I finished my second day of infusions today and on her way out my nurse mentioned they are no longer using the D5W. I have been receiving in home infusions for a year and had always heard D5W was always used when receiving Gamunex-C. I called Walgrens (my supplier) and spoke with the pharmacist. She said research has shown it is not necessary to use it and my neurologist has been informed. This decision was made at the corporate level of Walgrens. They currently use heparin and saline for the flush. Any feedback from my fellow CIDP friends would be appreciated. Peace nancy
Hi Nancy,
I have been getting IVIG at an outpatient clinic for about 3 years. All they ever use with it is Tylenol and Benadryl, which they say are to prevent side effects. I have never had any problems.
Good luck,
BIll
I get Gamunex too IV and my nurse tried to do the pre and after flush with plain saline and i barked. In the pamphlet I get with the Gamunex it says in bold letters must not be flushed with Saline - not compatable. So she continues with the recommended flush of 5% dextrose per my request.
I am very confused but thankfully I have an appointment with my neuro on Mon. I have a port, and I think they flushed it at the end-three times. Once with saline, then D5W (Ithink that is the dextrose) then heparin. Walgrens is convinced the D5W is no longer needed I will look into a way of contacting Gamunex to confirm this. Thank you for your input, at least I haven't had any unusual side effects so far. peace
chirpybirdy said:
I get Gamunex too IV and my nurse tried to do the pre and after flush with plain saline and i barked. In the pamphlet I get with the Gamunex it says in bold letters must not be flushed with Saline - not compatable. So she continues with the recommended flush of 5% dextrose per my request.
Please bark as this is not recommended in the included material. There was a study that was reported in one session and the pharmacies decided that they would pay attention to this and stop using the 5% d5W flush. I spoke at length with the pharmacist about evidence based practice and that one small study does not make for evidence. Object!!! Ask them to show you the evidence in terms of published studies with large trials. They can't do it so say no!
Thank you so much for your advice. I am wondering if they (pharmacy) are just trying to cut costs. I know my legs have been hurting a lot more lately, I am definitely bringing this up with my neurologist on Mon. Peace
positive outlook said:
Please bark as this is not recommended in the included material. There was a study that was reported in one session and the pharmacies decided that they would pay attention to this and stop using the 5% d5W flush. I spoke at length with the pharmacist about evidence based practice and that one small study does not make for evidence. Object!!! Ask them to show you the evidence in terms of published studies with large trials. They can't do it so say no!
I called Grifols and the Gamunex program this morning. After testing and trials they have put out a publication stating that normal saline can be used as a flush without the D5W. She will be sending me a copy of their publication. Who knew? Like life itself changes are a constant if nothing else is. Peace Nancy
nancy said:
Thank you so much for your advice. I am wondering if they (pharmacy) are just trying to cut costs. I know my legs have been hurting a lot more lately, I am definitely bringing this up with my neurologist on Mon. Peace
positive outlook said:Please bark as this is not recommended in the included material. There was a study that was reported in one session and the pharmacies decided that they would pay attention to this and stop using the 5% d5W flush. I spoke at length with the pharmacist about evidence based practice and that one small study does not make for evidence. Object!!! Ask them to show you the evidence in terms of published studies with large trials. They can't do it so say no!