syringe. You should receive training on how to use the prefilled syringe. Follow all directions given to you by your doctor or nurse carefully.
Checklist of steps
- Gather and set up on a clean, flat surface:
- Fasenra pre-filled syringe (which may need to be removed from refrigerator)
- Alcohol wipe
- Cotton ball or gauze
- Sharps disposal container
- Allow syringe to warm up at room temperature for about 30 minutes (if it has been in refrigerator)
- Check liquid through viewing window – it should be clear and colourless to yellow. It may contain small white particles and a small air bubble (do not use if liquid is cloudy, discoloured, or contains large particles)
- Choose injection site – this may be front of your thigh or lower part of your abdomen. A caregiver may also inject you in the upper arm (do not try to inject yourself in the arm). For each injection, use a different site at least 3 cm away from where you last injected
- Wash your hands with soap and water
- Clean injection site with alcohol wipe and let it air dry
- Remove needle cover from syringe*
- Hold syringe in one hand and use other hand to gently pinch skin surrounding injection site**
- Use a quick, dart-like motion to insert needle into pinched skin at a 45-degree angle
- Use thumb to push down on plunger head, until it is as far down as it will go
- Keep thumb pressed down as you take needle out of skin
- Slowly ease up on the plunger
- If there is a small amount of blood or liquid at the site, gently apply pressure to the area with a cotton ball or gauze and apply a Band-Aid if needed
- Dispose of used syringe in sharps disposal container
- Dispose of cap and other used supplies in household rubbish
*Hold syringe body while removing the needle cover (not plunger or plunger head)
**Do not press down on plunger until needle is completely inserted into skin or pull back on plunger at any time
Other important information
- Store syringe in refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C. To protect it from light, store in its carton until you are ready to use it
- The syringe may be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for no more than 14 days. It must be used within 14 days or discarded
- To remove syringe from plastic tray, grasp syringe body (not plunger)
- Do not use syringe if:
- it has been frozen, dropped or damaged
- the security seal on the carton has been broken, packaging has been torn or shows signs of tampering or there are visible signs of deterioration of the products
- the expiry date on pack has passed
- Do not shake, share or re-use the syringe
- Also do not:
- remove needle cover until you are ready to inject
- touch needle guard activation clips
- touch the needle or let it touch any surface
- use syringe if dropped without needle cover in place, or if needle is damaged or dirty
- Do not inject:
- into the 5 cm area around belly button
- where skin is tender, bruised, scaly or hard
- into scars or damaged skin
- through clothing
Other medicines
See our complete How-to video library for other injectable medicines and how to use them.
Acknowledgement
Thanks to Ms Ceri Banks, Asthma and Respiratory Educator, and the patient who participated in this film clip.
Development of this How-to video was supported by AstraZeneca Australia. The National Asthma Council Australia retained editorial control.
Disclaimer
Although all care has been taken, this video is a general guide only, which is not a substitute for assessment of appropriate courses of treatment on a case-by-case basis. The National Asthma Council Australia expressly disclaims all responsibility (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or personal injury resulting from reliance on the information contained herein.
