Syringe drivers (tips for home use)

What is a syringe driver?

A syringe driver is a portable, battery-powered machine that delivers drugs through a needle, placed just under the skin. It can be easily held in one hand and is pocket sized.

The system is made up of three parts:
1. The machine itself.
2. A syringe, attached to the machine, which has your drugs in it.
3. Attached to the syringe is a long thin piece of tubing with a very small needle on the end.

How will the syringe driver help me?

Often it is used when you cannot take drugs by mouth, due to difficulty in swallowing or sickness.

It is used to avoid having to give injections frequently because they are painful and uncomfortable.

When symptoms such as nausea/vomiting and pain are under control, your tablets may be restarted. The syringe driver can then be discontinued.

Giving your drugs via a syringe driver

The nurse will place the needle just under the skin, either on your chest, your tummy or on the top of your arm or leg. This will feel like having a small injection. The needle is held in place with a small, clear dressing, so that the site can be checked. Usually, the needle can stay in one place for several days. If it gets sore or uncomfortable, the nurse will insert a new one in another place.

Managing my syringe driver at home

The machine is designed to give you your drugs over 24 hours. Each day the District Nurse will come to fill up a new syringe and to check the machine. The District Nurse will also check that you have enough drugs for the syringe driver.

It would be helpful if you could provide somewhere where the spare equipment and medications could be stored, e.g. a shoe box. You will also be given a small yellow 'sharps' box, so that used syringes can be disposed of safely. The District Nurse will advise you who will collect the sharps from your home.

Will I need to alter my lifestyle?

No, you won't. You may perhaps find the following tips useful to ensure that the syringe driver causes you the least inconvenience.

Bathing/Showering

Try to keep the needle site dry, if possible. Keep the machine away from the water by putting it on a stool beside the bath/shower. If the syringe driver gets wet, it will no longer work. You may find that you need to have someone with you whilst bathing/showering.

Clothes

You may dress as normal. You don't need any special clothing. The syringe driver fits into a holster, which can be worn over the shoulder or around the waist. The syringe driver may also fit into a dressing gown/jacket pocket.

Eating

You can eat and drink whatever you like. A small amount of alcohol will do you no harm.

Going out

You can go out and about with the syringe driver.

What do I need to know about the syringe driver?

1. It is normal for the syringe driver to make a 'whirring' noise every few minutes. It will not be loud enough for everyone to hear or to keep you awake at night.

2. It is normal for a yellow light to flash on the right-hand side of the machine. If it stops, then the battery needs to be changed. It is a good idea to keep a spare one in the house. Always use a 9v alkaline battery, e.g. Duracell type MN1604. A fresh battery should last for about 50 days.

To change a battery

a) The battery compartment is located in the back of the syringe driver. It has a removable sliding cover. Slide the battery compartment cover off. Turn the syringe driver upside down and let the battery fall into your hand. Replace it with a fresh battery and replace the cover.

b) An alarm will sound for several seconds and then stop, to confirm correct insertion of the battery.

c) Press the start/boost button. The syringe driver will now continue working.

3. The machine has an alarm, which will make a constant piercing sound. If it goes off, don't worry. It will sound if the syringe is empty or if there is a blockage in the tubing. The only way to silence the alarm is to take the battery out.

4. It is a good idea to get into the habit of checking that the light is flashing and the 'whirring' sound is coming from the machine. Ideally, it should be checked three times a day. You may find that checking it before each meal-time is a good way to remember. Do not worry about checking it overnight.

5. Boost button. It is not recommended that the boost button is used. You will probably be prescribed drugs to be given by alternative routes if you have pain or are in distress. You should telephone your GP or the District Nurse if this situation occurs.

Troubleshooting - What do I do if?

The light on the right-hand side stops flashing.
Change the battery and then press the button labelled 'Start/Boost'. The light should begin to flash again.

The tubing becomes disconnected from the syringe.
Simply reconnect the tubing onto the end of the syringe by gently pushing.

The alarm sounds.
1. Remove the battery, as it is the only way to stop the noise.
2. Is there a kink in the tube? Untwist it.
3. Has the tubing become disconnected from the syringe? Reconnect it.

Replace the battery and press the 'Start//Boost' button again. The alarm should stop after about ten seconds and the machine will continue working. If the alarm does not stop, remove the battery and contact the District Nurse.

The syringe is empty, the needle has come out or the needle site is swollen. Contact your District Nurse.

If you are worried or have any more questions about your syringe driver, contact your District Nurse.