I think the overwhelming majority of Peg interferon is delivered via an auto injector. My first go around with standard interferon was 3 injections weekly via a standard insulin type syringe. They showed people the stick and withdraw technique then to be sure you weren't in a vein. With those tiny 26 gauge needles it's pretty hard to do that if you're using good subcutaneous technique. The auto injectors are just simple to use and if you've paid attention, they are using that system to deliver several kinds of medication. 

I found that the side effects of the Peg were most intense over the first 48 hours following the injection. If you take it before bed, you do tend to sleep through some of them. But many of us had issues sleeping and were awake during the initial SFX onslaught. If your Hepa approves it, taking a Tylenol or Ibuprofen can reduce the negatives. Some days the SFX were difficult, sometimes they weren't bad at all. But I think that the longer you're taking it, the more troublesome they can be. Keep your Hepa advised of all your symptoms and understand that there are going to be days that you aren't going to be feeling well at all (understatement)! But hang in there and fight, it's totally doable.

I wouldn't worry about it Sarah, i went 48 weeks without ever pulling back once. And i am still here doing good. So just quit worrying. It's not good for you.

Tonight is injection #6 interferon and when I was taught the injection procedure, they did not tell me to pull back and check for blood, yet my instruction booklet tells me to do so.  Not sure if I should pull back or not?  CONFUSED!!!!.   Treatment going well except for extremely sore muscles and dry skin.   I feel very fortunate!!!

Thanks to everyone for all of your replies. Tonib, Good luck for an UND on your results!  I go for my 8wk this wk and hope for a significant drop or an UND! Looks like this treatment is going to be quite a ride! Have to take each day as it comes and try to stay positive. We're in it to WIN it!

I will pass on a suggestion that ppl here told me and helped with sides in the injection area.
To lessen any bruising;
Hold the needle vial in your hands for a minute or two; slightly warming it up; hurts less going in.
Take your hand and 'pudge up your flesh a bit.
Inject at a 45* angle with the open 0 slant of the needle visable to you (aka; you are looking down say, if you are injecting into your stomach area and you can see the needle hole).
Inject slowly.
I did those little tricks and my injection areas were much less painful and lessed bruised afterwards.
----
As for the side of the medicine itself, everyone seems to have slightly different reactions to the peg.
I didn't have the major nausea (had it like two or three times) and puking (puked perhaps twice in all 48 weeks)
Didn't have very bad firareah either. I did have the flu like symptoms and aches real bad though.
I hope this helps!

Yup this treatment is a day by day thing....one day your fine...next day your not....I actually had a good week this one time...it was great, I kept thinking mabe the shot was empty.........but that was the only time....I take my shot Frid night cause I work during the week, and sure enough most Saturdays I am on the couch....

I'm going for shot 13 this Friday and I get the big VL test this weekend to see if I am gonna stay with this or become a non responder...I need luck...got any to spare?

Thanks Mallani,

I was hoping I could predict some of my treatment. Like planning something or a trip every other wknd. But, I guess it must of been wishful thinking Its hard to plan anything while on treatment. It seems side effects could happen anytime. Even days after the injection I take my injection on Wed., hoping I feel better by the wknd. But, sometimes the side effects creep up on you at anytime. I guess its pretty well, one day at a time!  

Hi I am into my 7th wk of triple therapy with peg/rib/vict. I have noticed my side effects are not as bad every other wk after I get my injection on the left side of the abdomen, than on the right.  I find the side effects are pretty bad when I have the shot on my right side. Could it be, because the liver is on this side? Has anyone else experienced this? Thank you.

I agree, one day would be ok and I'd think I was through the worst of it, and then, bam, the next day would be yucky with a migraine and anxiety depression. It has been like this from the beginning. Good luck ToniB for an UND and shot 13. I'm sending you all the luck I have to spare fingers crossed for you and welcome Kristi6!

-- Edited by Kellie on Friday 27th of September 2013 01:47:26 AM

Hi kristi6,

Shouldn't make any difference.  Make sure the injection is subcutaneous (just under the skin). Place the syringe so the needle is at 45 degrees to the skin, with the bevel facing up. The syringe should be at room temperature. Don't draw back on the plunger. Inject the contents, leave for a few seconds, then withdraw the needle. Don't inject in the same spot, so make a map around the belly-button and change the injection site each week. Cheers.