Hi.  Years ago, the tip you gave about getting twice as many shots out of the injection system was fantastic.  A lifesaver.  I can not thank you enough. 

(Not only was the 6mg too much, but it seemed to make things worse.  Plus, I was running up against my medical plan ceilings on dosage.  I actually got to the point where I was - and am still - getting 3x out of a single injection wen the beast arrives.)

BUT: Here's my problem.  My mail-order pharmacy (the one I have to use under my plan) switched suppliers, from Sandoz to Sun Pharma -- and the new Sun Pharma injection system doesn't look like it can be hacked. 

I can't put a link in a picture of it, but you can find it on Google images.  Seearch:  Sun Pharma sumatriptan auto-injector 

Has anyone tried to open this?  Is there a way to get more than one shot out of it? 

I appreciate any help or advice.

I read somewhere a hacksaw was needed. At that point, I switched to vials and syringes. The vials come with 6mg/.5ml of Imitrex and you can control how much you inject. The syringes are insulin needles and quite small. I still have the autoinjectors for when I'm out in public, though. They are less startling than seeing someone jab themselves in the thigh with a needle. blessings. lance

Hi,

I have those but I've never tried to open them. However, it can be done because I've seen it on you tube. It was a long time ago so I can't remember how to direct you to it and besides I'm a computer dunce, but I'm sure if you hunt around on you tube you will find it. May need to give it a try myself soon. Good luck.

Hi Bruce

I found it for you. Google "cluster headache splitting injection" . There's a guy in a cap showing you what to do.

Let me know how you get on as I'm considering it myself.
Maz

Hi Maz --

Thank you!  It's perfect.  That video is exactly what I hoped for, and I would have never found it - or even thought to look for it  - without you. 

So, I've done it.  I followed his instructions.  It works.  I don't have to tell you how relieved I am.

I used to be on here several years ago more often, but (for some reason) couldn't sign in under my own name this week, so I registered.  I sympathize with all of you, and thank you for all your help. 

For the past two or three years, I'd only gotten hit in August or September (an entire month of pain), but it seems like I'm back to more random again.  They're not as awful as they used to be, but this might be because I can feel it coming a little further out, and am going for the injections at that first hint that the Train is coming.

As I've said, this board is a lifesaver.  God  bless all of you.  And someday, may all of this pass, for all of us.

Since you've been gone for a bit, take minute and read up on the newest "latest and greatest':

Follow this link to the medications section of this board and read the post 

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

It’s a vitamin/mineral/fish oil supplement, all over the counter stuff. It’s up to an 81% success rate of those who try it and respond to the survey so you’re just shooting yourself in the foot if you don’t give it a shot. I’m 3 years pain free on it after a 35 plus year track record with episodic CH. Best of all, it’s healthy for you even without CH!

As of January 20, 2013, the compiled raw data indicates an efficacy of 80%. 240 out of the 300 CH'ers who have started this regimen and stayed on it for a month or more have experienced a significant reduction in the frequency and severity of their CH... 78% of the 300 CH'ers experienced a pain free response and 60% of the 300 have remained essentially pain free. Episodic and chronic CH'ers respond to this regimen at roughly the same rate.

Preliminary survey results indicate most of these CH'ers were pain free before the end of the third week with some responding in a little as 12 to 24 hours. The average time to respond is five days


Joe

Thank you.  Seems very promising.  I'm seeing my neurologist this week, and will follow up.