So, you’re ready to start your treatment with ZILBRYSQ. Now is a great time to get your support system in place. Your Care Coordinator will be here to help you every step of the way. In the meantime, here are some things you can do for yourself.
If you’re feeling anxious about self-injecting, you’re not alone.
Needle fear is common and can range from slight concern to more serious anxiety. It’s estimated that around 1 in 10 people have a fear of needles. Between 20% and 30% of adults aged 20–40 experience a fear of needles, although it may ease with age.
You may be concerned about injecting yourself, even if you’re not usually worried about injections given by someone else.
It’s likely you’ll get used to self-injecting and will look back and feel proud you’ve overcome your concerns.
Helpful strategies to try
There are proven techniques to make self-injection easier so that needle fear doesn’t stop you from administering your medicine. You may find it useful to practice some relaxation techniques before you start self-injecting.
Calming breathing exercise
How does it help? Slowing your breathing is a simple way to relax.
- Make sure you’re sitting comfortably, with your back upright but not stiff
- Relax your shoulders and jaw
- Breathe in slowly and gently through your nose, deep into your stomach
- Now breathe out slowly through your mouth
- Make sure you’re breathing into your stomach – when you place your hand on your stomach, you should feel it gently rise and fall under your hand – and breathe comfortably, without forcing it
- Repeat a few times
Mindfulness activity
How does it help? It helps you detach from your thoughts and can be relaxing for anyone with some concerns.
You can try this just before you self-inject or during the day if you have any unpleasant thoughts about self-injecting.
- Sit comfortably with your back straight either on a chair or on a cushion on the floor or a bench
- Bring your attention to the feeling of your breath in your body
- Don’t try to change your breath, just notice it, from the start of an inhalation to the end of an exhalation
- If you find yourself getting distracted, or distracting thoughts arise, gently bring your attention back to the sensations of breathing
Other techniques
If you have more serious needle fear, speak to your healthcare provider. They can discuss other techniques that may be helpful. Your healthcare team can guide you through techniques that are the most appropriate for you.
Make it comfortable
Try these tips to help make self-injecting as comfortable as possible.
- If ZILBRYSQ prefilled syringes are stored in the refrigerator:
- take the prefilled syringes carton out of the refrigerator and remove 1 prefilled syringe from the carton. Put the rest of the prefilled syringes in the carton back in the refrigerator.
- before you inject ZILBRYSQ, let the prefilled syringe warm up to room temperature on a clean flat surface for 30 to 45 minutes. Do not warm the ZILBRYSQ prefilled syringe in any other way (for example in a microwave, in hot water, or in direct sunlight).
- ZILBRYSQ prefilled syringes may be also stored at room temperature in the original carton for a single
period of up to 3 months. After ZILBRYSQ prefilled syringes have been stored at room temperature, do not
place them back in the refrigerator and throw them away if not used within the 3-month period or if the expiration date has passed, whichever occurs first.
- Try applying an ice pack for a few minutes to the area of skin you’re going to inject. This can numb the skin so you don’t feel the injection as much. Gently pat the area dry, then use the alcohol swab to clean your skin before you self-inject.
- If you get anxious, it can help to focus on why you’re doing this and how good you’ll feel when you reach your goal of successfully self-injecting.
As you get ready for your first treatment, check out the Guide to Getting Started with ZILBRYSQ. Inside, you’ll find tips on logistics and more information to help you begin treatment.
Ensure you have a plan with your healthcare provider to receive all required vaccinations to support your start on ZILBRYSQ.
As you go along your treatment path, it’s important to set and reach goals. These goals may be as grand as traveling or as simple as cooking dinner for yourself. While setting goals is a valuable step, reaching them is even more important. Reaching your goals will require purposeful, proactive steps – and plans for when obstacles arrive.
Setting Your Goal
Goals can be big or small, as long as they are attainable. So, consider what is important to you. What do you truly value? Use this insight to set goals that will have a genuine, positive impact when you attain them. After all, if your goals don't truly matter to you, it will be much more difficult to follow through on attainment.
What Do You Need to Do?
Carefully consider what steps you need to actively take in order to reach your goal. Is there a task you need to perform every day, week, or month? Is there a skill you need to learn?
Overcoming Obstacles
On your goal attainment path, you will certainly encounter obstacles. What will you do when these obstacles arrive? With your goal in mind, think of a few problems that could come up. Brainstorm some solutions to deal with them as they happen.
Sometimes, you may be the obstacle - and that’s OK! If you get off track or fall short of progress, consider how you will get yourself back on track.
Reward Yourself
As you work towards your goals, consider ways you can reward yourself along the way. Make sure these rewards don't interfere with attaining the goals themselves. But, giving yourself positive rewards can make it easier to stay on track with your goals.
Starting any new treatment can come with a lot of questions. Your healthcare provider is there to help you. Don’t hesitate to bring up any questions or comments at your visits. Here are some sample questions you may find helpful:
What side effects should I look out for?
What should I expect from my treatment? Can you explain that differently?
When can I expect to see results from my treatment?
With ONWARD, you have a dedicated Care Coordinator who can provide personalized, one-on-one support as you begin your treatment. Your Care Coordinator will help you:
- Know what to expect from your new treatment
- Match your needs with our support services
- Stay in contact with you throughout your treatment
Connect with your Care Coordinator to get support and a ZILBRYSQ Welcome Kit.
*ONWARD Care Coordinators do not provide medical advice and will refer you to your healthcare professional for any questions related to your treatment plan.