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 Pen pre-filled pen (autoinjector).
Ensure you read the ‘Instructions for Use’ carefully before using Fasenra Pen. You should receive training on how to prepare and inject the pre-filled pen. 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 Pen (which may need to be removed from refrigerator)
- Alcohol wipe
- Cotton ball or gauze
- Sharps disposal container
- Allow pen 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 cap from pen
- Position pen at injection site and place green needle guard flat against skin (90-degree angle). Ensure you can see the viewing window
- Press down firmly. A click will tell you the injection has started, and the green plunger will move down in viewing window
- Hold down firmly for 15 seconds. A second click will tell you the injection has finished, and the green plunger will fill viewing window
- Lift pen straight up
- Check viewing window to ensure all the liquid has been injected*
- 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 pen in sharps disposal container
- Dispose of cap and other used supplies in household rubbish
*If green plunger does not fill viewing window, you may not have received the full dose. Contact your doctor, nurse or pharmacist
Other important information
- Store pen in refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C. To protect it from light, store in its carton until you are ready to use it
- Pen 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
- Do not use pen 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 pen
- Also do not:
- remove cap until you are ready to inject
- try to touch the needle or push on green needle guard with your finger
- try to put cap back on pen once removed
- 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.
