Administration FAQs

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Administration FAQs

For UK Healthcare Professionals

Administering VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS
Administration FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to some of the most common questions about administering VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS. Remember, there is also useful information in the Patient Information Leaflet that your patients might like to read.

Does the order in which I give the medicines matter?

No. It’s not important in which order the medicines are injected, however, each injection must be given in a different intramuscular site during the same appointment: one injection in the patient’s left ventrogluteal site, and the other on the right ventrogluteal site.^1,2
Is it okay to store VOCABRIA in the refrigerator?

Yes. Although refrigeration is not required for VOCABRIA, it can be stored in the refrigerator. REKAMBYS must be stored at 2°C to 8°C.^1,2

When removed from the refrigerator wait at least 15 minutes before you are ready to give the injection to allow the medicine to come to room temperature (not above 30°C).¹

Do not freeze either of the medications.^1,2
What is the best way to shake the vial?

The vial should be shaken vigorously for 10 seconds, enough to resuspend its contents. It is normal to see small air bubbles after shaking but the suspension should look uniform.^1,2 See the Administration Video for a demonstration of the correct shaking technique.
What should the vial look like before and after shaking?

Prior to shaking, the vial should have no foreign matter or discolouration.^1,2 Suspension should be uniform after shaking.^1,2 See the Administration Video for more detail.
Is it safe to warm the REKAMBYS vial up to room temperature quickly?

It is best to let the REKAMBYS vial come to room temperature naturally. However, you can use the warmth of your hands to speed the warming. Make sure the vial does not get above 25°C. Do not use any other heating methods.²
How long can VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS remain in the syringe?

When administering VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS, inject the medication as soon as possible after drawing it into the syringe. The drawn medication must be used within 2 hours and must stay below 25°C.^1,2If 2 hours are exceeded, the medicines, syringes and needles must be discarded.^1,2
How long can REKAMBYS remain out of the refrigerator?

Once the vial has been removed from the refrigerator, it cannot be re-refrigerated and must be used within 6 hours (maximum temperature 25°C) or discarded. It can remain in the carton for up to 6 hours.

Use the medication as soon as possible after drawing it into the syringe. The drawn medication must be used within 2 hours and must stay below 25°C.²

Note: VOCABRIA does not require any special storage conditions.¹
Why do I need to inject air into the vial?

Injecting 1 mL of air into the vial makes it easier to draw the dose into the syringe. Without the air, some liquid may flow back into the vial unintentionally, leaving less than the intended amount in the syringe.^1,2
Should the Z-Track Injection Technique be used only in the ventrogluteal area or can it also be used in the dorsogluteal area? Is one area preferred over the other?

The ventrogluteal area is preferred because it contains fewer nerves and blood vessels, and generally has a thinner layer of fat tissue than the dorsogluteal site. However, either site can be used with the Z-Track Injection Technique.^1-3
Are there any particular considerations for administering injections to patients with a high BMI?

Longer needle lengths (not included in the pack) may be required for patients with higher BMIs to ensure that injections are administered intramuscularly as opposed to subcutaneously.^1,2,4
Can I add other medicines in the syringe?

No. When preparing to inject VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS, do not mix other medicines in the same syringes.^1,2
If I have been trained on a different intramuscular injection technique and am not familiar with the Z-Track Technique, is it ok to use that technique with these products?

It is recommended to use the Z-Track Injection Technique for proper administration of VOCABRIA + REKAMBYS.^1,2
How long should I allow for the administration of the injections?

Patients typically spend 15 minutes in the injection room, and should be observed briefly for 10 minutes after the injections, before leaving the clinic, for any post-injection reactions.²
Do I need to monitor patients after injections?

Observe patients briefly for 10 minutes after the injections for any post-injection reactions.²

References:

VOCABRIA Summary of Product Characteristics. ViiV Healthcare.
REKAMBYS Summary of Product Characteristics. Janssen.
Kara D, Uzelli D, Karaman D. Using ventrogluteal site in intramuscular injections is a priority or an alternative? Int J Caring Sci. 2015;8(2):507-513.
Wynaden D, Establishing best practice guidelines for administration of intra muscular injections in the adult: a systematic review of the literature. Contemp Nurse. 2005 Dec;20(2):267-77.

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ or search for MHRA Yellowcard in the Google Play or Apple App store. Adverse events should also be reported to GlaxoSmithKline on 0800 221 441.

REKAMBYS (rilpivirine long acting injection), including the trademark is owned by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies and used under license by the ViiV Healthcare group of companies. All other trademarks are owned by the ViiV Healthcare group.

PM-GB-CBR-WCNT-220002 v2 I November 2022

Prescribing Information

Report an adverse event

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellowcard in the Google Play or Apple App store. Adverse events should also be reported to GlaxoSmithKline on 0800 221441.

If you are from outside the UK, you can report adverse events to GSK/ViiV by selecting your region and market, here.

PREPARATION & INJECTION SUPPORT

Frequently Asked Questions