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Desferal Supplies
Gauze Gauze is handy for applying alcohol
(if you aren't using pre-packaged wipes), cleaning off iodine scrubs,
and cushioning your infusion needles, if desired, and cleaning up spills.
Povidone-Iodine pad Iodine is scrubbed onto
the area of infusion to kill germs and prevent infection. It's left on
the sking for two minutes, then cleaned off with a new sterile alcohol
pad.
Tape You will need this to hold the sub-Q
needle in place while the Desferal is being infused. Again, there are
many different sizes and each patient has their personal preference for
comfort. Some patients are allergic to certain kinds of tape so it is
important you use tape that not only holds the needle in place well, but
that is also easy on your skin.
Some choices in tape include:
- Paper Tape: This kind of tape is thin and
has a cloth-like feeling. It is not as sticky as regular tape and does
not hold as well, especially in humid environments.
- "Hospital" tape: This tape is thicker
and sticky, usually found in hospitals for I.V. use.
- Tag-a-derm: This tape is light without the
sticky feeling, but holds very well.
Anesthetics Sometimes
you need a little extra help in being able to stick yourself or your child
with less pain. Anesthetics can be used before sticking yourself or your
child to numb the site where the needle will be placed. Some types include:
1.
- Emla cream: This is a cream which must be
applied half hour to an hour before sticking yourself or your child
with the sub-Q needle. You apply it to the area on your stomach, arm
or leg where you will place the needle. You then need to place a tag-a-derm
patch over it so that it will not come off until the site is numb and
ready to insert the needle.
- Spray: For this kind of anesthetic, you spray
the area you will use immediately before sticking yourself with the
sub-Q needle. It numbs the area temporary and wears off quickly.
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